neuronbob

Wife drives our 07 Pilot. The radiator has been leaking. She is, of course panicked about it and when she saw obvious leakage today she drove it straight to the dealer. I found out because the dealer called me and told me that the cost of repair for a new part is $750, including the 2-3 hours of labor they indicate it will take.

Does that sound right? Thanks. Trying to avoid being ripped.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

radiators can be found from 100-300 dollars.

Very easy to install. maybe less than an hour.
So, yes, $750 is pretty steep!

ttribe

I can't speak specifically about a radiator, but we've had some pretty significant repairs on our '03 Pilot over the past year (it has 115k miles on it) and they haven't been cheap; we've had at least two bills over $1,500 each.

oo7spy

The radiator itself is likely $382.90 because you are at the wrong dealer. 19010-PVJ-A52 List = $382.90, OEMAcuraParts = $287.18.

Hopefully, they are chaging all the hoses, thermostat, radiator cap, mounts and etc., so add in at least $60. That's $450 in parts alone.

EDIT: Never mind the thermostat, I figured it was part of the radiator hose system, but it's part of your water pump. Still will be well over $400 walking into a dealer without parts.
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NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Buy OEM from link above. Take to any local garage and have it installed. Pick up Honda antifreeze and new radiator hoses while you're at it (assuming the hoses are original).

neuronbob

Thank you.

AZ rocks.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

denso makes the radiator for the TL.
I can order the denso version from rockauto for 100 dollars for the same radiator that acura sells for 348.

a simple search verifies that denso makes the Honda Pilot's radiator as well.

oo7spy

Change the cap while you're at it.

Mr. Maker

iTrader: (4)

I'm parts manager for a few different collisions centers. We almost always us aftermarket radiators, condensers, fan assy etc..Justn is right about Denso but Valeo also makes cooling products for Honda/Acura (Same products just different manufacturers). From a dealership 750 seems about right. I just replaced my buddies condenser in his accord and saved him close to $500. Shoot me a PM if you want me to price you out the radiator.

Bdog

I checked 1-800-radiator and their response was:

"With our OE certified parts, you'll be putting in exactly what you pulled out. Lifetime Warranty and drop-in fit. Do you want quotes on just the radiator -- or installation too?"

"We have installation centers in Cleveland, on W Pleasant Valley Rd who give us preferred labor rates. If you'd like, we can call them and get the best labor rate for your job and get back to you in a few minutes via phone or email. Would you like us to do that? Or you can call now and speak with our installation specialist Hank. He's at 800-248-8720."

"There are a couple of different radiators, ranging in price between $127.00 and $299.00. We can get you wholesale rates on labor, assuming you went with our installation centers. That's about 1/3 what you'd pay at the dealer. Would you like me to get you an exact labor quote?


2 hours labor should be around $70.00 per hour, most I'd think at $120.00... so $750 is high for a radiator swap. If you do get rid of it, don't let them keep it, salvage it for a few bucks.

Mr. Maker

iTrader: (4)

1800rad is a great company. I deal with them a lot. Body labor is 42 an hour. Installation of radiators is considered mechanical labor. For a walk in it's 85 an hour here.

neuronbob

Dammit. Wife didn't want to leave the dealer with a leaking radiator despite my explaining to her that if they just refilled it, we could price out a radiator and get it repaired at an indie shop for less.

Grrrrrr.....preparing to be ass-raped.....not happy. I can afford it, but don't want to pay such a high price.

charliemike

Sorry Bob. Perhaps your wife needs to be docked her allowance :P

chill_dog

^LOL, good luck with that.


The "helpful tech who cares" probably got in her ear . Besides, it's replacing a radiator...it's not like it's brain surgery or something...that tech has to be right

SwervinCL

That's WAY too much... Course, it's from the dealer.

My accord was about to cost me 1600 bucks for a new compressor.... Got rid of the car instead.

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

This is exactly why I don't take my car to the dealer. They inflate prices on everything.

MR1

You need a trusted independent Honda mechanic. Dealer is for warranty only and sometimes purchases IMHO. I call them to check prices to make sure my independent isn't being greedy.

My wife just tells me when she thinks there is a problem. As long as the vehicle does what she expects, it's fine. I'm even responsible for gassing it up. I don't cook or do laundry. Works well for us YMMV.

OTOH...Happy wife, happy life, choose your battles!

neuronbob

Wives sometimes make life more complicated than it needs to be. I love her anyway and I forgive her for this transgression, because she let me buy two CTS-Vs. How many wives would let their spouse do that without a fight?

Instead of being belligerent (which would be unusual for me anyway), I used this as a financial teaching moment for her. I told her how easy it would have been for me to keep the radiator topped off, while I waited for a cheaper OEM radiator to come in. Then we would have paid only for 1-2 hours of labor at the dealer or an indie shop. To her credit, she took it well.

Wives.....

ttribe

Translation - "Without thinking, I brought up that we could have saved a few $'s. She didn't kill me. I lucked out."