Enjoy your beautiful RDX with that shiney new timing belt!
It's absolutely ridiculous that Honda is still using timing belts in their V6s. Even the new Honda Pilot, which is getting a new engine, is still going to use timing belts. What the **** Honda.I need to get the timing belt replaced on my 99 Civic. I called the local Honda dealership first and they quoted me $1499. I called a couple of local independent shops and the best price I found was $760. The owner of the lowest price shop gave me the quote, told me exactly what he would be replacing and genuinely sounded interested in the job. I didn’t expect Honda to be double the price, but I’m also guessing they probably don’t want the job. A $2,000 timing belt job would likely keep me from buying that car, that just seems like an insane price.
That's a reasonable rate for a dealer timing belt job, including the "other" parts. Difference is they're using Honda parts and the independent definitely isn't for the price quoted. @The Critic has posted the discounted prices he gets Honda parts for (or maybe he PM'd the info to meI called the local Honda dealership first and they quoted me $1499. I called a couple of local independent shops and the best price I found was $760. The owner of the lowest price shop gave me the quote, told me exactly what he would be replacing and genuinely sounded interested in the job. I didn’t expect Honda to be double the price
Not calling you a liar-but I'm guess with inflation "it's not a fraction". I would have a hard time seeing anymore than a 20% savings. So a $2,000.00 timing belt is a $1,600.00 job?
Any busy repair shop can do Honda timing belts jobs so a specialist isn't needed. These cars and those jobs are soooo common nowadays.... I do think with a specialist is that they are more likely to buy/use Honda parts vs Gates, etc, etc though they might use Aisin kits. It's the labor rate at your regular shops where you'll save. I actually asked in the local "car" group on FB about the going rates in my area and it ranged from $75-120 for independents.
Dropped the wifes 2014 rdx at the fife WA Acura dealership this morning for the 100k timing belt service. $1890. Last time I had this done at an Acura it was 790. I also need a key for the acura. The key was in backorder at last dealer at 260. This dealer quoted 589. I am blown away at the prices.
I know Acura gets a little bit more, but this place seems crazy high.
Yeah, timing belts and valve adjustments are now deal killers for choosing a car for me, even at $1000. The big lumps under the hood should go 200k with maintenance and replacing some stuff attached to them, maybe a waterpump or alternator, or maybe not need anything expensive or buried if you're lucky.I need to get the timing belt replaced on my 99 Civic. I called the local Honda dealership first and they quoted me $1499. I called a couple of local independent shops and the best price I found was $760. The owner of the lowest price shop gave me the quote, told me exactly what he would be replacing and genuinely sounded interested in the job. I didn’t expect Honda to be double the price, but I’m also guessing they probably don’t want the job. A $2,000 timing belt job would likely keep me from buying that car, that just seems like an insane price.
Emphasis on "good'. Yes, I've never had an indy shop ever exceed the dealership in cost. I'm sure they exist but I'm lucky to have some very good and affordable shops around me.You really think those are cheaper? Might want to check again.
The established indy shops (10+ bay ones) are as expensive as the dealership, if not more. IME that is true 90% of the time and is because economies of scale are not in their favor.
Overhead.I need to get the timing belt replaced on my 99 Civic. I called the local Honda dealership first and they quoted me $1499. I called a couple of local independent shops and the best price I found was $760. The owner of the lowest price shop gave me the quote, told me exactly what he would be replacing and genuinely sounded interested in the job. I didn’t expect Honda to be double the price, but I’m also guessing they probably don’t want the job. A $2,000 timing belt job would likely keep me from buying that car, that just seems like an insane price.
I have nothing against specialists and for a lot of jobs, they are probably the wiser choice for going to. With timing belts on Hondas though, if a mechanic does 1-2 a week vs a specialist who does 3-4, at some point I'm not sure it matters, at least not when it comes to doing the job 100% correctly. The difference will only be the time it takes them but how many will charge for the 3 hours it took them when the book says 4.25 ?I agree with this, however if you have a specialist available why not?
Same car I refer to above had a flashing "D" light and (2) transmission-related codes. Took it to the specialist and he said don't worry, it's almost certainly something simple and said "those transmissions don't fail". He diagnosed it and confirmed the same two codes we read and said "both solenoids didn't fail at the same time" and explained one solenoid is known to fail and when it does, it causes the second to think something is wrong, hence two codes. He replaced one solenoid with a Honda part and problem was solved. Under $200 repair for transmission related - told our son to keep giving that man your business ! I posted this in another thread here but if he went to a transmission shop, a dealer, etc, what would the diagnosis and repair have been ?and I have found them invaluable at troubleshooting because they have enhanced familiarity with the product.
For sure the OEM parts are a major factor in price. The Honda dealership didn’t disclose all that would be replaced, but I understand that there is more to the job than just replacing the belt. The Indy shop quoted me for the belt, water pump, valve cover gasket, cam and crank seals and coolant. I generally do my own work on my cars, but there have been times that I have used a shop. I’ve been less than impressed with one of the larger shops in our town, so I’m hoping this new shop will do great work and I’ll finally have a shop I can trust.That's a reasonable rate for a dealer timing belt job, including the "other" parts. Difference is they're using Honda parts and the independent definitely isn't for the price quoted. @The Critic has posted the discounted prices he gets Honda parts for (or maybe he PM'd the info to me) and even his cost ends up more than an aftermarket kit.
There will also be a difference in the hourly labor rate but that will vary greatly. Some independent shops charge close to dealer rates while others may be 50% of the rate.
When my son's Accord V6 needed a timing belt replacement, the Joe Morgan Honda I posted about above had a coupon for maybe $500. That was timing belt only and I asked what about the water pump, tensioner, etc and to give me the price for all of that. No doubt they start the job with customers thinking they're paying $500 + tax then get a phone call..... "once we got in there, we're going to have to replace...." and now the job is 2-3x more $$$. The local Honda/Acura specialist is cheaper than dealers but he doesn't replace the belt only. He only does the full job.
Rather have a belt with a schedule than a "lifetime" chain that costs twice as much and fails randomly.It's absolutely ridiculous that Honda is still using timing belts in their V6s. Even the new Honda Pilot, which is getting a new engine, is still going to use timing belts. What the **** Honda.
How much of this is location?Dropped the wifes 2014 rdx at the fife WA Acura dealership this morning for the 100k timing belt service. $1890. Last time I had this done at an Acura it was 790. I also need a key for the acura. The key was in backorder at last dealer at 260. This dealer quoted 589. I am blown away at the prices.
I know Acura gets a little bit more, but this place seems crazy high.