| transpower |
I recently reached 30000 miles on my GG Touring/Nav 2001 MDX. The cost for the required service at that milestone was $469. For those of you have reached 30000 miles, what was your cost for the required service?
Transpower |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by transpower
I recently reached 30000 miles on my GG Touring/Nav 2001 MDX. The cost for the required service at that milestone was $469. For those of you have reached 30000 miles, what was your cost for the required service?
Transpower
Hi Trans, just got mine last week, $363. (+$25 for pulling a nail out of the tire). I'll post sometime on what they did... |
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| sgtglok |
I'm roughly 55% there yet, but I have a question for 30K+ MDXers. At 30K service, what was replaced, other than usual oil/VTM change/tire rotation? Breaks? Air Filter? Battery? Spark Plugs? Other? Comparing 15k to 30k service, other than a few more visual inspections and 'check the breaks' I don't see the difference. I just had a 15k service done by the dealer that cost me $50 more than a 7.5K, and there was nothing else done 'xcept the VISUAL inspection - too many IFs, IMHO, (inspect and lubricate IF, inspect and replace IF, etc.)
I mean, in probably 80% cases all service tech is doing is 'visually inspecting' your vehicle and charges you $75/hr??? :confused:
In theory, when you take your MDX for a visit to a 'doctor' (or a 'veterinarian') - take your pick; - you expect a full cavity search done to it, right? Why else you pay extra $150 to $200 over a simple oil/vtm fluid change? How come people are having all sorts of sqeeks/leeks/rattles/pings (oh, what else?) then, even AFTER they had their 'DXs serviced? With all the problems people on this forum report and all the noises checked, I think it's just 'cash-in-trash'. :rolleyes:
OK, I'm ready for your barrage of critics! :5: |
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| transpower |
Here goes:
oil change service, transmission fluid service, adjust drive belts and inspect hoses, tune-up, rotate tires and set pressure and balance, adjust parking brake and measure all brake pads, diff. service and VTM-4, flush brake fluid, replace A/C filter and element, apply lube oil.
Labor amount: 261.59
Parts amount: 174.24
Gas, oil, lube: 5.00
Misc. charges: 2.00
Total charges: 442.83
Sales Tax: 26.57
Total: 469.40
This does seem excessive, but it's difficult to see what would be cut.
Transpower |
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| ayanomich |
| I wonder how much the tune-up cost, and why would they give you one at 30K when 100K is the recommended interval? I once spent $250 plus for a "special" tuneup on my departed GMC Sonoma truck (special means rip-off in Las Vegas speak).... |
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| transpower |
The tune-up cost $39.00. Right below that on the invoice is "BG208 44K Kit", whatever that is, for $18.15.
I've got the Service Manual (which I purchased for $75 shortly after picking up my 2001 MDX in November of 2000). Pages 3-4 and 3-5 describe parts A, B, and C for normal service. The 30,000 mile service requires all items in parts A, B, and C. The tune-up is due at 105,000 miles, not 30,000. Curious, no?
Pages 3-6 and 3-7 give the maintenance schedule for severe service. Part D there is to replace rear differential fluid--which is what the service dept. did--though I'm not a severe service schedule. Oh well, it doesn't hurt.
Transpower |
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| ayanomich |
| Go to www.edmunds.com, click on the Safety and Maintenance link, and you can find maintenance schedules and approximate costs for the area you live in. At 30000, I would pay around $315 here in Vegas. You can see what the average job consists of and what the labor and parts costs are. I'll be paying more than the typical MDX owner because I have to do the severe service schedule here in the desert....however, no tune-up until 100,000 which requires a change out of the platinum spark plugs; your prices don't sound like they did a plug replacement, but who knows???? I would ask what they did.... |
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| srpbep |
I'd be a tad miffed:
Parts = $174 -- hmmm, Oil Filter, Oil, Trans fluid, VTM-Fluid, brake fluid, air filter. Doesn't look like $174 to me. Unless wheel weights are $30 per weight and they REALLY marked up the crush washers used in the oil/trans/VTM changes!!
