15,000 mile scheduled maint questions

[gooter]

We have a 2004 Pilot we bought in Sep.04 and currently has approx. 16,000 miles. I had the oil changed at 4,838; 9,173 (including the tires rotated); and 12,918 miles. Now, it's time for the 15,000 scheduled maint. The local dealer who has done all of the work on the car so far wants ~$255 for this maint. Just for the VTM fluid change they want ~$120 ($92 labor, rest parts). For obvious reasons, I think the dealer is taking advantage of me. Another local dealer wants around the same price.

My questions:

1. All of the inspecting items (eg. inspect exhaust, fuel lines, driveshaft boots, etc) seem like "fluff" to me. By this I mean, they are only listed to make dealers money on service. Now I could be wrong as I am in no way mechanically inclined but are these things really necessary? I can see the need for the oil change, tire rotation and VTM fluid change but not these other things.

2. By not doing those other things, am I potentially voiding the warranty?

3. Can I take the car to someone else?

Thanks!

[Dano]

Originally posted by gooter
We have a 2004 Pilot we bought in Sep.04 and currently has approx. 16,000 miles. I had the oil changed at 4,838; 9,173 (including the tires rotated); and 12,918 miles. Now, it's time for the 15,000 scheduled maint. The local dealer who has done all of the work on the car so far wants ~$255 for this maint. Just for the VTM fluid change they want ~$120 ($92 labor, rest parts). For obvious reasons, I think the dealer is taking advantage of me. Another local dealer wants around the same price.

My questions:

1. All of the inspecting items (eg. inspect exhaust, fuel lines, driveshaft boots, etc) seem like "fluff" to me. By this I mean, they are only listed to make dealers money on service. Now I could be wrong as I am in no way mechanically inclined but are these things really necessary? I can see the need for the oil change, tire rotation and VTM fluid change but not these other things.

2. By not doing those other things, am I potentially voiding the warranty?

3. Can I take the car to someone else?

Thanks!

1. You can always take the car to someone else without voiding warranty.

2. VTM fluid change should cost no more than $60. About $30 if you do it yourself which entails turning a wrench and using a hand pump.

3. Inspections are generally bullsh*t.

[whizmo]

I agree that finding a good independent shop to do the work (or DIY if you have the skills and tools) is a good idea, both to save money and to ensure a good job.

These charges are high, but not radically high. IMHO, $30 labor for a VTM4 changeout is Jiffy Lube pricing and if you insist on Jiffy Lube pricing, you're going to get Jiffy Lube quality.

In general, I think most car owners focus way too much on the price of service and not the quality. If you find someone who does careful, quality work, don't be a cheapskate. These days, it costs a lot of money to hire good mechanics, give them a health benefit package, keep them trained, and provide all the overhead of a good shop.

Whizmo

[gooter]

Thanks for the replies so far. Another question, is there a website that lists Honda certified mechanics in each state? Or is the good ole' fashioned phone book my best choice?

BTW, I live in a far western burb of Chicago, IL.

Thanks

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by gooter
Thanks for the replies so far. Another question, is there a website that lists Honda certified mechanics in each state? Or is the good ole' fashioned phone book my best choice?

BTW, I live in a far western burb of Chicago, IL.

Thanks

Honda certified mechanics work at Honda. Usually you will find ASE certified mechanics at independent shops. The best way to find a good independent mechanic is by word of mouth. There are independent shops that specialize in foreign autos and even sometimes Honda's specifically.

[CMasten]

I had to stop by my dealer the other day for some parts, asked the service manager ( a pilot owner and family man) if I needed to bother with them for the 15K service.. he said, have you kept up on the oil changes? yep.. how about the VTM serviced? yep... ok how about just a look see at the air filter and under the hood at all the fluids and belts etc, I said yet, do it every week... even changed out the cabin filter... he said well then I guess I would say keep it up and we will see you at 30,000! most of this stuff you can do yourself, just keep the notes ( I use the Honda Owner Link) and make sure you do it on regular intervals..

Keep your $255.00 and buy a new Nano, GPS unit or other fun toy and use the rest to buy filters, VTM fluid and extra Honda parts for your Pilot!

