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Hi !
I've not bought my MDX yet, but from posts on this forum it looks like there are some serious maintenance costs associated with owning the vehicle (kinda scaring me). It's been said here that the VTM-4 fluid needs to be changed after the first 7500 miles. DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE TO CHANGE IT EVERY 7500 MILES THEREAFTER, AND DOES IT REALLY COST $150 A POP!!?? - in addition to the regular service?? plus transmission fluid change at 15K miles etc. etc.?? Any light that can be shed on this will be much appreciated !!
Thanks for the response!
Vic |
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vicpai,
I the fluid has to be changed after the first 7,500 miles and then every 15,000 miles after that. I have not checked yet what my dealer will charge for this but I believe the $150 number includes more than just the VTM fluid change. At 7,500 mile you are supposed to change the oil, VTM fluid, oil filter and rotate the tires. The only maintenance cost that I have not had with my other SUVs is the VTM fluid change which is twice as often and what is normal for AT transmission fluid it's closest kin. On the positive side, MDXs do not require a lube with grease fittings so there is an avoided maintenance cost. If cost is an issue, you always have the option of doing these changes yourself which isn't that difficult if you have a good jack and some tools and buy that special spout for the VTM fluid. Check some of the other VTM threads for info on the latter. |
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quote:
Originally posted by remery
vicpai,
I the fluid has to be changed after the first 7,500 miles and then every 15,000 miles after that. I have not checked yet what my dealer will charge for this but I believe the $150 number includes more than just the VTM fluid change. At 7,500 mile you are supposed to change the oil, VTM fluid, oil filter and rotate the tires. The only maintenance cost that I have not had with my other SUVs is the VTM fluid change which is twice as often and what is normal for AT transmission fluid it's closest kin. On the positive side, MDXs do not require a lube with grease fittings so there is an avoided maintenance cost. If cost is an issue, you always have the option of doing these changes yourself which isn't that difficult if you have a good jack and some tools and buy that special spout for the VTM fluid. Check some of the other VTM threads for info on the latter.
Thanks remery,
(and thank the Good Heavens!!!) as I still want this vehicle real bad, but do not want to go broke owning it. That's great news to know that it's not that much more than normal and also good to know that this can be done by myself (I'm kinda mechanically inclined anyways, so shouldn't be a problem!!) ;) |
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I was pushing 10K miles and hadn't done the VTM change yet, so I stopped at an Acura dealer in Madison, WI yesterday while en route between Chicago & Duluth. They did it immediately, entertained my kids, washed my car, and got us back on the road in an hour.
Total cost: $65
I had just stopped in to buy the fluid to do it myself, but couldn't pass up the offer!
Bottom line - great car, great service! Don't sweat ths costs - you'll spend more on all the CD's you'll be buying as you travel! :) |
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VTM fluid gets changed at 7500, 30,000 and every 30,000 miles afterward (normal conditions).
Severe conditions warrent every 15,000 miles.
It's easy to change.
quote:
Originally posted by remery
vicpai,
I the fluid has to be changed after the first 7,500 miles and then every 15,000 miles after that. I have not checked yet what my dealer will charge for this but I believe the $150 number includes more than just the VTM fluid change. At 7,500 mile you are supposed to change the oil, VTM fluid, oil filter and rotate the tires. The only maintenance cost that I have not had with my other SUVs is the VTM fluid change which is twice as often and what is normal for AT transmission fluid it's closest kin. On the positive side, MDXs do not require a lube with grease fittings so there is an avoided maintenance cost. If cost is an issue, you always have the option of doing these changes yourself which isn't that difficult if you have a good jack and some tools and buy that special spout for the VTM fluid. Check some of the other VTM threads for info on the latter.
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| I'm a Happy Camper again.... :D :D :D |
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| What did the dealer charge you for this service? I'm in the Bay Area and so far have gotten quotes for $210 at Acura of Concord and $233 at Acura of Pleasenton. This just seems a bit too much for oil and VTAM fluid change and some minor things. What does everyone think? Thanks. |
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| We charge $129.95 for the service here. C'mon in! :D |
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| First two scheduled maintenance services are free in Canada. Probably the "concession" Acura felt it had to make for not offering the Nav here.... |
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Is the VTM fluid the same as the one used in the CR-V, or unique to the MDX?
btw, Acura Boston charges $139 for the 7.5k service which includes the VTM change.
