| nguyenla98 |
| I just changed oil at dealer at 5K miles. and now it's getting to 7500 miles, should i service my car at dealer? The only thing can see other than another oil change is the VTM fuild ( i think). Any ideas? Thanks, |
|
|
| Rick_James |
| Not I. Just go get your tires rotated somewhere else, or if you like to get buff do it yourself. Also check all your fluid levels and do another oil change. Why let the dealer do this for $500.00, when it can only cost you less then 50.00 bucks to get it done from a non dealer ;) |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
I only use the dealer for things that I cannot accomplish by myself or that some other shop cannot accomplish.
G |
|
|
| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
I only use the dealer for things that I cannot accomplish by myself or that some other shop cannot accomplish.
G
What he said! |
|
|
| mgmdx |
Never go to the dealer for any work other than warranty related items. :headshake
Perform all routine maintenance and light repairs myself, and plan on taking the MDX to a reputable independent shop for more complex repairs, if needed. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
Never go to the dealer for any work other than warranty related items. :headshake
Perform all routine maintenance and light repairs myself, and plan on taking the MDX to a reputable independent shop for more complex repairs, if needed.
Agreed. If you don't do DIY, and just want to bring it in for a routine oil change and have your own oil and filter, might try Honda.
Our Honda dealer only charges $13 for the same job Acura charges $25 for.
It includes the usual safety checks and a car wash (if you want it).
Just a suggestion, I can't speak for every dealership, only my own experience. But I can't say enough good things about Honda North in Clovis, CA. And I am not being paid for this endorsement.... :D
Avoid Jiffy Lube and the other instant changers like the plague!
If out of warranty, find the best independent you can who specializes in Honda/Acura.
Same goes for routine brake, alignment, and tires. I avoid the dealerships for those services, unless of course it's included as part of a warranty job. |
|
|
| erictiger |
| My Toyota dealer charges $26.95 for oil change in SUV and Minivan and the Acura dealer charges $29.95 for oil change. However, I get free shuttle to work (6 miles one way) at Acura dealer. How much Honda dealer charge for an oil change? Can they do VTM4 fuild change too? |
|
|
| nightguy |
| Just had them do the vtm fluid so far. I've done tires and oil because it gives me an excuse to be in the garage. |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
Just had them do the vtm fluid so far. I've done tires and oil because it gives me an excuse to be in the garage.
vtm is easier than the oil!
DIY is very empowering. Once you realizer how quick this stuff is, the time spent dicking with acura and taking the shuttle or getting the loaner, you'lll realize YOUR TIME IS TOO VALUABLE.
Yes, for many of us it is faster to DIY than bring it somewhere...
:)
A |
|
|
| frainc |
I had my 7,500 miles done a few months ago and it cost me $26.72. I told them to follow the maint. book, not what they want as part of the dealers service.
Oil change was zero and rotated the tires. The tires are also rebalanced by my dealer. Total time was 45 minutes, didn't get the X washed because it was raining.
I will keep on going to the dealer for my work. |
|
|
| socalJD |
I'm waiting for the response from SuperTech . . . (hee hee)
:lurk:
FWIW, I do my own oil change as well. But I do take it to the local independent Honda/Acura shop for the annual stuff (15/30/45k) |
|
|
| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
vtm is easier than the oil!
DIY is very empowering. Once you realizer how quick this stuff is, the time spent dicking with acura and taking the shuttle or getting the loaner, you'lll realize YOUR TIME IS TOO VALUABLE.
Yes, for many of us it is faster to DIY than bring it somewhere...
:)
A
Absolutely agree. This is definitely the case. :4: |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
vtm is easier than the oil!
Ok, I'll bite. Do you use the same drain pan as the oil ? What do you do with the old fluid ? The local Firestone store takes my used oil, but not sure they'll take on the hazardous waste from VTM or AT fluids. Then there's the extra crush washers and I'll need to buy a torque wrench . . . |
|
|
| pianoman41 |
| I do all my own service and maintenence, unless it is a job that will cost me more of my time than money (i.e. I'd rather pay someone else to do it). I use the dealer strictly for warranty issues and recalls. |
|
|
| Texas |
I go on Saturday mornings, and it takes about 30-45 minutes, which I spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
$39.00 bucks every three months including car wash is a no brainer to me, since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Service is always great, and it does not hurt to build a relationship with your service advisor (when dealer or warranty work is needed is always better to deal with someone who already knows your face).
