Daughter called crying. She has a '12 Honda Fit w/ 130K. Seems to run great. Took it in for A/C service. Mechanic told her she needed lots of service - about $750 - which she does not have. I think most is just sched maint - listed below. Which does she really need? Which can she pass on?
Posted by SirJasper6969@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 779 comments
Replace spark plugs - $270, fuel injection service - $175, trans mission fluid exchange - $159, Brake fluid system service - $119.
She is going to keep it for three more years. (I will likely be helping her pay for some of this.)
No-Astronomer3334@reddit
Ignore the injector service and instead put a bottle of Techron in a tank of gas or two before your next oil change and then do one of the rest every or every other oil change until they're done. Do the brake flush next time it needs pads.
Ancient_Narwhal_9524@reddit
If the plugs have never been done they should be. Most should be changed around $100k miles.
The trans service isn’t a bad idea but can wait until the next oil change. I’d probably do the brake fluid the next time she gets the brakes done.
Smoofbrainz@reddit
These prices are all very reasonable.
Euphoric_Banana_5289@reddit
$270 to replace spark plugs? that alone seems wildly high for such a simple thing to do
ElvisT@reddit
At $25-$30 per spark plug and $130 for on hour of work? Seems reasonable to me. Then if you figure roughly an hour for each of those jobs, all of those services seem reasonable.
None of these jobs need to be done right now. These are the things that people put off because there aren't any immediate problems from not doing it. The problem is that when something does start going bad, you pay a diagnostic fee and the problem can be worse.
Money might be tight to get all of this done right now. I am a believer that maintenance with that is delayed until the soonest reasonable time is usually acceptable. Waiting an extra 6 months on brake fluid isn't going to ruin a Honda fit, waiting 4 years WILL cause problems. The order that these are listed is a good priority to put these in. Fix the first one, then the second when money is available and so on.
Maintenance like this is the best money spent on a car.
Maybe even your daughter how to do the work herself?
Dependent_North_4766@reddit
Depends how hard they are to reach. I wouldn’t think Hondas would be difficult, but it’s probably an average price due to the time it takes for the dipshit designs that make you take apart half the car to reach them.
IOI-65536@reddit
Honda fit is an inline four so you would think really easy, but they're on the back side of the engine facing the firewall, so you have to come in through the windshield cowling. That's probably reasonable.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
The older civic? I forget but I recall my dad changing my cousins civic and he was surprised it had more than 4 lol
Dzov@reddit
Heh. That was me when I realized my v8 has 16 spark plugs.
Suspicious_Recipe281@reddit
tel me about it mercedes benz e430 had me in shambles when i heard of 16 sparkplugs im like i only wanted to replace 8 😪🤣🏁
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
I'm curious what the benefit is to that vs just having 8
Dzov@reddit
This is with an 07 hemi and i read that it might be a historic harkening to the older hemi of the 60s, or it might be something about emissions. I’m not really sure.
Rascal2pt0@reddit
If i recall it’s “waste spark ignition” or something. You’ll also see the coil on one side goes to the odd plug on the other side. Loved my hemi Durango, just wish the rear quarters weren’t rust magnets.
Eriknonstrata@reddit
Waste spark ingition systems fire on the power stroke as well as the exhaust stroke, and were used on old distributor based systems. Anything made in the last 25 years will be coil over, or direct ignition.
Rascal2pt0@reddit
On the hemi you have a short and a long. Each cylinder has 2 plugs. One plug is direct to the coil. The second plug is connected to a cable that crosses to another cylinders second plug. As I understand it it’s the same design for emissions but coil based instead of distributor.
Rapom613@reddit
No, they have 8 coils, so no wasted spark. Twin plug is better for emissions and some say better for power, less concrete on that one
VRTravis@reddit
Yeah, I have an 08 hemi. I was shocked when they quoted 16 spark plugs. I was like, but spark plugs are only $13... Times 16. Oh.
cshmn@reddit
It's a Mercedes design. More power and more fuel efficient. I think it started in the 90s Mercedes, I know the S600 back then had a V12 with 24 plugs to change.
Old_Objective_5180@reddit
It's for emissions. Burns up what's left. Fords 6.2 and dodges hemi does this.
Rapom613@reddit
Better for emissions and flame front propagation.
-ThePaintedMan-@reddit
Better, more consistent flame front which leads to a more complete burn.
Icy-Cardiologist-958@reddit
Valves per cylinder would be my guess.
Hopeful-Put-8823@reddit
well yeah, all 4 are right on top super quick and easy, this one thry are on the back side, making it annoying and not fast. Last time i did plugs in my WRX, shockingly the dealer only charged me $110, but my normal shop wanted $300, I knew they were a pain, but the dealer does so many, im sure they had some tricks. I fully expected $300+
I have a type r now, honda for rear pads only, $769. yeah nope, got pads and the obd tool to out it in service mode, so like $200 1st round, but they wear out in 10-15k miles, figured i better learn haha
beaushaw@reddit
There has never been a Civ....
Googling....
Huh, there was a Civic with 8 spark plugs. TIL.
Jolly-Bowler-811@reddit
I've explained this to sooooo many people that think prices are out of line. A job can be very, very simple from a technical standpoint, but take ages.
As a for instance, changing the air filter and spark plugs on my motorcycle. It's about \~$70 in parts. But to install them, I have to take the seat, tank, side panels, and airbox out and then have a few special tools to be able to reach in to the cramped space provided to access the plug. Just getting TOO the spark plug is about 45 minutes to an hour of work.
And then after that, I have to put it all back together.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
I have a 2005 legacy gt. The first 3 sparkplugs are a 10 minute job. The 4th. Not ao much. It also takes an hour to change my cabin filter
Tasty_Cod_7354@reddit
Wtf are you talking about. You ever worked on a Fit?
Ever worked on cars at all Spark plugs are changed from the engine bay. Like every other car on earth. It's about a 20 minute job.
People who don't know what they are taking about really shouldn't give advice on here... absolute cancer.
DJFisticuffs@reddit
You absolutely do have to remove the wipers, wiper transmission and two pieces of windshield cowling to access the plugs on a '12 Fit.
As to how long that would take an experienced mechanic, I have no idea, but he is not wrong as to what's involved.
No_Run5338@reddit
Come do my vg33e spark plugs in 20mins. I'll pay ya for the full hour.
Tasty_Cod_7354@reddit
Wouldn't expect someone dumb enough to own a Nissan to know how to read though
Tasty_Cod_7354@reddit
Can you find in my rely where I said ANY spark plugs can be done in 20 minutes?
Dipshit
unbridledcheesetoast@reddit
Ah. Ok
Pinelli72@reddit
Used to own a v6 Camry and the intake manifold and associated tubes and cables had to come off to replace the spark plugs. Just nuts design.
zanzainzayin@reddit
Thats where you bump it foward in neutral to get the engine to rotate so you can clear the manifold.
