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

 

"Scott" <scott@scott.com> wrote in message
news:118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com...
> 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).

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

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

 

On Thu, 19 May 2005 23:50:06 +0100, Scott <scott@scott.com> wrote:

>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?

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.

Steve Bigelow wrote:
> "Scott" <scott@scott.com> wrote in message
> news:118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com...
>
>>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).
>
>
> You haven't actually checked the prices, have you.
>
> Stop guessing, and call around.
> Honda's aren't rocket science.
>
>

 

Scott (scott@scott.com) writes:
> 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.
>
> Steve Bigelow wrote:
>> "Scott" <scott@scott.com> wrote in message
>> news:118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com...
>>
>>>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).
>>
>>
>> You haven't actually checked the prices, have you.
>>
>> Stop guessing, and call around.
>> Honda's aren't rocket science.
>>
>>

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" <scott@scott.com> wrote in message
news:118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com...
> 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

 

John Ings <no..damned@spam.org> wrote in
news:cv7q815vbvi97bmj1du2piqacktedka8kh@4ax.com:


<schnippe>


>
> 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.
>


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


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

 

"Scott" <scott@scott.com> wrote in message
news:118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com...
> 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

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

 

ag564@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Dan Beaton) wrote in
news:d6jbm4$r9d$1@theodyn.ncf.ca:

>
> Scott (scott@scott.com) writes:


<snipped all the pogo-posts>


>
> From your comments about price, I presume you are in the UK



Our lad certainly is...



> Local
> conditions apply. The term FSH is not used in North America.


[F]ull [S]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.


>
> 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?


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/

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

 

In article <428E36AD.A136BC69@nyc.rr.com>, slim <pickin's@nyc.rr.com> wrote:

> John Ings wrote:
> >
> > On Thu, 19 May 2005 23:50:06 +0100, Scott <scott@scott.com> wrote:
> >
> > >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?
> >
> > 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.
>
> Excellent advice. I could not say it any better.

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.

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

 

In article <118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com>, scott@scott.com says...
>
>
>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?

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.
-------------
Alex

 

In article <d6li9m$pi$9@newsmaster.cc.columbia.edu>, Alex Rodriguez
<adr5@columbia.edu> wrote:

> In article <118q610eemnr981@corp.supernews.com>, scott@scott.com says...
> >
> >
> >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?
>
> 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.
> -------------
> Alex

Alex,
That's great advice for most people. However, millions of people live in
small towns that do not have a mechanic that has an independent garage
that specializes in Hondas. Don't you think that those people should get
their service done at a Honda dealership? I should note that we have such
a mechanic in my town. The only problem is that he is so busy that it
takes him forever to get around to working on the various vehicles setting
outside his shop. I can get my service work done at the local Honda
dealership much quicker since they
have 4 service advisors that set up appointment times for the customers.
The independent mechanic does not handle it that way--he just says--"bring
in your car and I'll work on it whenever I can find the time".
Jason

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.