So my 2012 MDX has qualified to be fixed for excessive oil consumption, the dealer says it wont be until the december time frame. Currently have 75XXX miles on it. The dealer says that while they do the work related to the excessive oil consumption, they are recommending that I change the timing belt as well, was quoted "around $1100". That's for parts only, since the labor will be charged against the oil consumption work. "Normally would cost $1700"

It seems like a lot to me just for a belt. What else gets changed for this service? What do you guys think of the price?

 

1100 for a timing belt when they have to remove it anyways?

* Spits out drink all over computer screen *

 

That's what I'm saying LOL. I'm not too savvy on what exactly is done for the timing belt service.

But for this oil consumption thing, in my mind...they are removing the timing belt, doing the oil thing, and then would be replacing with a new belt for $1100. Seems like a bop to me.

 

They are probably quoting you for the whole 105k service. Which is pretty much just belt, water pump and tensioner. 1100 is what you should expect that job to cost including labor. The parts only cost like 300. Google Honda 105k service and you will learn a lot more about it.

 

Also, you are 35,000 miles from needing this service.

 

Because of the unknown(s), I say don't spend the $1,100.
After they return the car, they don't have to itemize the parts that they used, because it's warranty work.
Your breakdown receipt will just say something like "oil consumption warranty completed" and they don't even have to return your used parts.
If you don't get the pre-work itemized parts list, for the $1,100, you should tell them no, just do the warranty work and you'll deal with the TB later.
I went nine years, before I had my TB done and I've heard of many others that don't have it done at the recommended seven years/105,000 miles, besides you'll be able to monitor your oil for a couple of years and determine if you want to sell the MDX, for $11,600 without any TB receipts.
Who knows, in a couple of years you might not be consuming enough oil to have Acura re do the work. Wait and see.

I don't know which parts they would use if they change your spark plugs, if they will adjust your valves, if they replace some seals (cam seals and the one between the engine and tranny), but here is good list of TB parts:

the timing belt (14400-rca-a01) =$104,
the water pump (19200-rdv-j01) =$192,
a tension pulley for timing belt adjustment (14510-rca-a01) =$147,
a hydro tensioner (14520-rca-a01) =$183,
one gallon antifreeze = $25

The above listed prices are full retail prices, totaling $651. If they will do those seals, adjust the valves, and do the spark plug service, then the cost is $1,100. and I would say yes , but you still need the itemized pre-work parts list.

 

Funny - i was just going to post asking about this. I have the consumption fix coming up, my mechanic said they literally won't have to do any other work to put on the new timing belt. I wonder if I ask them what they will say. I'll let you know.