View Full Version : Servicing - To Honda or Not to Honda.
twofruitz
10-09-2007, 09:51 AM
When i purchased my 03' DC5 Teggy, the logbooks were completely done at a Honda dealer, so i trusted that the car was in perfect mechanical condition.
Its now time for the 60k service and i really cant justify the amount of money Honda wants out of me for it, so im thinking of taking the car to a reputable mechanic (like autoleaders or ultratune) to get the logbook servicing done.
I will save 2/3 and they tell me all materials used will be the same or better.
Whats everyone think on issue? Spend the extra at Honda (eg $500) or go for the cheap option ($150).
Money is kind of an issue, but im sure i can stretch the budget if nessessary.
shadou
10-09-2007, 09:58 AM
you don't need to go to honda really, 60k service is a minor + brake flush any shop can do that. just make sure they use some decent oils/parts heard of a couple small shops skip out
Zdster
10-09-2007, 10:08 AM
After having seen some of the work done at Honda service departments, I am pretty much determined not to take my car to them any more. If it were me, I would find a good, trusting mechanic and get them to use OEM fluids/parts and save yourself some money.
twofruitz
10-09-2007, 10:15 AM
Thanks guys, confirmed what i needed to hear.
shadou
10-09-2007, 10:53 AM
DIY ftw. Saves so much and you know you are giving your car a decent service unlike some shops.
destrukshn
10-09-2007, 10:57 AM
After having seen some of the work done at Honda service departments, I am pretty much determined not to take my car to them any more. If it were me, I would find a good, trusting mechanic and get them to use OEM fluids/parts and save yourself some money.
what did u see?
panda[cRx]
10-09-2007, 11:04 AM
it really depends what you need done. any workshop can carry out fluid and filter changes but for larger service items i am less confident with independent workshops and cheap generic workshops like ultratune and the like.
i work at a dealer and we constantly get these workshops calling and ask how to change cambelts and other things which require more brain cells than draining the oil.
i have also seen a car which was just service at *insert generic workshop here* and had supposedly had the valve clearances adjusted at their 40k service when the engine's rocker cover had clearly not been off the vehicle in it's lifetime.
so yeah as much as people bag out dealer servicing imo they will do a better job 90% of the time. in the end it's up to how much you want to spend and on who you trust to do the job.
When i purchased my 03' DC5 Teggy, the logbooks were completely done at a Honda dealer, so i trusted that the car was in perfect mechanical condition.
Its now time for the 60k service and i really cant justify the amount of money Honda wants out of me for it, so im thinking of taking the car to a reputable mechanic (like autoleaders or ultratune) to get the logbook servicing done.
I will save 2/3 and they tell me all materials used will be the same or better.
Whats everyone think on issue? Spend the extra at Honda (eg $500) or go for the cheap option ($150).
Money is kind of an issue, but im sure i can stretch the budget if nessessary.
a 60k service at a dealer should be nowhere near $500, if you dealer quoted you that much i'd be asking they're doing that warrants $500 :confused:
same goes for whoever is only charging $150, i'd be asking what fluids and filter they are using
m0nk3y
10-09-2007, 11:16 AM
personally, i think if you are willing to spend 25k+ on a teg (or any car for that matter), you shouldnt skimp on the servicing for it. Plus its still on warrenty so that helps. What if you go to a smaller mechanic, they use non oem parts and something goes wrong - honda probably wont fix it under warrenty and you would be out of more cash.
Only if i had a real old car (like early 90s etc) would i deal with smaller mechanics
get it done the right way, or dont get it done at all.
i have my 60000km service for my 05 dc5 coming up, will go to a honda dealership - i'm willing to spend a bit more money.
your quote of $500 from a honda dealer is too much, according to this thread: http://ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73991
shadou
10-09-2007, 11:21 AM
Not all Honda certified service dealerships are all what you think it is, I've worked in one and some things you paid for aren't carried out. Not saying all dealerships are like this but the one I worked at wasn't exactly the most honest one in melb.
Just saying be cautious of who you trust your car to. but 60k service no mech can possible get it wrong unless it was an absolute dumbass
Zdster
10-09-2007, 11:24 AM
what did u see?
