[Napoleon17]

I have a 2008 Hyundai Sonata GLS with close to 70,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission. It's overdue for a transmission flush, I believe. I think it's supposed to be done every 60,000 miles or so. I took it to the dealer to get an oil change (because the oil cap was busted, otherwise I wouldn't take it to the dealer to get an oil change), and they said the fluid doesn't look that good. They said "it's almost green".

I asked them how much it would be to get it flushed, and the dude said $170.00. This sounds high to me. I think $100.00 for a transmission flush would be reasonable.

So I guess I'm just wondering if $170.00 is going to get me a better flush than paying $100.00 at like Jiffy Lube or Firestone, or wherever, or if the dealer is just charging higher prices because people are willing to pay more for the same thing just because it's the dealer.

[funkStrat_97]

Originally Posted by McLuvinjesus

I have a 2008 Hyundai Sonata GLS with close to 70,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission. It's overdue for a transmission flush, I believe. I think it's supposed to be done every 60,000 miles or so. I took it to the dealer to get an oil change (because the oil cap was busted, otherwise I wouldn't take it to the dealer to get an oil change), and they said the fluid doesn't look that good. They said "it's almost green".

I asked them how much it would be to get it flushed, and the dude said $170.00. This sounds high to me. I think $100.00 for a transmission flush would be reasonable.

So I guess I'm just wondering if $170.00 is going to get me a better flush than paying $100.00 at like Jiffy Lube or Firestone, or wherever, or if the dealer is just charging higher prices because people are willing to pay more for the same thing just because it's the dealer.

Prices may vary, but bear in mind that the dealersip (ie. "stealership") usually does not offer the lowest price. But there are other factors to consider. What kind of transion fluid does your car require? Who is the transimisson manufacturer? Automakers often use transmissions built by a thrid party vendor such as GM Powertrain. I have a 2006 Mazda 6s with a 6-speed automatic. The tranny is made by Asian AW (formerly Asian/Warner) which is partly owned by Toyota. In fact Toyota uses the same transmission unit in some of their own vehicles and it can be found in other makes as well. Another thing is that my tranny MUST (and don't fool arouond wit this) use Toyota Type IV ATF and never the more common Mercon ATF's. So if your vehicle uses a specific type of fluid, that could also affect the price. So shop around and see who gives you the best price and service.

[redbaron]

it really doesn't seem that bad. Oils are up quite a bit in price in the last few years, and flushes use a lot more oil than a simple service where you just do a drain, filter change & refill.

It's a cheap bit of insurance, since a replacement gearbox will be very expensive.

[Napoleon17]

Originally Posted by redbaron

it really doesn't seem that bad. Oils are up quite a bit in price in the last few years, and flushes use a lot more oil than a simple service where you just do a drain, filter change & refill.

It's a cheap bit of insurance, since a replacement gearbox will be very expensive.

Okay. That helps a bunch... I want to take good care of my car (since I have a significant loan to pay off ) but I didn't want to pay an extra $70.00 for something if I didn't have to. I believe I will listen to your advice and spend the money. Thanks.

[Art]

I am kind of impressed that you have that many miles on an '08. I bought my '06 Subaru brand new in February '06, and I just recently cracked 30k.

[funkStrat_97]

Since we're on the subject, I'll hijack this thread and ask: has anyone done the job themselves? I realize that there will about 1/3rd of the old fluid left behind as there is no drain plug for the tourqe converter; but would this have a negative effect on the transmisison in the long run vs. having the a complete ATF exchange? I'm all for having the tranny professionally servised (it's still cheaper than a new or rebuilt transmission), but I'd just like to know........ok, I confess; we have an older model Ford Windstar and I'm considering chaning the fluid myself.

[gtrdave]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

Since we're on the subject, I'll hijack this thread and ask: has anyone done the job themselves? I realize that there will about 1/3rd of the old fluid left behind as there is no drain plug for the tourqe converter; but would this have a negative effect on the transmisison in the long run vs. having the a complete ATF exchange? I'm all for having the tranny professionally servised (it's still cheaper than a new or rebuilt transmission), but I'd just like to know........ok, I confess; we have an older model Ford Windstar and I'm considering chaning the fluid myself.

Unless there's been some sort of internal damage that would leave an out-of-the-ordinary amount of debris in the fluid, I don't see the point of a complete flush.
I've done several trans drain and refills (w/ one of my old race cars having the deep sump pan with drain plug installed...handy) and never had any issue with the new fluid mixing with the old.
It is a messy job, I'll admit that, but it's not a difficult job for the mechanically inclined to tackle.

[Napoleon17]

Originally Posted by Art

I am kind of impressed that you have that many miles on an '08. I bought my '06 Subaru brand new in February '06, and I just recently cracked 30k.

I bought it used, with 45k on it, mid-November of 08. It was a rental before I got it. Since then I've put 25k on it though. So I've driven almost as many miles in like 8 months as you've driven your Subaru in like 3 years? I'm jealous... wow.

I am planning to get like a $2500 Honda for me to drive (since I drive a ton) and then I'll just let my wife drive the Hyundai to and from work.