Rep Power: 0

(FYI, crossposting this from ClubSI... I may get more answers here I guess...)

So I bring in my 2001 Acura EL (autotragic) to the dealer for a typical 112k "Type B" service, which lists at $240 :shocked: Parts cost $45, labour $190.... Typical oil change, "service" brakes (WTF does it mean to "service"?!), and basically inspect underbody/suspension....

The service advisor calls back with well over $700 in additional service and parts I need to get done

- Spark plugs need to be replaced after inspection (with platinum ones) (I had them replaced aftermarket with NGK ones at 96k).... How the hell do I run through a brand new set in under 20k?! Needless to say I'll just tell em not to do it. (I thought these darned things last up to about 96k anyway.)

- Front right wheel hub bearing is shot, and wheel studs for both front and rear passenger sides are shot (Most likely due to my big *** torquing the wheels without a torque wrench.... Jumping on the emergency wrench a few times does that to studs I guess.... I've been doing this for 5 years.... Damn POS....

So.... For you guys with much older cars...

- My suspension feels like ****. Leaving the car outside all the time, and bad downtown roads does that to a car.... Is there any way to "fix" this? By ****, I mean it's harsh as hell.... The car when new, up to about 50k, felt pretty soft and "nice".... I'm still on all stock ****. Shocks are not leaking... --> I'm just wondering how the hell you guys do it with a 4th/5th/6th gen car that's like ~10+ years old...

- Anything else that could help with the suspension? I asked them to look at the bushings, they said they were fine...

- WTF do wheel studs cost that much?!

And, got the CSX as a loaner ... Pics up later for anyone that cares (autotragic model)

Cliff's Notes: Got reamed by dealer, questions about reaming, got reamed some more, got CSX autotragic as loaner, pics up later (if anyone cares).

 
Rep Power: 370

Those Type "ABCD" services are bullshit. I have never had one of those done at Honda. I've taken my car in there maybe twice just to get an oil change nothing else.

Have them write you down a list of parts you need... then go somewhere else and get another estimate... or if you're mechanically inclined, do the work yourself.
Dealerships will always try to rape you.

 
Rep Power: 0

R1 style is right those servicing (ABCDE,etc...) are bullshit I have only done one of them just do my oil changes when they are scheduled they always wanna rape whenever they get the chance to!!

 
Rep Power: 294

The first ever time I took my car to the dealer and got reamed (going back to my Corolla). I learnt the lesson of how stupid the service packages are. You pay them to inspect certain areas of your car (inspect key word here). On top of this payment, you pay an hourly wage for them to do so. So basically, double paying for fun.

Anyways, I don't see why your plugs would be fouled already unless they were improperly installed or are the wrong type for our cars.

As for the other parts, as R1Style stated, get a part listing and job desciptions for them. Then find yourself another competent (non-dealer) garage that you will trust and give them some business - or do it yourself if you are inclined.

As for your suspensions, most people just get "accustomed" to their feel. If you want a softer/newer ride, pay the piper and change your shocks/struts.

 
Rep Power: 0

Overtorquing and ****ing up the studs is not honda's fault.

They probably are pushing an timing belt change or all new stock bushings.

 
Rep Power: 316

LIke listed above, those "scheduled" services are BS. I bring my car in every 5k for an oil/filter change and thats it. It's not just Honda though. It's every dealership.