Hi guys,
Since I'm planning on keeping my 2002 TL-S for another few years, I figure it's about time to throw in a little maintenance money and get the timing belt and spark plugs changed. I'm reaching the 110,000 milestone soon and other than a couple of brake repairs, she's running as good as new. I'm a completely happy with this wonderful car!

So here's my question for all you knowledgeable TL owners out there. Just got a quote for this job by a Honda & Acura repair specialist. The work they will perform on her are listed below:

Remove and install new timing belt and set valve timing
Remove and install new power steering and compressor belts
Remove and install new water pump
Refill anti-freeze
Replace tensioner
Install new spark plugs

*Only genuine Honda/Acura parts will be used*

All this work comes to a total of $920. Which is about $350 cheaper than what the dealership quoted me.

These guys seemed to be quite knowledgeable with Hondas and Acuras so I trust them more than any other repair shops. Of course the best work would probably come from the dealer but I didn't want to get shafted by the higher price. So, what do you guys think about the specialist's price? Has anyone on here done similar job by a qualified place like this and how much did you pay? Any input would be appreciated.

Axleback

 

Make sure they are using NEW coolant not recycled as many shops are required to.
Insist on NGK Iridium spark plugs (or Platinum for you die hards)
Are the valves noisy now?
They should throw in an oil change to complete the full service for you

As long as they are in there, invest $180 in a UR pulley from Excellerate (see Black Market Sponsored Sales) www.unorthodoxracing.com and a few dollars more labor for the shop to install- it uses a different belt than stock (buy from same place) so they can put it all on at once
Another good item is the $95 Thermoblock spacer- see www.outlawengineering.com
Its a replacement intake manifold spacer and gasket that stops heat transfer

For details of the labor required for this job see the thread- completed the 105k service -has pics and descriptions and more- its a bit of work and good parts are not cheap

The best labor is often found at private shops where the tech gets to be a mechanic not just a parts replacing machine

 

Thanks for the input and I'll definitely ask for the free oil change. My car modding days are over (at least with this vehicle). I just want to get all stock stuff to last me another few years until I upgrade to another car. So how does that $920 price tag sound? Good deal given that they use all Honda/Acura genuine parts?

Axleback

 

It sounds like a good deal to me, but if you can maybe you could do your own spark plugs and anti-freeze change to save some more dough. Also, specialists shops are great and they don't mark things up as much as dealers so that's partially why your saving money to begin with. Plus many of the mechanics most likely worked for a dealer for at least a couple years as well.

 

They only charged $14 for the coolant replacement. Even though I replaced my coolant last year, might as well have them do it again for that cheap price. Most of the saving is actually coming from the labor rather than parts. Dealer labor almost doubled in price compared with this specialist. But I will request for them to throw in a free oil change if possible though.

Axleback

 

Sounds like a good price to me. The timing belt service here at a Canadian dealership quoted me close to C$1000 (~US$860), let alone the other things the guy is providing.

From what I remember, the timing belt service includes new timing belt & water pump, and labour.