| HrdTsk |
I called the Rizza Acura Service in South Suburban Chicago to get my 7,500 mile service.
I was quoted $170 for service to include VTM fluid change. I pointed out that the 03 MDX does not call for VTM fluid change until 15,000 miles.
I was then quoted $80 for 7,500 mile service to include oil change. I said I already changed the oil at 6,000 miles.
I was then quoted $60 for the 7,500 mile service to include tire rotation and a general inspection, road test.
Any thoughts on this? I believe I have to get this service somewhere to keep warranty in effect. |
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| hammermdx |
| I would just keep accurate records of the work you've performed yourself in case there are any warranty issues down the road and I wouldn't bring it in just for a tire rotation and road test. |
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| miro |
| Wow, I opened forum this morning to start a new tread and here it is, just waiting for me... I just turned 7500 ml yesterday and have all the same questions. My dealer tells me as well that i need to change VTM-4 differential fluid at 7500 ml even though manual calls for 15KMl for either normal or severe driving schedule. That leaves you with oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection which shouldn't cost you much considering that my brakes "clunk" and should be serviced under warranty anyway. What do you fellow members think? |
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| Casique |
| If you don't need warranty work, try a Honda dealer. They are cheaper. |
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| jonnygoodboy |
Maybe the service schedule has changed from '02 to '03. The '02 manual says "Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid" at 7500 miles, with a note: "Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential".
If it has in fact changed, they're probably going by memory. I don't think it's a big deal to service the VTM at 7500 instead of later -- in fact, with the new tranny in the '03 and the history of tranny issues, I might feel safer getting it done early. But I'm not a transmission expert, I only play one on TV. Maybe someone more savvy on transmissions will give an opinion. Anyway, if the service schedule has changed, the service advisor might just be going by memory, or the service program computer's definition of the 7500 mile service might not have been updated. Or they might be trying to squeeze an extra buck a few months early! Just don't let them change it at both the 7500 mile service and whatever the '03 manual says (assuming they're different)!
Regarding the brake click, I think Acura's stance is still that the sound is inherent in the design, there's nothing wrong. Some dealers might perform the shimming as a goodwill gesture. It probably depends on your dealer.
There's a good deal of information on the forums regarding just doing the maintenance yourself, along with suggestions on the records you should keep. I would probably search on "records"... |
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| HrdTsk |
Finished the 7500 mile checkup. Charged as above. I think all they did was rotate the tires and inspect the breaks, hoses, belts, etc.
I pointed out a flaw in the leather steering wheel (stitching was coming undone) and it was replaced with a new one at no charge. |
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| BaldEagle |
Sounds like an expensive tire rotation to me. How much inspection should be necessary in a new vehicle with 7500 miles? Probably took the dealer about 15 minutes to do including a donut break.
I received a "free inspection" card from the Acura dealer when my X had about 6000 miles. I called the dealer and they said it was a mistake, inspections are not necessary on a new vehicle. Funny thing is when I called to ask about pricing for the 7500 mile service they said inspection was part of the reason for their $195 quoted price.
I had my oil changed at 5000 miles ($20), VTM changed at 7500 ($50), and then oil changed again and tires rotated at 10000 miles ($30). All at a Honda Dealer because the Acura dealer is 45 minutes away, the Honda dealer is 4 blocks from my house. |
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| BlueStreak |
You brag about making green vehicles (easy on the environment), then you try and milk your customers for performing unnecessary maint. work. (1) stop recommending what isn't necessary, and (2) lean on your dealers who (try and) rip-off your customers.
We Americans waste more oil doing completely unnecessary work. Oil today is so much better than 5 years ago. Ask yourself this - did the VTM unit change or did the fluid that goes in it change for 03? Then why did the maint. schedule just double to 15k miles?
I agree 100% that a "new" vehicle needs no inspection at 7,500 miles. Ok, take a quick look at it, but how much does this "quick look" really cost? When I see the prices dealers are charging I just shake my head.
My vehicles see the dealer only when they have to. Otherwise, document the work you do, save receipts, and save a few $ by going someplace else.
-Greg
03 SS/Quartz/Nav/Res |
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| JeffK |
This question was raised and answered about one month ago.
There is absolutely no reason to do maintenance beyond what your manual requires.
Acura (Honda) engineers have spent millions of dollars making our MDX as trouble free as possible.
Check your owner's manual:
7500 miles is oil change + filter: My dealer just sent me a coupon: $24.95.
Tire rotation: That you can do yourself but it has nothing to do with the warranty.
The balance is a "WALL JOB". I have worked in dealerships. A "Wall Job" is after the oil change is completed, your car is parked over there by the "Wall".
5 hours later, is is ready, the "Wall Job" having been completed.
Finally, all service managers are on commission. They get a percentage of the final bill.
When they do your oil change if anything is amiss, you can be sure it will be corrected and billed to Honda.
Never pay for visual inspections. Do it your self before you bring it in.
Good Luck!
PS: I went into this on a prior thread. To see greater detail do a search for "JeffK" |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
The balance is a "WALL JOB". I have worked in dealerships. A "Wall Job" is after the oil change is completed, your car is parked over there by the "Wall".
The now defunct Monkey Wards was famous for lifetime alignments, also 'wall jobs'. You pay one price and they give you a free alignment every few months.
Unless you complain, they quickly check the tires for obvious alignment issues, and put it over against the wall.
How about a shop that actually checks alignment, but does not charge unless the alignment is OUT. And then only front or rear, not both unless both are out. And you can even go watch them.
That's the kind of shop I am used to. Besides doing great brake jobs, they match Costco for tire prices.
Moved recently, hope I can find a similar shop around here. |
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| TIGER X 03 |
I just called Acura of Westchester to schedule 7,500 mi maintenance and they quoted me $199. I told them all I want done is an oil change as per the manual and they quoted me $30. Big difference.
The X runs great and I am leasing it. I don't need to pay them $169 just to rotate tires and inspect a new vehicle for no reason. How much should they charge to rotate tires? I figure I can take it some place thats alot cheaper. |
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| rudy331 |
My dealer rotates and balances tires for $39.00. However, they were also the ones that didn't tighten the lug nuts down on the front driver's wheel - OOoops!
Since then I have taken it to NTB - $59.00 for rotation and lifetime balance. You can take it back any time you feel you are having a problem but they recommend every 5-7k. |
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| HrdTsk |
quote:
Originally posted by TIGER X 03
I just called Acura of Westchester to schedule 7,500 mi maintenance and they quoted me $199. I told them all I want done is an oil change as per the manual and they quoted me $30. Big difference.
The X runs great and I am leasing it. I don't need to pay them $169 just to rotate tires and inspect a new vehicle for no reason. How much should they charge to rotate tires? I figure I can take it some place thats alot cheaper.
They probably are including VTM Fluid change in the price. Most Acura service people (mine included) do not know that the 2003 MDX 7500 mile maintenance schedule does not recommend this VTM fluid change. This fluid change is not recommended until 15,000 miles. |
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