Tune-Up -- On this one, I would see Service Manager and demand a WRITTEN description of what was done. Once I had this, I would then ask WHY it was done. Then I would contact Honda Corporate. "There ain't nothing to tune" at 30,000 miles ... This will really be a good one |
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| bomo |
| The edmunds site was interesting. It prices out the 30k service to $336. which is about $150. more than my dealer, Marin Acura, quoted. I was going to let them do the work because they are going to do the timing belt fix at the same time and the dealer said they would either give me a loaner or pay for a rental. But jeez a buck and a half is a lot to eat. |
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| bomo |
| the dealer is $150. more, of course. When has a dealer been less than anyone, especially this dealer. |
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| JeffK |
THIS IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE
I have posted over and over and over again, before you take your car in for service READ YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL
Then MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU WANT DONE!
I just had my 15,000 mile service done at Rallye Acura in Roslyn, NY (labor rate $96 hour) for less than $100. I even started a thread - 15,000 mile service for less than $100.
Go to that thread, add the cost of changing the transmission fluid - but I believe deleting the VTM fluid and you have your cost - again should be no more than $150.
If anyone out there is paying $300 to $400 for a 30,000 mile service they are not reading this board.
Common guys and gals - read this board there is wealth of information out there - and stop paying those SUCKER PRICES for service!
JeffK |
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| greatscot |
| Took my X to the nearby Honda dealer today for my 22,500 service, oil change and tire rotation. $53.00 total. 2/3 of what the Acura dealer would have charged. Turns out both dealers here, Honda North and University Acura are owned by the same guy. Go figure. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I replaced the air filter and the pollen filter myself and saved a llittle over $100.00. The air filter is very easy to replace and the pollen filter can be done as a DIY project as well. Mine ended up at $357.00. |
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| DChan415 |
| For comparison, the 30K at our shop is $299. |
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| ECON1 |
| Also did a 22,500 mile service today. Went to the dealer only because of the recall (reprogram the computer control). I furnished the oil (Mobil 1 5W-30), they charged $20 for the rest of the oil change and $20 for the tire rotation - $40 total. Would normally have it done somewhere else, but since I had to take it in for the recall, it was worth it to get it all done at one place. |
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| greatscot |
| I was impressed with the Honda dealer I went to (within 2 miles of the house too) they took me in, on a Saturday, no appointment, took 1 hour (they had loads of folks lined up for service) and I was out of there. Painless. |
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| DougHarts |
Had my 22.5K service done today - $155
Had the recall done as well |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by greatscot
Took my X to the nearby Honda dealer today for my 22,500 service, oil change and tire rotation. $53.00 total. 2/3 of what the Acura dealer would have charged...
$40 bucks for my 22.5k service from a local independent... |
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| srpbep |
| $25 for my 22,500 (oil change). I had the tires rotated (and rebalanced) at a different facility (purchased a lifetime rotate/balance package for $30.00 -- other facility = Walmart!!). |
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| Markedoc |
I have 29k miles ... dealer called about a tensioner recall and I asked about the 30k check-up ... he said $525!!!!!
I'll be checking the manual and making a list tonight when I get home - unreal. |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
Had my 22.5K service done today - $155
Had the recall done as well
:eek: I was wrong, looks like the Honda Dealer only charged me 1/3 of the Acura price, wow! I will be going back for the next maint. check. |
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| Markedoc |
Ok - I did my homework and still have a question. For the 30k tune-up under the severe condition schedule, I need:
air filter replace
auto tran fluid replace
cabin air filter replace
oil and filter change
rear diffy fluid change
The rest is "inspect" this and that. The suggestion has been made to just have the dealer do the specific items listed above, and I tend to agree with that concept. For example, I really don't need to have anyone inspect the hinges, locks and latched on my car and charge me for it. I am amazed that the dealer quoted $525 for this 30k service ....
The question is - do you run into warranty issues if the dealer DOESN'T do the "inspection" items? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
Ok - I did my homework and still have a question. For the 30k tune-up under the severe condition schedule, I need:
air filter replace
auto tran fluid replace
cabin air filter replace
oil and filter change
rear diffy fluid change
The rest is "inspect" this and that. The suggestion has been made to just have the dealer do the specific items listed above, and I tend to agree with that concept. For example, I really don't need to have anyone inspect the hinges, locks and latched on my car and charge me for it. I am amazed that the dealer quoted $525 for this 30k service ....