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| Acura service bulletin at hondacuraworld shows VTM fluid change at 7500mi or 6mos whichever comes first. Mine will be 6mos in July but only have 2500mi on the car. Anyone know if I should change it? |
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quote:
Originally posted by sidewinder
Acura service bulletin at hondacuraworld shows VTM fluid change at 7500mi or 6mos whichever comes first. Mine will be 6mos in July but only have 2500mi on the car. Anyone know if I should change it?
This raises a very good question for the decision-makers at Acura:
Is it more important to change the fluid according to the time schedule, or to leave the initial batch of VTM fluid in place for a full 7500 miles (which is strongly recommended to insure proper break-in of the VTM system)?
I changed my own fluid at the 7500 mile mark, and it came out as clear as the fluid I put in. My gut feeling would be to wait for the 7500 mile mark, but be sure to get approval in writing from your dealer or Acura corporate to preserve your warrantee status. |
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| I went to bring in my MDX to get the standard 7500 mile service. Park Ave Acura in Maywood,NJ charged me $208 with tax to have it done. I didn't expect it to be that high when I took it there because they only charged me $21.95 for the oil change. It's my fault for not asking them how much the quote was before I took it to the dealer but still. To add insult to injury, they took off my MDX License plate holder from my original dealer that I bought it from Gunn Acura in San Antonio, TX and replaced it with their cheap ass looking Park Ave license plate holder. BOO! I don't plan on going back to them despite having a good experience from them the first time around. This was a case where I just assumed they'd take good care of me because of the great experience I had on my first oil change. Next time, I will be more cautious. |
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I bet you could get another Gunn Acura license plate holder if you made a phone call!
I wouldn't hesitate to ask Park Ave. why they charge $50 more than some other east-coast dealers (especially if you don't plan on going back). Maybe it is a discretionary item that they could "adjust" to keep your business.
And tell them to keep their hands off your plate holder! |
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Just about anyone can rotate their own tires. For a same-side rotation, all you need is the jack and a jackstand. Assuming you are comfortable with this type of thing, you probably should do it at least once, to be sure you know how to use the jack, etc. Otherwise, any Honda shop will do it quite inexpensively.
Changing the engine oil takes about ten minutes; or, again, any Honda shop will do it inexpensively. They may change the VTM fluid, if you bring the fluid and gaskets, for a minimal additional fee.
If done at your local Honda shop (notice I keep saying Honda, not Acura), everything amounts to maybe $50. You probably won't get a "complimentary" car wash and loaner car, though. |
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I've found that I can do a better job, and faster, than taking it to the dealer.
By the time I drive there, arrange the paperwork, drive home, and do it all over again at the end of the day, I've wasted 3 hours.
Oil change, tire rotate, VTM4 change, "inspection" in 1 hr tops. Beats watching TV, especially on a freshly washed MDX :)
Oh, and unlike the dealer, I actually "STOCK" the washers that need to be replaced when the service is done, not reused like the dealership is likely to do... (if the dealer does it, check the paperwork to make sure all 3 washers are replaced- two on the VTM4 and one for the oil)
Ard |
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Bravo, Ardie, my sentiments exactly!
I guess I used all the time I saved to make a big handful of those aluminum washers on my metal lathe. Can you believe they got almost five bucks out of me just for the washers for each fluid maintenance? |
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Oh yeah?
Well, I mined my own bauxite and smelted it to get the aluminum, THEN is turned it on the lathe!
:) :) :)
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quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Oh yeah?
Well, I mined my own bauxite and smelted it to get the aluminum, THEN is turned it on the lathe!
:) :) :)
I bet you smelted Ard... sounds you like dealted it too! ;) |
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quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Oh yeah?
Well, I mined my own bauxite and smelted it to get the aluminum, THEN is turned it on the lathe!
