I have a 2003 MDX that I bought new in May 2003. We drive mostly locally, logging in ~15 miles daily with 2-3 long trips annually. In Aug 2005, when we did the 2 year service, we had driven 19,068 miles. In April 2006, it underwent a complimentary 45 point analysis at the local Acura dealer with flying colors at 23,773 miles.

It is now theorectically due for the 3 year service with ~25,000 miles which the dealer estimates will cost ~$550. A reputable local independent Acura/Honda mechanic recommend service only in 15,000 increments (i.e., wait till 30,000 miles for oil change only and 45k mile for the "3 year service"). Curious what others recommend?

 

never heard of any 2-3 yr service. only service plan i follow is 30, 60, 90

 

On the official Acura owner website (http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/mainten...t_schedule.asp), they have the schedule listed by miles and by years owned (per dealer, it is suppose to be whichever comes first).

 

I'd follow the manufacturers recommendations over the local dealerships. IMO local dealers tend to have more frequent service recommendations which of course brings them more profit.

Fluids, etc degrade over time as well, not just miles driven, so I'd perform maintenance per the schedules of time or miles whichever you hit first. If you didnt a car thats driven very short trips infrequently, say 5k a year would only have its oil changed once every 3 years. Synthetic or not, thats just way too long an interval.