The question is - do you run into warranty issues if the dealer DOESN'T do the "inspection" items?
I think it's slightly more than 'checking'. Just take a can of silicone or teflon spray and touch up all your door, hatch, and hood hinges and latches, and you are done. Should be no warranty issue there. Make sure they all function as needed.
More importantly CV joint boots should be checked regularly for tears or leaks. Take a flashlight and get under and do it. Should not take more than a couple of minutes. Any other fluid leaks?
Check your drive belts for fraying, battery top for corrosion, and all fluid levels.
Everything else is quite self-explanatory like checking all your lights, and tire pressures, making sure your vehicle stops and goes normally.
You now saved about $200+. |
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| JeffK |
Dear Markedoc
You wrote:
"The question is - do you run into warranty issues if the dealer DOESN'T do the "inspection" items?"
Of course not!
After the 30,000 miles service, you are driving and a door falls off because of a defective hinge.
Is this covered by the warranty? Of course it is.
As a matter of fact, these inspections should be done, by the dealer, but at no cost to you!
I suggest it is outrageous for a dealer to charge to inspect for problems that are covered by a warranty - the responsibility and cost for correction thereof to be borne by the dealer/manufacturer. |
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| DaleB |
| I should mention, I do the checks I listed myself. I would never let a dealer charge me for them, but I never know that he does them. |
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| Markedoc |
Awesome advice guys.
I called my local HONDA dealer and the same service for the Pilot was $130 cheaper. They will also do the items individually and skip the "inspections" so I gave them the specific list of items I want done - air filter, trans fluid, cabin air filter, oil and filter change, and diffy fluid change. I am guessing it will be around $200 for that work - will post amount later.
I will do the inspection items myself.
Either way, it's an enormous savings from the $525 quoted at my Acura Stealer. |
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| Markedoc |
Well, the total charge from the Honda dealer was $205 (using Mbil 1 oil) without the replacement of the pollen filter. I'm going to do that after I get the filter from Tim and use the excellent instructions below. Next time I will bring my own Mobil 1 to the Honda dealer and save another $20.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...t=pollen+filter
I also ordered engine air filters from Tim as well and will add that to the DIY stuff I do.
My preference is to only have the mechanic/dealer do the fluid changes because I don't want to bother with that and the disposal, etc.
Anyhow, thanks to this board for saving me from spending $525 (using regular oil, not Mobil 1) at the Acura dealer. |
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| SouthOCMDX |
Also wanted to thank everyone in this thread for saving me some cash!
I went to South Coast Acura last Friday for my 30K service. They initially quoted me $440 for the service, but when I was surprised at the price, they said they could do it on "special" for $389 (story was there's a coupon coming out next month). When I pressed them on why it cost so much (what happened to the 105K tune-up interval?), they told me the service included the usual stuff plus a coolant change and a brake fluid change. These aren't needed at 30K!
I have the trans cooler, but I still wanted to do the trans fluid change under the "severe" schedule since I did some desert towing last summer. Anyway, I ended up doing the inspections myself and here's what my cost ended up being:
Oil & Filter Change
Parts 14.00
Labor 14.00
Trans Fluid Change
Parts 20.00
Labor 40.00
VTM-4 Fluid Change
Parts 25.00
Labor 40.00
Filters
Part - Pollen Filter 35.92
Part - Air Filter 18.75
CA Sales Tax 8.81
Total 216.48
I did the air filter and pollen filter changes myself... the air filter took 5 minutes, pollen filter took 30 minutes using instructions from Hockeyplayer's Thread (thanks Hockeyplayer). Next time I'll buy the filters from Tim (South Coast Acura's prices are a bit higher), and I'll do the tire rotations at my next Walmart oil change. |
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| srpbep |
SouthOCMDX,
Hey, if you use Walmart, they have a GREAT DEAL on rotation. For a ONE TIME charge of $30.00 (good for life of the tires), Walmart will rotate AND rebalance the tires every 6,000 miles.
I know that tires do not need to be rebalanced every 6,000 miles. That said, they do spin them up on the balancer each time. They always find at least one tire that is a little off. When they do, they pull the weights and rebalance.
