First Service question

[nimbus2007]

Hi guys,

great site and very informative discussions here. helped me in every purchasing step. got our EX-L w/Nav 3 months ago.

on to my question:

where does it say that the first service is free? I've been browsing the forums and keep reading about this and I don't remember the sales rep mentioning this. if it is indeed free does it include the tire rotation?

Need to set up an appointment soon as I'm down to 10% on the MM so I'm guessing I have roughly 400-500 miles (or 2 weeks)left.

sorry for the noobie questions

thanks all

[jay]

The first service isn't free in my locale. Maybe you're recalling the old days when that first service at 600 or 1000 miles was free, but that is so last century. Around here you'd pay about $90 at the dealer for an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and check this check that.

And Welcome!!

[slpa1]

The free first oil change/tire rotation was just part of the package when I bought my Pilot. I don't expect any more freebies from the dealer...

[nimbus2007]

I guess there's only one way to find out...calling the dealer tomorrow

thanks for your time guys

[whizmo]

In case it's not clear here, a free initial service is strictly something that individual dealers sometimes do as a promotion to get you to buy a car and sometimes as an additional opportunity to sell you stuff. It's not very common with Honda dealers in my experience. It has nothing to do with corporate Honda.

Some Euro makes - for example BMW/Mini, Mercedes, and Audi - include free routine service through all or part of the warranty period. This is done by the importer and the dealer is reimbursed by the importer so it is a universal deal.

- Mark

[mfisher1967]

Have you considered performing the 1st oil change yourself? It is not difficult to do and you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done right.

All you will need is 5 quarts of oil (~$20 for a Group III synthetic), a new drain plug sealing washer (~.20 cents) and an oil filter (~$5). I used Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 when I changed the oil last weekend on my wife's '06 LX. I used a Purolator PureOne oil filter this time, though I typically use an Amsoil EAO13 oil filter. Total cost was ~$25 and it only takes about ~30 minutes to complete.

I use ramps instead of a jack/jack-stands. You will need a 1/2" drive ratchet with a 17 mm socket to remove the drain plug. I use a Husky torque wrench to reinstall the drain plug at 29 ft/lbs as per the Helms manual. A decent oil filter wrench makes filter removal an easy chore. HandA online sells a Honda OEM filter removal tool. Slip a ziploc bag over the oil filter before you remove it, as it will prevent oil from splashing everywhere.

If you do decide to use the dealer or any other quick lube shop, please be sure to check the oil level before you leave the parking lot. It is extremely common for quick lube shops to overfill the oil sump. You will also want to make sure that they have replaced the oil filter. Honda states that you only need to replace the oil filter every other oil change, but at ~$5 for a PureOne filter why would anyone want to do this?

Good Luck!

[GreenMachine]

Originally posted by mfisher1967


If you do decide to use the dealer or any other quick lube shop, please be sure to check the oil level before you leave the parking lot. It is extremely common for quick lube shops to overfill the oil sump.

Or forget to fill it all together.

[Shindig78]

My MM just came on last Friday, a little shy of 5,000 miles. I'll take it into the dealer this week.

Please take a look at my "punch list" below. Am I being too picky here, or is it worthwhile to have the dealer address these minor issues?

1) Minor creaking sound from the center console when the body flexes.

2) Rattle in dashboard, in the area of the driver's side air vent. This is more prominent in cold weather.

3) Minor rattle in driver's side door, audible when radio is on (usually with bass, but also audible when listening to KYW 1060AM News Radio).

4) Some sticky residue remaining on wheels and driver's door from the protective plastic used during deliver from the factory. Residue remains after several washes. Please give the car a proper detailing.

Thanks for your input!

[colorider]

Originally posted by Shindig78
[B]
Please take a look at my "punch list" below. Am I being too picky here, or is it worthwhile to have the dealer address these minor issues?
/B]

I don't think it is being too picky, but be prepared for the response of "could not duplicate problem" on some items.

Good Luck!!

[Shindig78]

Originally posted by colorider


I don't think it is being too picky, but be prepared for the response of "could not duplicate problem" on some items.

Good Luck!!

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sure I'll get a "could not duplicate" response from the dealer on at least one of the issues. I'll take it in this week and follow up here with the outcome.

[Shindig78]

So far, so good. I just called the dealer to make the appointment and they were very receptive to the issues that I described above. They even offered to give me a free loaner car for the day.

Not bad -- this is a free service to begin with (oil change), plus the warranty work for the rattles etc, plus a loaner. It's nice to have a new car again. As I mentioned before, I'll follow up tomorrow once the service is complete, just in case anyone is interested.

[Shindig78]

I dropped my Pilot off this morning for its first service. Everything went well. The dealership has a new service facility, and it was very nice. They had someone standing at the entrance directing traffic, and people standing by to check in cars very quickly. The service writer didn't seem thrilled to hear about my creaks and rattles, but he documented everything and promised to check into them. To help the techs diagnose them, I placed post-it notes in the car on the spots where I hear the rattles.

After checking the Pilot in for service, I went to the Enterprise office located in the dealership and picked up an '07 Accord as my free loaner. They even asked if I wanted an SUV or minivan comparable to the Pilot, which was nice.

We'll see how it goes when I pick up the Pilot tonight...