Thanks,
Paul |
|
|
| wing2299 |
Hello all,
Mine is due for 15k service soon. Any recommendations for service in Los Angeles area? According to the manual, I need to do oil change, VTM-4 fluid change and tire rotation. Thanks. |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Texas
I go on Saturday mornings, and it takes about 30-45 minutes, which I spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
$39.00 bucks every three months including car wash is a no brainer to me, since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Service is always great, and it does not hurt to build a relationship with your service advisor (when dealer or warranty work is needed is always better to deal with someone who already knows your face).
Thanks,
Paul
Is the 7500 miles service $39, or are you talking about just an oil change?
I've NEVER heard of an acura dealership that can do an oil change and wash in 30 minutes, on a Saturday, on a regular basis.
Personally my issue is the hour to hour and a half to get there and back... for me it's ma no brainer.
:) |
|
|
| Texas |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Is the 7500 miles service $39, or are you talking about just an oil change?
Oil Change
quote:
I've NEVER heard of an acura dealership that can do an oil change and wash in 30 minutes, on a Saturday, on a regular basis.
Not here, it hasn't taken more than 45 minutes the last couple of times I was there, plus, the dealership is about four miles from my house, so for me is very convenient =)
Thx,
Paul |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Is the 7500 miles service $39, or are you talking about just an oil change?
I've NEVER heard of an acura dealership that can do an oil change and wash in 30 minutes, on a Saturday, on a regular basis.
I was thinking the same thing. By the time you get into your X, drive to the dealer, get written up, get service done, finish the paperwork & pay, drive back home - it's got to be at least 1 hour if not closer to 90 minutes. I know I can change my oil/filter and top off the fluids at home in my garage in 45 minutes. The only thing missing is the car wash, but I'd rather handle that meself. My materials cost less than $10, and my time spent would be the same if not less than sitting around in the lounge sipping coffee & reading the paper . . . |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by Texas
I go on Saturday mornings, and it takes about 30-45 minutes, which I spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
$39.00 bucks every three months including car wash is a no brainer to me, since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Service is always great, and it does not hurt to build a relationship with your service advisor (when dealer or warranty work is needed is always better to deal with someone who already knows your face).
Thanks,
Paul
If time is your criteria, then doing it yourself is the easy answer. My dealer is probably 15 to 20 minutes away. Most of these fluid change jobs can be accomplished in that time.
Therefore you save YOUR TIME of 15-20 minutes return trip plus the wait time at the dealer.
G |
|
|
| Rick_James |
quote:
Originally posted by Texas
I go on Saturday mornings, and it takes about 30-45 minutes, which I spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
$39.00 bucks every three months including car wash is a no brainer to me, since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Service is always great, and it does not hurt to build a relationship with your service advisor (when dealer or warranty work is needed is always better to deal with someone who already knows your face).
Thanks,
Paul
since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Oh come'on. Thats just lazy-Nezz!! What are you doing while your waiting, Oh I know: spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
Yea, looks like your time is worth alot more then just willing to learn how to do your own oil changes, lol.
I told this to plenty of my friends here at work that they should learn how to do there own oil changes. I asked them what they would do if they were in the middle of the desert w/ 5 young kids and a flat tire. He said I'll call AAA. LOL... what a useless little piggy. I told him AAA will tell him that its to far and they would guide him on the phone how to pull out a car jack and pop the lug nuts off the tire and put the spare on hehehehe.
Gosh sometimes "we" should be independent if it came down to it. Money can't buy every service or thing. But really your not the only one,, but I figure I say something. No offense to you. ;) |
|
|
| Texas |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
Yea, looks like your time is worth alot more then just willing to learn how to do your own oil changes, lol.
Gosh sometimes "we" should be independent if it came down to it. Money can't buy every service or thing. But really your not the only one,, but I figure I say something. No offense to you. ;)
Non taken.
I never said I didn't know how to do it.
I just chose not to do it myself, when I can go to the dealer and be back in my house in a little over an hour.