The total cost for the life of the tires from Walmart is what most dealerships change for a single rotation (doesn't include balancing)!! Hard to beat with a stick (even a big stick).
The great part is that cost does not become a consideration and I do rotate/balance the tires on our MDX and our Accord every 6,000 miles. Get great tire life, get even wear, get a smooth ride -- always in very good balance contributes to all three!! |
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| JeffK |
| Thanks for the info! |
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| MrPrescott |
The dealer quoted me $650 for everything. After I caught my breath, I realized they had included a couple of things that the manual didn't have listed. So, I went a la carte. Oil change, differential fluid, air filter, rotate tires, check brakes and belts. Actual cost: $185. I decided to forget the pollen filter for now - but may give it a go on my own after reading another post.
What a joke: just because I'm willing and able to buy a $35,000 car doesn't mean that I'm stupid enough to drop $650 to pad the pockets of my dealer.:rolleyes: |
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| GDTRFB |
JeffK
How would you rate the service department at Rallye? I am not buying my new MDX from them, but they are very close. I hope Rallye service is better the sales. My other choice is Smithtown Acura. They are much further away, but highly recommended.
Maybe I should not pre-judge Rallye, but I expect to be over-charged there based on my shopping experience and the affluence of the area. |
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| JeffK |
Dear GDTRFB:
Please remember that before I went to Rallye, I read my owner's manual and typed up a list of what I wanted done.
I gave my list to the service writer. Everything was done to my satisfaction. I made an appointment and they honored it.
This was for the 15,000 mile service. I basically had them change the oil, oil filter and the VTM. Total cost, including tax, was $101.16.
They also did the factory recall on the Evaporate control system.
If you want to use Rallye, I just received a coupon, expiration 6/30 for $24.50 oil change and $125 front brake pad replacement.
Happy to send it to you.
JeffK |
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| GDTRFB |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Dear GDTRFB:
Please remember that before I went to Rallye, I read my owner's manual and typed up a list of what I wanted done.
I gave my list to the service writer. Everything was done to my satisfaction. I made an appointment and they honored it.
This was for the 15,000 mile service. I basically had them change the oil, oil filter and the VTM. Total cost, including tax, was $101.16.
They also did the factory recall on the Evaporate control system.
If you want to use Rallye, I just received a coupon, expiration 6/30 for $24.50 oil change and $125 front brake pad replacement.
Happy to send it to you.
JeffK
Thanks for the offer. I received the same one, as I am on the mailing list from a long time ago. Really was just wondering about the quality of their service department in general (and fairness in price). Your suggestion to read the maintenance schedule and give THEM a list is noted -- and appreciated. Thanks. |
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| jagmeister |
I just came up on 30k. So I ordered the pollen and air filters from Tim for around $43, installed them myself, and asked the Acura dealer to change the oil, VTM, transmission fluid, and rotate the tires.
Total cost: $171 + $43 (for filters) + 1 hour of install time = $214
Quote for 30k miles service: $420
Never thought I could do it myself but I learned a valuable lesson today. No telling how much I could have saved over the first 22.5k of service. I'm a believer.
Rob |
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| jagmeister |
It was the most expensive item: $59.
I read that string on tire rotations but I recently replaced both front tires after one of my fronts blew out. So I felt the need to do the rotation and balance. Without that cost, the service would have been around $110.
Rob |
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| JeffK |
$59 WOW!
Goodyear would love to hear that - but I will not tell them!
They quoted me $20 for 4 tires - but no charge if I bought the tires from them!
JeffK |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
30000 miles / 48000 km
I paid $700CDN for the service......ripped off or what:eek: |
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| OP MDX |
| I just made an appt for 30000 service. It's $479! I asked for a discount and immediately got 10%. I will ask (demand) this every time. At the same time, more power to everyone here that is doing some of the install themselves. I don't have the time, nor knowledge, or patience for the learning curve to do these things to save $100 - $200. |
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| Markedoc |
| Congrats on the discount. The only DIY parts of the tune-up that I do are the cabin filters (saved over $100 and took 30 mins tops) and air filter. No crawling under the car to do those items and they are very easy to do. The rest of tune-up is done by my local Honda dealer. |
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| Taiwanese |
I just had my 30,000 miles service done at the local Japanese car specialist (Arcadia, CA).
oil change
trans oil
brake oil
VTM 4
air filter
pollen filter (I bought from Tim)
rotate tires
$135.00 (without the cost of pollen filter)
($75 was for labor) |
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| hikeleader |
Ramsey Acura in Ramsey, NJ quoted me $450 for the 30,000 service.
