Wow, it's been more than 7 months since I checked in here. Just wanted to stop by and report that my baby (2002 SSM TL-S) has reached the 100k milestone last week! Let me tell ya, the engine runs just as smoothly as the day I got her off the lot (although I had a tranny swap at around 60k). Couldn't be happier with it.

Got a couple of questions for you helpful members:
1) I plan to keep her for another 3 or 4 years if everything still runs smooth so I want to take care of it as much as possible. Do you guys recommend timing belt change now? I think they suggest to perform this job at around 100k.

2) I'm bring her in next week to have a tune-up (i.e. spark plugs replacement), should I just go with the dealer's stock spark plugs or get my own? If I should get my own and bring to the dealer, what brand do you all recommand?

Appreciate any comments.

axleback

 

If you have the $$ id say get the belt and h2o pump replaced soon, as the manual says 100k (although i would have no problem running it longer myself as i did to 200k) as for the plugs i would stick with the oem ones.

 

I agree, definately get the belts replaced and stay with OEM plugs - these are NGK titanium and will be the best. At 105k I had all the belts, water pump, and plugs replaced as preventative maitenance. Ran perfect, but I didn't feel like getting stranded somewhere because the timing belt broke. You might as well do the water pump at the same time, since it accessed anyways with the timing belt change and it will just save you $ in case it starts leaking in the future.

 

i just turned 130k.
the car and drives great.
get the timing belt, water pump and idler pulley done.
you'll be happy.
i've been itching to buy a subaru impreza sti.
but who's gonna buy a car with 130k.
it's worth more to me than any tradein or used car buyer can give me.
..so i guess i'll be keeping it for awhile.

 

i got an SSM 02 TLS too, im at 87,000 so about 15,000 more and im doing the belt and water pump, spark plugs. it really isint worth trading in, you right, i was thinking about it, but why not invest a little more and save for something better down the line. good luck

 

buy all Honda OEM parts online (spark plugs, water pump, timing belt), and go to a mechanic you can trust.
Have him install the parts you bring at 1/3 of dealer price.

 

Can someone post some numbers are how much the dealership charges perferably in the NYC/Nj area? I am at 95k and will probably be doing this after it hits over 100k.

 

600.00 for the timing belt.
then they charged me another 150.00 for the idler pulley install.
it was expensive.
i'll never go to dealer again.
but i knew, at least that it was done right.

 

I'm at 106k miles and i was debating if i can hold off for another year. But the concensus here is change it at the recommended 105k interval. But I need change my cooleant and replaced my oem plugs for ngk oridiums.

How much do you think it will cost with for oem parts and labor(not dealer)

btw, im on my original tranny!

 

Thanks for all the great feedback. Any good website recommandations to get genuine Acura parts (spark plugs, water pump, timing belt, etc.) for a discounted price?

axleback

 

I actually had the work done at a mechanic who specializes in Hondas and Acuras, but they are not a dealership. It cost me $650 to change all the belts (including timing belt), water pump, and spark plugs. I was quoted over $1200 to do the same thing at the dealership. Just a suggestion, you might look for a similar mechanic who knows Acuras without having to go through a dealership.

 

$650 is a reasonable price.

 

Acuraautomotiveparts.com should be a good site to order parts.

 

Acutee, you sure that's the right link? I went there and it doesn't seem like a place to get the parts I'm looking for.

axleback

 

Can anyone recommand a reliable Honda/Acura mechanic in the Chicagoland area I can go to for the spark plugs, water pump, and timing belt change? Even though I'm pretty sure the dealer will do the job right, I just don't want to get shafted by the high labor cost there. Please help. Thanks guys!

axleback

 

Yeah I take my cars to the same place. I took my Accord to Honda/Acura Only shop that my buddy's uncle owns. He is a great guy and very honest. Plus it helps when you drink a few cold ones every now and then with him!

Anyways, he just did the inspection on my TL-S. Thankfully all it needed was a brake flush, cabin filters and an air filter. I felt kind of stupid buying an air filter since I plan on getting an intake, but whatever...

 

Sorry, it should be dot org, not dot com