If you factor going to Pep Boys/Auto Zone/O'Reilly's to get the oil, filter, etc,, doing the actual oil change, cleanup, going back to Pep Boys or Gas station to dispose of the oil, and then swing by the local car wash (or wash it myself), I end up spending all Saturday morning running around.
Now, when I had my Super Duty diesel it DID make sense doing it mysef, since dealers charge 75 bucks to do a Power Stroke oil change (15 quarts), and at the Ford dealer you do spend half a day waiting for them to even touch your vehicle.
Later,
Paul |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
| I drove by an Acura dealer a week ago..... |
|
|
| Rick_James |
Hi Texas, it takes me less then 15 minutes to pull the plug to drain the oil, take off the old filter. Let it all drain and come back under the car and put back the drain plug, lube the new oil filer ring w/ the old uses oil and retighten and then add the new motor oil.
Simple task. :o
As for the oil recycle part,, I have a oil pan that can hold up to about 3 time oil changed which is about 20 oz capacity. I then take it to my local autozone or Parts Express and drain the old oil and since I am there... I get my new oil filter and oil. Let’s compromise!! ;)
..............and I forgot to add..... I can be out of AutoZone in less then 10 minutes :p |
|
|
| Rick_James |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
I drove by an Acura dealer a week ago.....
Did you forget to wave?
:2: |
|
|
| frainc |
quote:
Originally posted by Texas
I go on Saturday mornings, and it takes about 30-45 minutes, which I spend drinking their Starbucks coffee, while I check out the new models on the parking lot or watch the big screen TV in their waiting area.
$39.00 bucks every three months including car wash is a no brainer to me, since my time is worth a lot more than that.
Service is always great, and it does not hurt to build a relationship with your service advisor (when dealer or warranty work is needed is always better to deal with someone who already knows your face).
Thanks,
Paul
I'm with you, I know alot of folks here don't like the dealers or do it themselves. But after 5 Acura's at this one dealer, I also get excel. service and always get a loaner if I need one. I spend maybe $150 per year on service and never once they did mess it up or done any damage to my cars. |
|
|
| frainc |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
Hi Texas, it takes me less then 15 minutes to pull the plug to drain the oil, take off the old filter. Let it all drain and come back under the car and put back the drain plug, lube the new oil filer ring w/ the old uses oil and retighten and then add the new motor oil.
Simple task. :o
As for the oil recycle part,, I have a oil pan that can hold up to about 3 time oil changed which is about 20 oz capacity. I then take it to my local autozone or Parts Express and drain the old oil and since I am there... I get my new oil filter and oil. Let’s compromise!! ;)
..............and I forgot to add..... I can be out of AutoZone in less then 10 minutes :p
I know you and others like doing your own work, but I don't. And yes, I could change a flat also and I used to change my own oil before I started getting Acura's. I haven't paid for an oil change in any of my cars and like Texas tells you, its our choice, isn't it! |
|
|
| Rick_James |
quote:
Originally posted by frainc
yes, I could change a flat also and I used to change my own oil before I started getting Acura's. I haven't paid for an oil change in any of my cars and like Texas tells you, its our choice, isn't it!
I haven't paid for an oil change in any of my cars and like Texas tells you, its our choice, isn't it!
Good for you. Money seems to not be a problem for you.
yes, I could change a flat also and I used to change my own oil
4-reals? It's not April Fools you know. :4: |
|
|
| Texas |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
yes, I could change a flat also and I used to change my own oil
Really? That is hard to believe.
Easy Rick,
No need to be beligerant, different strokes for different folks ;) |
|
|
| frainc |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
I haven't paid for an oil change in any of my cars and like Texas tells you, its our choice, isn't it!
Good for you. Money seems to not be a problem for you.
yes, I could change a flat also and I used to change my own oil
4-reals? It's not April Fools you know. :4:
I guess you got up on the wrong side of bed today.
Gee, I wonder how old you are? Guess you don't like folks that don't conform to your standards. |
|
|
| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
Did you forget to wave?
:2:
He probably gave them the middle finger salute :finger:
:D |
|
|
| Dr. Ken |
I use the dealer for all maintenance. I like to talk to the salesman that I bought the car from, and I like to look at the new models. If needed, a free loaner is available, but with a huge shopping mall across the street, it is usually not necessary (than's when the wife likes to come along). Or they will take me to work in a shuttle. The car wash is nice also.