Took it to Firestone in Wyckoff, NJ.
They were super friendly and professional.
They did all of the service that Acura would have done for $187.00
included:
Oil and filter change
air filter
rotate tires
VTM fluid change
Trans flush and change
inspect and lube
fuel system clean
2002 Acura MDX Base Model |
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| JeffK |
Sounds good to me!
Did you supply the air filter?
What about the pollen filter?
JeffK |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by hikeleader
Ramsey Acura in Ramsey, NJ quoted me $450 for the 30,000 service.
Took it to Firestone in Wyckoff, NJ.
They were super friendly and professional.
They did all of the service that Acura would have done for $187.00
included:
Oil and filter change
air filter
rotate tires
VTM fluid change
Trans flush and change
inspect and lube
fuel system clean
2002 Acura MDX Base Model
What about the pollen filter? |
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| fadi001 |
I took my X to a local Acura dealer today because it is vibrating when cornering at slow speed. The service manager told me that the noise is from the rear differential and that this problem usually occurs if the oil was not changed at 7500 and 15000 miles (which I have not done and the X has 32000 miles on it now - bad me).
My Acura dealer's quote is $540 plus $60 if they have to reflush the rear differential oil twice since the car has 32000 miles on it without prior differential oil change. So we're talking around $600!!!!
:mad: |
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| JeffK |
RIDICULOUS
You are being fleeced
If there is trouble with your differential, it must be covered by warranty.
A flush or change should be less than $150.
JeffK |
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| fadi001 |
The $600 includes a complete 30000 mile service, not only the rear differential fluid. Still, $600 seems way too high to me. I just called another Acura dealer in Massachussetts and they quoted me $620 for the 30000 mile service. :eek:
Question - if the problem did not go away with the fluid change, would the car still be covered under warranty even though I had not changed the rear differential fluid before reaching 30000 miles?
Thanks. |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by fadi001
The $600 includes a complete 30000 mile service, not only the rear differential fluid. Still, $600 seems way too high to me. I just called another Acura dealer in Massachussetts and they quoted me $620 for the 30000 mile service. :eek:
Question - if the problem did not go away with the fluid change, would the car still be covered under warranty even though I had not changed the rear differential fluid before reaching 30000 miles?
Thanks.
Wow - I thought my dealer was nuts quoting $530. You gotta read the threads on this if you haven't - there's really not much that's done at 30k miles - I brought mine to the Honda dealer and told them to just do the items on the list I gave them and it was around $200, and I changed the cabin pollen filter myself for $25 and 30 minutes of my time.
I would GUESS is you didn't have the service done on something and later developed a problem, you'd be on the hook. Kinda like not doing oil changes and developing engine trouble. |
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| frainc |
| I just checked in my X how much for 30,000 and it is $315. Everything gets done by my dealer. I guess not to bad looking at some of these posts here. |
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| jamchen |
well, my MDX is 4k km till her first major service (40,000km), just phoned my dealer which nearby my house, OMG they were asking for $500 US ( $720 AU), was soo pissed so i rang up another dealer which is about 15 min away from my house (since we don't have ACURA in Australia, so they are all HONDA dealerships). and GUESS WHAT!!!! THEY ON SPOT KICKED ANOTHER DEALER'S ASS BY OFFERRING A QUOTE THAT IS REALLY REALLY ATTRACTIVE!!! $250 US ( $365 AU)!!! and they offer same services! what a shock!:o :o
i thnk i will stick with this dealer from now on since they just had a new service dep. with kinda see-through servicing area, so you can actually who is servicing your car and etc.!:D :cool: |
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| hikeleader |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
What about the pollen filter?
Did not replace it. It was clean. |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by hikeleader
Did not replace it. It was clean.
But most of the cost is labor - my dealer quoted something like $130 to replace the $25 filter. Seems kind of odd that they would take the trouble of pulling apart the glovebox, cut the brace, look at the filter, decide it was clean, and reverse the process - and not charge you anything for it.
