I just called Acura of Boston to have my TL serviced. For the B12 service this is what I was told it needs.

$135 Oil change and inspect hoses, belts, brakes, and suspention.
$196 Replace air filter
$ 99 Alignment (they said Acura recommends once a year)
$ 65 Balance the tires (also recommended once a year)

I feel like this is a bit much.

Any advice?

 

Do the oil change yourself. Advance Auto has a sale for Mobile 1 (5 qts) with filter for $30.00. While your there pick up an air filter and replace yourself.

As far as alignment and tire balance, I'd pass. You can always get your tires balanced when you replace them. If your TL doens't pull to one side, why would you need the alignment? Sounds like a rip off to me.

You should be able to do the oil change and air filter for under $50.00.

 

Man what a rip off. 135 for oil change and 196 for air filter. Should ask them what kind of air filter are they using that cost 200 bucks.

 

Good god, that is a massive screwing.

Is the $196 the cabin air filter, or the engine air filter? Engine air filter takes all of 5 minutes to change, and it's a $26 part.

Change the oil yourself. Unless the car is pulling, or there is uneven tire wear, you don't need to realign it every year. My dealer charges $35 for a tire rotation and rebalance, not $99 like yours.

I think you need to find a new dealer, they are trying to screw you and the prices they quoted are insane.

 

if that's the engine air filter, that literally takes less than a minute to pop off the cover, fish out the old filter and drop the new one in. I have a local acura shop that does my oil changes for $20 (I provide the oil). Alignment is about the only thing there that looks about right, my place does it for $80, but i know they use the latest machines. Ask what alignment machines they use and do some research. I have a local place i bought some tires from and they do my rotations/balances/mountings for free.

 

$200 for an air filter?!? LOL

 

yeap. plain and simple... Rip Off

 

you would be correct.

 

WTF are they crazy $196 an air filter -even if its the cabin filter it costs like $20 or $40 oem they charge $150 to install it? Do the work yourself lots of DIY in the AZ Garage...

 

That's some crazy pricing even for a dealer you must of understood wrong or there out of there mind lol. If air filter change's were $196 the dealer would have no bussniess.

 

thats probably the cabin filter which they charge 1.5 hours to change- while we do it in 30 minutes DIY $25 filter, should do every year for your health

an alignment shop with Hunter equipment is what you need to find- if you have fancy wheels use Hunter Roadforce Balancing machine, it puts weights on the inside of the rim- out of sight
It can even tell you where to place each wheel on the car for best ride!
rotating tires has merits but this is better

In the end.. its the guy turning the wrench and rechecking the numbers, the laser machine doesnt measure any better- just easier for the tech to see green or red in the display, adjust till green, done
50-60 bucks for 4 wheel align, 4 roadforce tire balance $40-60 depending on deals with align
If you drive over-thru a lot of potholes or have bad freeways then once a year align and balance will cut down wear of tires,,toe gets knocked out and the edges wear quickly

 

It is a bit much. You'll save a lot of money by doing the filter & oil change yourself.

 

Here's an example of the savings if you DIY. I just changed the serpentine belt on my wife's 350Z. Belt was $10. Lift was $8. Total $18. If I would have taken it to the dealer, it would cost me $99 in labor. It took me no more than 20 mins to change the belt. And that includes fighting with the pulley bolt.

 

The money dealers charge for routine maintenance items is flat out ridicilous.

My favorites are the $600-$900 rotor and pad brake jobs. You can buy the parts for $300 and install them with basic hand tools. I understand they have overhead and need to make a profit, but some of it is just taking advantage of people.

 

R u serious with the 1.5 labor charge?
I just changed my cabin filter and it took less than 5 minutes.
friggin stealerships

 

I do my oil change at the dealership too but it costs me only $50 in Seattle. And I think they always inspect the vehicle. I put in a K&N air filter that cost me about 40 bucks myself. Bottom line: ripoff'd.

 

To the original poster (OP) Listen to everyone on this forum as most of us are extremely knowledgeable and can help you. By keeping our maintenance costs down, this allows some of us to own these cars.

1) Go to your local auto parts store, Autozone, Advance Auto Parts, etc... They all usually have a special running where you buy 5 quarts of oil and get a free filter. Buy that one. Next, go to your local mechanic and find a place that will change the oil, balance and rotate your tires for all under $50. Negotiate the price before they touch your car so there will be no surprises in the end.

2) Do the cabin air filter replacement yourself. I know it may be a little intimidating, but trust me, it's really easy. As this is service that has to be performed regularly (~2/year), the savings grow every time you perform this service. Here is the link from the 3G garage to do this: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/diy-replacing-cabin-air-filter-3g-garage-diy-f-130-a-583555/
Go to www.rockauto.com and buy the charcoal activated ATP cabin air filters, they are the best I've used and I continue to endorse them. May I suggest that you buy multiple filters to save on shipping and to have as your own stock.

Good luck and save money (we are in a recession aren't we). Use some of the extra money for your savings or car washes.

Get back to us and let us know. Keep the questions coming.

 

I'd love to find a place that would do a four wheel alignment for 60 dollars.

 

Balance and Rotate

Plus, unless his car is pulling to one side, like lovemytype-s said, he doesn't need one.

 

It is a bit to much, they are trying to get you with all the package plans.

Here's what you can do for the lowest pricing:
1. Get a regular oil change - 29.99 at the dealer usually
2. Replace the filters yourself - takes about 30 minutes to do both filters. You can buy them at your local parts dept at your dealership, its about 25 for the engine filter and 15 for the cabin filter usually.
3. Alignment isn't really necessary unless the car is pulling. However it's a good idea to get one done when installing new tires to insure their life is prolonged.
4. Balancing is only necessary when you feel a vibration in the seat or steering wheel while driving, costs about 20 dollars at discount tire.
5. I would suggest you rotate your tires, should be about 20 dollars.

 

Sorry, I meant to quote 01tl4tl. He referenced alignments for 50-60.

 

lol 200 bucks for a air filter might as well get a cai...