I am new to this DB - so please excuse if this has been covered before.

My 98 CL 3.0 is just approaching 90k miles. Running like a top - no problems to speak up. I've owned it for all 12 years and have always been religious about service, oil changes etc. I have no plans to sell it.

Prior to moving to a new state (Texas) two years ago - we had a major service performed - I will need to check the records for details on what they did - but it was a reliable mechanic and we had always been very pleased with our services. Now as it approaches 90k - I HATE to go to the dealership as it's always a big rip off.

There seems to be so many suggestions on what items need to be serviced - not sure what is a good list of what should be done vs. "just not necessary".

I realize due to the age of the car - that sooner or later something "big" is bound to need replacing. I don't mind spending a reasonable amount on a good solid tune up etc for the car. As indicated - it's running well. What are the must do's for a car like this - that other wise is running very well.

No one is particularly handy in the family - so I am not in a position to do much of even the small stuff on my own.

Thanks for any advice.

 

The timing belt is the big thing that needs replacing, but it's good for up to 105K miles according to Honda/Acura. That is a large cost item and you could opt to pass on that, I would suggest making sure there are no recalls that apply to the car before trying to sell, and a tune up would definitely help sell the car.

 

97blackackcl is right about the timing belt. I would do it A.S.A.P. I personally wouldn't wait until 110k. I replaced my timing belt, water pump, tensioner, cam seals etc at 70k. I do live in Tucson az which is very dry. I just feel its preventative maintanence to have it done early so you don't have to worry if it breaks on you which if it does then you will have a nightmare on your hands. Spark plugs should be done soon. Honda recommends 105K but if you close to 90k and have the extra money on hand it wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

I did my timing belt at 60K

Just saying if he's not looking to sink a ton of money into it, he could skip it

 

Very true. It is a lot of money and he could skip it. Good thing you did yours early. Not a bad idea at all!

 

he said he's not planning on selling so he may want to check about the timing chain thing since 90k isn't that far off from the 105k honda recommends. I would just do that and a tune up like plugs and wires

 

It would help if I could read, my fault, I would definitely recommend the timing belt

 

Actually - I think the official recommendation on timing belts is 105k OR 7 years, whichever comes first. I took my mechanic's advice and did it last year at 90k.

 

Good info - thank you.

I definitely will be holding onto my car for the long haul.
And at this point - putting in some reasonable money to maintain it is not a problem. The car has not cost us anything beyond normal upkeep. We are going to get it repainted as that is the only thing that we've been disappointed in.

At 90k (and 12 yrs old) it's totally worth it to me to keep it the car.
It's never been driven hard or for commuting etc. We are back living in TX and the sun and heat take its toll on the paint and rubber trim, hoses, belts etc.

So it sound like beyond the normal tune up stuff like belts, hoses and plugs

We should weigh in and consider the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and seals. (Although the seals may have already been done at 70-ish - we'll check the records). As been mentioned - 105K is really not that far off - makes sense to do it now and get it over with and the age of the car seems to be the bigger factor at this point.

Thanks very much for this info - I (she!) can make a better informed decision now.