2001 Accord maintenance question / concern ...

I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs a
type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).

I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the spark
plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!

So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would be
good enough for a 96K service ??

What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

Thanks.

"Leon Kiriliuk" > wrote in message
news
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

I'd do exactly what you suggested, in fact I do the exact same thing when it
is time for any of the Honda service (if I've already done the other
pertinent parts). Air filtres are not expensive and the transmission fluid
change is around $50.00 (if my memory serves me correctly).

Brian

"Brian Smith" > wrote in message
news:nxS2e.143489$fc4.55070@edtnps89...
>
> "Leon Kiriliuk" > wrote in message
> news
>> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
>> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
>> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of
>> it).
>>
>> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
>> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
>> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
>> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>>
>> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on
>> a set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
>> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
>> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>>
>> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> I'd do exactly what you suggested, in fact I do the exact same thing when
> it is time for any of the Honda service (if I've already done the other
> pertinent parts). Air filtres are not expensive and the transmission fluid
> change is around $50.00 (if my memory serves me correctly).
>
> Brian
>
Of course, be sure to use genuine Honda fluids (except engine oil) - as the
experts have pointed out many times here. Tranny and power steering fluids
especially should not be substituted; brake and antifreeze are less critical
IIRC. I also use genuine OEM filters.

Mike

I'll probably get a myriad of flames, but I
would have to say that it might almost be worth
the $400 if you have the cash. But this depends
on the dealership, whether they are really good
or not. My dealer in Winkler MB was pretty
frickin awesome, and because I had taken it in,
when I had Trannie probs at 140000kms, they did
not even hesitate to fix the prob on warranty,
even though it was well over the mileage.

at 96000kms, you are just about off warranty,
unless you have Honda Plus. It wouldn't be a
bad idea for them to give it a once over. I
guess the other aspect is that they should do
that for free, or at least less money. But I
guess i will admit I did the $400 inspection,
and they did find some stuff wrong that would
have otherwise gone unnoticed on my 98 civic.
But my dealership was uncannily helpful when it
came time to do warranty work, and I don't know
if all dealerships are like that.

t

I would read the owner's manual and see what the maker of your car
recommends.


"Leon Kiriliuk" > wrote in message
news
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

I don't take it to the dealer unless it's Warranty work. Sorry, just too
much markup. I have a trusted mechanic at AAMCO who was a Honda mechanic
for years. Most of the maintenance I do myself, but Timing Belt and Water
Pump I leave up to them.

If you have Pollen Filters, they are a pain, but I can send you the
instructions if you need it.

G-Man


"Leon Kiriliuk" > wrote in message
news
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Leon Kiriliuk wrote:
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

me? id do the work myself, according to the book. oil, filter, cabin
filter, etc.

you can probably find a good trusted honda/acura mechanic in the book
who will do just what needs to be done.

buy the parts and do it yourself.Go to dealer in buy tran fluid.Ck maint
book to see when spark plug needed to be replaced also timing belt.Do maint
and this car will last.I have a 97 accord with 175,000 miles,getting ready
to do complete timing belt service.Also buy oil filter from dealer

--
Message posted via http://www.carkb.com

WILLIAM McKinney via CarKB.com wrote:
> buy the parts and do it yourself.Go to dealer in buy tran fluid.Ck
> maint book to see when spark plug needed to be replaced also timing
> belt.Do maint and this car will last.I have a 97 accord with 175,000
> miles,getting ready to do complete timing belt service.Also buy oil
> filter from dealer

Honda automatic transmissions are the easiest cars on the market when
it comes to fluid changes. A 3/8" ratchet is all you need to remove
the bolt, and the only part other than the fluid is a 14 mm aluminum
crush washer (same as the oil). There's no filter. I'd recommend
genuine Honda ATF, even though it's pricier. It's around 2.5-4
quarts per change (check the manual).

If it comes with long-life spark plugs, I wouldn't bother having it
changed before the scheduled time. If you have the tools, I'd pull
them out and check the gap and condition. A locking extension will
help. I'm rather wary of the very long fluid change periods though,
and have the feeling they're marketing driven more than anything
else.

Just wondering, if you do all the maintenance work yourself, how do you
prove to Honda that the vehicle was maintained if you have a warranty issue?
"G-Man" > wrote in message
...
>I don't take it to the dealer unless it's Warranty work. Sorry, just too
>much markup. I have a trusted mechanic at AAMCO who was a Honda mechanic
>for years. Most of the maintenance I do myself, but Timing Belt and Water
>Pump I leave up to them.
>
> If you have Pollen Filters, they are a pain, but I can send you the
> instructions if you need it.
>
> G-Man
>
>
> "Leon Kiriliuk" > wrote in message
> news
>> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
>> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
>> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of
>> it).
>>
>> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
>> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
>> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
>> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>>
>> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on
>> a set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
>> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
>> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>>
>> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>
>