| Morgan89 |
| Anyone have an idea on price for this one? Mine goes in on Friday and they quoted $259 - $350 depending on "what it needs". That irritated me...... Just wondering what everyone else is paying. |
|
|
| hondacuraworld |
| Cheap.....ours is $419.95 |
|
|
| Morgan89 |
$419 - Yikes! Guess I better count my lucky stars. I'm thinking no one else on the board has an MDX with my kind of mileage yet.
Tim - do they make the cage like devices that people use to keep dogs in the back of the truck? You know, like police cars have? If so, do you have a price for me?
Thanks! |
|
|
| hondacuraworld |
| I know that they make them, but nothing that I carry here....... |
|
|
| oceanMDX |
| I was charged $280.90 at Falconi's Acura of Las Vegas. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Morgan89
$419 - Yikes! Guess I better count my lucky stars. I'm thinking no one else on the board has an MDX with my kind of mileage yet.
Tim - do they make the cage like devices that people use to keep dogs in the back of the truck? You know, like police cars have? If so, do you have a price for me?
Thanks!
Were you going to sic the dogs on them if they charge too much?:eek: |
|
|
| ayanomich |
OceanMDX,
How long ago did you have yours done? At the rate we're driving, we probably won't have our 30K till 2003 or 2004...so far, we've had our 3,750 oil change at Falconi and it was only $23 bucks, so the 30K service prices sounds really great too... |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Were you going to sic the dogs on them if they charge too much?:eek:
LOL! :D :p :2: :5: :19: :20: :22:
(BTW) DaleB,
I'm trying to find the email to resend it. It was long! |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxxxx
LOL! :D :p :2: :5: :19: :20: :22:
(BTW) DaleB,
I'm trying to find the email to resend it. It was long!
Hahaha!! oh well.....it must have been good then....if not just send the 'key points'.....:D :2: :18: |
|
|
| Morgan89 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Were you going to sic the dogs on them if they charge too much?:eek:
Well, he's a yellow lab puppy (8 mos so rather large) and WAY too friendly to attack anyone at the Acura place :(
I still have to find a cage thing for him though - he freaks out when I open the tailgate and jumps over into the middle row. This wouldn't be that bad but the first time he freaked out he jumped over the middle row, over the console and pinned me between the seat and the steering wheel. He made little dents on the console (that will not go away) and I was NOT HAPPY! I can not repeat that fiasco again. I love my MDX too much to have the pup ruining the seats! |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Cheap.....ours is $419.95
What do they do on that service that would raise the cost above $400? |
|
|
| dmyles |
quote:
Originally posted by Morgan89
Tim - do they make the cage like devices that people use to keep dogs in the back of the truck? You know, like police cars have? If so, do you have a price for me?
Why not install the Acura separation net? I bought mine specifically to keep my dog in the back. It works great. And I got mine from Tim, actually. |
|
|
| srpbep |
Thought I would try some math. The services were obtained from the OwnerLink Service Schedule. The figures are just SWAGS. I encourage others to refine my numbers:
25 Oil & Oil Filter
50 Rear differential Svc = VTM Change
25 Replace Air Filter
50 Replace Dust/Pollen Filter
25 Rotate Tires
====
175 Total of Above
In addition to this, they "do" a number of other things:
*** Inspect drive shaft boots.
*** Check parking brake adjustment
*** Inspect brake hoses and lines
*** Check all fluid levels, condition of fluid, check for leaks
*** Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
*** Inspect exhaust system
*** Inspect fuel lines and connections
Well ... say the "check this n that" takes an hour --> add another $75.00 to the above --> $250. By the way, once on the lift and the wheels off the car, betcha that the "checking stuff" takes all of 15 minutes. OK, the mechanic deserves a coffee break, so give the guy 30 minutes!!
