[AZMDX]

I took my 2001 MDX in for the 15,000 mile service today. (Bell Acura, Phoenix, AZ) I was charged 393.87.

labor 248.43
parts 103.94
G.O.G 8.75
misc. 22.00
tax 10.75
Total 393.87

They changed the oil,filter and 2 washers, transmission oil and 2 washers, air conditioner filter, VTM fuild and washer, and air filter.

To me, this seems extremely high for basically changing oil and a few filters. Please give me imput on any experince with 15000 mile service. Tim, is this the norm? My 2000 Jaguar S-Type is only half the cost for service.

AZMDX

 

[srpbep]

Yikes !!

Tim, I would love to hear your comment. I would have guessed:

Oil Change: $25-30

VTM Rear End: $50-60

Would have thought AT wasn't due [doesn't manual say LOTS more] but doesn't hurt to overdue. Would have guessed $30.

Would have thought air filter wasn't due until 30K [but ok to change early]. Would have guessed $15-20 [20 max].

Not a clue on AC filter [thought they were good for 30K].

.... Anyway that's only $140 plus AC filter. Please don't beat up on me for my ignorance, but the above is what I would have expected [at least here in LA] based on MLK [my limited knowledge].

 

[Rail]

I just had my 15K service at Acura 101 West -- here are my details for comparison:

15, 000 Mile Service: $140.00
Oil Filter: $9.00
Washer: $0.60
5 x GTX Oil @ 2.99 = $14.95
Washer: $2.50
4 x ATF-Z1 Fluid @ $3.92 = $15.68
misc parts & toxic cleanup charges: $3.63 and $3.50

Total Parts: $46.36
Labour: $140.00

Total cost: $189.86

For some reason they took off $36.36 and I only ended up paying $156.50 incl. tax (possibly because they didn't rotate my tires -- although they did a week later free of charge when my centering rings (which Valencia Acura failed to install with my non-OEM wheels) arrived.

That's a far cry from the almost $400 you were charged... or are those Canadian dollars?

Rail

 

[hondacuraplanet]

Our total charge here is $235.95. Wow.

I'm trying to remember what the total charge was on a 15K on an S-Type when I worked for Jaguar a couple of years ago. I know there is a big difference between the 3.0 and 4.0. I do remember that we used to get around $60 for an oil change service for the XJ series (the techs did spend a lot of time on it, and the 6 cylinder cars used 9 quarts of oil). I digress........

The best I can tell you is to shop it. Or drive to Buffalo to get your services done

 

[AZMDX]

Tim,

Who can I write at Acura to take action against Bell Acura. Any suggestions? Anyone?

AZMDX

 

[hondacuraplanet]

You can try to call customer relations, but I can almost guarantee you won't get very far. Acura doesn't set nor regulate prices on services. It's in a way the same as if your dealer had sold you running boards for $725 plus install, and then you found out I sell them for $432.99.

You'll just be more informed for the next time.

 

[charlieinnj]

AZMDX.....

I'm just curious but, didn't you inquire with them what the cost of this service would be, beforehand? Are they the only Acura dealer in your area? Though not all that fair, this may explain why they are setting their prices on the high side because of a lack of competition.

If this situation happened to me, my first course of action would be to speak with the manager of the Service Department to see how they justify the cost. If you're not satisfied with their response and/or action, call Acura's Customer Care line. JMHO....Keep us posted!

 

[AZMDX]

Charlie,

When I dropped off my MDX, the con man service adviser quoted 154.00. When I picked up the MDX, he stated that they needed to change the air, ac filters and replace the transmission fluid.

There are only two Acura dealers in the Phoenix area and the other is just as bad.

I'm going to take my MDX to a garage not owned by Acura for service from now on and probaly won't purchase another Acura once my lease is up. I've had problems with both Acura dealers from the time I purchased my MDX.

I've owned Mercedes Benz, BMW and now Jaguar. I've never experienced anything like this before.

Even though I write off my MDX expenses, it's more of the principle.

I'm sure it will come back on the buzzards, so I will put it behind me.

AZMDX

 

[pdd]

AZMDX,

Did you know that Service Advisors are commissioned paid? 15k, and 30k services are very profitable. You should have never paid for work you did not authorize. Just my $00.02 worth

 

[Jazz]

Just a though. Contact the Better Business Bureau . "free advertisement" always helps , or is that hurts . They will get the message!

