For Routine Maintenance goto to Honda?

[Gil Yee]

New here. Hello everyone.

This may not be a new thread but I think worth discussing again. My MDX 08 needs a B13 maintenance. I called my local Acura dealer and they charge $350. A different local Acura dealer is charging $330. A local Honda dealer is charging $145. The service description from the Honda dealer is almost exactly the same. I think I am going to try Honda this time. Anyone had a similar experience?

Gil

[Gil Yee]

Another Acura dealership within 15 miles is charging $259. Wow I had no idea the prices could be so different. I've been getting ripped off for years.

[Bill_de]

While it pays to shop, you also have to know precisely what you are getting. You said;

"The service description from the Honda dealer is almost exactly the same."

Almost can be a very expensive word.

[nsxtasy]

Unlike warranty repairs, which can only be done by an Acura dealer, routine maintenance can be done by anyone, including dealers of any make of car, as well as independent mechanics. In general, independent mechanics tend to be less expensive than dealers, since their hourly labor rates are less, and independents typically charge actual time, which is often less than the book time that dealers charge. However, there are exceptions (since prices are negotiable, and also dealers sometimes run specials).

As Bill notes, I would be wary about huge differences in price, and I would make sure that they are both doing exactly the same services. $259 vs $350, it could be a difference in rates or a promotional special. $145, sounds like they're skipping some services. But if they're doing the exact same things, go for it!

[mesalum]

I have been using Honda for normal maintenance after my warranty expired. For me it was not a dollar issue but distance issue. The Acura dealer is 30 miles away as where the Honda dealer is close enough for me to put the bike on the back of the MDX and have a 5 minute ride to work.

You do have to be careful though. I found when having the '6' done they only change the read differential fluid and not the transfer case. I had to tell them about the transfer case fluid change.

[EL_PIC]

I just had my B13 service done at independent service - Christen Brothers - for $149.
Exact same Acura service with exact same diff service.
I have learned to love these guys over the past 10 years for both Jeep and MDX.
They are better than the Acura dealer IMO and local dealer would have been over $300.

Check the hourly labor rate when comparing - its what drives the prices.
Part prices are typically more stable.