What does a 100K Car Service Cost?

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. Car Maintenance Research Articles
    3. /
  3. What does a 100K Car Service Cost?
Why Our Cars Are Lasting Longer
To start with, why are we keeping our cars longer these days? The simple answer is because our cars are lasting longer. A lot longer. Better manufacturing practices, robotic assembly, and advanced technology means that our modern vehicles can take 100,000, 200,000, even 300,000 miles of use in stride. There was a time when you would think that a car had outrun its useful years when it got close to 100K. Not anymore.
 
It's not unusual for most Americans to keep their cars at least six years and many hang on to their faithful flivvers for up to twelve years. In fact, according to new data by S&P Global Mobility, the average age of cars and light trucks on American roads is a record 12.5 years old and there are over 284 million vehicles currently in operation. The average life expectancy for today's cars is said to be fourteen years, with electric cars lasting an impressive 21 years.
 
So, with cars lasting longer, people tend to keep them longer. After all, new cars are expensive with the price of a new vehicle up over $6,000 from two years ago, averaging $48,334.

Routine Maintenance by Mileage

All auto maintenance is important. Check your Owner's Manual for the automaker's suggested maintenance schedule intervals for your car. This includes how frequently to change the engine oil and filter as well as ongoing service for your vehicle. Many manufacturers suggest that you have a major vehicle service at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.
  • You'll want to change your car's engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles and rotate the tires every 10,000 miles. Change the engine air filter every 15,000 miles and be prepared to replace the brake pads every 20,000 miles.
  • Preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run and keep your vehicle running in tip top shape. You'll want to replace the brake fluid sometime between 30,000 and 45,000 miles as suggested in your Owner's Manual. You'll also want to perform a coolant fluid flush at about the same time. 
  • A 50,000-mile service is an important milestone, and you'll want to replace worn parts such as the fuel filter, check the exhaust system, catalytic converter, and suspension components. Keep an eye on your tires as they are the most important safety feature of your car and replace them as needed.
  • By 60,000 miles you'll want to check all the belts and hoses for wear, possibly replace the battery as they generally last around five years. At 75,000 miles it is time to flush and replace the power steering fluid. Continue to check parts for wear as the car ages including the serpentine belt. Look for cracks and missing teeth. Check all the rubber hoses as they wear with age.

High Mileage Milestone

Known as a high mileage milestone, a 100,000-mile service often includes replacing the spark plugs. Iridium or titanium spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. This thorough maintenance inspection includes checking the transmission and changing the transmission fluid, checking the water pump, fuel pump, and changing the timing chain or belt.
 
Your car's timing belt controls the camshaft and crankshaft to keep your vehicle running smoothly and most car manufacturers recommend replacing the belt at 100,000 miles. Telltale signs of a worn timing belt include engine backfires and rough idling. A 100,000-mile service also includes flushing and replacing all the engine fluids including the engine oil, coolant, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids.

At Lithia Motors, our factory-trained technicians will take care of all this as well as checking your brake pads and rotors. By the 100,000-mile mark, your rotors may have worn thin and show signs of warping. If your car vibrates when you hit the brakes, the rotors are likely warped and need to be resurfaced or replaced. Likewise, your car's shock absorbers, suspension parts and steering components will be checked.
 
All parts of the vehicle will be inspected for safety, from all the lights and fuses, to replacing the cabin air filter that keeps the air entering the vehicle fresh. It is a thorough checkout.
What will a 100,000-mile service cost?
The cost for a 100,000 service to your vehicle will depend on what technicians find is worn out and needs to be replaced. Costs for the overall inspection and for replacing fluids are relatively inexpensive. Toyota and Honda vehicles generally have the lowest costs for this service, with Ford costs coming in a bit higher due to additional required inspections. Interestingly, the cost of service to popular crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are lower than that of a typical midsize sedan.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, expect to pay $200 to $350 in labor costs for a complete inspection. This includes a complete check of such components as:
 
·  All fluids
·  Air filters
·  Air conditioner and cabin filter
·  Battery
·  Brakes, pads, rotors, and lines
·  Coolant system
·  Drive shaft and drive belts
·  Exhaust system
·  Fuel lines, pump, hoses, and filters
·  All lights and fuses
·  Rotate tires and check their wear
·  Spark plugs
·  Steering and suspension parts
·  Timing belt or chain
·  Water pump
Depending on the year, make and model of your car, and the service intervals required by the automaker, the 100K service may include the following parts and fluid replacement:
 
·  Air filter ($35)
·  Brake fluid ($75)
·  Cabin air filter ($25)
·  Coolant ($85)
·  Engine oil and filter ($75)
·  Spark plugs ($120 - $200)
·  Timing belt ($300)
·  Transmission fluid ($75)
Note that these costs vary by make and model of vehicle and factory recommendations. Some automakers require a larger service at 90,000 miles rather than at 100,000 miles. Based on local service centers at the time of this writing, the average cost of a 100K service including parts and labor for popular vehicles such as a Toyota Camry or RAV4 SUV is somewhere in the $400 to $800 range depending on what specifically needs to be replaced. A similar service on a BMW or Mercedes-Benz could run as much as $1,200.
 
Let Lithia Help
With over 75 years of experience in personal transportation and hundreds of dealerships across the country, Lithia Motors is here to service your car, truck, or SUV. Our factory-trained technicians are here to maintain your vehicle whether you are looking for a simple oil change or a complete 100,000-mile service. Let Lithia keep you safe and on the road to new adventures.