| GBB04 |
| I am searching for a non-dealer service provider for 2004 MDX. I am ready for the first oil change and do not want to do business with the dealership I bought from. Anyone have a suggestion for me in the Indianapolis area? Preferably North side. |
|
|
| hammermdx |
| I can't help you with finding one in your area, but doing an oil change yourself is very easy. Buy the filters and crush washers from Tim, and you should be able to do it yourself in under 30 minutes. |
|
|
| nightguy |
| Although I would advocate doing the maintenance yourself, why not go to a Honda dealer ? Wouldn't they have the exact same filter ? I think they use the crush washers too. I know one of the Honda dealers also deals Acuras but I believe at least one doesn't. |
|
|
| Warzau |
| Yes they do have the same filter, and crush washer. But doing it yourself you guarantee you are doing it right and put the crush washer in, which members here have said some tech forgot or even put it over the previous one. Plus the satisfaction you prob saved some money and did it yourself. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
Although I would advocate doing the maintenance yourself, why not go to a Honda dealer ? Wouldn't they have the exact same filter ? I think they use the crush washers too. I know one of the Honda dealers also deals Acuras but I believe at least one doesn't.
But if you do go to a Honda dealer, you will generally find them less expensive. $13 is what my local Honda dealer charges for the basic filter and oil change if I bring in the 'stuff'. True, I am rarely out of there in much less than an hour, usually have a book with me.
I suppose a tech could screw up. But have not had a drop of telltale oil on the driveway or garage floor when I don't change it myself. Maybe it's just old age. |
|
|
| nightguy |
But doing it yourself you guarantee you are doing it right and put the crush washer in, which members here have said some tech forgot or even put it over the previous one.
Uh, yeah. Except you forgot the part about getting to be in the garage with some cold ones. And you can let the oil drain as long as you want.
I've noticed that the lube techs tend to be the most junior of the bunch in most service departments. No offense but the less I can have those guys driving my car around the better.
But have not had a drop of telltale oil on the driveway or garage floor when I don't change it myself.
I saw this addressed but not answered on another thread. I feel pretty confident I can change the oil without raising the car, but can it be changed without the oil hitting the exhaust pipe and tons of oil dropping into the bumper when the filter is removed ? I had a really expensive accident with my crappy jack one day (wasn't doing beers that time !) and I'd rather not lift something I don't have to. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
[B] I had a really expensive accident with my crappy jack one day (wasn't doing beers that time !) and I'd rather not lift something I don't have to.
Hopefully you would use jack stands in any event. You can reach everything without jacking it up. And by turning the front wheels all the way over.
Yeah, I know. Strange you would get this answer from someone who doesn't do his own oil changes anymore. :cool: |
|
|
| MARFONG |
My MDX just hit 30K miles. Thinking about doing the VTM service , oil change, and maybe the transmission service (the 1-time drain and fill one). I think the VTM service seems fairly easy, the drain and fill plugs seem easily reachable. Is it as easy as it looks?
I've done oil changes on other cars before, but have heard that it can get rather messy on the MDX. Is this so? A local Honda dealer does oil change for only $23.88. Only have to wait about an hour. But they want $89.99 to do the VTM service, price is a bit high.
How easy is the trans. oil change? |
|
|
|
