| uvaone |
All:
I live in Central NJ. There are 2 dealers in the area (New Brunswick and Ocean Acura). Both wanted $325 for 15K check-up including the VTM fluid change. One delaer told me that I needed the "differential fluid" change-is this the same as VTM?
Anyway, since both are expensive, I am thinking about taking it to a
private garage and ask them to do tire rotation, fluid change, oil change, air filter change, etc.. for a lot less. Is there anything unique about the VTM fluid change that they want so much $$ for?? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by uvaone
All:
I live in Central NJ. There are 2 dealers in the area (New Brunswick and Ocean Acura). Both wanted $325 for 15K check-up including the VTM fluid change. One delaer told me that I needed the "differential fluid" change-is this the same as VTM?
Anyway, since both are expensive, I am thinking about taking it to a
private garage and ask them to do tire rotation, fluid change, oil change, air filter change, etc.. for a lot less. Is there anything unique about the VTM fluid change that they want so much $$ for??
The fluid is unique, but not that expensive. You can buy it at a Honda or Acura dealership. There is no equivalent.
It seems you are not into doing your own service, but even at that, getting the fluid changed, tires rotated, and air filter changed, you should be out of there for well under $150. They are obviously adding services you do not need. Check your manual and do ONLY what is required to keep your MDX is warranty. That's all you need to do.
If you change your mind on doing your own service, all 3 items are very easy to do yourself. And if you do some searches on here you will find many threads on all the maintenance items and how to do them. |
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| JeffK |
Go to thread I started "15,000 miles service less than $100"
JeffK |
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| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by uvaone
All:
I live in Central NJ. There are 2 dealers in the area (New Brunswick and Ocean Acura). Both wanted $325 for 15K check-up including the VTM fluid change. One delaer told me that I needed the "differential fluid" change-is this the same as VTM?
Anyway, since both are expensive, I am thinking about taking it to a
private garage and ask them to do tire rotation, fluid change, oil change, air filter change, etc.. for a lot less. Is there anything unique about the VTM fluid change that they want so much $$ for??
They are ripping you off! BTW, at 15K service, they only change oil & VTM fluid, not even air filter/pollen filter per manual. The rest are just checking stuffs that you don't even have to worry at 15K.
Oil change +$30 at any dealer
VTN fluid change =$50-70 at most mechanic shop, not a dfficult task , similar to oil change, bring your own fluid from the dealer and have it done somewhere else for less.
:) |
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| jbres |
| uvaone, the VTM fluid change is a very easy DIY item. There are several threads here that enabled me to complete mine a couple of weeks ago with no problem. I will mention however that I changed mine at the 25K mile mark (purchased used 03 in Nov.) and I couldn't tell the difference between the fluid that I was draining out and the fresh fluid I added based on color. Just my $0.02. |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by jbres
uvaone, the VTM fluid change is a very easy DIY item. ...
I agree. DIY is definitely the way to go. If you can change oil, you can definitely perform the VTM change yourself. No need to pay the dealer for this simple procedure.
:trustme: |
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