Soooo, where does this $400.00 stuff come from???? |
|
|
| dmyles |
| Chewy....with the sep net installed. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
Thought I would try some math. The services were obtained from the OwnerLink Service Schedule. The figures are just SWAGS. I encourage others to refine my numbers:
25 Oil & Oil Filter
50 Rear differential Svc = VTM Change
25 Replace Air Filter
50 Replace Dust/Pollen Filter
25 Rotate Tires
====
175 Total of Above
In addition to this, they "do" a number of other things:
*** Inspect drive shaft boots.
*** Check parking brake adjustment
*** Inspect brake hoses and lines
*** Check all fluid levels, condition of fluid, check for leaks
*** Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
*** Inspect exhaust system
*** Inspect fuel lines and connections
Well ... say the "check this n that" takes an hour --> add another $75.00 to the above --> $250. By the way, once on the lift and the wheels off the car, betcha that the "checking stuff" takes all of 15 minutes. OK, the mechanic deserves a coffee break, so give the guy 30 minutes!!
Soooo, where does this $400.00 stuff come from????
Are you bringing your own oil & filter? Los Gatos Acura $17 out the door if you do includes a car wash and vacuum. Only $10 more for the rotation. They could have done it at 4500 miles, but told me it was too early.
....the K&N Air Filter doesn't get replaced.
.....that's only around $120 including 5 qts of Mobil 1, the Honda oil fiter, and a pollen filter that I replace myself.
Yeah, I guess any inspections required by the warranty. So just under 2 bills....I'll bring donuts.... |
|
|
| Morgan89 |
| Your dog looked mighty comfy in the back of the MDX! I would prefer metal because I'm afraid our lab would eat the net - this dog eats anything! I might give it a try though. He's going to dog obed. school so maybe we can train him not to touch the sep net. Thanks for the idea! |
|
|
| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by Morgan89
Your dog looked mighty comfy in the back of the MDX! I would prefer metal because I'm afraid our lab would eat the net - this dog eats anything! I might give it a try though. He's going to dog obed. school so maybe we can train him not to touch the sep net. Thanks for the idea!
You might want to check out the separation net. It is really quite stiff and tough. I use it with my GSD and my Greyhound, and there is no way they could chew through it.
I have found it to work quite well.
:cool: |
|
|
| oceanMDX |
quote:
OceanMDX,
How long ago did you have yours done? At the rate we're driving, we probably won't have our 30K till 2003 or 2004...so far, we've had our 3,750 oil change at Falconi and it was only $23 bucks, so the 30K service prices sounds really great too...
It was 6 or 7 weeks ago. |
|
|
| ayanomich |
| Thanks for the info...I sure hope the price stays somewhat stable, but Falconi's move to the new location at Jones and Sahara will probably result in some sort of increase..someone's got to pay for the new digs so it may as well be the customer! |
|
|
| mystMDX |
I just had my 30k maintenance done at very reputable local mechanics in Ann Arbor.
I chose them because of their honesty, excellent work and service.They are also conveniently located. I also thought I'd save a significant amount of money over what the local dealership charges (around $378.00.)
The Acura dealership told my mechanic that they don't change the cabin/pollen filter at 30k. The manual however, does recommend changing. I did choose to have it replaced and I'm glad, because it was quite dirty.The first time they pull out the original cabin filter (which is done through the glove compartment) They have to cut a plastic bar that holds it in place.
Here's the breakdown of cost:
I brought my own mobile1 oil;
Labor:
30,000 mile service: $65.00
which included Tire Rotation
adjust parking brake,
inspecting:
brake hoses, lines and cables.
brake system, cooling sys hoses and clamps, drive belts, driveshaft/propeller shaft dust boots, exhaust sys, fluid and lubricant levels, fuel line connections, steering gear/rack, steering rack boots, suspension components, tire rod ends
Labor:
Replacing oil and filter. $16.25
Labor:
Change Rear axle fluid (VTM-4) $32.50
" Trans fluid (old fluid looked normal)$32.50
Replace cabin/Pollen filter and Air Filter
and free debris (a few fall leaves) from blower motor area $81.25
Parts (All Honda/Acura orginal):
Honda Trans fluid Z-1 5@4.32=$21.60
VTM-4 Gear oil/Gal =$21.39
Cabin Filter =$41.30
Air Filter =$18.86
oil filter =$7.62
drain plug seal =$0.50
Total cost with 6% sate tax: $350.01
Clearly, I didn't save much, if anything over the dealers cost (unless they really don't replace the cabin filter at 30k.)
I do have the peace of mind knowing that all was inspected and worked on by very competent mechanics.
