Hi folks,

I've got an '08 TL and I'm looking for a reliable Acura mechanic in the Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo or Gardena areas.

Ed

 

I don't have anyone specific in mind, however are you looking for someone to just do general repair/maintenance?

 

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Yes, just routine stuff like oil/filter change, coolant flush, auto tranny fluid change, brakes, etc. Anything serious I'd take to the dealer under warranty.

I did a search on Google and all that came up were the independent shops that advertise service for every make and model under the sun. I'd ideally like to find a place that specializes in Honda/Acura.

 

I think yelp might end up being a better tool for you to use in this case.

 

Yeah, that's a good idea. I may check out Angie's list too. I thought perhaps someone on Acurazine that's in my area might know of a good shop. The local dealer seems to be pretty good if I can't find an indy shop.

 

Local dealer seems pretty good? If you are referring to Power Acura South Bay in Torrance, I would avoid them.

The last time I went there, they literally lived up to the name "stealership". I went in for a simple oil change. They do their inspection and come back with a laundry list of things to do.

1. Change transmission fluid - ok I did not have an issue with that recommendation.

2. My front and side motor mounts are bad, and both need to be replaced.

3. My power steering fluid needs to be replaced. This recommendation immediately pissed me off. I told them I just had that done...look it up in the service record. Either they charged me and did not do it in the past service, or the power steering fluid is not that bad now! Needless to say, he did not answer that question, and changed the subject back to the motor mounts.

So being pissed off, I decide to take my car to another dealership. That other dealership told me, only the side motor mount is bad, the front motor mount is fine.

So basically, South Bay Acura wanted to steal over $500 to do the front motor mount, and even more to do the power steering service (which I previously paid $175 to do in a past service WITH THEM!). If you are going to try to steal from someone, you better make damn sure that you do not get caught!

So my advice to you, avoid them. If you do go to them, use them only for warranty work, or very simple maintenance. If they do give you a recommendation for additional work, be very leery of it. And be aware that they are more expensive than competing dealerships.

 

It is not near Torrance or the South Bay, but I now take my car to UR#1 Honda-Acura in Garden Grove. It is about a 25 mile drive for me. He is the only independent mechanic that I could find that specializes only in Honda/Acura. Yes, he uses only Honda/Acura OEM parts/fluids etc. I have since had him do my 105K timing belt, water pump, spark plugs service and was very happy with the results!

 

Yeah, after visiting the dealer after making my post, I see they are quite expensive. I don't have any experience with them for repair work but the prices quoted for routine maintenance are outrageous. They wanted $180 to change the transmission fluid!

Are any of the LA area dealerships any good? I don't mind driving to one if the work is good and reasonably priced.

 

I've used this guy to do work on my Honda Pilot and Accord in the past. Timing belts and anything else, I don't feel confident enough about. And I will definitely use him for work on my newly bought 2007 TL. He's really easy to talk to and his prices are good too. He's got great reviews on yelp, google and city search. It's a very small shop that specializes in Japanese cars. He's not in the SB, but he's in the Culver City/Westchester area. Right on Jefferson off the 405.
Dave Frost Automotive (Speak to Dave personally)
12019 Jefferson Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
Neighborhood: Westchester / LAX
(310) 827-3774
www.frostautomotive.com