If they did charge you for it, they might as well have put a new filter in while going through the effort .. |
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| hikeleader |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Sounds good to me!
Did you supply the air filter?
What about the pollen filter?
JeffK
I did not supply the air filter, they did.
The Pollen Filter was still quite clean. |
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| hikeleader |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
But most of the cost is labor - my dealer quoted something like $130 to replace the $25 filter. Seems kind of odd that they would take the trouble of pulling apart the glovebox, cut the brace, look at the filter, decide it was clean, and reverse the process - and not charge you anything for it.
If they did charge you for it, they might as well have put a new filter in while going through the effort ..
I can't rule out the possibilty that they just said that because they forgot to do it or didn't know how.
Have been bringing cars to them for a while and have always been honest but you never know.
Short of watching them do it how would I really know?
How much time would it take to do? |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by hikeleader
I can't rule out the possibilty that they just said that because they forgot to do it or didn't know how.
Have been bringing cars to them for a while and have always been honest but you never know.
Short of watching them do it how would I really know?
How much time would it take to do?
Well ... it took me about 30 minutes, but I have no idea how long their "book" says to charge. All I know is they quoted me around $130 just for this item and ended up buying the filter myself from Tim for $25 or so. That would seem to me to leave room for a few hours of their labor.
I've also heard of dealers quoting many hours of labor to replace the mast antenna, saying they need to remove the entire headliner. I replaced my mast antenna, and it was pretty easy to do in 15 - 30 minutes WITHOUT removing the entire headliner.
Who knows. |
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| hikeleader |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
Well ... it took me about 30 minutes, but I have no idea how long their "book" says to charge. All I know is they quoted me around $130 just for this item and ended up buying the filter myself from Tim for $25 or so. That would seem to me to leave room for a few hours of their labor.
I've also heard of dealers quoting many hours of labor to replace the mast antenna, saying they need to remove the entire headliner. I replaced my mast antenna, and it was pretty easy to do in 15 - 30 minutes WITHOUT removing the entire headliner.
Who knows.
Based on the pictures I saw here my guess is it needs replacing!
I will try it myself. Sounds like a reasonably easy thing to do.
Is the pollen filter replacement a standard part of the 30,000 service and therefore was included in the $450 price they quoted me? If so, then my guess is that if Firestone has actually done it they would have charged less, maybe $100 and that would have brough total cost of 30,000 mile service to $300 TOPS. Still quite a bit cheaper. |
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| JeffK |
As I understand it, to check the Pollen filter you must remove it.
Once removed, because of the labor and cutting involved, it does not make sense not to replace it.
I suspect that they skipped the pollen filter.
Air filter: From posts, this is not an open and close replacement, but one that requires removal of a few bolts.
Did they return the original air filter to you? If not, then I would check it myself to see if in fact that actually did that.
JeffK |
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| thai_tx |
| Acura dealer in Austin, TX charges $300 for the 30K service. |
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| alsky |
| I just picked my car up from the service. With tax, it was 516! sure wish I would have read this board first! I am so upset! I just figured it was worth it, since the car cost so much $, but now I realize they really did nothing!!! Not really sure what to do about it now. I've seen a few of you talk about recalls, but I haven't received any? |
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| JeffK |
There really is something you can do and should do.
First, go to your owner's manual and then on your computer list the items Acura recommends be done. Print that list out.
Second, take that list to the service manager. Ask him to specifically price out the work there, item by item
Third, this price should be no more than $200/$250. Then ask him what else they did for $516 and who authorized the work????.
Your failure to bring in a list of work to be done is not the end.
You have every right to expect the dealer to do the work Acura says is needed on the 30,000 mile checkup. If they did additional work, beyond what is specified in the owner's manual, before doing so they should have obtained your authorization.
If they did not, and I assume they did not get your authorization, then you should not be stuck with the cost of the unnecessary work.
JeffK |
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| TulsaMDX |
| Well, we just got stung for $500, but that did include a new battery. Should have read this post first. It will not happen again. Thanks JeffK for all your good advice. |
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| JeffK |
Do not want to rub salt into an old wound, but a Battery is a warranty item.
At worst it should have been prorated.
