Hey fellas. I plan on purchasing a TL within the next month. Just wanted to be sure of something and thought you guys might be able to help. I perform maintenance on my american cars along with my father to avoid the labor costs. I've been told by mechanics that basic maintenance on most foreign, luxury vehicles is a pain in the ass because most stores and garages don't carry the parts and the dealers won't sell them to you. Do you find this to be true for Acura? Would dealer maintenance be my only option? Thanks

 

If your talking about normal maintanance,oil changes, brakes ,fluids etc, there really is no difference. I have owned hondas/acuras for over 25 years and have never had any problem doing my own maintanance. Dealers are happy to sell you everything you need to properly maintain your tl. And aftermarket part stores also have what you need. You can also go out and buy a service manual to help you if need too.

 

I've owned nothing but foreign cars in my life and I usually do my own basic maintenance and installations. This includes oil/filter changes, tire rotations, brake work, etc. Most foreign cars are very easy to work on and the parts are readily available at most stores, or from the dealer.

Don't believe the hype

 

If your mechanics told you otherwise, how would they earn business?

I agree with the two posters above. Many, if not all, parts are available at your local dealerships and some parts are even cheaper online.

 

Actually, maintenance on Japanese cars tends to be easier than American cars because items that need to be serviced are usually more accessable. You will have no problem finding parts, but then again you won't need much except the basics.

 

Since the TL is made in America....I would think that getting parts would not be a major headache.

When I worked on Mercedes Benz in the early '80s - parts were a problem. But I'd be surprised if that is the case with foreign cars today.

 

In early '80s you were 12 - 15 years old, wouldn't you be?

 

At 8 I was fixing mechanical/electrical toys for my neighbors/friends. By 12 I was rewiring cars/boats and installing stereo equipment (Many 8 track players )When I was 15 I was rebuilding V8's while other kids my age were struggling with Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engines.... By the time I was 18 I knew more about cars/mechanics than most do in their lifetime..
Funny thing is my dad could barely change a tire by himself, thus I did not get it from him.

Could of been the same for this man/boy at the time..