Two examples:
Oil filters not replaced
One instance where the oil filter was overtightened and then backed off (breaking the seal and leaking oil)
Zdster
10-09-2007, 11:26 AM
get it done the right way, or dont get it done at all.
That is the point. Just because it is Honda, doesnt mean that it is being done the right way.
mku01
10-09-2007, 11:26 AM
i get my car serviced at centrax.... they're not cheap (still cheaper than honda), but chris is very helpful and trustworthy... you might also want to try hondacare? :thumbsup:
most the craps done by apprentices @ the dealers
steve88
10-09-2007, 12:44 PM
i do all my servicing myself, but then again my cars 9 years old. i recommend you keep it at honda until warranty runs out, then incase anything else dicks up before you're fine
JasonGilholme
10-09-2007, 01:07 PM
I reccommend DIY. at least then if something breaks you've got a better chance of being able to figure out what is wrong and be able to fix it.
For those of us who are mechanically challenged i suggest honda care. They work on my mates s2000 and do a great job.
shadou
10-09-2007, 01:48 PM
most the craps done by apprentices @ the dealers
depends on the dealer, the honda I worked at only had 2 apprentices and 6 qualified techs. The apprentices job was driveway and wash cars lol (back before water restrictions)
Hey guys, what kind of service do i have to do from 135,000k to 180,000k on a DC2? most of the time i just change the oil, coolant and spark plugs myself.
shadou
10-09-2007, 05:31 PM
just fluids, major at 160,000km, brake flushes at 180,000km. Thinks that's about it for 135,000-180,000
depends on the dealer, the honda I worked at only had 2 apprentices and 6 qualified techs. The apprentices job was driveway and wash cars lol (back before water restrictions)
i hear stories from my mate @ toyota...
dodgey crap happening... ratios like the other way around... 2 qualified techs & 5-6 apprentices...
got my 70k service for $160 at honda for my dc2r
chandler6699
10-09-2007, 11:44 PM
it took my local honda dealer 4 attempts to get a $1000 100k timing belt and seals service right. Car was pissing out oil for weeks and in the end it was one of the seals on the timing belt end that they didnt bother to change even though we specifically told them to as it was leaking before hand.
Never gone back there.
shadou
10-09-2007, 11:58 PM
i hear stories from my mate @ toyota...
dodgey crap happening... ratios like the other way around... 2 qualified techs & 5-6 apprentices...
Yeah I haven't heard too many great stories about Toyota servicing
m0nk3y
10-09-2007, 11:58 PM
how long does the the 60000km service take anyway? approx?
shadou
11-09-2007, 12:02 AM
how long does the the 60000km service take anyway? approx?
thinking back to my good old days :p about 1.4 hours? got the 0.7 for normal service then just a brake flush. shouldn't take more than 1.5 hours unless the mech is doing a ****ing awesome service
m0nk3y
11-09-2007, 12:18 AM
sweet
gonna try book mine in this week
Vinnie
11-09-2007, 01:03 AM
i was quoted $400 from a dealer for a service that ended up costing me $80 from a private mechanic. that said, ive also had poor experiences with private mechanics (including an incident with 'timmy the apprentice'). at the the end of the day gettin ur car serviced by anyone other than urself is a gamble, just depends how overcharged u get for it...
finding a good mechanic is like finding a good doctor. most want to book you in every week and piss you off after youve signed the medicare slip.
i do the general services myself but for everything else i got to hondatech. they guys know their hondas back to front. if your in melbourne check em out
quangsta
11-09-2007, 01:37 AM
source ur own mechanic..
example of honda dealer trying to rip of customers
gf brought the car in for routine service...they called back when i happend to be there and they told her stuff about her brakes needing replacing and throttle body needed fixing etc..she didnt understand so she pased it on to me...when i questioned it the phone operator literally hung up the phone didnt even tell me when the car was ready to be picked up..
when picking up the car and questioning the service assitant or manager he said the brake warning was bent away hence reason why i couldnt tell whether the brakes were dying or not, on paper they said approx 1000kms left on the pads...10 000kms on still going strong with a recent brake check from an independent place still giving it the all clear..and about the throttle body...quote 'if u aint gonna fix ur brakes dont even worry about the throttle body' and left it that...
