Acura dealership or TRUSTED mechanic
11-20-2017, 11:25 AM
#1
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Acura dealership or TRUSTED mechanic
So I have a 2009 TL Base +Tech with over 150k miles on it. I purchased it with 130k miles on it. I wasn't sure whether or not it had already had a timing change done on it so I looked to CarFax (no record found), I also called the previous dealership where it was documented to have been maintained and they stated they don't have it documented where it received a timing change. I am wanting to get it done of course as PREVENTATIVE but am trying to decide if I should take it to the Acura dealership or to my trusted mechanic (over 20 years experience with all makes/models). I recently took my 8th generation Accord coupe 6MT to the Honda dealership to get the timing change done on it and shelled out $750. I've called around and seems that the Acura dealerships are charging around $900+ for this service in the Atlanta, GA area. What are your thoughts on this? Where did you take yours?
11-20-2017, 03:05 PM
#2
Drifting
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I'd price it out with both. I'd trust the Acura dealership to do it right, but they're very likely to be more expensive. Changing the timing belt on the J-series isn't that complicated, so I'm sure your mechanic would do a fine job. If he's cheaper, go with him. The only item to consider is if he uses OEM factory parts or not. I'm not entirely convinced that you have to use the exact OEM parts. But for something pretty critical to the engine, I used all OEM parts for mine - not just OE replacements.
11-20-2017, 08:46 PM
#4
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I'd price it out with both. I'd trust the Acura dealership to do it right, but they're very likely to be more expensive. Changing the timing belt on the J-series isn't that complicated, so I'm sure your mechanic would do a fine job. If he's cheaper, go with him. The only item to consider is if he uses OEM factory parts or not. I'm not entirely convinced that you have to use the exact OEM parts. But for something pretty critical to the engine, I used all OEM parts for mine - not just OE replacements.
11-20-2017, 08:48 PM
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11-21-2017, 10:25 AM
#6
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Rockauto.com is a good supplier as well. They're pretty competitively priced (much better than the dealership) and carry a variety of each type of part. They pretty much always have the OEM part, then other compliant OE parts. I ordered all the OEM parts directly from them.
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Des_Atl (11-29-2017)
12-11-2017, 06:08 PM
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Des, I just went through a lot with my 2010 SH-AWD. The motor got pretty bad thanks to the previous owners. I had mine taken to Ed Voyels. I absolutely trust my service adviser there and the Tech that he refers to. Mine was a super pricey repair, but that was the Timing Belt along with other things (cam shaft, rocker assemblies cough cough). Also... when a dealer works on your car, that part is warrantied for a good while. Also, a dealer being a larger entity should offer up a higher sense of liability as opposed to a smaller shop that could easily tell you to kick rocks without much blemish on their name. With that said, I would fork over the extra for the dealer. It sucks but it does come with some advantages. Ultimately, it comes down to how long you PLAN to keep your TL and how much it means to you. Good luck.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
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Des_Atl (12-13-2017)
12-12-2017, 10:34 AM
#9
Drifting
If you're going to the trouble and expense of doing this (necessary) item of preventative maintenance, I'd use OEM Acura parts. Especially when it comes to anything with bearings, hardened/polished surfaces and/or precision tolerances, I'd shell out the extra for known quality parts as opposed to something that is "sorta right."
12-12-2017, 10:39 AM
#10
moabizzi
If its not too late, Get a quote from the honda dealership, have them email you what they'll do in the service and use that to negotiate the price over at the Acura dealership. I did this this previous summer and it worked out. The Acura Dealership did it for the price of the honda dealership.
12-12-2017, 11:24 AM
#11
Des, I just went through a lot with my 2010 SH-AWD. The motor got pretty bad thanks to the previous owners. I had mine taken to Ed Voyels. I absolutely trust my service adviser there and the Tech that he refers to. Mine was a super pricey repair, but that was the Timing Belt along with other things (cam shaft, rocker assemblies cough cough). Also... when a dealer works on your car, that part is warrantied for a good while. Also, a dealer being a larger entity should offer up a higher sense of liability as opposed to a smaller shop that could easily tell you to kick rocks without much blemish on their name. With that said, I would fork over the extra for the dealer. It sucks but it does come with some advantages. Ultimately, it comes down to how long you PLAN to keep your TL and how much it means to you. Good luck.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
12-13-2017, 07:18 AM
#12
Acura doesn't actually make timing belts or water pumps, nor do most auto manufacturers. They all buy them from outside vendors that specialize in their manufacture. The water pump on the 4G TL is an Aisin. The timing belt is almost certainly a Mitsubishi.
Any timing belt made for the TL from a major JAPANESE manufacturer is going to be to OEM specs. These vendors live and die by selling to auto companies not you and me and make them to their specs. They have zero incentive to make an inferior product as they'll quickly be out of business.