:) :) :)
Ard, smelting aluminum takes a lot of electricity, something you Californians don't have a lot of these days unless you have a fuel cell in your back yard.:D:D |
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Man, don't get me going on electricity here...
[rant on]
I'll be paying around 25-30 cents a kilowatt hour, since I am considered a "high user". I am allowed around 420kw-hr per month as a 'baseline', but given the 100+ degree days, and the need to run AC (just from 5PM to 10 or 11) on around 10 days a month, I average 2200. For anything over baseline I get progressively penalized.
Oh, and there is no allowance if you live in a 5000 sq ft house, or if you have to pump your own well water.
That is, assuming the power is even 'purchasable'- we had 2 rolling blackouts this year so far.
[rant off]
Not ready to buy a generator yet, but I do have a model picked out and a place for it by the panel...
:)
Ard |
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Ard,
If the air around Sacramento where you live is relatively dry, investigate a Swamp cooler which uses evaporation to cool. Thus uses much less electricity than standard A/C refrigeration to run. Since you have your own well, like I do, you have water to send through it, another commodity not that plentiful in CA! I can't use one here in Chicago in the summer because it is too humid but do in the winter only its called a humidifier.:D:D |
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Rem;
Funny you should mention it..
A swamp cooler would be a help, but would require quite a bit of chopping to install (especially to get circulation through all the levels).
Instead I am working on mounting evap cooler pads on the AC evaporators along with a solenoid which controls a dripper circuit. When the AC comes on, fluid drips on the pads. The air is pulled through the wet pads and cooled before it gets to the evap coils. I'm looking forward to see how much this might impact $$...
Now, if you really want to save, put in a ground source heat pump...instead of having to dump heat from the house into the 100 degree air, it dumps heat into the dirt (or water) in the ground at 60 degrees! SEERs range from 25 to 40!!!
How DID we get here from VTM4 fluid? :)
Ard |
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| ...somebody was trying to out "Martha Stewart" me. |
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| back to VTM - another question, perhaps somewhat retarted - is it necessary to change the fluid at scheduled 7.5K, if the VTM-4 was never engaged - no offroading, no snow, etc? |
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Just because you never push the manual lock button does not mean that the VTM rear end never engages. In fact, it kicks in every time you punch the gas.
http://english.acuracanada.ca/model...wertrain.asp#15
"Unlike other on-demand 4-wheel drive systems, MDX doesn't wait for slippage to go to work. Instead, torque is delivered to the rear wheels in proportion to forward acceleration to supplement front-wheel drive. This innovative pro-active approach pays two dividends: on dry pavement, there's less likelihood of torque steer (a tendency for propulsion forces to tug at the steering and nudge the vehicle off line) plus more front tire adhesion available for cornering. In wet or snow conditions, automatic all-wheel drive gets the vehicle moving from rest with less chance of wheelspin."
Or to answer your question another way, "If you want to preserve your warrantee, you will".
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I was looking at the VTM this morning. Is this VTM fluid something you can buy from an autopart store? Would an Oil/lube shop have this kind of fluid? I notice that you need to replace the washers. Anything special about them? Where do you get them?
Thanks from an auto illiterate.:rolleyes: |
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| No. No. No. Your friendly Acura dealer. |
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Crem is right- Acura is the ONLY vendor.
They are pretty adamant abouyt the fluid- they recommend that it only be stored/delivered in a container used for only VTM4 fluid. (ie don't use an oil funnel to put in the fluid)
I bought the fluid for $18 a gallon, plus around $3 for the two washers.
I also got a small hand pump for getting the fluid up into the fill hole. Next to impossible to pour it in. Pump was around $9 at the auto parts store.
Ard |
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| Thanks for the info. My dealer charges $130 for the 7500 checkup. |
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| I saw somewhere that a pump was included with every case of VTM fluid. Maybe the dealer would be kind enough to let you have one. |
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| The TSB on Tim's site does state that a pump in included with every case. |
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Ardvarkus,
I'm trying to change the oil, VTM4 fluid myself too. The oil is done,but I'm having trouble locating the drain plug and the filler plug, and don't know exactly how much fluid is needed. Do you have any tips in changing the VTM fluid?
