FirePR2002

The time has come for the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement and although I'd like to do the work myself, my travel schedule in the office greatly prohibits what some people refer to as "free time."

My question is this: Excluding the dealer ($$$$$$), who has had the above maintenance performed in the Marietta / Kennesaw / Smyrna / Buckhead areas and were satisfied with the work and service? Where did you go to have the work done? Would you go back to the same shop? Any shops to avoid specifically? Basically, I am looking for a referral of sorts and could drive up and down Cobb Parkway and pass 50 shops that could perform the work, but I want to take advantage of your experience. Any help given is much appreciated!

Mods - I apologize if this is in the wrong category. Please let me know or move it for me, but please don't lock or close it altogether.

phee

iTrader: (5)

im actually looking for a good place as well, i read in some post that it was about 400$ for the service, which is pretty cheap

AznWay

iTrader: (8)

VP automotive in Marietta do very good work an I think they work on 2-3 TL/Accord week dealing with everything from timing belt an maintenance performed. Also they ONLY use OEM HONDA part.
I know the owner(Vishal) personally an Joe( Mechanic ) are honesty an they do very GOOD work. I can say they have work on my TL. This are few thing they have done... Timing belt/Tune UP, Spark plug, Tranny, Installed my Exhaust(very easy bolt on), Help clean out EGR system an ICV, an coming soon installing XS Header.

VPautomoible (770) 792-1115

FirePR2002

Many thanks man. Right on the way to the office! I will give them a call tomorrow and let everyone know what I find out.

Anybody else? Would like to hear from more of you - even if you've had other work done and had good experiences. I've seen a Honda/Acura specialty shop near the DQ in Smyrna but can't remember its name - anybody know anything about them? I'm a firm believer of having as many options / opinions as possible.


There's gotta be more than 1,000 of us on the entire board from Atlanta (counting the 'burbs, so maybe 400-500 2nd gen???????).

FirePR2002

Called VP Automotive this AM. Spoke to Vashal (sp?) who sounded very knowledgeable. Quoted $520 which includes new crank seals and OEM parts. Will stop by his shop this Saturday to talk further.

Anyone else know of a shop they recommend?

TLMugen

I had mine done at Alan Cox Automotive in Marietta (Cobb Pkwy & Bells Ferry). I was satisfied with the work and wouldn't hesitate to bring my car there for other work too.

FirePR2002

Never heard of them until now. Checked their website and will call them tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

FirePR2002

Called Alan Cox today - they quoted me $838 which includes the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and all drive belts. Basically, they're charging an additional $300 to replace the drive belts, which I 'm pretty sure is too much. This shop "sounded" more professional over the phone, but I plan to see each of these shops this weekend for a visual inspection and to talk to them further.

Will report back this weekend.

SSMTL01

I can vouch for VPAutomotive as well. Very clean and organized shop. They definitely know what they are doing over there

FirePR2002

Yeah, I stopped by to see the shop last night on my way home from the office. Definitely a clean place and Vishal seems to know what he's talking about. What kind of work have you had him do?

I'm thinking about having him install a set of headers also while he's in the engine bay......but will have to check the finances beforehand.

SSMTL01

Havent had any work performed because I mostly do it all myself (besides the tranny ) but I have met with them and seen his work on other cars including 2 GTE swapped IS300's, a 1000 whp supra, 2 e30 m3 race cars, etc etc.

AznWay

iTrader: (8)

Vishal has worked on alot cars, Honda,Lexus,BMW,Lexus, etc....( like Zac said) He has been in auto business for over 10 year since high school. He finally got a shop of his own He has help me out alot for keeping my TL running great.(past 4 year with TL an other cars) The GOOD thing is that Owner of his company will be working on your TL too make sure everything is done right

Did you get XS header FirePR2002?
I know he has done 4 header installment for 99-03 TL/CL (XS,Number#,DC sport)
I getting my header install after I get new CAT

Rusky

not to be redundant, but I am in the same boat. I have happily taken my car to Ed Voyles off Peachtree Industrial and can vouch for their impeccable service. However, my Acura, as much as I like it, is no longer worth the investment of dealer service. The 02 Acura TL-S still drives like new but is worth only $1500 more than an 02 Nissan Altima.


I found Alan Cox online and they seem to be dedicated to Acura's and Hondas. I had a Volvo a few years ago and used "Professional Automotive Repair" (terrible name) and was more than pleased with my experience. They truly specialize in Volvo and are committed to the brand. Dyer and Dyer, where we bought the car, was awful. So I am looking for the equivalent in Acura service but without the dealer retail price tag. I am looking to maintain my car so it never leaves me stranded and so that the cost of ownership doesn't make me wish I'd have sucked it up on a new Beamer.

thanks

FirePR2002

I ended up having my work done at Alan Cox Automotive - not that the other places weren't professional, but it was a little bit more convenient for me at the time. Work was completed exactly to my liking and on time as they said it would. I will definitely have them do other necessary work that I don't have time or knowledge to do myself.

Good luck to you!

phee

iTrader: (5)

my guy over in powder springs/marietta did my timing belt, tensioner, water pump, seals, and valve adjustment for $460 and he used all OEM parts

FirePR2002

Who and where exactly? That's my "neck of the woods.".

phee

iTrader: (5)

ruben M ilagan SR. 679 powder springs st. marietta, ga 30064 phone:770-423-0420

ATL_nokio

I just called VPAutomotive and got a quote for $650 which is a big relief from the $1,025 that i got quoted from the Honda dealership in Buford, GA. I'm thinking of having my 105k/TB/Water pump service the first part of next week. Thanks for the heads up guys!