Quote:
Originally Posted by lisalo
I have a 2004 HP (104,500 miles). My ex-husband was the one who knew what services to follow and what could wait, but now I'm on my own with this. It's my primary vehicle-I love it and need it to last. I just want to make sure I go to the dealer prepared and know what the heck I'm talking about. Last spring they scared me regarding the timing belt so now that I can afford it, I am getting it done this Friday. I also requested the closest maintenance schedule (150k). They quoted me $1545...this includes the 105k service with transmission fluid service and the timing belt. Does this sound reasonable and what should I expect that they will do for that? I believe he mentioned new water pump but I can't remember if they said they were replacing or checking...same goes for spark plugs.
Also, he said that it would be another $350 or so to do a valve tightening service. I don't think I can afford that too, so what is the importance of that fix??
We bought the Pilot Feb. 2004 in Southern Arizona and lived there for 4 years, now I live in northern New England (for the past year and a half). Point being, this car has seen both ends of extreme conditions. On top of that we had a tow package and new brakes in spring '08 and drove across country hauling a U-haul trailer (med/small size). And after moving back east, I did have to have new tires put on in fall 2008. This Pilot's done some work! I just want to get a sense of what I should be doing for the vehicle, but as don't want to get taken advantage of when I go in for these services. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
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Congrats on taking control of your own vehicle maintenance. My take is that you should get out the owner's manual and your own records and figure out exactly what the car needs "by the book." Avoid telling the dealer to do open-ended "150K" maintenance - this is where they tend to charge an arm/leg for maintenance that you may not need. Many (most) have their own inspection lists that are more extensive that the book says... mostly they generate extra profit for the dealer.
On the specifics, 105K is where you're supposed to change plugs, timing belt (and most do the serpentine belt and water pump along with it), and check the valves. I would do all of these, although some might say that you can ignore the valves if they're not noisy. I'd look for a coupon or package special that the dealer might be running on this service and/or negotiate. Don't be afraid to shop around. All these things involve removing the same parts, so they should be cheaper to do all at once.
Another key thing often neglected is coolant and brake fluid changes. These are done on calendar time. I'd do these if you're overdue.
Good luck,
- Mark