How did you do it? |
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| Paid $148 at the dealer for the 7,500 mile service, oil change and VTM fluid change included. |
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quote:
Originally posted by mocytex
Paid $148 at the dealer for the 7,500 mile service, oil change and VTM fluid change included.
Similar price at my dealership. They charge $100 for Engine and VTM fluid change only. Another $50 (the 7500 package) includes tire rotation and other inspections. I plan to rotate tires myself, but found there is only one car jack. Although I have two jack stands in the garage, it does not fit under the car when the car jack is at the same spot. Therefore I cannot jack up one end of the car and support it on the stand then move the jack to the nother end. The jack from my other car (a sedan) has much smaller weight rating and the arms are too short for MDX's height. I wonder how you guys rotate tires or you just invest in another jack? After playing with that for a while today, I found investing in a floor jack may worth the trouble. |
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Changing the VTM fluid is not a big deal.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Remove the oil filler plug and sealing washer, remove the drain plug and sealing washer.
3. Clean the drain plug, then reinstall with a new washer. Tourqe the plug to 35lbf-ft.
4. Refill using the VTM-4 differential Fluid (currently only available from Acura), add the VTM-4 Fluid till it runs out the filler hole.
5. Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer and tourqe to 35lbf-ft.
The oil filler plug and the drian plug are on the back side of the Rear Differential. There is a hole thru the frame to access the filler plug and the drain plug is at the bottom. You can access this easily without jacking the car up, you will need a small pump to pump in the fluid as the is no room for a funnel. The differential holds 2.8l or 2.95 US qt at oil change. Hope this helps! Easier to change than the transmision oil in my Integra GSR!!
Greg in Hotlanta |
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Thank you, Greg.
The previous posts were torturous. (mr. agave excluded)
We are *truely* an elite class. |
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I left out the obvious in the step by step instructions on the VTM Fluid change, get a drain pan under the Differential before removing the Drain plug!!! Please dispose of the used VTM fluid properly! Plus keep the receipt for all supplies and write the date and mileage down in the owners manual. Do it yourself, lots cheaper and I always know it is done correctly. I took my Integra in for warranty problem and aked them to change the Transmission oil (not the easiest thing to change). The ticket said they put in 3 quarts of Autmatic Transmission Fluid!!! I questioned the service department and they assured me they used 10W-40 motor oil as the manual calls for! Took it home and changed it myself to be sure! I should have made them change it again but that would have took another day and 3 quarts of oil are cheap! Do it yourself, it is really not that hard!!
Greg in Hotlanta |
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As far as the ATF on your repair order, our computer system does that too. It just makes life easier for the parts and service teams to not have to confirm the transmission type of every car coming through for a service to be able to charge a parts kit on a repair order.
How much have you guys been paying for VTM washers? I've been selling them for 0.35 each, although I don't know how that compares with raw bauxite (from South America, I'm assuming?) :D. And yes, there is a free fluid pump that the dealer gets with every case of VTM juice. They should give you one if you ask. |
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quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
...How much have you guys been paying for VTM washers? I've been selling them for 0.35 each, although I don't know how that compares with raw bauxite (from South America, I'm assuming?) :D. And yes, there is a free fluid pump that the dealer gets with every case of VTM juice. They should give you one if you ask.
Tim,
What would you charge for the VTM fluid, washers and pump plus shipping to members? What if you added a couple of oil filters plus crankcase drain plug washers? I have gotten quotes from $135 to $185 for the 7,500 mile servicing which seems a bit steep for what they are supposed to do. I just do not like contributing to dealer shop overhead for mundane maintenance stuff like this plus the inconvenience of taking it to the dealer. |
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| Tim cannot ship the VTM fluid due to environmental issues. I have already talked with him about this. He said that your local Acura dealer should be able to get the VTM fluid to you for about $18-$20. |
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| lausy |
| I just changed my VTM fluid today. It took less than 30 minutes and no special tools were needed. I bought the washers from Tim and he was kind enough to ship me a VTM fluid pump gratis when I ordered a moonroof visor from him. I bought the fluid from A&H motor for $16.50/gallon since it was too much paperwork for Tim to ship to me due to hazmat issues. For under $17.00, I know it was done right. A creeper definitely helps, but not necessary. |
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| Redwing |
I didn't find a thread on this, but I'll squeeze it in here.
I live over 100 miles from an Acura dealer. Any downside in having a "Valvoline" oil change. They're about $25, and they say they can do it. I've used them for years for my Benz/Infiniti/Toyota w/o any problems.
This is JUST for the OIL CHANGES. NOT the VTM fluid.
TIA for comments. |
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| Crem de la SUV |
That's a big question - it depends upon your comfort level and how fussy you are about your vehicle.
If you don't care too much, anybody can change the oil for you.
If you care a little, watch over them; make sure they change the washer, don't cross-thread the drain plug, and put a new high-quality oil filter on. Tell them to use a good brand bottled oil and make sure they don't overfill it.
If you care a lot, do it yourself.
Eeeesh! I have to put an addendum here. Apparently there is an opinion that the Fram "Extra Guard" style filters aren't the best ones going. Some information referenced later in this thread comes from an anecdotal web site that evaluated a variety of filters, a couple years ago. The author seemed like a pretty bright guy, but I'm not sure I would condemn the Fram Extra Guard based on his observations. In any case, I edited my above post to avoid recommending the Fram so that no one blames me if their engine melts down or something. |
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| hondacuraworld |
Just curious, how did AH ship the VTM fluid? Was it in a reinforced carton with ORM-D labels or CFR Hazmat documentation in a clear envelope on the outside of the package?
Did it come UPS?
Wondering how they did it without it costing an arm and leg. |
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| New MDXer |
| I used "Valvoline" a few times on my previous vehicle. They are convenient, but they ruptured a ball joint boot by putting too much grease in and the missed (twice) lubing the upper ball joints. You just don't have qualified mechanics in that hole, just kids off the street. |
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| remery |
Redwing,
I used to change my oil myself and thus have all the equipment. I have not done it for a number of years due to the hassles of disposing of the spent oil. I have used an oil change place for years and have been very happy and no problems with their work. They also will put in Mobil 1 for only $10 more which is a bargain. The only concern I have is the filter. Are Fram etal filters truly equivalent to the Honda ones or is there a difference? If not then I will use them and just buy a half dozen of the washers to bring along to have them use for the change. I could order filters from Tim and bring them to the oil change place, but then I might as well change the oil myself.
Since the MDX does not have grease fittings, lubing is not an issue so New MDXer's point is moot. Finally, I live within 20 miles of 4 or 5 dealers so distance is not an issue but cost and convenience is. Hope this helps you make a decision. |
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| Crem de la SUV |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld Just curious, how did AH ship the VTM fluid? Was it in a reinforced carton with ORM-D labels or CFR Hazmat documentation in a clear envelope on the outside of the package? Did it come UPS?
LOL Picture the hazmat team in bunnysuits with Geiger counters unloading the UPS truck.
Is oil a hazmat? I didn't find it in the UPS table of hazmats under "oil" or "motor oil".
http://ups.com/using/services/accs/...le_7-1-2001.pdf
Seems like you would just make sure the cap was tight, and pack it snugly in a box full of puffies. |
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| New MDXer |
| I learned something new today. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I am lazy for not getting underneath and taking a look. |
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| remery |
quote:
Originally posted by New MDXer
I learned something new today. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I am lazy for not getting underneath and taking a look.
As an owner of 4 previous SUVs along with my John Deere tractor, I am acutely aware of grease fittings. In fact it was one of my first questions about the MDX and was relieved to find out it did not require a lube. I am also old enough to have owned cars that had them. (that was before MTV of course!:D) |
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| hondacuraworld |
I hear ya. You should see the lubrication chart for my '59 Olds. There are if I remember something like 22 lubrication points under the chassis that have to be done every 1,000 miles.
Imagine that! |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by remery
As an owner of 4 previous SUVs along with my John Deere tractor, I am acutely aware of grease fittings. In fact it was one of my first questions about the MDX and was relieved to find out it did not require a lube. I am also old enough to have owned cars that had them. (that was before MTV of course!:D)
Would that be MTV or TV? :D:D:D |
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| Gregc |
quote:
Originally posted by remery
Redwing,
They also will put in Mobil 1 for only $10 more which is a bargain. The only concern I have is the filter. Are Fram etal filters truly equivalent to the Honda ones or is there a difference?
