My '04 TL is overdue for the B24 service. Specifics (right from the owner's manual) are listed below. I assume the most costly item is the timing belt replacement.

Money is REALLY tight for us these days -- I was out of work for six months -- so while I know I've got to get this done, it's imperative I don't pay more than I have to.

Incidentally, we live in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore.

Your opinions/advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Oh, by the way, I'm completely inept when it comes to anything mechanical, so please don't suggest I do any of this myself.

B
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items:

• Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
• Suspension components
• Driveshaft boots
• Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
• All fluid levels and condition of fluids
• Exhaust system
• Fuel lines and connections

2
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt

4
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance

 

How many miles do you have?

 

The only tasks here that are difficult are the timing belt, and valve adjustment. You can do the rest in an hour. Perhaps you can negotiate just those functions.

I've seen prices vary wildly on this 105K service--everywhere from specials for $499 to $2000 (ridiculous). Search the forum for 105K service to get some options.

I think about $1200 + is the going Acura rate, which still seems really high to me. You could also look for a good independent Honda shop that knows these cars--there's a very good one near me that does this service for $1000.

 

Paperboy: 113,000 miles

 

Take your car to Anderson Honda in Cockeyvilles to get the Timing Belt done because they are doing a special on Timing Belts, I just got mines done last month.....Asked for Crystal

 

I'd recommend doing some research on Hamilton Honda in NJ. They're highly regarded on here and you can get the timing belt, water pump and tensioner done for a really good price. I'm around 3.5 hrs away and I'll be making the drive when I'm due. I can easily do it myself, with the help of ex-mechanic friends, but I'll make a road trip just for fun.

The other stuff is peanuts. If money's super tight, maybe educate yourself on the basics? You can buy a set of OEM spark plugs at Advance Auto for $60 and change them yourself. Same with the oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection. The air/cabin filters are also a piece of cake to change yourself. The drive belt is also easy to change and is cheap. I'm sure Hamilton will inspect all the suspension components when you have the timing belt done, if you ask them nicely. They can flush your brake fluid for maybe around $70 as well.

 

Most of these things you can do yourself and you can save some money.

 

He clearly said he doesn't want to do it himself, and if he knows well enough to not want to do it then so be it. If you do anything wrong with the timing belt it can cause major damage. Ive also heard good things about that Hamilton Honda place, never been there though. I called my local Acura dealer just to see how much they would charge even though I was gonna do it myself: $1800. F that S