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

Originally Posted by Zdster

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.

Originally Posted by twofruitz

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

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

Originally Posted by destrukshn

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

Originally Posted by m0nk3y

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?