There is a great web site out there on the quality of Oil Filters it is http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html . Pretty interesting reading, made me stop buying the Fram Extra guard filters!! Read and make your own decison!
Greg in Hotlanta |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by ghost
Would that be MTV or TV? :D:D:D
Nice one, ghost! :D |
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| Redwing |
quote:
Originally posted by Gregc
There is a great web site out there on the quality of Oil Filters it is http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html . Pretty interesting reading, made me stop buying the Fram Extra guard filters!! Read and make your own decison!
Greg in Hotlanta
Man, what a site. I don't think I'd ever find this info on filters. I wonder how Acura's stacks up, who makes it.
Thanks to others for the comments, but believe it or not, I do care quite a bit for my vehicle, but I had over 100K on 3 vehicles that I used "valvoline" to change oil on (most of time.) My concern on the MDX had to due with if there is anything unique to the filter/oil change. Doesn't appear to be as long as the correct "parts" go in. I agree that one has to watch who does it. They're not the most talented at times. I still have a bit to decide as we are only at 1000 miles, but we've only had it 15 days.
Take care all! |
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| hondacuraworld |
If someone on this site is willing and has the ability, I'd be willing to donate several oil filter brands, including a Honda one, for our own acuramdx.org technical filter comparison. Perhaps it wouldn't be as scientific as that one, but I KNOW there are some of you out there that could do at least as well as this review.
Besides, this sounds like fun! :D
On a personal aside, I have always sworn by the best filter ever made in the aftermarket....Hastings. My '90 Civic (which just recently replaced the old truck), has always had and will continue to always receive Honda filters. After personally witnessing the longevity of these cars, I'm convinced that a Honda filter must be superior in some regard. You know, come to think of it, after 6 years with Acura, I've never seen an engine problem with ANY Acura (we don't count the SLX) that wasn't attributable to lack of a timing belt replacement. |
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| Crem de la SUV |
Tim,
I would be glad to disassemble, photo, and give a report on a few filters as that other fellow did. Maybe you could include a Fram Extra Guard in the line-up, as I am interested as to whether they are as bad as that fellow found them to be a couple/few years ago when he did his study. |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Done! PM me with your address and I'll get the filters together for your analysis. |
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| wmquan |
For what it's worth, Acura of Bellevue (WA) charges $178 for the 7,500 mile service. They usually seem to charge more than the average Acura dealership on service, though their service has been great.
Fortunately, we had a free oil change coupon that we had gotten from them, plus a 10% off scheduled maintenance coupon they had mailed (and they applied the 10% to the full $178, not after discounting the cost of the oil change). We finally returned the dealer survey we hadn't filled out yet, and are getting a tank of premium gas for it.
That, plus a loaner for all day ... unfortunately it's a Daewoo Leganza (owner of the dealership also owns the Daewoo dealership up the street). |
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| Morgan89 |
| We recently moved to Kansas and my MDX is scheduled for the 7500 on Wed morning. One dealer in KC wants $180 and the other wants $240! I think we'll see how the service is and then decide if it's worth doing ourselves at home. I couldn't believe the price though - this is our first SUV and first non-GM vehicle. I guess you have to pay the price for quality/luxury! |
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| ghost |
| Drive to Madison, I got my VTM changed for $60, plus they threw in a car wash. I guess that doesn't include the tire rotation and inspections, but it's a lot less than $240! |
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| kcmdx |
| I'm also scheduled for the 7500 mile service on Wed. morning at Jay Wolfe. Will it be $240.00 or $180??? |
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| Morgan89 |
| Jay Wolfe told me $240 and Superior in Overland Park quoted me $180. By the way, since you are familiar with the area - how do you like the dealer so far? I've noticed there aren't too many MDXs around. I love KC! |
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| kcmdx |
| I ordered my MDX back in Nov. from Jay Wolfe and it came in in Jan. as scheduled - 2 weeks early actually - beige base model plus only the options I wanted. I was very happy with their service and thaught I would try them for this first service visit since they treated me well and gave me a free oil change. I did call about the price and you were right - Superior is cheaper for service and they are closer to me (we live in the northland) so I may switch after this if they don' t come down on their maint. prices. Love the car so far - have been in KC for 2 years - love it too! |
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| ardvarkus |
Some rhetorical questions:
What is a "7500 mile service"?!