It's still seems like a hefty price for a 30k maintenance especially on the heels of a recent early summer 15k maintenance (That I had done at the local Ann Arbor Acura dealership.) |
|
|
| jford62 |
| Parts alone cost me about $155 plus shipping (14 qts transmission fluid, 1 gal VTM fluid, micron filter, air filter, oil filter, 5 qts Mobile 1). They only did a drain and fill, not a flush, if they only used 5 qts of ATM fluid. |
|
|
| srpbep |
jford62 points out that tranny service was simple drain/fill not 3X flush. Interesting because:
** 1st tranny service is NOT DUE until 45,000.
** Don't think that Acura specifies 3X flush, simply tranny service. To most people, a tranny service is simple drain/fill. |
|
|
| jford62 |
| It all depends on what service schedule you want to follow. In reading the posts about other people's experience with burned/discolored fluid, I opted to follow the severe schedule (my usage does not meet the severe guidelines, though) to gain, what I see as, an extra measure of protection. After seeing the color of my fluid at 30,000 (and that was with a simple drain/fill of 3.5 quarts at 22,500 miles) I would recommend the change at 30,000 to anybody. I wonder what kind of damage would have been done to the transmission if I had waited until 45,000 miles. It is your call. I want to protect my $38,000 investment. |
|
|
| DaleB |
Here is part of the dilemma. They charged mystMDX about $54 to change the ATF. Much more reasonable than places that in fact charge $65-80.
Remember, there is no pan or filter to drop. By all rights, the labor should not be more than an oil change when you think about it.
So now what are they going to charge for a 3X change?
My intent is to find an Acura dealer that will do a flush. I know of one (Desert Acura) that charges under $120 for the flush. To me that's cheap to change ALL the fluid.
There has been contraversy about flushes, but then there has been contraversy about anything to do the transmission.
If an Acura dealer does flushes, I am going for it at 30K. It's done by the dealer, and I am meeting warranty requirements.
Also, I may go the a simple ATF change every 7500 miles. Only because my fluid is darker than new, but still transparent but does not smell burnt.
I will have the dealership evaluate the fluild too, and document it on the invoice. |
|
|
| srpbep |
quote:
jford62 wrote:
... After seeing the color of my fluid at 30,000 (and that was with a simple drain/fill of 3.5 quarts at 22,500 miles) I would recommend the change at 30,000 to anybody. I wonder what kind of damage would have been done to the transmission if I had waited until 45,000 miles...
jford62,
What did your ATF look like at 30,000 miles? What does it look like now after a simple 1X drain/fill?
In addition to the above, I noted that you listed a "drain plug seal =$0.50" in your post (I assume this was the oil drain plug). This is interesting to me because I did NOT notice any of the following:
** Rear end drain plug seal (e.g. crush washer).
** Rear end fill plug seal (e.g. crush washer).
** Tranny drain plug seal (e.g. crush washer).
** Tranny fill plug seal (e.g. crush washer).
Just curious what happened to these parts? |
|
|
| jford62 |
"Drain plug seal" was not my post. I replaced all crush washers, except the ATF fill plug, as I filled my ATF through the dip stick tube. I educated my local Acura dealer way back when in 1986 when I changed my oil at 3,000 in my Integra....they looked at me like I was an idiot when I bought a crush washer and told them Acura called for it in the owner's manual. I had one of the very first Integras and was probably one of the first to change the oil.
I did a simple drain and fill at 22,500 and don't really remember what color the fluid was. I guess I was not too concerned at the time, or I would have done a flush then. As I mentioned, the fluid was brown at 30,000. I will continue to do as Deltajetfixer suggested, and do a drain and fill at every oil change (I use Mobil 1 at 7,500 mile intervals.) Hopefully, this will keep the fluid red. |
|
|
| deltajetfixer |
quote:
Originally posted by jford62
[BHopefully, this will keep the fluid red. [/B]
It will:D |
|
|
| pdempsey |
| Now that Honda has he Pilot, it will be interesting to see what they might charge for the 15K and 30K service. |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by mystMDX
I just had my 30k maintenance done at very reputable local mechanics in Ann Arbor.
I chose them because of their honesty, ...
Replace cabin/Pollen filter and Air Filter
and free debris (a few fall leaves) from blower motor area $81.25
Cabin Filter =$41.30
I do have the peace of mind knowing that all was inspected and worked on by very competent mechanics.
