Do i have to have oil changes, diff,tranny fluid changes at the stealership to be warranty compliant?
What experience pricewise and service wise have people had?

Im the second owner and wont be going to original stealership.

 

As long as you keep records of the service (receipts/invoices) performed the dealer cannot deny warranty work based on lack of maintenance

So far; I've only required basic maintenance which I let the dealer perform since I get a loaner car for the day. Pricewise, my dealer charges me the going rate for oil/filter changes but is a little higher for transmission flush, coolant flush and brake flush. Im still a bit undecided on the transmission flush as I didn't see any behaviour changes in the 5AT after the work. On the other hand, the brake performance was markedly improved after the flush. For me, having the loaner car for a day while the service is being performed is worth the additional $30-$50. That way I don't have to play carpool with my wife or take time off work

 

It's not a requirement, but their documentation makes things easier if you ever run into a problem.

If you're going to change your own oil, keep all receipts for the filter and oil you buy. I'd suggest using OEM filters, and either buy those online in bulk, or individually at the dealership...again keep receipts to show. If you buy in bulk on the filters, then keep your oil receipts...regular oil purchases will show that you're buying oil every 3750 miles...and keep a log of when maintenance is done.

If you keep all receipts plus the log in a folder, you're covering your butt if you ever run into a warranty repair issue.

If you have a 3rd party mechanic perform the service, do the same thing where you keep the receipt and log in a folder.

 

Its only called a "stealership" if you let them beat you.

Several years ago I signed up with Intellishop to become a 'secret shopper'. Infiniti service reviews pay $55, occasionally they'll pay $60. My local dealership gave me a non-expiring oil/filter/tire rotation key chain coupon for $34. So I make $21+ each visit automatically.

In the waiting area I destroy $8 worth of free Starbucks coffee, pastries, breakfast bars, soda, and bottled water. Last oil change I walked around the dealer and chatted with the detail guy. I talked him out of a can of Nissan aerosol window cleaner. Its like SprayWay and probably $10 retail, works great. Same guy gave me a metal NISMO license plate frame off a used 350Z. He drinks Mountain Dew, which is free in the customer lounge but $1 out of the machine in his shop, so I've got him pegged.

My Infiniti dealer also sells Porsche, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Smart, and up until recently Volvo. You'd be surprised how much you can sell a FREE brochure for on eBay, so I always leave with literature. I try to go Saturday mornings early before sales people arrive. Sold a Porsche brochure for something ridiculous like $35 that cost me $0.

I try to be good about saving receipts incase of a warranty issue, which never happened. Here is what came out of the glove box of our previous G35X. I can see about 22, so at minimum of $21 each thats $462 in my pocket. I can't think of any reason to have my oil changed anywhere but the dealer.

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I'm also a secret shopper at my Ford dealer for my other vehicles and make money on those too.

 

I have had my 2010 for 4-1/2 years.
With the exception of the two free oil change coupons, I got when I bought it, I have done all my own periodic service maintenance.
The biggest problem with going to the dealer is that they try and put everybody under the "Severe Usage" category. Hopefully you can get hold of an owner's manual. It will state how often certain services are required.

The key word in selecting which maintenance schedule to follow is do you "PRIMARILY" drive the car under certain conditions.

Most dealerships for most makes and models try to soak the owner by having them perform either unnecessary or twice as often as necessary services.

I also own a 2014 SRX and have owned a 5 series BMW. Both came with the first 4 years free maintenance. When that is the case the dealer does not want to give you any extra services that are not called for in the owners manual and they don't seem concerned about "Severe Driving Habits"

Tom

 

Legally? Absolutely not. Proof of maintenance is required however. Also, dealers are, how you say, "inconsistent," so anything is likely to happen, as they often ascribe to "convenient logic."