I purchased the 04 TL certified from a dealer, 60K on it. I an now at 105K... I got the following response when I asked about service from a dealer. Please help me determine what I should really do to this car at 105 and how much that should cost (in the DC/MD area)

Great to hear from you. Around 105k miles the car will ask for a few different services. The minder "4" is the major service interval; consisting of a timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, drive belt and coolant change, spark plug change and an adjustment of the engines minimum specs (valve gap clearance, throttle adjustment). That usually comes with an intermediate service at the same time, which changes the oil, adjusts the brake calipers and lubricates them, fluid inspection and suspension component inspection. If this were my car I would do a few things at this time interval to get the most out of it. I would do the timing belt service with an engine air filter change and fuel induction/ throttle clean service, oil change and check over. What pricing normally goes for around this time interval service - "4" service is about $1,450; oil changes - $49; air filter change- $70; fuel induction service -$170 the inspection and check over are included with the service. let me know what some options you would like are and we can structure the upcoming services to your needs.


I'm trying to find out what out of the above is really necessary, and what I should schedule for later down the road. i.e. I'm thinking timing belt at 120K...Thanks for the advice.

 

do the timing belt for sure ... are ur valves noisy?

 

The Timing Belt service is too expensive at $1450. Normally should be $800 - $1200, depending on the dealer. However, it's usually less expensive at Honda dealerships and there have been a lot of specials - some as low as $389.

Skip the so-called "fuel induction" service. If you think you need it, look up "Seafoam".

Do the engine air filter yourself for ~$20 - it's 4 screws to remove the lid; 5 minutes max. I don't care who you are, you can DIY that.

Any competent shop will do a "12-point" or "24-point" inspection (fluids, brakes, suspension, tires, etc) for free with an oil change.

 

just noticed ur in the dc/md area ... try to contact nva av6... a member on this forum, and get a quote for him, he does great work and is very reasonable in his pricing

 

Do the work, but definitely shop around for price. I think Radley in Alex will do it for $1000. Independent shops will probably charge less.

 

seems a bit high.. at least get the timing belt/water pump done.. and shop around for quotes include Honda dealers

 

dont go to radley ... they will break something while doing your timing belt ... hasnt been a single time they did work on my car where something else was messed up ... luckily for me most of the time it was cosmetic so it didn't affect the car, other than having to drive back to get it fixed again and again

 

do your timing belt. the oil change should be closer to $40, i agree to pass on the fuel induction and filter change. you can DIY your filters. so that brings the price down to $1200 without the two above and less $10 for the oil change.

i'd stay away from radley which is in falls church, not alexandria. haven't heard too many good things about them here or on dealerrater.

i go to pohanka in chantilly, though if you're on the other side of the potomac...then...i hear chevy chase is good and rosenthal is ok. dont' go to tischer read bad things about them. i'm not sure what my dealer would quote since i'm so far away from my timing belt service, its not on the radar. i have a bit of a relationship with them...so...

you could go indy, but you have to feel comfortable enough to have them work on the car. get a few quotes and see if you can get the price down from the dealer.

 

Thanks for the info everyone, I am going to shop around for timing belt/water pump service.
What about spark plugs? I feel like I should think about replacing since I am at 105K. When is the right time to change those?

 

^Most people do it at the same time w/ the 105 service, or at 100K

 

You can do the spark plugs yourself too very simple. If your valves aren't noisy then don't bother with a valve adjustment.

 

I did my v6 accord in driveway in about 6 hrs. what I replaced was: water pump, timing belt, checked seals (honda V6 motor seals i.e. cam, crank are known for longetivity) serpentine belt, spark plugs, coolant, tranny fluid, checked hoses.

Bought all the parts from Honda dealership for around 600.00 after my employee discount. spark plugs were 114.00 set of 6?

Brake calipers don't get adjusted, and 70 for an air filter?? better be a K&N drop in replacement and last one you ever buy.

Forget the "air induction cleaning" just spray carb cleaner through it if that worried but that and seafoam will dry out the rest of your seals and cause leaks down the road.

dealership cost to do the work should be around 1200.00ish
or I think their charge is around 110.00 per hour now. when I worked at a stealership it was 75.00/hr back in '05
book time on this job is around 8 hrs?? not sure on new tl's

will have my 07 TL-S 6sp by end of the month.

 

Thanks for the detailed list, that's exactly what I was looking for.

I can do the work with my buddy who is a mechanic, I just wonder if getting the work warranteed through the dealership is worth it?

 

Dealership = stealership!

Go to a reputable Honda/Acura mechanic. Ask on this forum for mechanic recommendations in your area.