Amoeba

First thing, why does Palm Beach Acura charge $200 for a 15k service!

I am also wondering if my dealer takes a look at this site. Most of you have gotten your leather replaced, mine has wrinkles and cracks supposedly documented at 8800 miles. My dealer said they cant do it, because its normal wear and tear, but if they can they will document it for the future. They also have very strict policies, for example I cant watch my oil being changed etc... your not allowed to go anywhere near the warehouse, and you cant really become friends with the technicians that work on your car. I feel isolated from the people who keep my car in shape. I was wondering, if anyone on this board has a recommended service guy. If any of you work at palm beach acura, maybe you can help me out with some info. Thanks.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Well, every dealer is different, so it may be time to go to a new dealer.

As for the price.... that seems to be the regular "book" price for the 15k service. The 30k is a over $400.... so they seem right on par. Just remember that those prices are negotiable. Get a list of what they do for each service (list should also be in your manual). Then go through the list and tell them what you DON'T want done... and the price will start falling. There is a lot on that list you can do yourself and save some good money. My 30k service cost as much as some people's 15k service b/c I took a lot of items off of the list....

Amoeba

can you make a suggestion of what to take off the list for the 15k. The nearest dealer is 40 minutes away, and they wanted $339 for the 15k service. I just know that my friend at infiniti sits and watches the guys wash his car and change his oil, and he gets to know them.

Amoeba

Also, let me make this clear... I dont want anyone telling me to stop making a big deal about the costs of the 15k service, If I paid 30k for the car. I was fortunate enough to been given this car by my parents, and being only 17 years old, I am usually short on money. I pay for my gas, tires, and everything else for the car, so it is very costly for me. Thats why I want to know what I can do to save some money. But the other reason for this post was to get some feedback from anyone who works at Palm Beach Acura or goes there for service.

synth19

Every dealership varies the price on the 15k to 30k service. I skipped the 15k (and no, my car didnt blow up). I just did the normal oil change service. Look at the owners manual at what needs to be done at 15k. There is no way that $200 is justified.

Jens H.

Service prices vary from dealer to dealer .I work for a dealer (not Palm Beach) and we also very rarely allow a visitor in back in the shop .This is normal do not be insulted .As much as you may wish to befriend the service personel they are there to do a job and a visitor who wishes to watch is mostly a hindrance .There are also very strict insurance reasons .Simply put if you get hurt in the shop the dealer is liable not the insurance company for the dealer .We do allow occasionally people to see the shop and their cars while they are being worked on or if the car being worked on has issues the customer would like to see or we feel that the customer seeing the problem on the car itself will be of benefit .But overall try to remember that we are there first and foremost to do a job .
Try to befriend the service writer (use the same one consistently if he or she gives you good service ) .After a few visits they will know you by name and then ask if you might be allowed a look at the shop .Possibly the technician will have a few minutes to tlk to you then .But do not be offended if the guys are simply busy and do not have the time .Technicians are paid for what they do in other words they are mostly not salary so if they are not working they are not making money .
As far as the high cost of service one thing you can do is plan ahead .You know the car will need specific things done to it at specific points in it's life .An average driver (15000 miles /year) can expect to do two oil changes to four oil changes one minor service and one intermediate in the first year of ownership .in the second it's one minor service,2 to 4 oil changes and a major service .Knowing this go to your dealership and get a menu for what they charge for the services .Now that you know when it will happen you also know how much it will cost .Save you money accordingly .

darrinb

dont do the 15k service, i dont do that stuff just oil changes

i went bach theor though to talk to the mechanic working on my car so he could explain what was happening and also point things out, i knew they werent gonna check the tranny fluid so i went back there and did it my self, he looked at it and smelled it and said will have to do a flush..
some mechanic told me i'm not suposed to be over there but he didnt physivally kick me out so i stayed

Amoeba

so you didnt do the 15k, im thinkin about skipping it, and waiting till 30k.

darrinb

just dont do it,

look here, get your oil changed eveyr 3-4k depending on how you drive, the only thing i would check is the tranny fluid, pop the hood and pull the yellow ring to your right, its like under the inatke to the right of the engine, it is suposed to redish/pink if its brownish and smells burnt make the dealer flush it for free, SMELL IT DONT TASTE IT

Amoeba

if i skip the 15k can they void warranty work.

bigman

no

1killercls

To bad you don't live here in Clearwater. Crown Acura is a great dealer IMO..never encountered any real probs. I know the guys who work on my car, can walk in the garage when my car is being serviced....no prob!

Amoeba

tranny fluid seems to be yellowish greenish. Whats that a sign of?

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

I've been to Palm Beach Acura. They suck! But not nealy as much as the other 2 crappy Acura dealer in the South FL area.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I also skipped the 15k service. Did all of the minor stuff myself, and brought the car in for the 30k.

BC

If you opt to do your own service, save your receipts.

CO-CL-S

Look at the book to see what is supposed to be done and document what you do, along with receipts. Ask the dealer for a list of what they do for a specific scheduled maint. (if they don't ask information to determine if you are "normal" you may really want to locate another station. Also, don't be afraid to check Honda, etc.. YMMV

Amoeba

I got a Honda dealer by me, but they wont have all the parts for my acura at the honda dealer would they? Could I start servicing my car there if I liked them? By the way I looked in the manual, how can I do some basic checks on suspension, brakes, and exhaust. All the other stuff to check seems to be in the manual. And my tranny fluid is yellowish green, still doesnt make sense to me...but it is supposed to be their fixed tranny, since it was built july 02.

2001CL

Personally the rick case on I75 and griffen is a nice place, they have good techs but they are the honda place. They used to have the guy who did the initial 3.5 liter engine swap. I go there for everything cept for my 30 i'm going to the other rick case acura, they are quoting under 400 and i am going to tell them what not to do in order to cut the cost.