Ok boys and girls (specifically in the STL, MO area) it is almost time for my 105k maintenance.

I've received quotes from Frank Leta ($2000+) and jh ($1600). This includes Timing Belt, Tensioner, Water Pump, Spark Plugs and Valve Adjustment.

I do have a coupon from Acura that will save me 10% if I take it to the dealer.

Any other places I should check?

 

check out Honda dealerships too.

 

Huh, interesting point. Would they do work on TLs though? I mean we all know that underneath the Accord and TL is similar but never heard of Honda dealers doing work on TLs....heh

 

Yes, they will.

Just don't try to take a Honda to an Acura dealer, they don't have time for your riff raff.

 

They absolutely will and will be happy to do so. The only thing they can't / won't do is warranty work. Warranty work needs to be done by an Acura dealer.

 

Well it turns out I just got an e-mail from Frank Leta and they are going to give me $500 off of any service. Combine that with the coupon I got from Acura for 10% off the major maintenance I may be scheduling my maintenance through the dealer.

I will still call a couple of Honda dealers around here to see what they'll charge me and if it is anything lower than what Frank Leta will charge with my discounts.

Thanks for the input all, I'll let you know what I end up deciding on and update after the maintenance is complete. I do have the extended dealer warranty on the car as well which has a little less than 2 years left on it.

 

Just make sure you can double dip on the coupons (dealer and Acura). Typically dealers will only honor one.

 

Nice! Good to know! And so I'm assuming then prices may be cheaper as well in general?

If that's the case then I will definitely look into Honda when it's time for my second timing belt service

 

Yes. Honda labor rates are cheaper and the parts are as well.

 

Makes sense of course. But pretty messed up though cause basically the parts come from probably the same OEM sources and it's just stamped "Acura" instead of "Honda"

I'll definitely keep this in mind next time I need dealer service.

My local Acura dealer has a real posh lounge area with big ass TVs and a drink/food bar with two people serving up food and coffee. Definitely part of the reason it's so expensive! For me, I could care less about the waiting area as long as the work is done right. But for the clientele of Acura they gotta keep up that "posh" "uppder middle class" image I guess.

 

Yup and same holds true for Nissan / Infinity, Toyota / Lexus, VW/Audi ..........