*sorry end rant :)
Zdster
11-09-2007, 08:59 AM
source ur own mechanic..
example of honda dealer trying to rip of customers
gf brought the car in for routine service...they called back when i happend to be there and they told her stuff about her brakes needing replacing and throttle body needed fixing etc..she didnt understand so she pased it on to me...when i questioned it the phone operator literally hung up the phone didnt even tell me when the car was ready to be picked up..
when picking up the car and questioning the service assitant or manager he said the brake warning was bent away hence reason why i couldnt tell whether the brakes were dying or not, on paper they said approx 1000kms left on the pads...10 000kms on still going strong with a recent brake check from an independent place still giving it the all clear..and about the throttle body...quote 'if u aint gonna fix ur brakes dont even worry about the throttle body' and left it that...
*sorry end rant :)
Thats almost as good as the story I was told about the entire 'efi system' needing to be replaced - for $600 lol.
panda[cRx]
11-09-2007, 11:48 AM
source ur own mechanic..
example of honda dealer trying to rip of customers
gf brought the car in for routine service...they called back when i happend to be there and they told her stuff about her brakes needing replacing and throttle body needed fixing etc..she didnt understand so she pased it on to me...when i questioned it the phone operator literally hung up the phone didnt even tell me when the car was ready to be picked up..
when picking up the car and questioning the service assitant or manager he said the brake warning was bent away hence reason why i couldnt tell whether the brakes were dying or not, on paper they said approx 1000kms left on the pads...10 000kms on still going strong with a recent brake check from an independent place still giving it the all clear..and about the throttle body...quote 'if u aint gonna fix ur brakes dont even worry about the throttle body' and left it that...
*sorry end rant :)
for every bad dealer story i can give a bad independent workshop or a generic chain story.
yes there are bad stories you hear from dealers, but it goes for all workshops. ultratune and crs automotive have both been mentioned in this thread, i know of negative stories from both but i wont mention it on a public forum as i dont wanna get in shit :zip:
and mr zdster i have also heard bad stories of ppl that have worked on your car ;):zip:
(i only singled out you out coz your view on dealers appears very narrow minded)
another example i will give however is an ozhonda member took his family's HRV to their mechanic for a noise they were experiencing. the mechanic told them the diff needed replacing for $XXXX (dont remember figure but it was high) when all it needed was a simple change of the diff oil. he took it into a dealer who changed the diff oil and the noise is gone for less than 5% of the cost the mechanic quoted him
my main point is find someone you trust and use them. many people are very happy with dealers and the service they provide, others are very happy with independent workshops or backyarders.
dc2dc2dc2
11-09-2007, 11:50 AM
lucas ?
shadou
11-09-2007, 11:53 AM
lol panda I remember my mate who works in a small workshop had a CRV come in one day with the diff shudder, the mech tore the diff apart and ****ing measured all the gears and shit to make sure it was in spec, heard it took the **** like a good half day then he rang up honda.... woulda loved to see his face after they told him
Zdster
11-09-2007, 11:55 AM
;1342118']
my main point is find someone you trust and use them. many people are very happy with dealers and the service they provide, others are very happy with independent workshops or backyarders
I agree 100%. Its all about personal satisfaction and finding someone that meets the customers standards.
;1342118'](i only singled out you out coz your view on dealers appears very narrow minded)
Not a problem. I am reasonably open minded, but the post that I have made are from personal experiences on my car. It worries me that if a mechanic is messing up an oil filter, then how can they adequtly service the rest of a car?
Mechanic's should be known as dodgy b@$tard$ on the side lol
Who here can give me a quote for compression test :D
panda[cRx]
11-09-2007, 11:55 AM
lol panda I remember my mate who works in a small workshop had a CRV come in one day with the diff shudder, the mech tore the diff apart and ****ing measured all the gears and shit to make sure it was in spec, heard it took the **** like a good half day then he rang up honda.... woulda loved to see his face after they told him
yeah it's a common thing which ALL dealers would know. it leaves most other mechanics puzzled unless they have had the same thing before
m0nty ITR
11-09-2007, 11:58 AM
Hornsby Honda quoted $700 for the 40km service on a Type S. The handbook says spark plugs aren't done yet they tried to sneak it in.