[ED27]

Originally posted by gooter
We have a 2004 Pilot we bought in Sep.04 and currently has approx. 16,000 miles. I had the oil changed at 4,838; 9,173 (including the tires rotated); and 12,918 miles. Now, it's time for the 15,000 scheduled maint. 1. All of the inspecting items (eg. inspect exhaust, fuel lines, driveshaft boots, etc) seem like "fluff" to me. By this I mean, they are only listed to make dealers money on service. Now I could be wrong as I am in no way mechanically inclined but are these things really necessary? I can see the need for the oil change, tire rotation and VTM fluid change but not these other things.

The inspection items are not totally BS....they're just overpriced. You might be able to find a dealer that will do a "27-point" inspection for free as a special. The checks are performed to catch potential problems that can lead to expensive repairs down the road (i.e. torn/damaged boots, unusual rusting, brake problems, etc.). However, you can perform these checks yourself if you can find and develop a good relationship with a local shop. While my mechanic is performing a fluid change or other maintenance job, I look underneath the car and do all of the standard checks according to the owner's manual and service manual. My 15K service cost me only $50 in labor. Find a reputable local shop and save the money. For $255 you should be able to get the service you need and have plenty left over for the service and electrical troubleshooting manuals (www.helminc.com).

BTW, are you on the severe service schedule? If not, you only have to change the oil/filter and rotate the tires every 7500 miles.

[gooter]

Thanks again for the replies.

No, I'm kind of on a quasi-normal schedule. My plan now is to get the oil changed every 5,000 miles which seems to be the general consensus around here. Not sure about the tires. Maybe still every 7,500?

[ED27]

Tires should be every 7500 unless you're noticing abnormal wear between the front and back but that might be a different problem altogether. If you're interested you can have a used oil analysis done to see how well the oil is performing in your engine. The lab will also give you an estimate on how long you can go the next time.

[catsailr]

My 05 RL is due for the 15,000 mile check-up. Called my dealer yesterday and was told the cost was $300. The cost for oil change is $24 and rear differental fluid $85, for a total of $109. Looks like they other $191 is for rotating tires and visual inspections.

My 05 Pilot is almost due for the 15,000 mile check-up, but I have not contacted the dealer for their price.

[CMasten]

My 05 will be up for its 15k soon, I have no intentions of taking it to the stealer.. every 4k on the oil changes, just swapped out the VTM and cabin filter and I always do "inspections" when I do the oil changes. I just rotated the tires last time and checked out the brakes etc.

I think Ill pocket the 300.00 and buy more Honda supplies.

[jmeitz]

I have owned two foreign cars and have never had anytype of service done except for Trans fluid changed at 75K, I now have 110k on the mazda and traded the other at 135k or so. Never bought a warrenty either except for the Murano because of the CVT issues. I believe if you take good care of your vehicles and check your fluids there is no need for service calls.

[catsailr]

Just called my Honda dealer and the 15,000 mile service is $247, but does include sales tax, Ha! Ha!

[AWGD8]

If you want free inspection go to MIDAS. Once the inspection is done you are not obligated to do the work there. Plus they`ll give you a print out sheet on what is ok and what needs to be done in your car.

As I recall , it took them 45 mins to check my friends KIA Sedona. They did check the brakes (measured and checked the caliper thickness, break pads , piston etc.) all vital fluids, suspension etc.....

My friend`s car did have a break problem that is why he decided to go check it. We actually went to Kia service dept. first and they were asking $65 just for the break inspection alone!

The Kia sedona has 50k miles and bought used. We finally decided to service it at MIDAS. $300 For Transmission oil change, 2 front rotor resurface and changed to 2 semi metallic front break pads. Cleaned both rear drum breaks, added all vital fluids, changed engine oil and filter (note it`s a synthetic oil - Kia sedona is 3.5 liters V6) Rotate 4 Tires. That price includes parts , tax and labor. I wonder how much the Kia dealership will charge us if they do the same work?

[whizmo]

Originally posted by AWGD8
If you want free inspection go to MIDAS.

There are good and bad shops flying under every banner, but Midas consistently ranks among the lowest in customer satisfication in every survey I've seen.

- Mark