RetiredRacer914@reddit
A lot of modern cars use really expensive spark plugs. Mine, also a Honda are about $100.00 for 4 for Denso Iridium.
RobCo90@reddit
Sounds like you were watching me replacing the BATTERY in my 2015 GMC Sierra. I had to take so much shit out. Thought it would be a 10min job, it was an hour…
GoodGuysfor2A@reddit
Also, don't forget, iridium plugs are $20 a piece now. Everything is up! I also get a lot of people think shop rates are high but, again, costs are up! Insurance is nuts. Rent is nuts. Most shops are at $160 an hour and up because of this.
SnooDrawings8834@reddit
Book time is around .9 probably more in other books
Early_Apple_4142@reddit
Just youtubed it. Looks like they're in a crappy spot. Back side of the engine facing the firewall from what I saw. I'd probably let the shop do it for $270 versus fighting it myself and I've done my plugs on my truck and my wife's SUV in the last 4 months due to mileage but the ones on the fit look like it would suck.
Rapom613@reddit
IIRC on a fit they are under the intake, so you have to take part of the intake off. Figure 2 hrs or so plus the plugs.
ragerite@reddit
Plugs and coil packs could also just be expensive. Mine are relatively easy to get to but the coil packs especially are just expensive.
TruthSeekingTactics@reddit
I was going to say this as well, Ive had 2 cars where you needed to take the exhaust.manifold off to even be able to access them. Learned that lesson the hardway.
Tasty_Cod_7354@reddit
Wtf are you talking about lmao
thepumpkinking92@reddit
I remember my first spark plug change on my 01 firebird. Went to the store, bought the plugs and wires, as well as the rest of the stuff for my various other services planned, and went home.
Since I'm not a complete idiot, I obviously waited a while before doing the job because I knew the engine would be hot. After waiting a while, I got under there and stuck my hand up into the exhaust manifold to find the plugs. Turns out, an hour is not long enough to wait for an engine to cool down in a 110° Texas sun.
Anyway, that's the n-th time I burned my hand on an engine when just starting out. The next time, I just bought the parts a day before and did it first thing in the morning. No sun, no heat, no burns. Much nicer experience overall.
Better-Strategy8798@reddit
calling around my city I just got mine replaced in a v6 engine. After calling 12 reputable shops they all wanted anywhere from 800-1500. I managed to find a very small local one that did mine for 400. I could have done it but I have money and am lazy lol.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
After cylinder 7 and 8... Next time I do my spark plugs I'm paying someone lol. Some videos made it look so damn easy. I was literally laying over the engine swearing my ass off
ChemistRemote7182@reddit
Its a case by case, car by car kind of thing. Your 7 and 8 were probably behind the hood mount point sort of tucked under the dash, if a van you probably pulled out a portion of the dash. Dad made teenage me use my small hands for that. My Miata? Changing the spark plugs is frankly easier than changing the oil. My turbo Subaru, really any of them over the years? Eldritch horror, I'll pay some one for that.
LettuceTomatoOnion@reddit
Subaru spark plugs are easy. You just have to remove everything, but the engine to get to them.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
2005 legacy gt. Can verify the 4th spark removal is easier if you just life chassis. Lol
JourneyOfDaor@reddit
On the older Subarus the engines are super easy to pull at least
sluggwire@reddit
Haha, ya Subaru plugs are surprisingly hard to change.
Calm_Income6781@reddit
Usually on a Subaru the engine seizes or the head gasket blows before the plugs go bad so it’s not an issue
LettuceTomatoOnion@reddit
You have to do it with the Seinfeld voice. “It’s not the spark plugs that are the problem. It’s everything around the spark plugs that’s the problem.”
ForeskinForeman@reddit
I think you’re supposed to remove the Subaru.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
Truck. It kinda pissed me off lol. I mean it's not just my truck that has this issue. But it was more so like we couldn't just move the engine up a couple inches lol ... Like I know it's about weight distribution and crashing... But I'll accept a lesser crash score if I can fucking reach the end of the engine easier lol
Proper_Exit_3334@reddit
Hey at least it wasn’t the 3.4 V6 in an old GM minivan. If memory serves you had to undo the engine mounts and tip the engine forward to get at the back 3.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
I had the 3.4 in a sedan I don't recall it being difficult. Obviously way bigger front end to work with compared to a van lol. I still miss that car and the seats 😭😭😭
chad_sancho@reddit
I had an 07 silverado with a 4.8 in it. Spark plugs were cake. My 2012 altima? I looked at it and said yeah fuck this and paid my nephew to do it lol
EyeIll7026@reddit
I don't miss being the slave mechanic for my dad to reach the tight spaces. I lucked out and was bigger than him by the time I was 15 though haha.
LateNeedleworker6395@reddit
Eight spark plugs on a Honda Fit?
G10aFanBoy@reddit
There are eight spark plugs on Honda L13 engines with wasted spark ignition.
WittyFix6553@reddit
It’s been swapped with a 350 SBC
Proper_Exit_3334@reddit
Or an old 2.3 Ford Ranger motor 😂
Lilmumblecrapper@reddit
Wait a minute, how’d it fit in a fit?
QueenBKC@reddit
Everything fits in a Fit!
WittyFix6553@reddit
very carefully
OkAlternative1095@reddit
lmao
Euphoric_Banana_5289@reddit
fair enough. I've only done it on 4 cylinder engines and one v6. once i figured out how to get the plugs out of the deep hole they're in, it was easy peasy, but i am tall and those cars were not. i should know but now that my personal experience is not all other people's experience lol
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
I mentally wondered if someone could just suspend me above my truck if that would have made it easier 😂😂😂
toybuilder@reddit
You need a fly wire system -- like in Mission Impossible. 🤣
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
YES lol
Or find a kid that is good w Legos and is small enough where they just lay across the engine and pull and put in the new plugs 😂
Although I remember helping my dad and fucking around w the flash light and stuff as a kid. That's a lot of pressure to put on someone lol. I so remember putting my hands in tight spots but Idr what I actually did. Definitely know I didn't do spark plugs lol
slimeySalmon@reddit
? It’s been awhile since I did mine but it was definitely worth doing myself to save 300$. The only one I would pay for maybe is my break line since that’s just annoying to do alone with jackstands.
tell_me_when@reddit
I have an Audi S7 and the rear cylinders aren’t tucked way back (thanks Audi for the ample under steering) hidden, it’s removing the 25+ plastic connectors. I almost didn’t replace them when I upgraded my turbos but after replacing them I’m glad I did.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
Good thing you did haha. You would have hated yourself later
phoneacct696969@reddit
I thought the same thing but a lot of cars require 30 minutes of removing stuff to even access spark plugs now a days. Easy diy on some cars though, worth checking op.
phibbsy47@reddit
If they are by the firewall its a pain. On my truck, you have to pull the intake manifold and all sorts of stuff to get to them, could easily be two hours of labor.
