Rep Power: 257

Hey guys,

So I took my 04 Civic coupe EX to Firestone today. I had to get an oil change and also figured I'd get a brake inspection with a free coupon, since I know my breaks aren't that great anymore and was wondering how close I am to needing new ones. I'm at 49,000 miles. I also told them to check this sorta grinding noise I hear when I'm accelerating at about 20mph, and also that the steering wheel shakes once I reach about 60mph.

Well, the guy comes back to tell me all this stuff I need done to my car and it just really surprised me and has me wondering where I'm going to get that kind of money. Here's a list of all they think I need done, but he said 3 things are most important, and I'm wondering the extent of that and if I can go about getting them done for cheaper...or even if something should be wrong at this point. I doubt any of it is covered under warranty. The starred ones in the list are what they said are most important.

-First off, he said they couldn't find out what that noise is so they're gonna have to inspect it further for $97.
-Apparently, they think I need 2 new front tires even though the tread is still good, for $233.06.
-New air filter $32.99
-New battery $115 (I figure I'll really know myself when I need a new one and I can just put it in myself....it's just a battery, come on)
***-Brake maintenance package (Fluid, labor) $50
***-Half Shaft (Front-Left)(remove and inspect axle shaft assembly) $326...They said this is most important, because it's apparently chipped and worn...but just this one is that bad...and if I don't get it fixed it can give me transmission problems which is 1000x worse
-Alignment $75
***-Standard Front Brake Job- Ceramic Pads $200....I figured I'd need new front brakes anyway
-Fuel system tune up $90
-wiper blades $34 (This has got to be the stupidest thing I've ever seen.)

Total for everything there is about $1400...but the starred most important will be almost $700. I really would like opinions on what services I really should get done, how I might be able to get it done for cheaper too, and what they're bullshitting (like the wiper blades). Labor for all that comes to almost $600, which is crazy. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 0

Do you here any grinding noise if you turn the wheel at 20mph

Well The Brakes are cheaper than the dealer, i have many of these jobs and its about 105 dollars a rotor and 35 dollars for the pads, my cost. The battery is about right for 115 for a Honda Battery, make sure you have the radio code first or the serial number, You could clean and adjust the rears yourself with a can of antiseize and 2 cans of brakes parts cleaner and a flat head screw driver.
Dont waste your time with the fuel cleaning service, just get 2 bottles of ISO heat or some lube control or even Sea Foam. Just Get new inserts for your stock honda blades if you still have them.

 
Rep Power: 257

My main concern was the half shaft that needs replacing. Is this something that would typically happen at this point or do you think it might be something they would cover under the 100,00mile warranty? I was wondering if anyone knows if this is covered under warranty..I haven't called to check..but I figured they'd say it's wear and tear. All the other stuff I can deal with...as I know most of what they "recommend" is b.s., but the half shaft sounds very important.

 
Rep Power: 276

I just bought wiper blade replacements for my car last week.....$5 from the Honda dealership. What a joke.

 
Rep Power: 218

Get a haynes manual and do it yourself the next weekend! Most of the stuff is piddley and can be done quick, and its cheap, plus it gives you a reason to mess with your car! And anything technical requires very few special tools, and the ones you dont have autozone will let you borrow for a deposit which they give back! It feels great when you work on your car and get it tip top shape with your own blood, sweat and tears.

 
Rep Power: 257

Zenarc,
Now that you mention it, I'm not too sure if it's just while accelerating or if the grinding is just while steering. I'll have to check, and I'm wondering if that has to do with the half-shaft problem.

mr22508,
I'm not entirely confident in myself to start getting too technical with something this important. I can't risk breaking something and having no car. Sure the minor things on there I could probably do, but not the stuff I put asterisks next too...those are too big for me right now.