Is it what it in the owners manual? or what the dealership 'recommends'? Does it include BS "inspections", "checks", etc (like tire air changes...)
While you want inspections and checks done, it shouldn't add more than 30 minutes to check dang near every concievable checkable item on the MDX.
Why are there such dramatic differences in pricing? 180 vs 240...can in be the hourly rate, or is it these 'fluff' items they add to the 'recommended service' to jack up profits.
Does anybody believe they really check all those items anyway?
Ard |
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| Morgan89 |
| AFter your service tomorrow would you mind posting your thoughts on Wolfe? I'll let you know about the Superior service. I expect a lot considering the cost. Hope I'm satisfied! |
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| Morgan89 |
Ardvarkus,
I don't know exactly what I get for the $180 or $240 except for the stuff the owners manual said you need @ 7500 and the guy mentioned checking all those other little things you mentioned. I have no idea if they do things on the up and up - I'm thinking that for the price I'm paying it should come back with a tank of gas! :) My husband has always done the maintenance before but we've only had GM vehicles - and at these prices he will probably do the maintenance in the future. Part of the reason we went to Acura was because of our poor experience with GM service departments - esp with customer satisfaction. I'll let you know what they "said they did" |
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| ardvarkus |
Hey Morgan-
At three dealerships I've gone to the "recommended service" was never exactly what the owners manual required. Arguably, sometimes the extras are worthwhile, ESPECIALLY at higher mileage intervals.
If your husband can figure out a socket wrench, he can do all the basic maintenance. It's much more fun on a new vehicle, too. I was very intimidated years ago when I had a new Q45, but a few visits to the dealer for warranty work, and I knew my work was just as careful as the dealer's. Lots of good posts here on the basic tasks. Buy the Service Manual ($60)if you want more info-
Ard |
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| Morgan89 |
My 7500 service included some washers, oil, fuel system cleaner, oil add.,oil filter and differential fluid, tire rotation and balance. They said they inspected all this other stuff but who knows. They were very nice, gave me a nice loaner and were finished ahead of schedule. All in all I'd say that my experience with Superior Acura in Overland Park KS was great. My MDX was washed and vacuumed as well. The labor cost was $117 so I think I'll go with my husband doing the majority of it from now on. Did I get ripped off? I wish I knew more about cars - maybe if I hang out at this site long enough I'll know something.
By the way, I asked why the other guy in town charges $60 more and they said it was for an allignment (sp?). |
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| kcmdx |
| I also had great service at Jay Wolfe this morning. Fo my 7500 mile service he changed oil & filter , rotate & balance tires, and changed the differential fluid. I had a free oil change card since I baught the car there so it cost me $113.00 total parts & labor. He also orderd pats for the suspension "thud noise" that there is a whole forum related to. He wouldn't call it a recall but said it was recommended to replace the spring bumbers. I also got the loaner car, wash and vacuum, so maybe they are comparable to Superior after all. |
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| Crem de la SUV |
quote:
Originally posted by Morgan89
By the way, I asked why the other guy in town charges $60 more and they said it was for an allignment (sp?).
Thief!
No car should need an alignment at 7500 miles. |
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| jwiatt |
| I had my 7500 mile service done at Valencia Acura, Valencia, California, where I purchased by 2001 MDX. The total cost, including the differential, oil change, rotate tires, etc., was $71.00. Service great, as was the purchase experience from Valencia Acura. |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by jwiatt
I had my 7500 mile service done at Valencia Acura, Valencia, California, where I purchased by 2001 MDX. The total cost, including the differential, oil change, rotate tires, etc., was $71.00. Service great, as was the purchase experience from Valencia Acura.