Possumjones@reddit
On my Chevy 6 of them are pretty easy, last two need the intake removed.. not hard but does take time, which is valuable…
skylinesora@reddit
Are you commenting from a position of ignorance or do you actually know how to change spark plugs in her car. From the sounds of it, i'm assuming ignorance.
The_real_bandito@reddit
I don’t know when it happened but sometime during the last decade or so that job became way more expensive than it was when I used to pay a mechanic to do that job.
Excellent-Buffalo630@reddit
It’s a little high but not wildly . It should be $100 labor and $80 for parts but a lot of places will charge you $150 labor and $120 parts. Especially if they’re using oem or are a more professional shop
HandRubbedWood@reddit
Really depends on the engine configuration, they are a royal pain on my truck. Generally Honda 4 cylinder engines aren’t too bad though.
InternationalBite690@reddit
You obviously have never been under the hood of a fit. I’ll add the technician is getting 48 minutes pay to swap those plugs. Ngk plugs aren’t cheap. $270 is a fair price.
thatcavdude@reddit
If you get the NGK Iridium plugs and NGK wires that's at least $100. That's the good parts. $170 for labor... pretty spot on.
Ok_Passion_9167@reddit
I agree ….4 cylinder at that smh
rddit_bytes@reddit
I’m in Southern California and this is a great price. Just had mine done and they were twice as expensive
Impossible_Safety_36@reddit
Sometimes you gotta take off the whole intake manifold
Fit_Chemistry_3807@reddit
It is ‘simple’, until you over tighten and crack it or strip where it goes in. My mechanic just had to call in one customer who was paying him to replace 8, only to discover that customer had tried to do them himself recently and was now bringing it in because he ooops’ed the job. The so-called expensive job you commented on became more expensive. Everyone can do it until they can’t. Luckily, my mechanic would’ve shown him how to do it right at least once or twice but he thought he didn’t need it because Google and such….
Besides, a shop needs to pay its workers, the rent, heat, water, and electricity, not to mention a lot of other costs. And if they do it wrong, they have to eat the cost of fixing their mistake.
Electrical_Pound5642@reddit
Have you done plugs lately? Plugs alone are $3 apiece anymore.
firstthrowaway9876@reddit
They are very easy and very hard. If you don't dont know lefty loosey right tightly I wouldnt try it on my own. If you don't own the tools and don't like working on stuff I wouldn't do it. Figure 50 for plugs a d 200 for labor. My area shape are at that 200 an hour area so 270 for plugs is pretty chill. As a DIYer I already have the tools and knowledge that there really are many situations im which I would pay for any job.
Rem-ember_to_flame@reddit
Everyone’s bringing up the spark plugs, but I’m confused how the trans fluid service cost is reasonable.
There’s no shot it should be nearly as much as the fuel injection service.
Historical-Bite-8606@reddit
I wouldn’t even DIY with prices this cheap. Seems sketchy cheap.
youknowme22@reddit
Shit I don't even change my own oil anymore. My shop charges like 10-15 more than it would cost me to do it
DeaseanPrince@reddit
Yeah I would just suggest diy the spark plugs. Between the plugs, wrench and socket they could save around $170 and be done in less than 20 minutes with a quick tutorial.
LordBuggington@reddit
These prices are excellent today. She should be putting money aside every month for maintenance she has a good reliable car and with doing the maintenance she wont have to get a real repair bill that would make all of us cry.
Smoofbrainz@reddit
Exactly my friend. You get it.
rnewscates73@reddit
You would pay $270 to do four $7 spark plugs. Ten minute job…
Smoofbrainz@reddit
Speaking in generality the price is very reasonable including good spark plugs and install. It's not always easy, and not always accessible, etc. and who on earth gets 7 spark plugs? Holy shitballs
Past_Championship827@reddit
$270 for some $30 spark plugs that take 15 mins to change is reasonable?
howrunowgoodnyou@reddit
People honestly pay $270 to change the plugs on a Honda 4 cylinder?!?!? That seems absolutely batshit insane to me. It’s a 15 minute job. Remove each coil pack 2x10mm bolts and remove the plug
firstthrowaway9876@reddit
The prices are very reasonable! Pass on the fuel injection service. Never tried selling them the to customers and have only done it once on my career after some injectors were running stupid rich.
CoffeeXKing@reddit
Isn't that the one where you use one of the injection cleaners that can be put into a tank of gas?
Or is it the fuel injector removal and cleaning?
I know one is a bit more labor intensive yeah?
firstthrowaway9876@reddit
Removing the injectors is more intensive and isn't the one being quoted. The quoted servoce is probably spraying and cleaning the throttle body, then cleaning the valves by spraying a cleaner past the throttle body, and pouring a fuel system cleaner into the fuel tank
jrileyy229@reddit
What?!?!
sathirtythree@reddit
They really aren’t bad. My last quote for a trans fluid and filter was $500
jrileyy229@reddit
And was that a c8 Corvette or a second Gen Honda fit?
sathirtythree@reddit
I mean sure, but 160 bucks is good no matter what the car is.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
No. $270 for 4 spark plugs that are super easy to do is bullshit.
Insertsociallife@reddit
They are not easy on the Fit. You need to take the windshield cowling and most of the air intake off.
pentamethylCP@reddit
Probably worth doing a valve adjustment while you're at it.
Insertsociallife@reddit
Yep. They're the same service interval too. I'm doing mine in a month or so when I have some time.
pentamethylCP@reddit
I'm in the same situation. I've been planning to do them in a month or so when I have some time for about two years.
464132@reddit
Relly? There is no valve adjustment hydraulic lifters
pentamethylCP@reddit
The 2nd gen fits have adjustable valves. https://youtu.be/WwU0ydFg0o0?t=200
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
Ugh. I miss my 95 Civic.
Pinkys_Revenge@reddit
You and me both. I could swap those spark plugs in under 5 minutes!
Insertsociallife@reddit
Getting to the top of the engine and the front hubs are the two parts of the car that are hard to work on. Everything else is piss easy.
stonewall028@reddit
alternator, dont forget the alternator. those suck.
Insertsociallife@reddit
Uh oh, I haven't done an alternator on mine yet. Why do they suck?
stonewall028@reddit
bolt access is annoying because its on the back of the engine, so the intake manifold and brake fluid reservoir block access from the top and the axle blocks access from the bottom. taking off the oil filter sometimes helps. its not thaaaaat bad, just annoying compared to how easy the rest of the car is to work on
Insertsociallife@reddit
What gen Fit is this? My alternator is right on the front of the engine.
stonewall028@reddit
oh sorry, i was talking about 95 civics. fits are very easy to do alternators on
mzsigler@reddit
Just mildly annoying to get to, not the end of the world though. I replaced mine a few months ago.
PotadoLoveGun@reddit
My stepson has a 2012 Fit. I just reached around and did them plenty of dpace witha short rachet , took less than an hour. Plugs were like $40
EntertainerSea9653@reddit
Reaching around is the way to go. Doesn't take long at all. Maybe an hr if u have a beer in the other hand. I've take the cowl off to do them even take off the manifold to do them. Waaaaaay easier to do them blind and just reach around the side.
