Very reasonable price, but 7 weeks....
Here's what $3700CAD got me...
Since I've seen the question asked a few times, both here and facebook, I thought I would lay out my recent maintenance.
2017 with 15,600 km, I've had it for a year and put 3500 km on it. All work done at an independent shop except for the alignment.
As near as makes no difference $3700 CAD before tax (about 2750 USD, 2200 GBP) got me this...
Fluids changed/flushed: oil, brake, coolant
Belts, both timing and accessory
Pulleys and water pump
Bolt tightening
New tires, went with Michelin Pilot Sport one size up
Alignment
Includes the price of the timing belt tool/locking kit, which I own.
This Indy shop works out of what used to be a Mazda dealer, they also sell used cars. I've known the owners for some 30 years. I brought the car there in early March, still lots of snow and dirty roads but I was able to do it on a relatively clean day. When I arrived they opened the showroom door and I drove it in. Parked it in front of the owners office. They kept the car till there was a suitable opening to do the work. They called me when it was done and kept it in the showroom till I could collect it, close to 7 weeks in total. And...I was welcome to visit it at any time!
![Cloud Sky Property Plant Wheel]()
There were a few other little checks and incidentals included as well. The only maintenance history I had on this car before purchase was an oil change, so now I have a full reboot of the service and maintenance on this car. Feels good. I drove the car a bit after the tire install (before alignment) to see what, if any, difference there might be in handling. It still had the OE Pirellis, and based on what I've read on this forum it handled similar to most. Tramlining. Tires alone got rid of 50% of the tramlining, the alignment, based on Rudy's recommendations for street setup with no mods, reduced it to maybe 20% of what it was. I'm liking it! Other than a bottle of water from time to time, I'm not one for food and drinks in my car. I would feel so much more comfortable one-handing it to take a swig now though! Small decrease in tire noise as well.
As for the alignment, nearest Alfa dealer is 10 hours away. So I knew I'd be searching for a good shop. I settled on our local Audi dealer. Lots of good alignment shops in town but they all have ramps. Wasn't so sure of clearance. I went to Audi with the thought of the R8 in mind. It's a low car, how do they deal with it? Turns out (first time seeing this, I don't get out much!!) no ramp! It starts out flush with the floor. Nice! I'm in.
Side note, I parked next to an R8. It's not much bigger than the 4C!!
![Wheel Car Tire Land vehicle Vehicle]()
![Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Land vehicle]()
I thought this was interesting, your opinions may vary...
As far as I know there are only 5 Alfa's in and around the city that I live near. Two Giulias, one Stelvio and two 4C's. One of my co-workers has the Stelvio. ( I only have 5 co-workers!) He knows the owner of one of the Giulias. One of the owners of the indy shop where I get my work done used to own the other Giulia which they recently sold locally. And that leaves me and Keith @Sir5n with the two 4C's. Keith is more than 45 minutes away but I needed to boost the numbers a bit!
Okay, I thought it was interesting!
2017 with 15,600 km, I've had it for a year and put 3500 km on it. All work done at an independent shop except for the alignment.
As near as makes no difference $3700 CAD before tax (about 2750 USD, 2200 GBP) got me this...
Fluids changed/flushed: oil, brake, coolant
Belts, both timing and accessory
Pulleys and water pump
Bolt tightening
New tires, went with Michelin Pilot Sport one size up
Alignment
Includes the price of the timing belt tool/locking kit, which I own.
This Indy shop works out of what used to be a Mazda dealer, they also sell used cars. I've known the owners for some 30 years. I brought the car there in early March, still lots of snow and dirty roads but I was able to do it on a relatively clean day. When I arrived they opened the showroom door and I drove it in. Parked it in front of the owners office. They kept the car till there was a suitable opening to do the work. They called me when it was done and kept it in the showroom till I could collect it, close to 7 weeks in total. And...I was welcome to visit it at any time!
There were a few other little checks and incidentals included as well. The only maintenance history I had on this car before purchase was an oil change, so now I have a full reboot of the service and maintenance on this car. Feels good. I drove the car a bit after the tire install (before alignment) to see what, if any, difference there might be in handling. It still had the OE Pirellis, and based on what I've read on this forum it handled similar to most. Tramlining. Tires alone got rid of 50% of the tramlining, the alignment, based on Rudy's recommendations for street setup with no mods, reduced it to maybe 20% of what it was. I'm liking it! Other than a bottle of water from time to time, I'm not one for food and drinks in my car. I would feel so much more comfortable one-handing it to take a swig now though! Small decrease in tire noise as well.
As for the alignment, nearest Alfa dealer is 10 hours away. So I knew I'd be searching for a good shop. I settled on our local Audi dealer. Lots of good alignment shops in town but they all have ramps. Wasn't so sure of clearance. I went to Audi with the thought of the R8 in mind. It's a low car, how do they deal with it? Turns out (first time seeing this, I don't get out much!!) no ramp! It starts out flush with the floor. Nice! I'm in.
Side note, I parked next to an R8. It's not much bigger than the 4C!!
I thought this was interesting, your opinions may vary...
As far as I know there are only 5 Alfa's in and around the city that I live near. Two Giulias, one Stelvio and two 4C's. One of my co-workers has the Stelvio. ( I only have 5 co-workers!) He knows the owner of one of the Giulias. One of the owners of the indy shop where I get my work done used to own the other Giulia which they recently sold locally. And that leaves me and Keith @Sir5n with the two 4C's. Keith is more than 45 minutes away but I needed to boost the numbers a bit!
Okay, I thought it was interesting!
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
They are in Moncton, New Brunswick area.
Very good pricing for all that work and tires/parts - esp in CAN.
PS. This begs the question.... @MINIZoso , have you tried getting the 4C "pulled" up Magnetic Hill yet? Wondering with so little metal in the car if it can still be pulled up the hill?!
Always one of our favourite detours with the kids years ago when driving "back home" to Cape Breton.Spoiler alert! lol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_(Moncton)
Isn't it funny how when something like this is in your own town you never go!! It would be a hoot to try it in the 4C though.They are in Moncton, New Brunswick area.
Very good pricing for all that work and tires/parts - esp in CAN.
PS. This begs the question.... @MINIZoso , have you tried getting the 4C "pulled" up Magnetic Hill yet? Wondering with so little metal in the car if it can still be pulled up the hill?!
Spoiler alert! lol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_(Moncton)
The only time I have ever been up (down?) Magnetic Hill was as a kid, and of course, we didn't live here then.
As a side note: you're a Blue Noser? That's where I made my first appearance!
Thanks so much for the post. It seems like an island out here until you stumble on a bottle with paper in it.They are in Moncton, New Brunswick area.
Very good pricing for all that work and tires/parts - esp in CAN.
PS. This begs the question.... @MINIZoso , have you tried getting the 4C "pulled" up Magnetic Hill yet? Wondering with so little metal in the car if it can still be pulled up the hill?!
Spoiler alert! lol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_(Moncton)
OK....I will bite....never heard of this Magnetic Hill....so what is the story?They are in Moncton, New Brunswick area.
Very good pricing for all that work and tires/parts - esp in CAN.
PS. This begs the question.... @MINIZoso , have you tried getting the 4C "pulled" up Magnetic Hill yet? Wondering with so little metal in the car if it can still be pulled up the hill?!
Spoiler alert! lol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_(Moncton)
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