Can't resist....
How do you know they are "very competent"?
and why is $81 in labor plus $41 for a filter "honest"? Takes 30 minutes to do...15 if you are a competent mechanic.
(I guess the extra time was for removal of leaves? :) )
$122 for the cabin air filter!
Still, must smell better with the new filter in place...
:) Ard |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
From another thread:
Acura MDX A/C Pollen Filter
Customer Rating: not yet rated
Code: 80290-S0X-A01
Retail: $34.42
Your Price: $26.83
So the RETAIL suggested by Acura is $7 less than your 'honest' dealer charges....
A littlle here, a little there, pretty soon it is a $400 oil change and service...
Ard |
|
|
| srpbep |
ardvarkus,
A GREAT catch ... such a shame ... another "honest" dealer bites the dust !!
Actually, I shouldn't insinuate that they are not honest. There is nothing I know of that says marking up mfg parts to 120% of MSRP is not honest.
It just "AIN'T RIGHT" IMHO.
Maybe, since the dealer can't get MSRP+++ for the Xs anymore, they are trying to make up the lost profit in the shop???
Naw, betcha they got ya comin' and goin' before ... poor dealer |
|
|
| msu79gt82 |
Ouch! I am spoiled; our MDX came with 2 years / 24K mile factory recommended warranty:D I haven't had to pay yet:)
However we are coming up on 30K soon and ... like I said ouch! I'll have to get specific with them and find out exactly what is covered. Probably early January, after the holidays. |
|
|
| DUBYA123 |
| Paid 298(tax included) for mine, plus a free RSX loaner for the day, For those in the LA area Downey Acura is bad for dealership but great in Car services and priceDOWNEY ACURA |
|
|
| Casique |
First Team Honda here in VA said they can do MDX mileage checks as long as you don't need any warranty work (fix a probem) for Pilot prices!!!!!
Check with your local Honda dealer, you might save a bundle!:2: |
|
|
| lwe302 |
I just had my 30k mile service done at Los Gatos Acura. Originally, I was quoted $449.95, but when I got there, the service advisor was about to charge $490.95. He said the price had just gone up in the last week or so, but that he would honor the original quote! In addition, I had a $50 off coupon from Stevens Creek Acura, which he also honored. So the cost of the service ended up being $404.10. He also recommended 4-wheel alignment and balance, which was an additional $69.95+$39.95. Total bill came out to $526.82. I was also getting some warranty work done, so I was able to get an Enterprise rental car (ugh, Dodge Neon!). Service also included a complimentary car wash and vacuum. Overall, the service was excellent.
Here's a breakdown of the 30k mile service:
Labor: $294.67
Parts & Supplies:
WASHER 20MM $1.92
FILTER, OIL $6.95
ELEMENT, FILTER $43.03
ELEMENT, AIR CL$23.58
FLUID, WSWA $5.30
WASHER 24MM $5.90
WASHER 18MM $6.52
WASHER 14MM $1.00
5.0 QTS 5W-30 MOTOR OIL $14.45
4.0 QTS ATF-Z1 TRANS FLUID $21.00
2.9 QTS VTM DIFF FLUID $19.11
Misc:
HAZARDOUS WASTE OIL $2.04
HAZARDOUS WASTE TRANS OIL $2.11
These are the quotes I got from some of the other local dealers:
Stevens Creek Acura $539
Sunnyvale Acura $449
Hopkins Acura $495 |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by lwe302
I just had my 30k mile service done at Los Gatos Acura. Originally, I was quoted $449.95, but when I got there, the service advisor was about to charge $490.95. He said the price had just gone up in the last week or so, but that he would honor the original quote! In addition, I had a $50 off coupon from Stevens Creek Acura, which he also honored. So the cost of the service ended up being $404.10. He also recommended 4-wheel alignment and balance, which was an additional $69.95+$39.95. Total bill came out to $526.82. I was also getting some warranty work done, so I was able to get an Enterprise rental car (ugh, Dodge Neon!). Service also included a complimentary car wash and vacuum. Overall, the service was excellent.
