Taking Accord in for 60k service -- questions

[mrogers]

I'm about to make a 2500+ mile trip and since the Accord is about due for a few things anyway (oil change, new brake pads, etc) I figured I might do the complete Honda recommended 60k service. I typically don't do these, just keep an eye on things myself and fix/change stuff as needed, but I've been really busy lately and I no longer have a garage, which makes doing maintenance yourself difficult.

I called my (one) local Honda dealer and asked what was covered and what it might cost. They check pretty much everything, obviously, and change all the various filters, oil, and the transmission fluid, rotate and balance tires, full brake inspection, suspension parts, etc. They quoted me $418 for the full 60k service. Does that seem reasonable?

I also told them I have a shimmy when braking that I'd like fixed. I found a service note that mentioned the original brake pads on early 7th-gen Accords were crappy and sometimes resulted in this shimmy. If I do need new pads, they said it would be $125 for the fronts, plus they may have to turn the rotors. I used to do brakes myself but I don't have a garage right now. Is $125 reasonable for a front pad job?

Thanks!

[Accordlover]

60K is a major service. 418 is reasonable for what they quoted you. It was $388 for my 96 back on 01. :yes:

[cajun]

I called my (one) local Honda dealer and asked what was covered and what it might cost. They check pretty much everything, obviously, and change all the various filters, oil, and the transmission fluid, rotate and balance tires, full brake inspection, suspension parts, etc. They quoted me $418 for the full 60k service. Does that seem reasonable? Thanks!

I think $418 is crazy expensive for what they'll actually do, but if it makes you feel better to have them inspect a lot of stuff it probably is reasonable. Hopefully they actually do a thorough inspection of the components vs. just staring at the car for a few mins while it's up on the rack. I'm coming up on 60K miles as well, but I don't see where there is a whole lot to be done. If you can turn a wrench you're talking: oil change (~$15), air filter (~$15), cabin filter (~$15) and trans fluid (~$15). Bring it to a shop for rotate/balance and they'll probably inspect the brakes as well for ~$30 total.

[Accordlover]

My 60k Service Included:

Power Steering Fluid
Transmission Fluid
Oil/Filter Chanve
PCV Valve
Plugs/Wires (Newer Accords don't need this until 110k)
Air Filter
Brake Fluid
Parking Brake Adjustment

A bunch of checks, and one of my CV boots was found to be torn.

Honda recommends this:

60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2004 Honda Accord:

Replace engine oil filter

Check front and rear brake wear

Check parking brake adjustment

Inspect the tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots

Inspect the suspension components

Inspect the driveshaft boots

Inspect the brake hoses and lines (including ABS)

Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids

Inspect the exhaust system#

Inspect the fuel lines and connections#

#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 198 of your owner's manual.

Inspect drive belt

Replace dust and pollen filter


Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop

Check tire inflation and condition once a month

[Accordlover]

I think $418 is crazy expensive for what they'll actually do, but if it makes you feel better to have them inspect a lot of stuff it probably is reasonable. Hopefully they actually do a thorough inspection of the components vs. just staring at the car for a few mins while it's up on the rack. I'm coming up on 60K miles as well, but I don't see where there is a whole lot to be done. If you can turn a wrench you're talking: oil change (~$15), air filter (~$15), cabin filter (~$15) and trans fluid (~$15). Bring it to a shop for rotate/balance and they'll probably inspect the brakes as well for ~$30 total.

For you, Honda recommends this.

90,000 miles/6 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2002 Honda Accord:

Replace engine oil.

Rotate tires.

Replace engine oil filter.

Inspect front and rear brakes.

Check parking brake adjustment.

Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox and rack boots.

Inspect suspension components.

Inspect driveshaft boots.

Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).

Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.

Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.

Inspect exhaust system.

Inspect fuel lines and connections.

Replace air cleaner element.

Inspect and adjust drive belts.

Replace dust and pollen filter.

Notice I went by years, not mileage. Age on fluids and parts is just as crucial as the mileage. :yes:

Most important part in my opinion for both of you to do is the transmission fluid. Especially on that 02! And document it so you'll have proof when the transmission dies. My aunt's 02 SE just went out at 104k. Honda paid off her loan through American Honda Finance and gave her $500 toward the down payment on a new Accord. She had all her service records and the car was a CPO. - Not bad.

[The Critic]

That's a reasonable price. Some individuals on this forum do not understand the definition of a reasonable price for a shop to do the work. Running a legitimate business is very expensive.

$125 is going to get you new pads only. Since you have a shimmy, they'll probably recommend resurfacing the rotors using an on-the-vehicle lathe, which will probably add another hour of labor ($85-$140/hr depending on your area). I'd just recommend replacing them for a few bucks more.

[cajun]

Most important part in my opinion for both of you to do is the transmission fluid. Especially on that 02! And document it so you'll have proof when the transmission dies. My aunt's 02 SE just went out at 104k. Honda paid off her loan through American Honda Finance and gave her $500 toward the down payment on a new Accord. She had all her service records and the car was a CPO. - Not bad.

It may be overkill, but I drain/refill the AT every other time I'm under there changing the oil. I feel like I'm already on borrowed time with the 6thGen AT, so I'm casually looking to replace it with a stick Accord. CPO = Certified Pre-Owned??? That means she was just 4K past the powertrain warranty, correct? Still good of Honda to come through for her.

[Accordlover]

It may be overkill, but I drain/refill the AT every other time I'm under there changing the oil. I feel like I'm already on borrowed time with the 6thGen AT, so I'm casually looking to replace it with a stick Accord. CPO = Certified Pre-Owned??? That means she was just 4K past the powertrain warranty, correct? Still good of Honda to come through for her.

Yep, Certified Pre Owned. Just 4k over the warranty. They sent her a check for $500 and towed the car away. It worked out well for her because she owed more than the car was worth. She's in a new 08 LX-P Sedan w/Spoiler now and loves it, just misses her sunroof. :yes:

[mrogers]

Thanks for all the opinions, guys. I wound up making another call to a Honda dealer in the next city, since I'll be there tomorrow, and they gave me the same list of things they'll do/check -- but for only $290. I've got an appointment and a loner car. At that price I definitely can do the front brakes too. Guess that's what happens when there's only one Honda dealer in my town -- jack up the price on everything.

[Tuolumne]

Mine was more around $500.

[ADDORC]

they gave me the same list of things they'll do/check -- but for only $290...Guess that's what happens when there's only one Honda dealer in my town -- jack up the price on everything.

You got that right. In LA where even air is expensive, I only paid $323 out the door for my 60K service 3 months ago. Congrats on finding the better deal.:thmsup: