mb1976

06 TL 5AT currently with 95K miles on it Looks like I am going to have a total cost of $2700 for services and other misc repairs like T-belt service, spark plugs, Both front lower control arms since all the bushings have cracks in them with 4 wheel alignment, all the motor mounts including tranny mounts, both hood struts and this includes all the labor with discounts. Not looking forward to the cost but hey I guess it could be worst...

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

This is a dealership or another shop?

mb1976

It's a Honda dealership and I have been going to them since 2008 back when I had an 06 Accord before upgrading to the TL in 09

IIDXholic

iTrader: (5)

IMO, I would do everything but the Timing belt. The list of stuff to do isn't too difficult, its just time consuming.

legendbliss

Why would you skip the timing belt? It's the most important of what he listed.

VanyDotK

iTrader: (6)

I think he meant as a DIY.

nokkieny

Not sure what your plan was but you can just replace the bushings not the entire control arm, that is my next fix on the car

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

try to make a list of what you can do by yourself and then whatever you can't, ask the stealership to do.

mb1976

With the T-Belt coming up on my next service, The other expenses are not all that pressing. All the motor mounts are weak but not broken same with the compliance bushings. Probably going to have to drive the car like extreme grandpa not that I was driving it hard or anything. Everything else was good did the B1 service as well as replacing the transmission fluid since it was slightly dark and 1 drain and fill took care of that. Brakes are still good at 7 up front and 6 at the rear. Not bad considering the car has 95k on original brakes

mb1976

Most likely I am going to have the dealership do all this work since I know the mechanic there and he does everything right and properly. I will end up doing all this work separately in order to have better discounts. I may even consider trading the car in instead of getting all this work done but then again I also like my car as well.

Will Y.

As others mentioned, lots of things like spark plug and hood strut replacement are simple DIY tasks.
Look up the various things that need repair/replacement here on the forum and the service dept. to see if you can do them yourself to avoid dealer parts and service costs. There are threads on hood strut replacement, for example-- it takes about $40 in parts and 5 minutes to install both replacement hood struts.

mb1976

As far as the Hood Struts they are not going to charge any labor on that just parts only around $40.

truonghthe

if you have money for the job then go with the one shot but if you happen to be broke then just get the timing belt done first then other on the list follow.

bigcrazy

iTrader: (2)

You seem really eager to spend that money.

mb1976

Oh definitely will do the timing belt service along with spark plugs replacement and hood struts on my next service and that's if I don't trade my car in before that time comes but will see

NBP04TL4ME

Not everyone on AZ is mechanically inclind and don't know how well you "know" this mechanic, but can you get him to buy the parts using his discount and do the work for you on his own (in your driveway or his)? Maybe for some beer? I once knew a local Nissan mecanic and he had friends / neighbors cars in his driveway every Saturday.

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

Some people would rather it be done and over with. I don't blame him really, this is my 2nd car (1st Japanese car) and I haven't the first clue on how to work on it. Everything I'm gonna do is because Azine. But some people are scared of ruining things so they'd rather have someone do it right the first time.

OP, I agree with NBP04, ask if he can get those parts at his price and then just pay him back + whatever he charges in labor.

NBP04TL4ME

UD - Completely understand, but am just saying like others here, some of this is very, very basic - even for a complete novice. Hood strut replacement is only a couple of steps above changing a lightbulb in the lamp on your nightstand. $2700 is a lot of cash to be laying out all at once especially when it can be done for so much less.

OP - If you take my suggestion and try and work with the mechanic, do both of yourselves a favor and don't ask or talk about it within earshot of anyone else at the dealership. Another option is to take it to an indy shop if you know or are comfortable with them.

mb1976

Thanks guys. Luckily I don't have to do any of these now and probably not anytime soon. Even when my T-belt and spark plugs replacement comes around it probably be sometimes in November or December. I have plenty of time to think about hell I may even buy a new car instead but well see

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like you want to sell/trade the car anyways.

mb1976

Just debating on it that's all.. Besides, this cost I have who knows what else can come up like interior bulbs going out like I already have 2 thats out. One is VSA button that lights up at night is not working and the other is Driver side heated seat switch that usually suppose to light up does not light up anymore.

truonghthe

^^^it is TL common problem.

JBONN

Geeze, if anyone is in Ontario and needs someone to work on their car for cheap...send me a PM LOL

ChairmanKaga809

Sometimes spending the money on something for the peace of mind is worth it. If you don't know how to do the work yourself, or would rather just pay someone else to do the work and the money isn't really an issue, that's no problem!

I think it is important - no matter if you DIY or have someone else do it - to do your homework in regards to the parts/work that is being done. That way you are less prone to getting the shaft.

mb1976

I decided to check for parts myself online at acurapartsworld.com and wow all I got say just on parts alone I am talking about over $200 worth of savings. These are all the motor mounts incl transmission mounts and both LCA's. Most likely I will just keep the car and get this done soon... Soon meaning probably in next few months since these parts are not in really that bad of condition

Turbocoop

iTrader: (3)

The only good thing about getting the services done at the dealership is if you do have a problem sometime later, you have a better chance of Acura Corporate helping you cover some of the cost

mb1976

This is true and some peace of mine. I will just buy the parts at the website I just mention and have the dealership take care of it.

NBP04TL4ME

Just make sure your particular dealership will in fact install parts brought to them instead of being purchased from them. Some are funny that way.

mb1976

I've actually have taken my own oil to them once. Also, I had replaced the transmission filter and pressure switches all with me supplying parts they are fine with that

NBP04TL4ME

Sounds like you are good to go then. I know some dealers want to sell you the parts as well as they make more $$.