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Kiaora Guys. Thanks for providing this service, its really helpful. I've bought a 2004 Honda Accord done 115km. It is a import from Japan and I'm the second owner here. Its currently due for a service looking at the sticker on the windscreen. What sort of service do you recommend this first service to be. The lady who sold it was not sure what had been done in the earlier service. I'm tossing up whether to go to a normal mechanic or to a Honda itself, the prices for the services seem comparable with Honda charging $280+GST and the private mechanic $335 for what seem to be close to full services.Cheers
Firstly, you should ask the previous owner to contact the garage who carried out the previous service.She should enquire what type of service has previously been carried out, they should be able to recommend how to proceed at the next service. If the service history is not forthcoming, then I would suggest you carry out a major service as recommended by the agents. You should compare the quotes from the agents and the private garage to ensure you are comparing prices which include the same replacement parts. It could be that the agents have only quoted a oil change and the private garage have extra bits as part of the service.
It comes down to finding a service agent you can trust, whether it's a private garage or the agents. Unfortunately some non-franchise garages can be just as expensive as the agents, as they like to up-sell on top of the service. In theory, the Honda agents should have the best knowledge on their products.
Couldn't agree more regarding Honda being better for servicing a Honda. I've had many Hondas since 1993 and have found that a Honda dealer's charges are well priced and I have never had a problem with servicing by Honda Newmarket..
As an example, when my vehicles have needed a cam belt replacement I have checked with both my local garage and a Honda dealer for a comparative quote. The local garage recommend replacing every part relating to a cam belt/drive whereas Honda say they measure everything and compare it to their standard specifications. If the part falls within Honda's guidelines it doesn't need replacing. Honda have generally charged me $400 for a cam belt replacement whereas my local garage want to charge me $1,500.
Honda's are great cars to drive and most non Honda mechanics I've come across say they are difficult to work on.
My advice, based upon years of satisfaction with Honda dealership is to stay with the dealer.