Civic - Honda service or mechanic?

Hi,

I've just bought a 1997 Civic 1.5 LS. It has full Honda stamped service
history up to 60,000 miles but 66,000 mile service was missed (optional
service anyway). It's now 70,000 miles and so due for the big 72,000
mile service, and my question is would it be ok to take it to my
mechanic who doesn't specialise in Hondas (but is very experienced
generally) or should I take it to a Honda garage (who will probably
charge me at least double the price). I am on a very tight budget and
would just like to know if I would be making a big mistake not taking it
to a Honda garage? What is the benefit of taking it to a Honda garage
and paying a lot more than may be necessary?

Thanks,

Scott

 

You haven't actually checked the prices, have you.

Stop guessing, and call around.
Honda's aren't rocket science.

 

You haven't actually checked the prices, have you.

Stop guessing, and call around.
Honda's aren't rocket science.

 

I don't have a lot of use for dealers, except for warranty service and
to buy parts from. I also don't patronize corner gas station mechanics
or chains associated with big-box stores or any other outfit that's
got some smiling greeter in a white shirt and bow-tie out front and
union mechanics slaving away in the back.

What I look for is a privately owned, proprieter operated small shop
that specializes in Hondas or at least Japanese cars. A clean, well
equipped shop, preferably in an obscure location. Such places cannot
depend on walk-in business and need word-of-mouth advertising from
satisfied customers to survive. Their rates are usually much lower
than a dealer, yet they are often more competent.

Check with the car clubs in your area. They often know who can be
relied on.

 

I don't have a lot of use for dealers, except for warranty service and
to buy parts from. I also don't patronize corner gas station mechanics
or chains associated with big-box stores or any other outfit that's
got some smiling greeter in a white shirt and bow-tie out front and
union mechanics slaving away in the back.

What I look for is a privately owned, proprieter operated small shop
that specializes in Hondas or at least Japanese cars. A clean, well
equipped shop, preferably in an obscure location. Such places cannot
depend on walk-in business and need word-of-mouth advertising from
satisfied customers to survive. Their rates are usually much lower
than a dealer, yet they are often more competent.

Check with the car clubs in your area. They often know who can be
relied on.

 

Thanks Steve for your patronising comments. Yes, in fact I have checked
the prices. For the 72,000 mile service it's (UK)£393. For a cambelt
change a Honda dealer would charge £200 and from my mechanic it would be
£90. My main reason for asking is because when I come to sell it on,
would it be worth paying more just to have Honda service stamps (as it
may be more highly regarded)? In the ads, they all make a big deal about
"Honda stamped" service history.

 

Thanks Steve for your patronising comments. Yes, in fact I have checked
the prices. For the 72,000 mile service it's (UK)£393. For a cambelt
change a Honda dealer would charge £200 and from my mechanic it would be
£90. My main reason for asking is because when I come to sell it on,
would it be worth paying more just to have Honda service stamps (as it
may be more highly regarded)? In the ads, they all make a big deal about
"Honda stamped" service history.

 

From your comments about price, I presume you are in the UK. Local
conditions apply. The term FSH is not used in North America.

I think the comment about local clubs is worthwhile. Is there a source
that will evaluate whether a dealer stamp is of greater value on resale
than service records from a qualified mechanic?
Dan

(This account is not used for email.)

 

Scott,97 civics have extended emission warranty from the dealer.At 75,000
miles you get a free oil change,plugs,cap and rotor,wires.Then all check
engine light related items are covered till 150,000.Call your dealer!Chad

 

Scott,97 civics have extended emission warranty from the dealer.At 75,000
miles you get a free oil change,plugs,cap and rotor,wires.Then all check
engine light related items are covered till 150,000.Call your dealer!Chad

 

How right you are, my friend. How right you are.

 

How right you are, my friend. How right you are.

 

If you have a trusted mechanic, go to him. Good mechanics have contacts to
get them through unfamiliar areas and know enough to send you to a
specialist when they're over their heads.

Mike

 

If you have a trusted mechanic, go to him. Good mechanics have contacts to
get them through unfamiliar areas and know enough to send you to a
specialist when they're over their heads.

Mike

 

(Dan Beaton) wrote in

Our lad certainly is...

[F]ull ervice [H]istory.

Yes, that seems to be a British quirk, like region-and-date-specific
license (number) plates, and V5s. And apparently the "buff logbook" is a
pretty important item.

Google for the above terms for more.

It is for some makes. Ferraris that have been serviced exclusively at
Ferrari-franchised dealers are /generally/ worth more at resale than ones
that thave been serviced at independents. For a Honda vehicle, I doubt it
would make much difference.

A browse here would tell for sure:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/

 

Excellent advice. I could not say it any better.

--

"This notion that the United States is getting ready
to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that,
all options are on the table,"
George Bush, Feb 22 2005

http://www.quantumphilosophy.net/files/clips/TimRyan_Medium.mov

http://www.bushflash.com/thanks.html
http://www.worldmessenger.20m.com/weapons.html#wms
WHY IRAQ?: http://www.angelfire.com/creep/gwbush/remindus.html
http://www.toostupidtobepresident.com/shockwave/chickenhawks.htm

"Bubba got a BJ, BU$H screwed us all!" - Slim

 

Excellent advice. I could not say it any better.

--

"This notion that the United States is getting ready
to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that,
all options are on the table,"
George Bush, Feb 22 2005

http://www.quantumphilosophy.net/files/clips/TimRyan_Medium.mov

http://www.bushflash.com/thanks.html
http://www.worldmessenger.20m.com/weapons.html#wms
WHY IRAQ?: http://www.angelfire.com/creep/gwbush/remindus.html
http://www.toostupidtobepresident.com/shockwave/chickenhawks.htm

"Bubba got a BJ, BU$H screwed us all!" - Slim

 

I can only tell you what I would do if I had a 2005 Honda. I would only go
to the Honda dealership for service while the vehicle was under warranty.
After the warranty runs out--find a local mechanic that you trust and go
to him. If you can't find a mechanic that you trust, continue going to the
Honda dealership for service.

 

I can only tell you what I would do if I had a 2005 Honda. I would only go
to the Honda dealership for service while the vehicle was under warranty.
After the warranty runs out--find a local mechanic that you trust and go
to him. If you can't find a mechanic that you trust, continue going to the
Honda dealership for service.

 

If by Honda garage you mean a Honda dealer, don't bother. You should take
it to an independent garage that specializes in Hondas. You will save money
and get service from someone who specializes in Hondas.