carlsona

Hi,

I took my Acura RL in this morning for the A6 service, which by my manual shows as oil change and rear differential fluid. However, on my estimate they listed B6 down with a bunch of inspection items - "inspect: brake lines, hoses, connections, brake system, drive axle boots, exhaust system, heat sheilds, parking brakes, steering gear/llinkage, suspension, tie rods, all fluid levels. They also added to perform vacu-flush decarbon valves and combustion chamber.

I asked my service advisor if this should be A6 (thinking it was a mistake) and she stated that A doesn't require a filter change and they always do the B services at their dealership.

This is where I've always taken it, I normally trust them, but I have had so many issues with this car, I'm just questioning whether this is legit. Anyone more knowledgeable about cars, I'd appreicate the input.

Thanks!

lland

There's a reason your car is telling you what you need. What is a vacu-flush? They certianly look like they are trying to pad the bill at your expense. Most dealers list a bunch of "inspect" things to make it look like they're doing a lot of work which takes almost no time and in fact, most do the inspections anyway in hopes of finding something wrong that needs to be repaired legitimately. If they are so concerned that you need a filter, tell them to change the filter when they do the A6 (even though I've never had anyone not change the filter when they changed the oil).

I'd give another dealer a call and see what they charge for the A6 and what they do. I always call at least one other dealer and if they're less expensive or do a bit more (i.e. rotate and balance instead of just rotate), I tell my dealer and he meets the price.

Sounds to me like you need to find another dealer.

LL

carlsona

Thanks...unfortunately, there is only Acura dealer in Hawaii, so I'm stuck until we move back to the mainland next year. I told my service advisor in the future I only want what is listed in the maintenance guide and I plan on writing a letter about this as well.

neuronbob

That's what I did at my dealer--I eventually just went a la carte, listing the services from the service manual. It cut down on the cost somewhat.

"Oil change and rear diff fluid change, please!" and when they ask for additional services, just say "no".

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Bob hit the nail on the head... the dealers job is to upsell you...

You have two options, educate yourself and save money or pay for the ease of letting them handle it for you.

Im lucky enough to have a great friend that is my honda/acura tech and this is his advice too.

GoHawks

I follow Bob's advice as well. I look at what it calls for and get that done. My dealer already performs a "free" visual inspection every time I take the car in regardless of what for.

plastikman

Being stuck with only one Acura Dealership isn't exactly optimal for you, but as Bob said, go through the services and make sure they only do what they are supposed to do and tell them to keep their sticky lil fingers out of your wallet.

afjock21

I'm sick and tired of people gettin jacked by dealerships...

Hey pal, just get what you NEED. Tell the service guy.. "Oil change- THAT'S IT. Yeah.. don't worry about a wash or vac... yeah, don't worry about it" Service guy: You sure? The bay is open Me: No, it's cool, I do not want you to wash OR vac my car... Yeah, neither one is needed, thanks"

THE END.

Do NOT pay for "inspections"

neuronbob

and and this goes at any dealer.

I Zaino my babies and Z7 is the only wash they get. Shiiiiiny......