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Free maintenance is disappearing.
Short story:
Many automakers are eliminating their free-maintenance programs to cut costs and raise profits, The Wall Street Journal reported Such free-maintenance plans began as a perk among a few luxury cars but have since become an expected part of the package for buyers of top-dollar vehicles, the story said. But a growing number of automakers are requiring new customers to pay for once-free services such as oil changes, tire rotations and other routine tasks. Among the freebie killers: • Volvo plans to significantly downgrade its program beginning with the 2006 model year. • Mitsubishi stopped offering free maintenance for 2005 model-year cars and says it doesn't plan to resume offering it soon. • Mercedes-Benz replaced its four-year free-maintenance plan starting with 2005 models with purchase plans that can range from $576 to nearly $4,000. • Lexus eliminated a complimentary inspection at about 1,000 miles, though it still offers a free scheduled maintenance at 5,000 miles or six months. • Volkswagen dropped free maintenance models a few years ago. • Earlier this year, Chrysler significantly cut its warranty on Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. However, the WSJ noted, BMW plans to continue offering free maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles, including replacement of items subject to wear and tear like windshield wipers. Long story
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