 

[Rail]

I believe if you could prove that they replaced the "extras" for no good reason - you have a case for fraud against them. You could threaten them. go to your local TV station, District Attorney, etc. You would have to subpoena their records to see if they consistantly replace the AC filter and xmission fluid for the 15K service.... and what is their average of charging above the quoted price which they should have had you sign before the work was done - in my case the quote was $150. If they consistently end up charging their customers twice their quote - their may be cause for a class action lawsuit.

Rail

 

[Loose Cannon]

Rail,

You need to attend law school.

AZMDX,

My advice, not speaking as a member of the NY bar, is to use small claims court. You can file a petition for a nominal fee (usually $20) and the court will serve it on your delaer. You will then be given a date and time to show up in small claims court and the judge will hear your evidence and render a decision. You will be limited to a smaller recover than a court of general jurisdiction, however. The maximum recovery is about $3,000.

Loose.

 

[Rick K]

Service Cost In Montana

I take my MDX to American Car Care and they change my oil and filter, change my VTM fluid and add fluids that I provide, vacuum and clean my windows for $45.00 ( includes labor). I buy the filter and VTM fluid from my dealer in Spokane. I have 30,000 miles and have never had a problem with them performing a incomplete service. If I rotate my tires it cost $10.00 more.

Maybe it's just that I live in Montana ? Montana has no Acura or Lexus dealers.

 

[MIKEinTN]

Small Claims Court

AZMDX,

I agree you got hosed. However, I wonder if taking the dealer to small claims court is a wise idea. Is this the dealer you bought your MDX from? If it is, then I'd be jumping the sales rep and sales manager. Tell them you've quickly gone from being a happy MDX proponent to a loud unsatisfied one.

Your MDX is still under warranty, so if you take them to court they will really be out to screw you later. I think I would try the other dealer and just make them stick to what they quoted you.

I in no way (isn't he a senator from Hawaii?) condone what this sleezy dealer did to you. I just think that you might need them in the future for warranty related work and if you had taken them to small claims a small victory for you could end up costing you a ton later.

Just my $.02

MIKEinTN

 

[Loose Cannon]

Absolutely agree with MIKEinTN.

Bottom line: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

 

[ardvarkus]

"When I dropped off my MDX, the con man service adviser quoted 154.00. When I picked up the MDX, he stated that they needed to change the air, ac filters and replace the transmission fluid. "

IF INDEED THIS IS TRUE, why did you pay him 1 cent over $154???

Sorry, but if the paper work said $154, and then you got some song and dance, and paid the full amount... you deserve it. Sorry for being so brutally honest, but the law is there for this exact thing: the low ball quote, and "we found extra stuff and wanted it done for you."

I've seen a lot of posts where folks act too passively with their vehicles (and wallets).

Ard

 

[DaleB]

Don't fall for the dealer's 15,000 mile Blue Plate Special either.
Look at owner's manual, see what is required to keep the warranty in effect, make sure that's all that's written on the shop order, and get an estimate on that. They can only do work you authorize. If you tell them do the 15Kmile thing, you are leaving yourself wide open.

I go to an excellent shop that only does tires, wheels, brakes and shocks. They don't even charge for alignment, unless it is actually out of adjustment. And unless there's a factory defect, I never have the dealer do more than check air in the tires.

I am talking about parts that wear normally. Dealers charge a premium for service on those items, and they wont give you free flat repair or free rotation like the specialty shop will (on replacement tires).

 

[Warzau]

Wow he did work without calling you. At my Honda dealer that has never happened. There have been thing that needed to be done but I had to have my car back and they said they would just note it on my paperwork and if I wanted to do it next time. I love my Honda dealership, my Civic is a 95 I had to have the conderser replace because the fins were bent and the dealer did test and resolved it to having a clogged condenser. They didnt have a part and knew I was waiting for the car and instead of offering me to drive me they gave me a loaner!!! for a 6 year old car, wooooww!

 

[phillyflyer]

FYI

Just got back from the 15k service at Sussman in Maple Shade, NJ. Total cost was $196.16 with tax. This included fluids (oil, tranny), oil filter, belt adjustments (2), brake inspection, tire rotation plus "27 other items".

Unlike the sales department, the service department at Sussman is first rate. Deanna and Mandy do a great job as advisors, and Sandy is unbeatable as an MDX technician!

Ed

 

[Loose Cannon]

I think $200 is an outragous amount of money for a glorified oil and tranny fluid change.

p.s. they better treat you well for that kind of money.

p.p.s. are you one of those dealer service people in disguise?