Buying the Aisin or Gates kit on Amazon will get you the same quality you get from the Acura dealer. Only the bag it comes in will be different. And the total on your monthly credit card bill.
Any timing belt made for the TL from a major JAPANESE manufacturer is going to be to OEM specs. These vendors live and die by selling to auto companies not you and me and make them to their specs. They have zero incentive to make an inferior product as they'll quickly be out of business.
Buying the Aisin or Gates kit on Amazon will get you the same quality you get from the Acura dealer. Only the bag it comes in will be different. And the total on your monthly credit card bill.
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Des_Atl (12-13-2017)
12-13-2017, 08:02 AM
#13
7th Gear
Thread Starter
Des, I just went through a lot with my 2010 SH-AWD. The motor got pretty bad thanks to the previous owners. I had mine taken to Ed Voyels. I absolutely trust my service adviser there and the Tech that he refers to. Mine was a super pricey repair, but that was the Timing Belt along with other things (cam shaft, rocker assemblies cough cough). Also... when a dealer works on your car, that part is warrantied for a good while. Also, a dealer being a larger entity should offer up a higher sense of liability as opposed to a smaller shop that could easily tell you to kick rocks without much blemish on their name. With that said, I would fork over the extra for the dealer. It sucks but it does come with some advantages. Ultimately, it comes down to how long you PLAN to keep your TL and how much it means to you. Good luck.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
-If you want my adviser's name, let me know.
12-13-2017, 08:04 AM
#14
7th Gear
Thread Starter
Acura doesn't actually make timing belts or water pumps, nor do most auto manufacturers. They all buy them from outside vendors that specialize in their manufacture. The water pump on the 4G TL is an Aisin. The timing belt is almost certainly a Mitsubishi.
Any timing belt made for the TL from a major JAPANESE manufacturer is going to be to OEM specs. These vendors live and die by selling to auto companies not you and me and make them to their specs. They have zero incentive to make an inferior product as they'll quickly be out of business.
Buying the Aisin or Gates kit on Amazon will get you the same quality you get from the Acura dealer. Only the bag it comes in will be different. And the total on your monthly credit card bill.
Any timing belt made for the TL from a major JAPANESE manufacturer is going to be to OEM specs. These vendors live and die by selling to auto companies not you and me and make them to their specs. They have zero incentive to make an inferior product as they'll quickly be out of business.
Buying the Aisin or Gates kit on Amazon will get you the same quality you get from the Acura dealer. Only the bag it comes in will be different. And the total on your monthly credit card bill.
12-13-2017, 08:15 AM
#15
7th Gear
Thread Starter
If its not too late, Get a quote from the honda dealership, have them email you what they'll do in the service and use that to negotiate the price over at the Acura dealership. I did this this previous summer and it worked out. The Acura Dealership did it for the price of the honda dealership.
12-13-2017, 08:17 AM
#16
7th Gear
Thread Starter
If you're going to the trouble and expense of doing this (necessary) item of preventative maintenance, I'd use OEM Acura parts. Especially when it comes to anything with bearings, hardened/polished surfaces and/or precision tolerances, I'd shell out the extra for known quality parts as opposed to something that is "sorta right."
12-13-2017, 09:20 AM
#17
Cruisin'
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Sorry guys. I've been out for a few days. So My service adviser's name is Deepesh Kara. Really good guy. Honest and courteous. Straight forward and transparent. He will work with you in trying to get your issues resolved without extra bull shit expenses that other service advisers try to up sell.
Deepesh Kara at Ed Voyels Acura on Peachtree Industrial (close to Brandsmart on 285).
Deepesh Kara at Ed Voyels Acura on Peachtree Industrial (close to Brandsmart on 285).
12-14-2017, 07:13 AM
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I never suggest making any decision based on price alone. I'd choose a trusted mechanic over any dealership any day of the week. And I'd be more comfortable paying them a little more than a dealership as well.
A private mechanic knows without good customer referrals their business is dead. The dealership will be there regardless.
'Typically' the service advisers at dealerships make commission on the services they sell. They need to feed their family so their 'advice' should always be scrutinized.
The 'techs' typically get paid a flat rate per job so the faster they get yours out and their hands on another car the better for them.
I don't blame these guys at all. I blame the crappy situation the dealership has put them in.
A private mechanic knows without good customer referrals their business is dead. The dealership will be there regardless.
'Typically' the service advisers at dealerships make commission on the services they sell. They need to feed their family so their 'advice' should always be scrutinized.
The 'techs' typically get paid a flat rate per job so the faster they get yours out and their hands on another car the better for them.
I don't blame these guys at all. I blame the crappy situation the dealership has put them in.