by Shocking Acura TL Type-S Service Estimate
The owner of an Acura TL Type-S received an incredible service bill totaling $9,644.87. The dealership proposed replacing the timing belt, fog lights, and spark plugs, which sparked a wave of outrage among commentators who advised turning to an independent mechanic.
Maintenance Issues with Aging Cars
As cars age, they require increasing attention and funds for maintenance. With the exception of a few low-mileage collector models, most vehicles depreciate over time. This is precisely why many car owners try to buy cars with a good reputation for reliability and low operating costs. However, in this case, the Acura owner faced a bill that likely exceeds the market value of the car itself.
Unexpected Service Proposal
In a post titled “Please tell me this isn’t right” the owner turned to the Reddit community asking to assess the reasonableness of the bill. Although the car had only 120,000 miles and needed a scheduled inspection, the dealer proposed performing at least nine different types of work. Among them was a timing belt replacement costing $2,400, even though no signs of its wear were detected.
Additional Costs
The list of proposed works continued to grow: replacement of valve cover gaskets, valve adjustment and new spark plugs for $1,644, as well as fog lights for $1,599.15. Costs for power steering pump repair ($680) and hood strut replacement ($390) were also added. Furthermore, the bill contained two separate line items related to the battery, totaling over $500.
Community Reaction
Considering that the market value of such a car is approximately $10,000–$11,000, the proposed bill seems particularly unreasonable. Commentators expressed surprise, particularly at the cost of replacing the valve cover gaskets: an original set costs $70, while an equivalent is only $35. One user noted that they never take their car to the dealer unless it is under warranty.
Please tell me this isn’t right by u/jayceguthrie7 in AskMechanics
Why Dealers Propose Expensive Services
Dealerships generate a significant portion of their profit precisely from service, not from car sales. Therefore, when an older car comes in, it is often perceived as an opportunity to generate additional income. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of getting a second or even third opinion on the necessity of repairs, especially when it comes to expensive services.
Such cases demonstrate how important it is for car owners to be aware of the real cost of parts and labor. Often, independent workshops offer the same services significantly cheaper without loss of quality. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that many jobs proposed by the dealer may not be urgent but only for preventative maintenance, which allows time to search for alternative options.