At best, you could have gone to Sears and installed a diehard for considerably less.
JeffK |
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| TulsaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Do not want to rub salt into an old wound, but a Battery is a warranty item.
At worst it should have been prorated.
At best, you could have gone to Sears and installed a diehard for considerably less.
JeffK
I was not clear, the battery was pro-rated. |
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| JimH |
Fadi001: You said "My Acura dealer's quote is $540 plus $60 if they have to reflush the rear differential oil twice since the car has 32000 miles on it without prior differential oil change."
I do not understand the reflushing the rear differential (VTM) twice?
Once you drain the rear differential, you then fill up w/ 100% new VTM fluid. There is no reason to drain it a second time at the same service date--am I missing something? |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by JimH
Fadi001: You said "My Acura dealer's quote is $540 plus $60 if they have to reflush the rear differential oil twice since the car has 32000 miles on it without prior differential oil change."
I do not understand the reflushing the rear differential (VTM) twice?
Once you drain the rear differential, you then fill up w/ 100% new VTM fluid. There is no reason to drain it a second time at the same service date--am I missing something?
Nope, you're not missing anything, just another way for the stealers to empty more $$$$$ from your pocket. |
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| fadi001 |
quote:
Originally posted by JimH
Fadi001: You said "My Acura dealer's quote is $540 plus $60 if they have to reflush the rear differential oil twice since the car has 32000 miles on it without prior differential oil change."
I do not understand the reflushing the rear differential (VTM) twice?
Once you drain the rear differential, you then fill up w/ 100% new VTM fluid. There is no reason to drain it a second time at the same service date--am I missing something?
When I asked the dealer why he needs to reflush the VTM oil twice, he said that's because the oil has never been changed before and it may be too contaminated and needs to be flushed, drive the car, and then re-flush again.
However he ended up flushing it only once and the VTM noise went away. But $540 is still a rip-off.
Fadi- |
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| MoogieBoogie |
Should have read this thread before I made my appointment this morning.
Park Ave Acura in Maywood, NJ wants $392.90 (or something like that) for 30k mile service which doesn't include the VTM-4 flush. It includes a ton of inspections, brake fluid flush, ATF flush, oil and filter change, and replacing the air filter. The VTM-4 flush adds another $89 to the price.
I'm going to call them tomorrow and price things out separately.
Thanks acuramdx.org!
-Brian. |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by MoogieBoogie
Should have read this thread before I made my appointment this morning.
Park Ave Acura in Maywood, NJ wants $392.90 (or something like that) for 30k mile service which doesn't include the VTM-4 flush. It includes a ton of inspections, brake fluid flush, ATF flush, oil and filter change, and replacing the air filter. The VTM-4 flush adds another $89 to the price.
I'm going to call them tomorrow and price things out separately.
Thanks acuramdx.org!
-Brian.
I thought the brake fluid was done at 3 years, not 30k miles? |
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| MoogieBoogie |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
I thought the brake fluid was done at 3 years, not 30k miles?
I'm not even sure. I haven't had a chance to look through the owners manual to find what maintenance is needed. I usually just trust my dealer but learned through this post that they are not always the most honest.
-Brian. |
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| richkuan |
I have access to a garage, so always do the maintenance by myself.
Did the 30K on my 2003 X before vacation last month. All parts are dealer parts.
Oil and Filter : 5w-20 $1.76 X 5 + $3.75 = $12.55.
VTM-4 Oil : $16 (flush? why? I am not a big fan of "Flush", never flushed anything on my cars for the past 15 years. Never had any problem that's caused by not-flushed. And I doubt there is anything "flushable" in that differential.)
Balance & Rotate tires : $0 (NTB has lifetime, but I did it myself)
Dust & Pollen Filter : $28
Air Filter : $0 (Compress air blow cleaned)
Check Brake : $0 (Pads and rotors are in good condition, don't want to touch them)
Inspect Brake lines, fuel lines, and all those super expensive visual inspections (take me about 5 minutes) : $0
Trans Oil : Not time yet (45K item), the fluid is still reddish.
Brake Oil : Not time yet (3 year item).