PotadoLoveGun@reddit
Doing things when you cant see the bolt in your engine bay is the mechanic skill to have lol
Its only 8 bolts, pull the coil, and pull the plug and then put it all back. Next time ill balance a beer in the other hand, sounds fun
EntertainerSea9653@reddit
Definitely sets the real mechanics apart from the diyers and what I like to call quarterchanics.
ThePoltageist@reddit
Spark plugs honestly are something I wouldn’t cheap out on these days, a good set of plugs will make it to 100k, a bad set probably should be changed at 60. I usually upgrade to something better than stock when changing them
PotadoLoveGun@reddit
I got the stock replacement plugs from rock auto and also replaced the coil packs since I was there, but yes if you wanna pay up for fancier ones go for it. And yeah you are correct they are not much more, but I haven't noticed the difference over the years
ThePoltageist@reddit
Yeah Honda stock is ngk which are one of the best, the stock ngk plugs that came off my Tiguan at 110k miles honestly looked like they could keep going just fine, I changed them trying to troubleshoot a problem that ended up being unrelated. But I did notice improved performance with the Bosch plugs I put in their place, supposedly they last 120k but I’ll likely change them at 100k as well
PotadoLoveGun@reddit
I looked them up and they are still right under $10 bucks each. Apparently you can get some Denso brand for $2 each lol
I like Bosch plugs have some in the VW golf and they do well.
464132@reddit
A hundred k? Did your plugs fail?
ThePoltageist@reddit
Nope I thought I had an electrical power drain (not really, bms sensor most likely) and wanted to rule out it being the plugs degraded, iridium spark plugs of good quality do kick ass.
Commies-Fan@reddit
The YT video says otherwise. It shows 6 bolts and 4 of which are on the ignition coils. Its 15 minutes.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
Then have YouTube fix your car
Commies-Fan@reddit
I do my own work. Thanks!
Picklechip-58@reddit
Nothing is 15 minutes, BUB. Not even the '10 Minute Express Lube' is 15 minutes..
Commies-Fan@reddit
Wrong BUB. Thats how long it would take me. Its not 15 minutes because garages need billable hours.
MarineJAB@reddit
That’s because it’s 10 minutes. Duh. /S
Pig-Mentation@reddit
It's faster to reach around from the passenger's side of the engine to get to the coils and plugs. You have to do everything by feel, but it's doable. Nothing else needs to come off.
Not recommended if it's your first time.
Insertsociallife@reddit
Interesting! I haven't seen this recommended much, everybody does valve adjustments at the same time for which you need the intake off anyways, so everyone just pulls it.
TIL. Thanks.
464132@reddit
Valve adjustment? Really?
Insertsociallife@reddit
Yep. Old-school solid lifter valves.
pch14@reddit
Unless you do it isn't it always the first time so how someone is supposed to change them?
ShoeBurglar@reddit
I think he meant for the first time you should remove the cowl and intake to see where everything is. Then on the second time, attempt the blindfold route
illegitimate_Raccoon@reddit
That's what she said.
Madroc92@reddit
I was about to jump into this thread and say to do the plugs yourself because it’s super easy (and nowhere near $270) on most inline 4s but yikes. Not cool, Honda.
stonewall028@reddit
its overblown how bad they are to replace, its not a big deal. it lets them put a super short low hood on for extra driver visibility so its a worthy tradeoff.
My_friends_are_toys@reddit
Damn, no wonder it's $270.. what a pita.
My_friends_are_toys@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDuFoUVG65g
H0SS_AGAINST@reddit
Idk about the Fit but on my car I was all concerned about pulling the cowling. After doing it I won't work on my engine again without doing it. It's just the wiper arms, a few bolts, and a couple clips. Again, not sure about the Fit.
Insertsociallife@reddit
Yes, the manifold. The plastic manifold is bolted to metal runners that bolt to the head. The air box, pipe, and plastic manifold must come off, but the metal runners can stay.
H0SS_AGAINST@reddit
Damn I looked at a picture of the Fit's engine bay, that's ridiculous.
I'd definitely be charging a couple hours of labor. Thankfully that's something you don't have to do very often.
Insertsociallife@reddit
It's also usually combined with a valve adjustment for which you have to take all that stuff off anyways to get to the valve cover, so it's not too big a deal. It's a lot of effort for plugs alone though.
MisanthropicSocrates@reddit
Not on a GD3.
Insertsociallife@reddit
Maybe not, I don't know. OP and I both have GE8s though.
CrimeBot3000@reddit
And you run the risk of damaging the cowling by removing it wrong.
Radiant_Carpenter_91@reddit
Lies! Youtube video was only three minutes with ads. J/k
Able-Sheepherder-154@reddit
My '07 Fit was a breeze to change plugs and coils. Lots of room.
Neo0311@reddit
Sounds easier then taking off the 13 or so parts including the mainfold I have to for mine.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
270 wouldn't even get you through the door at my shop. This is either a tiny shop in a low income neighborhood or a chain in a lcol state. You people have literally no idea what things cost in the context of a business.
464132@reddit
Good to know, will go elsewhere
No_Geologist_3690@reddit
You have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve seen OEM plugs go for $40 a piece. Plus labour. They aren’t going in for free.
jmsjags@reddit
The daughter doesn't seem like she is going to know how to change them so $270 is the going rate at a shop.
Hersbird@reddit
Everything is easy for some people. It's a fair price. It's over an hour by the book, I bet a handy diy guy doing it for the first time would take 2 hours. Somebody not handy would get it 1/2 way apart, break the plastic bowl peices, and probably end up paying $150 to get it towed in somewhere where they get charged $270 to finish it.
fhhhvfffyjjnv@reddit
You are paying for parts and overhead and most importantly the knowledge of what to do when you snap a plug off in the head.
Which_Effort2065@reddit
Let me introduce you to the Hyundai dealership that wanted to charge me 800 dollars for spark plugs on a Tucson. I did it myself in 15 mins for like 50 bucks
TallTelevision4121@reddit
Depends on the car, but they can be a real bitch. That price is also great.
stonewall028@reddit
idk where you live but $200 for an hour of labor and $70 for plugs and shop supplies is a good price. yes you can do it yourself for cheaper. mechanic shops are businesses, not charities.
This-Law-5433@reddit
Don't buy a Subaru
Still got 4 new plugs that need to go in 500$ is looking cheap compared to what it will take to do it myself
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Oh, trust me, well aware of the insanity that is the spark plugs on those Subaru flat 4 and flat 6 engines🤣
-00--@reddit
cries in 911 turbo
Juliuscesear1990@reddit
Depending on the vehicle and the person's knowledge, maybe it's easy to do if you are a mechanic or have mechanic knowledge and the tools if not you gotta pay to play.
iscoleslaw@reddit
Arnt these twin spark engines? So 8 sparkplugs
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
First gen fits were, but I don't think second gens like the car OP is dealing with were.