Wow...at that price, I will drive down to visit relatives in LA and have my MDX serviced there on the way to or from. Is that price a special or only for owners purchased their MDX there? Seriously. :rolleyes: |
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| jwiatt |
| tdnone: The price that I paid at Valencia Acura, Valenica, CA for the 7500 mile service, including the VLF change, tire rotation, etc, was $71.91 and is the price for anyone, not just those who purchased their MDX there. Despite what one or two said about Valencia Acura in the dealer forum, this is a GREAT dealership. The owners, Don and Cheri Fleming, are leaders in the community for charitable works, and run a great business. This is my second Acura purchased there and if you are planning a trip south for a visit, stop in and get your car serviced, ask for Don or Cheri and tell them the "judge" sent you. |
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| tdnone |
| Thanks, "judge". I will do. :) |
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| ufbz |
Had my first oil change /75K maintenance service done at Metro Acura of Philly. Paid $120 (tax included) which includes labor ($75)and parts ($19.44 for VTM-4 fluid). They changed engine oil and VTM-4 fluid, replaced oil filter, tire rotation, all fliud levels inspection, torqued front /rear suspension. Also got a complimentary car wash but no vacuum inside.
Service manager told me that after the 1st VTM-4 fluid change, do it again at 60K even the service manual says changing in 15k interval. |
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| rvehock |
(Service manager told me that after the 1st VTM-4 fluid change, do it again at 60K even the service manual says changing in 15k interval.)
I would get this statement in writing. This goes totally against what the owner manual suggests!!! |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by rvehock
(Service manager told me that after the 1st VTM-4 fluid change, do it again at 60K even the service manual says changing in 15k interval.)
I would get this statement in writing. This goes totally against what the owner manual suggests!!!
I think he may be confused with the transmission fluid. :confused: |
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| MDXLuvr |
I bought my MDX at John Eagle Acura in Houston. They provide free 2yr/24k maintenance. so when i went in for my 7500 mile service, it cost me $0.:D
Plus i got a free car wash:D :D
Too bad Acura doesn't make this a standard service for the entire Acura Product line ala BMW, Volvo, VW, etc.
later
ritesh
btw, do you guys know of any off-road clubs in East Tx. region. i would prefer a club that follows the Tread Lightly profile. |
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| msu79gt82 |
Welcome to the group. I too bought at John Eagle and have been singing their praises for a while.
However I noticed in the info under your user name that you are from Tyler! That is quit a drive to get a little free maintenance! Are you in Houston often? I am puzzled by the drive (not to buy, but to maintain). |
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| MDXLuvr |
hey msu
First of all, you have to realize that i live in tyler, No Acura dealership, rinkydinky Merc, and BMW dealerships are all we have(except for the typical chey, ford, toyota, honda). so, you have to buy it in Dallas(110 miles) or Houston(240) or Shreveport(100). Since in grew up in Houston, and my parents live in katy( inlaws in Sugarland) i felt comfortable with the houston area and the dealerships. When i was shopping for the MDX, I test drove it launch party-oct 11th in Plano(110 miles away). Prior to that i was already on the waiting list for a emerald green MDX+ tour + Navi at J.E. Acura, Acura-southwest, and the plano dealership(i forgot the name). when i heard of the J.E. Acura Package, i was hoping they come thorough for me. Luckily, we changed our mind on the color to GG and that bumped us up to 1st on the list for GG+Tour+Navi at John Eagle. it arrived Oct 26th, i picked it up that wknd. had lunch with my parents and drove back on I - 45 while trying to follow the break in guidelines:) . i come back to houston every 4-6 wks so i can usually get maintenance or warranty issues addressed( so far i have had the SRS stay on, and the radio buttons are not cooperating). It can be a minor hassle, but they other choice was to get the unrealible Merc, or settle for a Bimmer that my dog couldn't fit in.
as always sorrry for the drawn out answer:)
later
ritesh |
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| msu79gt82 |
There is an Official fix (TSB) for the radio button problem, so getting that fixed should not be a problem.
As I recall there have been a few others reporting a problem with the SRS light - you may want to do a search on that topic. |
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| MDXLuvr |
| Thanks for your help, I rea | | | |