Here's a breakdown of the 30k mile service:
Labor: $294.67
Parts & Supplies:
WASHER 20MM $1.92
FILTER, OIL $6.95
ELEMENT, FILTER $43.03
ELEMENT, AIR CL$23.58
FLUID, WSWA $5.30
WASHER 24MM $5.90
WASHER 18MM $6.52
WASHER 14MM $1.00
5.0 QTS 5W-30 MOTOR OIL $14.45
4.0 QTS ATF-Z1 TRANS FLUID $21.00
2.9 QTS VTM DIFF FLUID $19.11
Misc:
HAZARDOUS WASTE OIL $2.04
HAZARDOUS WASTE TRANS OIL $2.11
These are the quotes I got from some of the other local dealers:
Stevens Creek Acura $539
Sunnyvale Acura $449
Hopkins Acura $495
$294.67 for 2 hours labor.....1.5 if they are good.
pretty good deal.
It pays to go a la carte!
Ard
PS Up on the lift, you open all 3 drains, drain at the same time, then fill, flip tires, throw your eyes around for the inspections.
I really like the way they sold you on the alignment...why? Any abnormal tire wear? pulling? or did the service advisor need some extra $$ this month? |
|
|
| dbauchat |
$400-500 - NO WAY! They must be doing one heck of a car wash at those prices! Or that's the price in Canadian dollars (no offense intended).
Figure $150 for parts (list prices- you can do better) &
$100-150 Labor (my local mechanic figures about 1.5 hours), your only talking $250-300 total unless they find a problem (which is covered by warranty). Note: here in New York you have to get an annual inspection that checks most of the items listed. Costs $15.
You've made me very happy with my local Acura dealer...
30K Service per Ownerlink
Services to be performed:
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox and rack boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 251 in your owner's manual.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace rear differential fluid. |
|
|
| DaleB |
30K would certainly be an advisable time to drain, or flush tranny fluid. Whether you do it yourself or have the dealer do it.
But if leasing, and/or do not plan to keep the vehicle beyond the warranty period, why bother? |
|
|
| lwe302 |
Ok, I guess I do feel kinda duped on the alignment and balance now... he kind of just threw it at me and I didn't know any better. Oh well... live and learn.
$404.10 is what I paid for the 30k mi service... I called around and that was the lowest rate around here in the bay area. About the only thing additional from the Acura regular maintenance schedule that they did was change the transmission fluid, but that accounts for only $25 or so in parts. I'm sure I could've done better buying the parts and using a regular mechanic, but that doesn't seem worth the trouble to me. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by lwe302
Ok, I guess I do feel kinda duped on the alignment and balance now... he kind of just threw it at me and I didn't know any better. Oh well... live and learn.
$404.10 is what I paid for the 30k mi service... I called around and that was the lowest rate around here in the bay area. About the only thing additional from the Acura regular maintenance schedule that they did was change the transmission fluid, but that accounts for only $25 or so in parts. I'm sure I could've done better buying the parts and using a regular mechanic, but that doesn't seem worth the trouble to me.
Hey, San Jose guy! You can get practically a free alignment CHECK at the WheelWorks.
They only charge you if it needs it. |
|
|
| lwe302 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Hey, San Jose guy! You can get practically a free alignment CHECK at the WheelWorks.
They only charge you if it needs it.
Thanks for the tip, DaleB! I will keep that in mind next time.
-San Jose gal :D |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by lwe302
Thanks for the tip, DaleB! I will keep that in mind next time.
-San Jose gal :D
Whoops, sorry on the incorrect gender reference. :17:
Welcome as a new Bay Area member, join our festivities in the near future! |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by lwe302
Ok, I guess I do feel kinda duped on the alignment and balance now... he kind of just threw it at me and I didn't know any better. Oh well... live and learn.
$404.10 is what I paid for the 30k mi service... I called around and that was the lowest rate around here in the bay area. About the only thing additional from the Acura regular maintenance schedule that they did was change the transmission fluid, but that accounts for only $25 or so in parts. I'm sure I could've done better buying the parts and using a regular mechanic, but that doesn't seem worth the trouble to me.
Don't kid yourself-
your mistake is calling around and aksing for the "30k MDX service"..ALL the dealers will rip you off to whatever extent they can! Don't you think they all collude to keep the price close?!