Smoofbrainz@reddit
Lmao yeah sure buddy... They don't ever seize or anything
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
They normally don't. A few exceptions, obviously, like the Ford 5.4 Triton, but most engines, they normally don't seize.
Tiny_Advance_3627@reddit
Dpeneds on the engine. On my magna , one bank of cylinders was a pain in the ass to get to. The cost was the plugs, but the time it takes to pull half the engine apart to get to them.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
That's also a motorcycle, where I4 engines are WAY more of a pain than on most cars🤣
Tiny_Advance_3627@reddit
A Mitsubishi Magna is a motorcycle? Jeez, I wish I had of known I was driving a motorbike for 6 years, not a car.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
I was thinking Honda Magna, lol, which IS a motorcycle. Never even heard of a Mitsubishi Magna, tbh.
Tiny_Advance_3627@reddit
Cool, I've never heard of a Honda Magna, tbh.
CaterpillarKey6288@reddit
Depends on the car. My 3.0 Ford is $600 and its recommended to change the coil packs at the same time $1200. Local mechanic did it for $350 with me supplying the parts. You have to remove the whole intake system to get to the back plugs, the front ones are easy.
StaarvinMarvin@reddit
Depending which engine it has, it could have 8
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
I don't think the fit ever had two plugs per. That was mostly the 2.3L I4 out of the Ford Ranger. Hemis are that way too, except it's 16 plugs, because V8.
StaarvinMarvin@reddit
Oh it did alright.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Just looked it up, and apparently some first gens were like that. Fair enough. The one OP is talking about is a second gen, though (2012)
Onyxxx_13@reddit
They're a pain on that car. Like the prius plugs.
Smashego@reddit
Oh boy. My buddy had a Honda fit and those spark ugs are not easy or fun to replace.
FatherIncoming@reddit
Preach brother! People don't even realize how easy it is to change spark plugs in 4 cylinder engines. I swear basic maintenance on cars should be offered as a class in high school.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Could not agree more.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
If you are even a little handy, sure, you can do it yourself for the cost of parts which is almost nothing. But if you have to pay someone, that is a fair price, as in "going rate."
Commies-Fan@reddit
Yeah $270 for 4 plugs and what they probably bill as .5 hours is horseshit. And $175 for a fuel injection service? They dump 2 cleaners in your tank and spray a cleaner into the throttle body. 🤣 What a racket.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
I think most people in this thread are advising to skip that fuel injection service.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Not on a fit
Working_Farmer9723@reddit
They are not easy on a Fit. Plugs are blocked by the wiper cowl, which must be removed. It’s not a quick job.
Internet-of-cruft@reddit
We got quoted a similar list of services for kike $5k on a CPO vehicle we owned for... 8 months?
Told them no.
464132@reddit
Why should op change the plugs?
FreeIreland2024@reddit
I run shops, I came here to say this. These folks do things correct it seems. I'd say if none other items haven't been done in the last 50k then do them
SirJasper6969@reddit (OP)
Thx
inkypinkyblinkyclyde@reddit
Replacing the plugs and the plug wires is something that isn't hard to do. Search YouTube for videos on how to do it on a '12 Fit to see if that's something you can do yourself.
PomegranatePlus6526@reddit
Fit has coils. You’re right though you should replace the coils same time as plugs. Also on the fit for some reason the spark plugs have a tendency to come loose. Every oil change I would tighten my plugs a little.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Coils only really need changed if they go out. usually coils either work, or they don't, in my experience. Price the mechanic quote for plugs is bullshit, though. That's like a 5-10 min job. Can get plugs for $10 each for the best plugs on Rockauto, MAYBE 20 each for the good shit from a parts chain. So, at MOST $40-80 in parts, and with how easy they are, and how little time they take, I prob wouldn't even charge labor. $270 for 4 plugs is bullshit.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
Just found that out with a coil pack. It was working perfect one day and the next it was out. No warning
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
Ngk plugs or bust if you love your fit tho
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
NGK or Denso, for sure, with NGK being preferred.
pch14@reddit
If you don't charge labor for changing plugs how does a business make any money? The Markup on plugs are not enough to run a business. You have to charge labor if you want to survive in the business world
Working_Farmer9723@reddit
Do they change the design? I have a ‘10 and was used to doing my own plugs so when the time came I just got to work with my trusty Chilton manual and was like “wtf do you mean I need to take the wiper cowl off.” No way I’m doing that every oil change.
B5_S4@reddit
That's why you use iridiums, so you take it off every 50-100k, not every oil change lol.
Working_Farmer9723@reddit
I do it per the manual. But the point of this thread was to ask if the labor cost was I unreasonable, followed by advice as to how easy it is to change the plugs. It is not easy in a Fit, and the quoted cost is reasonable.
PomegranatePlus6526@reddit
I had an 07 for a couple of years. It was a common problem on those. Not sure about the '10.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Companies always change designs every few years, and they almost always make them a way bigger pain in the ass to work on.
04limited@reddit
It doesn’t matter if it’s easy not everybody knows or wants to turn their own wrench.
Sometimes it’s alright to pay someone to do the work so you don’t have to second guess the quality of a DIY job.
phatdoughnut83@reddit
My favorite is the Subaru sub... Oil changes are so easy!!!!
"Hey I accidentally drained my transmission and double filled my oil. Now my cvt is making some funky sounds. Am I cooked?"
HAHAHA yes some people should absolutly pay someone, some of us knows the risk and are prepared for fucking shit up.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
Yeah. Have a 2016 forester. Made a whole setup to change the transmission fluid.
danmingothemandingo@reddit
Maybe the ones crying that they don't have money to pay someone for basic servicing don't fall into that category
iWish_is_taken@reddit
I have one... it's actually a fair bit more complicated than you'd think - remove wipers - remove whole upper cowling - remove wiper transmission - remove the under cowling/cowling support structure - then you can access the plugs.
While not overly difficult, for sure a PIA compared to a lot of other plug jobs.
iWish_is_taken@reddit
I have one... it's actually a fair bit more complicated than you'd think - remove wipers - remove whole upper cowling - remove wiper transmission - remove the under cowling/cowling support structure - then you can access the plugs.
While not overly difficult, for sure a PIA compared to a lot of other plug jobs.
FatherIncoming@reddit
Its not even wires it has coils which is super simple to change.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
On a Fit it is hard to do, gotta remove a bunch of stuff to get to them
MarsRocks97@reddit
The Fit has ignition coils not wires. But also changing these out is a pain in the ass. You do have to remove the wipers as well as a cowl over the engine. The spark plugs are tucked away against the firewall.
baw_wit_da_ba@reddit
Did they provide you with a quote to fix the a/c?
bigloser42@reddit
you are assuming the brake fluid has ever been changed. If this is still the factory fluid, it should be changed now.
