I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs a
type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).

I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the spark
plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!

So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would be
good enough for a 96K service ??

What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

Thanks.

 

"Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message
news:nxS2e.143489$fc4.55070@edtnps89...
>
> "Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
> news:p-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
>> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
>> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
>> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of
>> it).
>>
>> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
>> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
>> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
>> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>>
>> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on
>> a set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
>> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
>> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>>
>> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> I'd do exactly what you suggested, in fact I do the exact same thing when
> it is time for any of the Honda service (if I've already done the other
> pertinent parts). Air filtres are not expensive and the transmission fluid
> change is around $50.00 (if my memory serves me correctly).
>
> Brian
>
Of course, be sure to use genuine Honda fluids (except engine oil) - as the
experts have pointed out many times here. Tranny and power steering fluids
especially should not be substituted; brake and antifreeze are less critical
IIRC. I also use genuine OEM filters.

Mike

 

I'll probably get a myriad of flames, but I
would have to say that it might almost be worth
the $400 if you have the cash. But this depends
on the dealership, whether they are really good
or not. My dealer in Winkler MB was pretty
frickin awesome, and because I had taken it in,
when I had Trannie probs at 140000kms, they did
not even hesitate to fix the prob on warranty,
even though it was well over the mileage.

at 96000kms, you are just about off warranty,
unless you have Honda Plus. It wouldn't be a
bad idea for them to give it a once over. I
guess the other aspect is that they should do
that for free, or at least less money. But I
guess i will admit I did the $400 inspection,
and they did find some stuff wrong that would
have otherwise gone unnoticed on my 98 civic.
But my dealership was uncannily helpful when it
came time to do warranty work, and I don't know
if all dealerships are like that.

t

 

It's interesting how they play the numbers. Up until 1996 or so t/belt
replacement was required @ 60,000 miles. Then, they increased interval
to 90,000 (mi!) for the same engine, and it's a perfectly legit thing
to do since Honda belts come out like new after 60K, and I've never
heard or seen a broken belt unless the engine has ciesed due to lack of
lubrication. Dont' try this with Mitsubishi or any European
masterpiece! Actually, don't try this with anything other than Honda.

 

Yes, the latest models are 105K but like I said, they come out like new
(on Hondas) after 100,000 mi or so.