wolftag

I'm sure everyone already knows this, but I just have to vent. My '04 TL has about 30,000 miles on it and the MID requested a B1 service.

The B1 items are listed below. Note that the vast majority of these things are simply inspections, and none of them take more than a couple of minutes to do.

At the dealership, an oil change and tire rotation usually run me about $60. The oil change includes a complementary inspection -- it includes around 18 things so I'm sure there is some overlap with the B1 service items.

Of course, they dealership wants to do their "30k major", which includes totally unneeded things like replacing the brake fluid.

I asked for quotes for *just* the B1 service, nothing else. That leaves pretty much just the engine air cleaner replacement and the cabin dust filter replacement on top of the usual oil change and tire rotation.

Marin Acura: $308
Serramonte Acura: $372

And of course, neither will offer a loaner since I didn't go with their full 30k service.

I purchased OEM filters at the parts department for about $60, and was able to change both in about 20 minutes.

$372 - 60 (oil change/rotation) - 60 (filters) = $252 to do probably 10 minutes of work.


B1 Service interval from owner’s manual:
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace cabin dust and pollen filter

Inspections:
Inspect drive belt
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect fuel lines and connections

johnny--2k

HOLY CRAP! That's insane. I already passed 30K and my TL has not shown a B1 as of yet. Ofcourse, I just do oil changes before the MID tells me (around 20% at the lowest) and rotate my tires myself. I dont want to pay $30 for a tire rotation. I would rather do it myself.

subinf

I'm really surprised Marin Acura was cheaper. In any event, the going labor rate in the Bay is well above 100 bucks an hour - even for the simple shit (it will be book time, which is always about an hour more than needed). It is pretty ridiculous.

pohljm

I would do just as you did and have them do an A1 service and then you do the air and cabin filter yourself and your done for $120 for your B1 service

erdoc48

Save $$$, go to the Honda dealer for the oil change (or DIY), change the filters, and reset the MID yourself. I had a 2000 TL and spent little money maintaining it. Service packages are a joke and a ripoff. I do agree that brake fluid changes are beneficial to maintain the brake seals. I used to pay $80 at Honda for this (on the 00TL).

mmcv6

thats a rip off. anyone who brings the car in for service should bend over hehe... Do it yourself which saves you 90% of the money, or bring it to a shop you trust which I do sometimes when my back kills and still save 85% of the money...

johnny--2k

acura is actually cheaper than honda for oil changes, at least around here they are. My oil changes at acura is about $30 and at honda they are like $35 or 38. Not a big difference, but I'll go to acura first, honda if acura is booked and i cant wait a few days.

wolftag

I can believe that its important, but at 30,000 miles? Its not part of the B1 -- I'll definately do it when the car asks for it.

meburdick

I have 13,000 on my '06, and it showed a B1 as the second service minder! My dealer said not to bother, just do the oil/filter...

Hawhyen51

Wolftag, got my B2 done couple months ago. Told the service rep do the oil/filter change (brought my own oil and filter) and tire rotation. And I'd replace the filters myself. Total bill was around $40. They even did some of the inspection items and annotated on the work order. There is no 30K service for the 3G TL since service requirements are identified by the MID.

RSA_Secure

The cheapest place in Bay Area (that I know of) for oil changes is Hopkins Acura. I agree with others...just get the basic things done and skip the rest or DIY. I just had them change the oil for my B1 service and I did the rest.

CL6

What did you expect? Both prices were close to one another. Cost of doing business.

wolftag

No, it is NOT the cost of doing business. That's my point. How is $252 for 10 minutes of work the "cost of doing business"? Its gouging.

wolftag

Yeah, I realize there is no 30K service for the TL. But try to tell that to one of the Bay Area dealers. They push the mileage based intervals. The only way to get them to follow the MID is to bring a copy of the manual page. If you tell them "I need a B2 service", the next question will be "How many miles?.... Oh, you are due for the 30,000 service". When I insist on doing just the MID requested work, I'm treated like I'm abusing my car.

How many other people have this problem?

bmaczo6

iTrader: (1)

Don't skimp on changing brake fluid. This is a common neglected part of the maintenance schedule. If your brake fluid is getting dark it is time to change it. The moisture that gets in there can corode internal parts causing some hugely expensive repairs down the road.