Sparetire46@reddit
Check fluid. It's not something that needs changing unless contamination. At least wait till a brake job
kykid87@reddit
This could not be more false.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. It absolutely needs changing and does get contaminated from the system. Unchanged fluid is dark, new fluid is nearly clear.
DevelopmentWestern80@reddit
air from where? If there's air in your brake lines then you have another problem. The reservoir is sealed from the air.
LeckereKartoffeln@reddit
Depending on where you live, it's really important for winter. When it hits -20, my brakes would freeze on my car with really bad brake fluid. It was really fun finding that out at 4 in the morning after it had snowed.
bigloser42@reddit
If it’s the OEM fluid it’s contaminated.
Floppie7th@reddit
...which you can determine by opening the cap and checking it.
bigloser42@reddit
If OP is using a shop for spark plugs, I doubt he has the ability to test the brake fluid.
Naturist02@reddit
It’s a $6 testing pen to test the fluid.
SleepAltruistic2367@reddit
You can open the cap and tell how much moisture your brake fluid had absorbed?
Sparetire46@reddit
With what.
bigloser42@reddit
Water. Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere through any and all avenues. You don’t need a leak for it to happen, after 2-3 years it’s usually contaminated to the point where it should be replaced. After 18 years it’s probably black. If your brake pedal feels like something other than stepping on a rock or has more than a little bit of travel, your brake fluid is shot.
Sparetire46@reddit
It's a sealed system. So its not absorbing water unless there's a leak..... We have equipment 30yrs old eith original brake fluid in it.....
3579@reddit
The brake fluid reservoir has to be vented to atmosphere, it can't effectively feed the master cylinder if it was sealed. That little bit of air that contacts the fluid over years and the fluid will have water absorbed into it
SavageObjector@reddit
The reservoir on the master cylinder is not vented to the atmosphere. If you get air in your brakes you don’t have brakes because they are a hydraulic system which strictly works off the pressure from the fluid pushing on the caliper.
It’s why brakes have to be bled and why you should pop the bleeder valve if doing brake service or take the cap off the master cylinder.
Brake fluid is hydrostatic and should be replaced but I personally don’t do it every 3 years. 100,000 is about right IMHO and I live in the hills of East TN. Never had a problem.
clintj1975@reddit
Check it with a water content tester. It does absorb humidity, and that lowers the boiling point. You may not notice the results on a work site, but if you boil your brake fluid on a downhill grade your day is going to go from boring to white knuckled in seconds.
SleepAltruistic2367@reddit
Exactly.
SleepAltruistic2367@reddit
Are you pushing your 30 year old equipment until the brake fluid temp exceeds the boiling point of water? A 30 year old Deere is a lot different than a modern vehicle from a brake fluid stress standpoint.
SleepAltruistic2367@reddit
Are you pushing your 30 year old equipment until the brake fluid temp exceeds the boiling point of water? A 30 year old Deere is a lot different than a modern vehicle from a brake fluid stress standpoint.
kykid87@reddit
Brake fluid is hygroscopic...
sathirtythree@reddit
It’s not a sealed system. Theres literally a reservoir on top with a cap you can pop off. There’s air in there. Where theres air there’s moisture.
bigloser42@reddit
They can literally absorb water from the tiny bit that gets to the piston seals as they move back and forth. It happens to every car, there is no such animal as a truly sealed system. My wife’s car did, no leaks at all, brake pedal was mushy. Replaced the fluid, brake pedal was no longer mushy.
I wouldn’t boast about jobsite equipment that is 25+ years overdue for basic maintenance.
OldGeekWeirdo@reddit
Owner's manual says to replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Brake fluid will absorb moisture out of the air and cause the brake parts to rust. Change it is good prevention to avoid changing master cylinder or brake calipers.
Does it need to be done RIGHT NOW? No. But it should be done soon.
Helsmire@reddit
If it's never had trans service done before do not do it. I would not service any automatic transmission after 80k miles if it's never had service.
Difficult_Camel_1119@reddit
wouldn't joke on break fluid. It can save your life (or kill you). There are tests ti check if replacement is needed. Or rule of thumb every 24 months
souleaterGiner1@reddit
She said need. None of them need to be done. There's no timing belt that's going to grenade an interference engine. It would be wise to do them all. But none are necessary. Pick one. Next time do another. I'd start with transmission s that's the most costly repair if it fails. Brake fluid when the brakes are next replaced. Just make sure she does her oil on time.
CareMay1313@reddit
I also own/ run a shop. The original mechanic is on par.
sjgokou@reddit
Not true, most vehicles recommend upwards of 200k miles, sure it would be worth swapping them out at 100k but not too important.
Ill_Arm_4097@reddit
I am pretty sure the Fit only has four spark plugs. They must be charging $50 each for them. Most mechanics say a drain and fill is better for older transmissions.
You need to find an independent shop that someone you trust recommends. They can tell her what she needs and the prices will be lower.
Feisty-Cheetah-8078@reddit
Unless it's a manual.
dumpitdog@reddit
I totally agree, pick one and do that and 90 days later maybe do another and proceed like that. She drove it in so at least drives and you don't mess with brake fluid unless you have bad brakes.
Chance-Ad197@reddit
I love how you added the $ in front of number of KMs traveled lol.
Business-Pumpkin9351@reddit
Only every hundred thousand dollar miles
cuzjay420@reddit
ive sseen a lot of young women takin advantage at shops be careful
Chance_Awareness3591@reddit
Pass on everything
skelplevel1@reddit
The fuel injector service is not needed. A can of Sea Foam in the fuel will help clean the injectors lDo not do a transmission fluid exchange. Do two drain and fills instead. Many transmissions cannot handle the pressure and removing too much gunk can cause issues. Spark plugs and brake fluid are a must.
xj539@reddit
Just tell her to leave don’t do any of that. You could change the spark plugs yourself. Everything else is just them “upselling”
SuspiciousOwl816@reddit
The fluids can be done yourself, but the pricing on them tracks with what I’ve seen from local shops. So if you’re not feeling confident, do em one per month to make it manageable.
The plugs, totally depends on what is meant here. Are they charging you 270 to simply change spark plugs (parts+labor)??? That’s waaaay too expensive, it’s a job that can be done in 30 mins with a few tools and YouTube. Or are they charging for work, new plugs, and new coil packs? That may be fair. Still a job you can easily do in 30-60 mins and a YouTube video. But you may save 30-50 doing it yourself.
This can also be a great time to teach your daughter basic maintenance and independence. And if you don’t know basic maintenance either, it’s a great time for you to learn it as well. Many things are easy to do, especially on older Hondas.
