I just got a card in the mail from my dealer saying that my '08 TL is due for "Major Maintenance Service". They list:

- Oil and oil filter change
- Tire rotation and inspection
- Fluid level check and adjustment (incl. transmission, power steering, brake, coolant and wiper)
- Air cleaner element replacement
- Dust and pollen filter replacement
- Drive belt, cooling system hose, fuel line and exhaust system inspection
- Front and rear brake assembly, hose and line inspection (incl. ABS)
- Steering system, suspension component and parking brake inspection
- Driveshaft bolt and tie rod end inspection
- VTM-4 rear differential fluid replacement

Notwithstanding that I have summer and winter tires and the summers were new a year ago and have only been on the car for four months (and will be coming off around Halloween), they say that they do this as a package and charge $681 for it.

Is this customary/necessary, and how does the price compare to what others have seen? My initial impression is that the filter and fluid changes are worth a couple hundred bucks, but they should be doing the inspections whenever the car goes in for an A or B service anyway, ditto the oil change, and I don't rely on them for tires, so I'm not sure that the filters and fluids are really worth the $600 extra they're charging me over my usual 12k-15k periodic service, but I'm curious to hear what you guys think.

Thanks!

 

what they did was sent you a marketing letter.
a ploy to get you in the door, so that they can make money.

your car monitors maintenance, dealers do not.
when your car flashes A or B service then its dealers job to perform said services...

listing a bunch of stuff without ever seeing your car is like fishing for dummies. will you be hooked?

 

and your TL doesnt have a rear differential

 

so 681 bucks for an oil change, both air filters and a tire rotation. pass.

 

Give me their number. I'll pretend I'm you and claim to be hearing strange noises coming from my rear diff.

 

I usually hear about the 90K service for Hondas, not Acuras.

 

if Honda's have the same engine as Acuras........

then there should be no difference.

 

lmao, 'rear diff fluid service.' That one made my day lol.


There is a major service due around 105k(your MID will aware you.) It includes the Timing belt along with some other things. Id recommend trying a search here on azine. Youll be able to figure out everything that needs to be done. Although you can do it anytime now. It wont matter if you do it at 90k or just wait till the car tells you too.

 

See, this is why I asked the question! Thanks everyone!

 

It depends on what has been done in the past. It is basically a $681 inspection and oil change. If you haven't done it or don't know the history of the car I would get the transmission and brake fluid flushed but rest of the 90k isn't really needed. Don't do the coolant you will do that with the timing belt.

 

That is funny..the rear diff. thing. You should bring that to the dealer's attention. As for the 'service' as others have said here, don't fall for the scam. The 105K service with the timing belt is the big one, otherwise, it's oil changes primarily. A tranny fluid swap (the 3 x 3) isn't a bad idea either, but that's going to be a lot less than $600+

My TL is now at around 101,000 miles and it's been a very reliable car only with a minimum of service (although I did the 105K service at 95K miles).

 

A lot of that stuff is just inspection tech time, and I doubt, depending on the tech, that they will really take a good look. It is totally up to you if you want to pay for this, but realize that a timing belt job is about $1,000. What are you receiving from this in comparison at nearly $700? You can do the cabin/pollen and engine air filters yourself easily for under $40 with OEM parts and shipping. It is not that hard even if you do not have mechanical experience. Search for the 3G garage and look for the DIYs. I personally would just take it in for a tire rotation and balance, oil/filter change, multi-point inspection, DIY the filters, follow what the MID/owner's manual recommends, and call it a day. If you do what I just recommended, they should not charge more than $100 at the high point. They are trying to sock it to you. Then ride off into the sunset with your saved bag of moola!