Learn what needs to be done, then ask item by item: oil change+ trans+xyz... often times adds up less than the 'inflated, dealer recommended, special package"
Plenty of posts here, perhaps a hundred, on what services you really need based on ACURA not based on the marketing guy at the STEALERSHIP.
:eek:
Ard |
|
|
| kevinhuan |
I got mine done @ Tustin Acura today for $248.00 using the 10% off coupon from Cerritos Acura.
Kev |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by Morgan89
$419 - Yikes! Guess I better count my lucky stars. I'm thinking no one else on the board has an MDX with my kind of mileage yet.
Tim - do they make the cage like devices that people use to keep dogs in the back of the truck? You know, like police cars have? If so, do you have a price for me?
Thanks!
Morgan. . . they sell it on ebay. . .
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...9&category=6763
Pretty cheap too. |
|
|
| slash007 |
| i'm at 29600 and i was quoted $529 for the 30k checkup at courtesy acura here in lex. ky. after reading this thread, i crossed my fingers and called hoping I would here 300-400. I was totally shocked by the price they qouted. guess i'm going to get a price on the required items or call the next closest dealer, 1 hour away. |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by slash007
i'm at 29600 and i was quoted $529 for the 30k checkup at courtesy acura here in lex. ky. after reading this thread, i crossed my fingers and called hoping I would here 300-400. I was totally shocked by the price they qouted. guess i'm going to get a price on the required items or call the next closest dealer, 1 hour away.
Why wouldn't you just do "the required items" anyway? Don't let them 'intimidate' or 'shame' you into unnecessary service...
I'd love to see how they can justify that price for the items in the manitenance schedule...
Ard |
|
|
| lester123 |
I was quoted about $450 for the service by the 2 dealers here in the Cincinnati area. That seems rather expensive for those items on the checklist, but then again, their hrly rate is high and they use those "std hrs" for the various kinds of service.
As an alternative, I currently plan to go to a local service place that has "specials" on oil changes, tire rotation and 20 point inspection. I'll also see from the checklist what they can do too. I think I will only have the dealer do the "tough stuff". Guess the pollen filter could be included here?
What would you consider the more "tougher stuff", ie, things you would have the dealer do.
What do you think of the strategy? If the dealer wouldn't charge so much for the package, I wouldn't go to this extra effort, but then again, .............. |
|
|
| nwaring |
I went to my local Honda dealer today and made an appointment for the 30K. They are going to do just the things on the list with the exception of a triple flush of the transmission. I requested to chat with a tech about this (book says 45k but he talked me into it) and I was surprised with how open and knowledgeable he was with Honda’s transmission problems. He even knew that Honda did not extent the warranty on the MDX. He did say something else that I won’t necessarily take to the bank. He felt if you showed proof of the required maintenance that Honda would take care of you in event of failure after warranty. :rolleyes: I’ll post back with the cost.
Niles |
|
|
| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by lester123
, things you would have the dealer do.
Other than kiss my...? |
|
|
| JeffK |
EXCUSE ME FELLOW BOARDERS!
THE 30,000 INSPECTION IS:
OIL/FILTER CHANGE
VTM CHANGE
TIRE ROTATION
THERE IS NO WAY THAT SHOULD COST MORE THAN $125.
OUR CARS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. IF SOMETHING IS WRONG THE DEALER WILL FIX IT AND CHARGE ACURA.
YOU CAN BET THAT IF THEY FIND SOMETHING WRONG, IT WILL BE FIXED AS THE DEALER IS COMPENSATED BY ACURA AT THE PREVAILING LABOR RATE PLUS PARTS.
THERE IS NO REASON TO PAY FOR ANY INSPECTION.
IMHO, ANYONE WHO FOR AN INSPECTION IS BEING RIPPED OFF!!! |
|
|
| nikonf |
| I just dropped off my MDX this morning and when I saw the price, I **** (450.00). First thing I did was to come to this site to read and get feedback. After reading many posts as to what is done and what should be done, they seem vary. I called the dealership (Acura of Boston). Besides all of the checking of fluids, oil change, vtm change and tire rotation and balancing, they also do an allignment, replace the transmission fluid, and replace the pollen filter. I feel a little better but not much. My friend is a sales manager at a Volvo dealership in Boston. They charge $695.00 for the same thing. |
|
|
| m2pc |
Hi Nikonf,
I also bring my car for service at Acura of Boston. They are pretty fair as well as my service advisor is more than happy to do things a la carte. So you could skip the pollen filter and alignment if you feel you don't need to and save some money that way.