I just did a service on my DC5R using Motul 300V and Powertec? oil filter for $170. Even had a litre left over. Best oil around with top notch oil filter for 1/4 of the price.
shadou
11-09-2007, 11:59 AM
I agree 100%. Its all about personal satisfaction and finding someone that meets the customers standards.
I used to backyard a couple cars back when money was tight, did everything nice, even cleaned the rims and added tire shine to it, never got a ****ing word of appreciation :thumbdwn:
customer standards are too dam high now a days lol
Jon_51
12-09-2007, 10:42 AM
I know of a workshop that blew a car up on the dyno because they'd somehow managed to screw up putting an oil filter on (don't ask me how thats even possible).
Then tried to charge the car owner for the dyno time and service. fknunbelievable but true.
steve88
12-09-2007, 10:59 AM
nothing beats the good ol' DIY service =) if you know what your doing of course
bennjamin
12-09-2007, 11:13 AM
For normal warranty even on a new car you can get your car serviced anywhere as long as genuine honda parts are used. There is extended warranty etc that states you must service the car @ a honda dealer etc.
IMO ask around and get the best price for the most reputable mech.
cvicek
12-09-2007, 12:01 PM
Well , i own a Civic ek cxi, i bought it second hand from the first owner, the history of the service book is all done by honda until the warranty runs out..
anyway... i went to honda on 98,000 for service, asking for a full service history. . . i paid up to 800 dollar, and i don't think they dont a good job on it at all... not worth the money, i am very disspointed ...
Ever since the service, the car has been making funny noise when the car rev, so after a few months, i decided to pop the hood and have a look see whats going on, and i actually notice that they didn't even put the hose for the air intake to the throtle properly and there is 1 hose from the air intake pip to the engine not even plug in... so very very dissapointed. . and i check the oil, it looks so dirty as well....
So my advise is find a reliable mechanic that you trust, if you dont' trust what they use, you might advise them on the particular part that you want and brand that you want.. see whether they can get it for you ...
Even better if the shop do performace car or modify car.. they will have a better idea on your little sport car...
ozR18
12-09-2007, 01:35 PM
juat changed my timiing belt..then i asked wat abt the water pump..he said its ok no leaks..no need change..is that ok?? i thought in general they change the water pumps when the timing belt is done.
Zdster
12-09-2007, 02:18 PM
juat changed my timiing belt..then i asked wat abt the water pump..he said its ok no leaks..no need change..is that ok?? i thought in general they change the water pumps when the timing belt is done.
They usually do due to the cost in labour. Much easier to replace the pump when you are attacking the timing belt.
Shraka
12-09-2007, 02:21 PM
I got quoted 1700 for a new DC2 VTiR radiator with the dealer I'm servicing at.
Also, my extended warranty means I have to take it to THEIR Honda dealership. I can't take it anywhere else for regular servicing. I'm gonna re-read the terms of the warranty, see if I can take it to another Honda dealership. Also, my rear right spring is making a noise. The mechanic said it was loose stuff moving in the boot. It's so not loose stuff in the boot. Other than the price and distance to get there I don't have a complaint about the Honda dealer though.
I wish there was a mechanic which I could take my car to, and watch / help him do the work. Or hell, just a garage I could take my car to where I could use their hydraulic jack, and do all my own servicing, with a qualified mechanic on hand to chat to.
Zdster
12-09-2007, 02:40 PM
Also, my extended warranty means I have to take it to THEIR Honda dealership. I can't take it anywhere else for regular servicing. I'm gonna re-read the terms of the warranty, see if I can take it to another Honda dealership. Also, my rear right spring is making a noise. The mechanic said it was loose stuff moving in the boot. It's so not loose stuff in the boot. Other than the price and distance to get there I don't have a complaint about the Honda dealer though.
It depends on what sort of extended warranty you have. There are two types: "Hondas extended warranty" and the dealerships. IMO the Honda warranty is better as you decide which dealership you prefer rather than being locked in.