Suspicious_Recipe281@reddit
ALL OF IT HAS TO BE DONE ! 1.)New Spark plugs =more gas saving since the combustion will be @ 100% 2.) the fuel injection is a must = precise fuel usage to the T (it means more gas saving since they are spraying @ 100% to each cylinder burning off carbon deposits along with spark plugs when in combustion) POPS go to HOBOfreight buy some tools! to save $$$ if need be but if she olan on keeping the car for 3 more years and you. are not mechanically inclined get the service done
SevroAuShitTalker@reddit
Those are all necessary things
TellemTom@reddit
Fuel injector service is literally “We put a bottle of sea foam in your gas tank” and charge you $200.
Rustedcrown@reddit
No its not, at least at every place i work at
We use a pressurized can we can refill and repressurize and we can control the flow rate of to spray directly into your intake while maintaining around 2000 -2500 rpm.
This will clean the oil and carbon buildup inside your intake, especially if you hsve an EGR system or a direct injection system, getting this done regularly can keep carbon buildup off the valves on direct injected vehicles, reducing the need for walnut blasting.
PresentationLive943@reddit
Okay but that still doesn't sound like an injector service... For that much money I'd expect my injectors to be removed and rebuilt, then cleaned and flow tested, pick and blast the intake valves, and reinstall.
zccrex@reddit
No, it's not.
Realistic-Ad1498@reddit
These guys are doing it for only $175... Sounds like a good deal...
I'm surprised the brake fluid flush is only $119. Last time I took my car in they tried to get my for a $200 flush. I had done one 6 months before...
Some_Bus@reddit
Not a good deal. They're just going to Walmart and buying a can of stuff and putting it in the tank.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
No it's literally not. I'm assuming this shop is using bg or a similar chemical company. It's a pressurized chemical cleaning of the valves and intake. Way more important to do on direct inject engines than port though. Upsold with spark plugs.
Icy-Role2321@reddit
I put some of that when I noticed my car was getting like 32-33mpg highway and after I did it, it went back up closer to 39mpg
Stuff actually did something. It had almost 100k miles on it
SirJasper6969@reddit (OP)
"Fuel injection service includes: clean fuel injectors, fuel rail and throttle body. Clean and service MAF." I don't have the talent plus it is located far away. Thx
skinisblackmetallic@reddit
The only "fuel injection service" that needs to be done on a vehicle of this generation is replacing parts if they are malfunctioning.
Spark plugs are good to do.
Brake fluid flush when pads are being replaced.
Auto trans service is good to do, if it's indicated by the manufacturer. Some newer automatic transmissions do not require service ever.
Manual transmission gear oil should be replaced at the recommended service interval.
MultipleOrgasmDonor@reddit
Are they using a product that does all that or are they physically removing and cleaning each injector and all the other parts they mention?
Call the shop and ask em that. Curious how they’ll respond, since cleaning the MAF and throttle body can’t be done by any injector cleaning product added to the fuel. So they’re either actually cleaning those parts by hand, squirting some shit down the intake, or making stuff up
blipblopflipflop72@reddit
They're not adding anything to the fuel it seems no one here knows what this service is. How it goes is you get the "machine" (idk what else to call it) and run a line through the intake boot pointing at the throttle body. Fill it with the chemical cleaner, turn on the car, set the machine to 35psi, then let the car sit about at 1500-2000 rpms for like 5-10 min. Then go out for a 5-10 min drive, this cleans everything related to the fuel system. For the MAF they would just take it off clean it but it back on, takes less then 5 minutes.
MultipleOrgasmDonor@reddit
Right, so they’re squirting some shit down the intake which was one of the options I listed. Any idea why that stuff is, if it works, and how good it is for the car/engine long term?
What you describe wouldn’t clean the injectors or fuel rail, btw
Forker1942@reddit
They’re not opening your engine up like others said they are just spraying something in. Google if the MAF is something that breaks on the fit and if maintenance would even help
Hallowilloweenie@reddit
MAF can get gunked if your air filter isn't filtering right. But a 1 second spray with an $8 can of MAF cleaner takes care of that.
Forker1942@reddit
Ah makes sense. I have a vague recollection that certain model cars have problems regularly with the MAF
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
It's two 10mm bolts and a connector that are super easy to get to on these (like top, front center of the air box) and a quick spritz annually to knock the dust off but usually fine on these cars if you forget
0peRightBehindYa@reddit
Yeah, that's mostly just pouring a bottle of off-the-shelf stuff in the gas tank and giving the throttle body and MAF a quick spray with cleaner. Easily done at home.
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
Don't spray the fit throttle bodies directly, it melts the lube off the pin and hoops it. Coffee filter tek for the win here
bigred83@reddit
You do have to reset the throttle body after cleaning it
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
Teach me your pedal dance 🕺
0peRightBehindYa@reddit
Ah yes...stupid electronic throttle bodies. What was wrong with a good, sturdy cable?
firstthrowaway9876@reddit
Better tuning resolution with an etb as well cool tricks that can be done.
0peRightBehindYa@reddit
I know, but I miss that lil kickback from a mechanical connection when you turn the cruise off.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
No it's not. Do any of you actually work in professional shops or dealers?
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
Buy a bottle of Techron at Walmart for $10.
RongoonPagoo@reddit
Or sea foam. Lol.
Marz2604@reddit
Went to the beach to get some sea foam and now my car won't start
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
Watch Killing a Toyota for great tips on starting a car after the tide rolled in on it!
RongoonPagoo@reddit
That pesky engine learned it's lesson.
JohnnyPneumoniacJr@reddit
The only thing you should/could do is clean and service MAF if the car "seems to be running right" and its literally two screws and a can of sensor cleaner. And put some 20 dollar PEA distillate containing injector cleaner in with the next tank of gas. I've learned to do all the maintenance on our fit myself after learning how easy it is on YouTube. Cleaned my own throttle body with coffee filters and a can of Throttle Body cleaner. Just dont spray it directly.
Posting for anyone else who has a fit cus OP would likely pay someone $50 labor to change the cabin filter if it took more than turning the key or filling the gas
firstthrowaway9876@reddit
Just go to advance buy any fule service thing that goes into your fuel tank.
AlmondFungus@reddit
Can also just tell your kid to either always get gas at a Shell gas station (BP and Chevron are also good, Chevron is expensive though) or at least to try to go every few fill ups. Those stations have additives on their gas that clean injectors and it really does work. My father gave me this advice long ago and it's tried and true.
PrometheanEngineer@reddit
I promise you they don't do this at all
SevroAuShitTalker@reddit
Okay, all the other things are necessary
Realistic-System-590@reddit
Those are reasonable recommendations with reasonable prices. If money is the sure just knock one service off every few months. I would go
Plugs
Trans fluid
Fuel
Breaks.
A good maintenance record will help get a higher price when it's time to sell.
Dry-Name2835@reddit
These can all be done pretty simply by watching a video. Unless brake fluid is leaking, get that done with the next brake job, the fluid should be drained and replaced as part of the job. Tranny fluid can be done at the next oil change. And just do the plugs yourself and save that money, its super simple.
Traugar@reddit
You really shouldn’t skip any of it. Some of it could be put off until next oil change, but it should all be done.