BTW, who is your service rep there? |
|
|
| nikonf |
| Thanks m2pc. I never thought of asking and with all of the pollen we get around here in the spring, it might not be a bad idea to replace it. My rep's name is Peter. I don't mind paying $450.00 as long as I know I am not getting shafted. We ski allot up north and hit a ton of potholes and such, maybe an allignment might not be a bad idea to save on the tires. |
|
|
| m2pc |
Your right,
I think I would let them change out the pollen filter the first time and after that, get the part from Tim at Hondacuraworld and do it myself. Peter is pretty good, he's been at the dealership for awhile. Do you recall what the price is for just an oil change there? It used to be around $25 (at least 10 months ago anyways) but I think it either went up or the service rep on duty pulled a fast one on me. |
|
|
| nikonf |
| I don't get my oil changed there. I live south of Boston (Marshfield) and we only take it in there for the major service. It is in there being serviced primarily for the SRS light being back on for the 2nd time in a year. |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by Tom-TX
Tom-TX very good point! :confused: :rolleyes: :8: |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
Tom-TX very good point! :confused: :rolleyes: :8:
LOL, sometimes, words are just insufficient! :D |
|
|
| JTM |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxxxx
LOL, sometimes, words are just insufficient! :D
Ditto!!! :2: |
|
|
| mbeall |
| I just bit the bullet and let the dealer do the 30K service for $485. I did'nt do the 15K service since it was basically a bunch of inspections and I will only do the fluid changes at 45K miles. For $485 excluding the worthless inspections, I got the oil, VTM, and transmission fluid changed. The air and pollen filter were changed and the tires rotated. One nice touch in addition to cleaning the car which is standard, was that they cleaned the engine compartment. I also asked them to keep the air/pollen filters. The air filter was not that bad but the pollen filter was really dirty and I only drive in the city or on the highway. They said the brakes were fine but did'nt give me any indication on the remaining life. I also got a warranty replacement on the center console arm rest (2001) which was pretty wrinkled. |
|
|
| m2pc |
| Regarding your brake pads, check your invoice slip. The techs ussually make a note about the thickness of the pads. |
|
|
| JTM |
I am around 3500 miles away from 30K service. While I took X in for the rearview mirror replacement, I went to PART department and ask the requirement PART price for 30K. I am sure you could get most of them somewhere else (from Tim, Auto Part stores) for cheaper price. But anyhow, I was quoted $173.25, which included tax.
Basically I asked for oil, oil filter, washer for oil, VTM-4 fluid, washers for VTM-4, air filter, micro filter, transmission, washer for transmission, and BG Fuel cleaning formula. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by mbeall
I also got a warranty replacement on the center console arm rest (2001) which was pretty wrinkled.
Well, you spent $485, for another $27 you can now replace the vinyl arm rest pad they replaced, with a leather one at Hondacuraworld. |
|
|
| JeffK |
Dear JTM:
Seems like the parts price are in line.
Can't imagine anyone in their right mind paying over $500 (including tax) for the 30,000 miles service!
I bet if you ask the dealer the labor cost to change the oil, VTM fluid and the filters and NOTHING ELSE total cost will be less than $300.
Anything above that is pure UNADULTERATED PROFIT to the dealer! |
|
|
| JTM |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Dear JTM:
Seems like the parts price are in line.
Can't imagine anyone in their right mind paying over $500 (including tax) for the 30,000 miles service!
I bet if you ask the dealer the labor cost to change the oil, VTM fluid and the filters and NOTHING ELSE total cost will be less than $300.
Anything above that is pure UNADULTERATED PROFIT to the dealer!
Jeff,
I agreed with you. The price I am quoted sounds right to me. I am sure most acura dealer in my area will quoted me same or somewhere near by as well.
To do all this job in the shop, I could give them no more than 2 hours of work, which calculated with $80/hour labor, that should be $160. So to completed the job, that should be somewhere between $300 and $350.