So, total for parts around $70. It took me about 2 hours to do it. |
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| kunB |
My car is nearing the 30k mark and I called up the pohanka guys, and they quote 600$ for the service. This they say is for severe conditions because DC area according to Acura is considered 'too severe' for a car. Looks like I will need to look around for attractive pricing,.
update after 2 hrs:-
I called up a 4-5 of dealerships . The lowest I quote I received was from MontgomerryVille Acura, MontgomerryVille - PA for $480. Since I go up north frequently, I might plan on getting the 30k done there to save 100 bucks . Anybody used this dealership before ? |
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| JeffK |
Once again strongly suggest you read the owner's manual and other posts as to what is severe conditions and what is not.
Normal driving in the Washington DC area is not severe conditions.
Also if you check your owner's manual you will note the work is basically the same for normal and severe, the difference is the frequency.
Finally strongly suggest you read all the post on this thread. When you do you will find that the 30,000 miles service should cost less than $200.
JeffK |
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| richkuan |
Totally agree! The only difference for the $600 you pay is peace in mind and probably won't do much good to your car.
I have a friend (female) who asked me about 30K maintenance 2 weeks ago. I told her there is no such thing as "30K maintenance" and told her to read the manual. The dealer quoted her $580. I told her there really isn't much to do and make a short list to her. But she still go with dealer's list. Sigh..... I am so glad that I know cars and don't have to bleed so badly..... |
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| wasjr |
| I agree. There is usually a big difference in the dealer's recommended maintenance list and the factory recommended list. Last fall I went from an 01 to an 05 that was purchased at a non Acura dealer. The 30,000 service at the local Acura dealer was $400 and included changing all fluids & filters, as well as tire rotation & balance, the luxurious hand washing of the vehicle, and the use of a loaner vehicle. I had the service done since the vehicle was new to me and I had a 20% discount coupon, but will either have future service done elsewhere or specify which services to perform. |
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| kunB |
Prices are increasing these days. I just cant image paying 600$ for a 30K service. What will the amount be for 110K service. Acura and its dealers says that no major tune ups needed till 100K. 30K does look like a major tune up by looking at the price. :confused:
quote:
Originally posted by wasjr
I agree. There is usually a big difference in the dealer's recommended maintenance list and the factory recommended list. Last fall I went from an 01 to an 05 that was purchased at a non Acura dealer. The 30,000 service at the local Acura dealer was $400 and included changing all fluids & filters, as well as tire rotation & balance, the luxurious hand washing of the vehicle, and the use of a loaner vehicle. I had the service done since the vehicle was new to me and I had a 20% discount coupon, but will either have future service done elsewhere or specify which services to perform.
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
I'd be a tad miffed:
Parts = $174 -- hmmm, Oil Filter, Oil, Trans fluid, VTM-Fluid, brake fluid, air filter. Doesn't look like $174 to me. Unless wheel weights are $30 per weight and they REALLY marked up the crush washers used in the oil/trans/VTM changes!!
Tune-Up -- On this one, I would see Service Manager and demand a WRITTEN description of what was done. Once I had this, I would then ask WHY it was done. Then I would contact Honda Corporate. "There ain't nothing to tune" at 30,000 miles ... This will really be a good one
I would be a lot more than a tad miffed.
I would be raging mad.
My 30K "checkup" cost me $59.07. That was to change the rear differential fluid. Labor and fluid!!!
G |
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| jcpajer88 |
I recently purchased a used 2004 MDX with $46k miles from a local BMW dealer. In doing a bit of research, I discovered that the previous owner serviced the car at a local Acura dealer, but did not do the 30k miles service.
When I purchased the car, I took it into our local Firestone to have the oil and air filter changed, tires rotated, and to give it a general "once over." However, because the previous owner did not do the 30k service, I would like to take the car in to have the brake, transfer, tranny, and VTM-4 fluids changed.
Should I get these items done at the dealer, or is it safe to take the car into the local Firestone? |
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| G. COLTON |
If you have a good, trustworthy Firestone dealer let him do the job.
G |
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| highmath |
| Yeah, I'm the second owner of my X and I found out that the last time the rear diff fluid was back in aug 2005: needless to say my jaw hit the floor. I got on the list for my appt at the dealer tomorrow along with a oil change and alignment. I think am gonna take advantage of a free A/C inspection I got i | | | |
