Maintenance cost - 45K mi Service

[schpen]

I am getting my '95 NSXT serviced at Acura of Los Gatos.
They claim I have a leaky water pump and reservoir ($250) - I have not noticed any fluids leaking onto the floor in the garage. Maybe, it's a minor leak. They recommend replacing my timing belt while they're at it. This will cost me $1,500 plus $600 for the 45k service.
Are these resonable prices? It seems very expensive. I understand there's an upgrade on the water pump and bracket piece.
Is there anything else that I should think about servicing at $50k mi?


Thanks,
K

 

[PettittsAuto]

That seems very expensive for those three items. The 45k,timing belt and coolant resevoir. I have a shop in Roseville north of Sacto about 15 minutes and have worked on several of the Sacto. Chapter nsx club cars and I can do the whole job for about $1000.00 less than they are quoting you and that is using all oem parts. You can private me if interested. [email protected].

Bruce

 

[bykerboy]

Call Don at Hilltop Auto Service. He did my 60K service. He's very good and priced fairly.

http://www.hilltopautoservice.com

------------------
'92 NSX Red/Black
#186

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

Don just did my timing belt and water pump. Very reasonable price.

650-991-8838

 

[sjs]

If in fact the work needs to be done, then the price quoted may be a bit high but not outrageous since they'll charge you full list for the parts. The offer to do it all for $1k less with OEM parts actually sounds a bit low to believe, but if he's not trying to make a killing on the parts then it's doable.

I’m not aware of a pump upgrade for a ‘95 and there isn’t a bracket involved. You may have heard something about the early pumps being superceded by a newer version with the weep tube in a different place. That requires a new lower front cover or modification to the old one. Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I think the ’95 already has the later style, which saves you a few buck on the cover.

 

[nsxxtreme]

So if you order a pump for a 94 does it come with a newer style pump. Do you have to buy a new cover?

 

[nsxtasy]

$1500 is a little high for the timing belt / water pump replacement but not outrageous; $1200 is more typical. $600 for the 45K service is reasonable.

Remember, you can always look up typical charges in the FAQ here.

Also, you are already overdue to have the timing belt and water pump replaced. Acura recommends this service after 90,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. Your car is seven years old so this service is already one year overdue.

I think this dealer is giving you good advice and overall their prices are not way out of line.

Is there anything else that I should think about servicing at $50k mi?

Brake fluid. Brake fluid is supposed to be changed every 30K miles or two years, whichever comes first. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, so it's particularly important to change it at least once every two years, regardless of mileage. If you haven't had it flushed in the past two years, it's time.

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 25 August 2002).]

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I agree with Ken, Also do not forget the ABS fluid, it is also due, if it has not been done.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[PettittsAuto]

There is some overlapping labor when doing the timing belt replacement and the service at the same time. Also there is some parts overlap. In 1995 Acura only recommends adjusting the valves every 30k miles. The 45k service by the manual calls for a coolant change and an oil change. The only other parts of the service are inspections. Most of the coolant will exit the motor when the water pump is changed. If you did want the valves adjusted the valve covers are already off to do the timing belt and the gaskets should be part of the timing belt job. Retail price on the coolant resevoir is $115.00 and it takes about 10 minutes to change especially if you already have the coolant out of the motor. $2350.00 to do this work is excessive.

 

[Hrant]

Originally posted by sjs:

<snip>

The offer to do it all for $1k less with OEM parts actually sounds a bit low to believe, but if he's not trying to make a killing on the parts then it's doable.

<snip>

.

Those of us who live in the greater Sacramento know and vouch for Bruce Pettitt's honesty and work. He was Niello Acura's top NSX certified technician before he opened his shop ........ and we always asked for Bruce specifically to service our cars at Niello Acura. If Bruce said he can do it for $1000 less, trust him completely as he never recommends a service or a part that you don't need. He has developed a local following, trust me ........

By the same token you can also check with Niello Acura for pricing. Ask for Eric Milam for your 30% discount on parts if you are an NSXCA member, and let him work a pricing with you with Larry Reuter the service manager (you also get 10% off labor).

Then compare prices, your time/travel cost and decide ...... or use the info to hammer your local dealer for better pricing.

PS: Niello Acura is the sponsor of the Sacramento Chapter - NSXCA 9/3 Thunderhill track event.