I forgot to ask the service department on the price for 30K service. But I could expect they will be asking for $450 or more, which included those "VISUAL" inspection.
I am planning to do most of them by myself. I will let Acura figure out any problem on my X when I bring in for the State Inspection next year. |
|
|
| JeffK |
I have posted before but it is worthwhile repeating:
All service writers work on commission. They instruct their technicians to find things wrong with the car.
This is fine as long as your car is on warranty. They will correct the problems and be reimbursed by Acura.
For this reason there never is any reason to pay for visual inspections while your car is on warranty.
First thing to do is READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL. Then make a list of things to do as per the OWNER'S MANUAL!
You need not do anything additional.
BTW, the latest gimmick seems to be alignments. If your tires are wearing evenly and there is no directional instability (pulling) there is absolutely no reason to do an alignment.
I have seen more cars in alignment become out of alignment after an unnecessary alignment!
JeffK |
|
|
| srpbep |
I couldn't agree with JeffK more regarding the alignment:
** If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
** If tires are wearing evenly, an alignment can't help them (but it might "correct the problem" and help them wear unevenly).
** If the car tracks straight, an alignment can't help it track better (but it might "correct the problem" and enable the X to pull itself off the road should you fall asleep at the wheel).
What I do believe is worthwhile = rotate and rebalance the tires every 6,000 miles. I buy a rotate/balance package from Walmart for all our vehicles ($30.00) which covers rotate AND rebalance (check and rebalance if off) for the life of the tires. I get a great ride AND I get great tire life.
** Our X has 13K and has been rotated/rebalanced twice (at 6K and 12K). Note: The cost of the two rotates at the dealer would have been $40-50 and would NOT have included the balance check.
** Our Accord V6 has been rotated/rebalanced 7 times (at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, 36K, and 42K). Still have 5+/32nds of tread left (of original 10/32nds) and going strong. Should get another 25K miles from the factory Bridgestone tires (another 4 rotate/balance operations).
Please note -- it is very rare that none of the tires need to be rebalanced. Always seems that 1 or more are off just a little. They pull the weights, respin the tire, put on new weights, and respin the tire again to check it. In the last 125,000 miles of having this done I have had exactly 1 problem (threw a weight). Fixed with no arguement, no question.
Another thing -- just had the Accord oil changed at Walmart with Mobil-1 Synthetic. Total cost $30.00 including filter. Really hard to beat this, the cost of oil alone is over $20.00!! They are told "do NOT check the other fluids", do NOT add any fluids, just change the oil and vaccum the car if you want to (they do vaccum the car!!). |
|
|
| JeffK |
Here in Nassau County, New York neither Costco nor Walmart offers the tire rotation or balance option.
However, Goodyear will rotate the tires for $5 a tire = $20.
I cannot imagine why anyone would pay the dealer $40-50 to rotate four tires - except if you own the dealership!
BTW, when I took my base '03 MDX into Goodyear to fix a flat (they could not as they found a nail in the sidewall) my Goodyear INTEGRITY with 10,000 miles on it still had 11/32 out of 12/32 tread life! It was the front right tire. The rear tires had 12/32 - really showing virtually no wear.
These tires should be good for minimum 50/60,000 miles.
Since I must pay to rotate I will do every 15,000 miles, which considering the lack of wear should be more than sufficient.
JeffK |
|
|
| DaleB |
I have alignment checked periodically (every 10K) rather than wait for a misalignment to become an obvious change in the wear pattern of the tires, of course if it began to pull suddenly it would go in right away. But usually these things can be progressive.
I also found a shop that only charges for 'doing an alignment' not CHECKING it. And one that gaurantees the alignment for at least 10,000 miles if they do it. I normally have the balancing done then too.
I do regular rotations as recommended by Acura which falls into Michelin's recommendation of 6-8000 miles if not specified in the owner's manual.
I usually do it myself, it does not take that long and gives me a chance to clean the wheels up good, see if a lot of dirt, small rocks, road grunge, etc. has accumulated inside the wheels and tire tread, etc.
On the oil change, I bring it in to a local Honda dealer with my own supplies and they charge me $13 and will wash and vacuum if requested, for free.
Whatever works for you! |
|
|
|
