Total tune-up may be more than bargained for

Dear Jeremy and Rob:
Recently, I took my 1994 Ford Taurus in for a "tune-up" and the final bill came to $666.95. I nearly fell over because this was a lot more than I expected to pay.
They told me the traditional "tune-up" part cost just $79.95. But I also was charged $90 to replace a valve gasket; $85 to flush and drain the transmission, plus $12 for transmission fluid; $39 to flush the radiator; $39 for a fuel filter; $19 for an air filter; $100 for spark plug wires; $45 for a new oxygen sensor; $21 for an oil and filter change; $55 for miscellaneous add-ons and tax; and, $62 in general labor charges. Is this amount of work reasonable? Are the charges reasonable?
Tony R.

Dear Tony:
Rob: To begin with, before the shop went ahead with the work you've listed, both of you should have been clear on what work was to be done and how much would be charged for it. So it sounds like there's been a serious misunderstanding between the two of you.
That said, the work you've been charged for doesn't sound unreasonable. All that might be included in what today is considered a "tune-up".
Jeremy: You know, this begs the whole question, what's a tune-up? It's important for consumers to know the answer to that question, otherwise they might find themselves in Tony's situation. The bottom line here is that it seems the shop was operating on common assumptions in the '90s, while Tony's mind-set was in the 1970s.
Here's the deal. Mostly because oil emissions regulations, long gone are the days when a tune-up meant adjusting distributor breaker points, replacing the spark plugs and tuning the carburetor's idle mixture. The regulations forced the manufacturers to build vehicles that could go longer between maintenance stops, require fewer adjustments and be more tamper resistant - leading to electronic ignition systems.
Rob: Right. Around 1975 automakers started replacing the most fragile mechanical parts of the ignition system -the points - with non-moving electronic parts. And around 1981, a serious movement was afoot to replace carburetors with computerized engine controls and fuel injectors.
Today, sophisticated - and long-lasting - electronic ignitions systems have eliminated the old mechanical designs and the engine management computer makes timing adjustments unnecessary. Fuel injection has virtually replaced carburetors and many cars now have individual electronic coils that fire each spark plug directly, thereby eliminating distributors with their moving parts.
Jeremy: Which brings us to spark plugs. They now burn hotter than ever, sizzling off harmful deposits before they can rob the plug of its efficiency. That means even average plugs are good for up to 48,000 km or more; and many platinum-tipped ones are designed to give service up to 160,000 km.
So, if you look at the maintenance schedules for most cars today, there's very little that involves the actual operation of the engine - other than an oil change at 5,000-7,000 km, or so. Among other things, these advances have allowed vehicle manufacturers to tout many new cars and light trucks as "tune-up free" during the first 160,000 km. Which brings us back to the question, what's the definition of a tune-up?
Rob: For the manufacturers, it's the first time spark plugs need to be changed as the result of what the industry now calls a "driveability and emissions inspection." For some service centres, a tune-up involves just a change of plugs and a diagnostic check of the computerized engine management system. Those sorts of tune-up usually start at about $75 for a four-cylinder engine.
For other shops a tune-up entails much more: a full test drive; a check of the engine computer and emission controls; and, an inspection of fluid levels, filters, belts, hoses, the distributor (if there is one), ignition wires and the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV). For yet others still, all those items are not only checked, but topped up, replaced and repaired as part of a full "tune-up" order.
Jeremy: Obviously, "tune-up" has come to mean different things to different people. For the average consumer, it's time to eliminate the confusion by putting everyone on the same page with a new, modern-day definition of a tune-up. One that removes the possibility of a misunderstanding such as the one Tony experienced. And one that can be easily communicated to the folks at the service centre.
Rob: For starters, be aware that even modern vehicles need regular oil and filter changes. During the seven years it will take an average driver to cover 160,000 km., the engine crankshaft may rotate 400 million times or more. Over that time, dirt and grime will collect in the wrong places, fluids will break down and need replacing and all sorts of components will simply wear out.
Jeremy: The best service technicians agree that smart consumers will stay on the right tune-up course if they simply follow the recommended maintenance schedule in their owner's manual. That's where you'll find the required work mapped out in detail, including the intervals between various service tasks. Following this schedule is not only good for the health of your vehicle, it's critical for maintaining a new-vehicle warranty.
Rob: But here's a key point: when you're looking at those service recommendations, keep in mind the majority of people drive their vehicles under what would be considered "severe conditions". Lots of stop-and-go driving, short errands. Lots of cold starts followed by short trips during which the engine doesn't fully warm up enough. So if you drive in the city, follow the "severe" schedule in your owner's manual.
Jeremy: Bottom line: the traditional "tune-up" of a modern vehicle has gone the way of the dodo bird. But that doesn't mean you can neglect your vehicle for the first 160,000 km.
And that can easily happen because the computerized systems in your vehicle are designed to compensate for the normal wear of components; therefore you're not likely to notice any early warning signs of an inceptent problem in terms of engine performance - other than deteriorating fuel economy and possible failure of an emissions test if there's one required in your area.
Rob: So the new definition of "tune-up" really should mean ongoing required maintenance as specified in your owner's manual. To avoid confusion at the service centre, make sure each item called for in any tune-up is clearly listed on the work order, including whether or not replacements, repairs and refills are to be included without prior approval of the owner.
Generally speaking, though, it's a good idea to have your vehicle checked by an electronic engine analyzer every 12-18 months. The life of a normal spark plug is about 50,000-70,000 km; premium platinum plugs can last 160,000 km. Spark plug wires should be replaced every 24-30 months. The air filter needs to be changed every 24 months or 40,000 km. You should also have your fuel filter checked every 24 months
The oxygen sensor, which tells the fuel injection system about the makeup of exhaust gases, is critical for good engine performance, but combustion byproducts will foul it over time. It should be checked and the connection cleaned of carbon deposits.
And the positive crankcase ventilation or PCV valve should be replaced at 18,000-20,000 km.
Jeremy: And you know, with so many technological advancements, It's fair to ask which shops are best-suited for doing modern tune-ups. There's no easy answer there. And at the same time, we should also talk about regular maintenance in general. So we'll tackle both those questions next time.

Dear Jeremy and Rob:
I am quickly approaching my 16th birthday and I have started my search for a mode of transportation. I am a full-time student/swimmer. For my swim practices, I commute twice a day on two different freeways. I am looking for a mid-sized car (preferably used), and I was wondering if you had any recommendations.
My parents just want me in a safe car for driving on a traffic-strewn freeway. I would like to drive something other than a boat. My dad wants to give me his used '91 Taurus with over 160,000kms. I would appreciate any advice.
Amanda

Jeremy: Uh, oh. I think we're getting into a family feud here. I'll tell you what though. If you must have a boat, that Taurus is worth between $6,000-$8,000 depending on the model and condition.
If you want something a bit more sporty, I'd look around for an Acura Integra from about the same year. Lots of fun to drive and very good reliability.
Rob: Although there are so many choices out there. For instance, speaking of boats, another good, safe used buy are Buick Regals - six-to-eight-year-old ones. What we'd suggest Amanda do is start shopping the want ads and the used car lots of both new and used car dealerships. See what's out there in your price range.
Jeremy: And, of course, once you're on to something you think you might want, pay the $100-$150 for a mechanical and structural inspection, do a claims search through ICBC and also do a lien search through, too. The idea is to make sure that car hasn't been in a big crash and that no one has a legal claim on it.

Dear Jeremy and Rob:
Please send me the mailing address and Internet address of the Canadian arbitration board you have mentioned on your show.
Irvin

Dear Irvin:
Jeremy: You know, Irvin, the program you're asking about is one of the very smartest things the automakers in this country have ever done for consumers. Rob, even you in-laws have benefited from this arbitration program, called CMVAP or the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Program.
Rob: You know, they didn't actually use CMVAP, but they sure felt more in charge, when they did have a problem, knowing that CMVAP is in place.
Jeremy: Right: So, how about a few facts. CMVAP is a nation-wide program designed to resolve disputes between consumers and automakers and their dealers. And you know, according to the last figures I've seen, owners or lessees were victorious in nearly three-quarters of the cases arbitrated through CMVAP.
And the average time to process an arbitration case was 61 days. What's more, only one consumer chose to use a lawyer out of the 189 cases that went to arbitration during the last year.
Rob: Now as I understand it, CMVAP is funded voluntarily by all vehicle makers in Canada. And it's available free of charge to anyone owning or leasing a vehicle no older that the current or preceding four model years. Currently, that would include new or used vehicles dating back to the 1993 model year.
Jeremy: And to be eligible, vehicles must be used primarily for personal transportation.
Basically, CMVAP offers consumers the chance to present their vehicle complaint to an arbitrator (a neutral third party) of their choice in an effort to resolve disputes with manufacturers and dealers. The process does not require lawyers, although they are allowed. The arbitrators are empowered to order awards ranging from minor repairs to the complete replacement of the vehicle in question.
Rob: And those awards can include limited compensation for the consumer's "out-of-pocket" expenses - up to $350.
Jeremy: Now, Stephen Moody, who is the CAMVAP general manager, says the program is fundamentally an alternative to the court system - only quicker and often less adversarial in tone.
Moody also reminded me that the arbitration results are confidential. And once the consumer has agreed to the process, he or she must agree to abide by the arbitrator's decision and not pursue any further legal action.
Rob: So, to answer Irvin's question, call this number toll free from anywhere in Canada: 1-800-207-0685.