Shraka
12-09-2007, 02:42 PM
Yeah I got a third party deal. I didn't realize it was going to be such a hassle.
Perhaps I should sell it with the remainder of the warranty and buy a Supra. :D
steve88
12-09-2007, 03:25 PM
quick he's converting to toyota! KILL HIM
Shraka
12-09-2007, 03:33 PM
quick he's converting to toyota! KILL HIM
I came from Toymods dude. First online car forum I ever joined.
UNR8BL_CRX
12-09-2007, 05:23 PM
personally i would purchase the parts myself, so that way you know whats getting put in and changed. if you don't know how to do it yourself then take it to a mechanic u knw and give him the parts. it will b cheaper and also you trust whats getting put into it.
SHIFTY
12-09-2007, 10:05 PM
IMO only take ur car 2 a dealer if it is still in warranty or fairly new...
if its a older car which means prone 2 more problems take it 2 a good mechanic in a private garage as theyl be able 2 spend more time on it and will most likely be cheaper...
hope that helps...
> Mechanic's should be known as dodgy b@$tard$ on the side lol
I was a tech in a different industry, but with the same issues.
I can assure you any tech would love to take the time do a good job, but at the end of the day you gotta take a pay cheque home to your family.
You do whatever it takes to make the boss happy. Few bosses I've met appreciate anything beyond time and cost. Training? You get that when you do the job.
My experience was with a company which wasn't struggling for work at all. I hate to think what it's like at other end of the food chain.
Sorry guys, but walk a mile in some one else's shoes before judging.....
Nick.
tectalk
06-02-2008, 10:13 PM
I HATE HONDA DEALERSHIPS fullstop.
TheSaint
06-02-2008, 10:28 PM
i got my DC2 done at both automasters and honda...
honda = $800 (normal servie) =/
automasters = $150odd + parts
just make sure u find a good trusty mechanic...
and ALWAYS supply your own honda FEO oil... go buy like a 5litre container at honda and give it to the mechanic... make sure they dont double charge u for ther own oil as well
if u make freinds with the part man at ur local honda (like i did) u will find u might get all your gear at cost price =D (like i do lol) and take it all to another mechanic ... u will get a good service with good parts but at a lower cost than honda =)
rayb3na_
06-02-2008, 10:32 PM
honda dealer charging me 7 bucks for a god dam fuel filter bolt -_-
Riviera_TypeS
07-02-2008, 01:45 AM
I haven't got any bad experience with Honda dealer service (yet anyway)...
Personally the main reason to get serviced with Honda dealer is to ensure when you're reselling the car, the log book looks pretty much complete and all with Honda...
I was trying to sell my 02 Camry which had most of the logs done by local mechanics... trusted ones... and believe me or not, some buyers were reluctant to even make me an offer after flipping through the log books... :( nonetheless it was sold though as this guy didn't even look at the log books :cool:
The last thing I want is the car sitting there no one wants to buy or underpriced the car due to local mechanic services.... I don't have all the time in the world ;)
<4n'D>
07-02-2008, 10:56 AM
honda dealerships are pretty expensive.
i'm surprised that no one hasn't mentioned hanny's in sydney yet =S
i'd take my car there over a honda dealership any day of the year.
dc2dc2dc2
07-02-2008, 10:59 AM
backyard ftw
they way i see it your best bet is to try and find someone who knows hondas well, but doesnt actually work for honda. i'm not sure about the other cars, but a lot of people (including myself) who own preludes find that most mechs who havent worked on hondas seem to be a bit lost when it comes to doing stuff. i dunno what it is.
i've found a mech here in vic who used to work at honda and now has he's own garage :D best way to go IMO.
B16bcivic
08-02-2008, 07:44 AM
DUDE d it yourself man, go buy genuine OEM oil and service your self. So you know you won't miss what you want get done.
I don't trust dealer mech shops. They rippers and they will try sell service that arn't even needed. Sometime they lie about parts not working properly and call you and asked you if you want it done, (your not there to see) so you would say sure if its not working replace it. Im a mech once at High way honda hahaha and they rip people off big time.
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