Sure, it costs more, but having someone work on it who knows the car inside and out and provides the extras is worth it to me. |
|
|
| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Ken
... having someone work on it who knows the car inside and out and provides the extras is worth it to me.
This is not necessarily the case. INCOMPETENCE is yet another reason to avoid dealer at all costs and to perform routine maintenance and basic repairs yourself. |
|
|
| frainc |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
This is not necessarily the case. INCOMPETENCE is yet another reason to avoid dealer at all costs and to perform routine maintenance and basic repairs yourself.
So you are saying that every service dept. can't do their job because of their "Incompetence". I really fine that hard to believe. I will continue to go to my dealer because for the last 5 Acura's I had service, not ONCE did I have a problem with "Incompetence". Maybe I'm just lucky.. |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
The problem with having Acura or an other car dealers do routine maintenance is that the person doing the work is not likely to be someone that has extensive experience and a proven track record. The newer inexperienced guys get the maintenance service orders because they are easier and income is less. The experienced repair techs get the more difficult and expensive repairs.
I have had a Honda dealer do routine maintenance on my MDX twice and had problems both times. On one they failed to replace crush washers as required per Honda on the VTM fluid change. The repair guy said they were not necessary. When I asked to have this in writing on the SO he checked with someone and they decided to replace the crush washers. Went back an hour later and they had only replaced the top crush washer. Took them three times to get the simple VTM fluid change right. The other time I had them do maintenance they failed to torque the lug nuts on a tire rotation. Just tightened them with an impact wrench. Some (lug nuts) were on so tight it took a gorilla to get them loose, others could almost be removed without a wrench.
I will do the maintenance myself or take it to Jiffy Lube before I will have dealer do it. |
|
|
| Texas |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
This is not necessarily the case. INCOMPETENCE is yet another reason to avoid dealer at all costs and to perform routine maintenance and basic repairs yourself.
Your logic is flawed.
If you will not let them do the "basic repairs", does that mean that you will not go to the dealer for any repairs?
So I guess warranty work is out of the question then, or do your values change when getting something for nothing?
Like I said earlier, to each his own.
Paul |
|
|
| screbr |
How about this for logic? Some folks actually enjoy doing their own maintenance work - there's a level of satisfaction gained from doing it. There's not much you can do with cars these days if your a DIY, but fluid maintenance and accessories are still realistic, and much more cost effective if done at home.
If you don't have time, or don't car about what makes your car run (well), or have unlimited funds, then just let someone else do it. |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
| Is this thread gonna be another "premium versus regular gas" argument that never gets anywhere? |
|
|
| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
one they failed to replace crush washers as required per Honda on the VTM fluid change. The repair guy said they were not necessary.
I will do the maintenance myself or take it to Jiffy Lube before I will have dealer do it.
I got news for you...Jiffy Lube is by far the biggest offender for those who don't replace the crush washer. Just yesterday, I saw a drain plug leaking on a TL because although Jiffy Lube did in fact relace the washer, they used a fiber one. Those guys who work in the "pit" for less than $10/hr figure any round thing will do.
Other than that. I'll stay out of this thread. I have a feeling it'll be nothing more than just me vs. the whole board if I get into this. |
|
|
| carguy1234 |
The mantra from many posters on this thread seems to be "Everyone should do what I do, because I'm always right and everyone else is always wrong."
What ever happened to "I'll do what's best for me, and you can do what's best for you"? |
|
|
| frainc |
quote:
Originally posted by carguy1234
The mantra from many posters on this thread seems to be "Everyone should do what I do, because I'm always right and everyone else is always wrong."
What ever happened to "I'll do what's best for me, and you can do what's best for you"?
Right on!! Do what you feel it best for you, maybe this will end now. |
|
|
| enderwiggin |
... i'll jump in here - had a basic question since I'm a new owner of the MDX Touring..
Which oil do you guys tend to use and how often do you change your oil? I used to change my own oil in the RSX.. and do you go synthetic or not? |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by enderwiggin
... i'll jump in here - had a basic question since I'm a new owner of the MDX Touring..
Which oil do you guys tend to use and how often do you change your oil? I used to change my own oil in the RSX.. and do you go synthetic or not?
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...?threadid=22590 |
|
|
|