Better-Strategy8798@reddit
probably dont need the fluids or fuel injection service (just buy good cleaner gas like shell v nitro or something)
Spark plugs probably needs. Also thats so cheap compared to my city haha.
revocer@reddit
Everything EXCEPT the fuel injection service probably needs to be done.
Fuel injection service is usually bullshit.
Spark plugs is scheduled maintenance usually around 100K or 120K. But it probably isn’t urgent if the car is running fine.
Brake fluid eventually needs to be done. There is a way to test the brake fluid to see if the fluid is still good, with a $5 little gadget.
Transmission fluid, there are different schools of thought on whether or not it should be changed or not. There is supposedly a window of time, when it is best to change it. But after certain mileage, it is better to just run with it until the car breaks down and you are done with the car.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
I would advise to change the transmission fluid if you don't know when it was last changed.
I don't buy the scare story of leaving the old gunk in the tranny forever. I think people that claim they changed the fluid and then the tranny went out on them had a tranny that was on its last legs and would've got out any minute anyway. I think the odds favor removing the old fluid to extend the life of the transmission.
IWuzRunnin@reddit
That comes from people not changing it until it starts to slip, then someone does a powered flush on it and finishes it off. Just a drain and fill is fine.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
In decades I have not seen a "powered flush." The machine they hook up to your transmission to change the fluid does nothing more than continuously put new fluid in while old fluid is taken out and is no more "rough" than a manual drain and fill would be.
IWuzRunnin@reddit
The machine is "powered" with electricity, I saw it that way for about a decade at honda. If you have a problem with the terminology take it up with Honda, as it's mentioned that way all over the place in their interactive network. Honda also recommends not using them for maintenance, only as part of a repair procedure because they have determined they kick up more sediment that normally wouldn't be disturbed with the higher velocity movement/pressure which then is harder on the torque converter. Our district rep recommended not doing them beyond about 90,000 miles.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
The part I have a problem with is "flush". It's not spraying liquid with backpressure. It's a very smooth replacement of fluid into one opening that is being drained out another.
Honda may decide that they'd rather you do a manual drain and fill. Other car makers don't seem to have a problem with it. For the record, the old Honda-recommended procedure of draining some trans fluid, adding some, and doing this 3 times in a row is quite expensive because it is so wasteful of new transmission fluid.
It's ridiculous.
Ecstatic-Curve-1853@reddit
Well when the owner manual says the transmission fluid is lifetime and never gives a time table to change it can you really blame people?
Albert14Pounds@reddit
So am I understanding correctly the idea of not bothering if it's super overdue is because the damage is already done and you'll likely need a new transmission anyways eventually?
revocer@reddit
If I understand the logic of not changing it, higher mileage transmission could potential start to slip because of the wear in the transmission. The friction material helps the transmission not slip. But fresh fluid will make it slip.
But if you change your fluid in time, then it wouldn’t be much of a problem.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
That could be true, but the usual justification for "not changing it" is that the friction plates inside might be worn slick and the only thing making them engage is dirty atm fluid containing the gritty suspended remains of the now worn friction plates. The fear is, get rid of the gritty atm fluid, and your worn transmission could start slipping. You can see such a theoretical situation means your transmission is shot anyway.
FitDetective6553@reddit
There's also an old tale (which I have personally seen being true at least once) where gunk will actually seal potential fluid leaks. Add new fluid, it's a better solvent than the old stuff, and it dissolves the gunk "seals" and you spring leaks where there weren't leaks before.
I've only ever seen that with oil not transmission fluid though, and even that isn't really a justification for not changing it.
Nessuwu@reddit
I'm with you man. I was in a situation where I had dirty fluid on a used car I purchased a few months ago. I felt shuddering at low rpm and was scared that my transmission was at risk of going out. About a month ago I went and did a transmission fluid exchange. Great decision, absolutely 0 shuddering since then and the car feels extremely smooth to drive. A friend of mine was convinced the best idea would be to top it off or let it ride until it died.
Intelligent_Part101@reddit
That's the frustrating part of the myth: it just makes zero sense.
Izacundo1@reddit
Change the fluid! Just do a drain and fill though. The actual advice is not to flush.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
"usually bullshit" my guy have you ever seen an audi or vw engine past 30k. If they are just running short trips the valves will be fucked with gunk. Honda Fit? Let it it ride sure.
Albert14Pounds@reddit
Yes it is "usually bullshit" if only particular makes and models are exceptions.
revocer@reddit
Yes, in context of a Honda.
One-Butterscotch4332@reddit
Just change the transmission fluid. It's cheaper than a new transmission
MARYOWL5599@reddit
Wow… i wish my mechanic was this reasonable. Change the plugs at the very least. If the transmission fluid is clean and doesn’t smell burnt and there is enough of it i say it can wait. Injectors unless they are blatantly going bad (code should tell her, go to any orilies if codes pop up, they do code reads for free.) she can put some injector cleaner in the fuel. As long as she doesn’t drive it for long with a bad injector and replace it soon she should be fine. I would get her brakes checked! Thats the one system that could kill her if shes going down a mountain or on the free way. That and rear ending some one because your brakes fail could really suck! Too much can go wrong there. So keep her and every one else safe! Im not a licensed mechanic but have done alot of my own wrenching simply because labor costs here where i live monumentally outweigh the value of the actual service. Also as a girl myself…. One of the best things my dad ever taught me was to change my own oil and filters… its easy to do and saves not only money, but it also saves you alot of potential damage to your vehicle. Never take a car in to walmart of jiffy lube for anything but tires!
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
Those things are somewhat easy to do. You two could make a day of it. Youtube would have how to do everything. Pricewise. Its a fair price The ac service can be done if all she needs is freon.
Interesting-Garden41@reddit
Due for plugs. Fuel injection service is a scam. Transmission fluid nice to have. that could probably wait till 150 with little consequence. I know the book says to change the brake fluid, but 90% of the cars in the salvage yard probably have their original brake fluid. Source: Have wrenched for 30 years, dealer, independent, shadetree, ASE master, GM , Mopar, bla Bla Bla.
Clay_Dawg99@reddit
She’s good. Do each one when you can as soon as you can. Plugs last.
06fozzy@reddit
Spark plugs should have a maintenance interval from the manufacturer follow their guidelines, same with the transmission and brake fluid. Fuel injection service isn’t a bad idea but it can wait.
tony22233@reddit
I would just do the plugs.
Impossible_Penalty13@reddit
Same. I’ve been driving for 35 years and I’ve never once had brake fluid serviced.
unpaired_sock@reddit
Brake fluid absorbs water over time, lowering the boiling point of the fluid and rusting internal components and lines. If the fluid boils you get an air pocket on the brake line, which is how you end up not having functioning brakes when you need them.
MountainFace2774@reddit
I know why brake fluid should be changed, but I've never changed it and don't personally know anyone that ever has.
Swimming_Tonight_355@reddit
I hope you never ever follow me on the roads. Terrifying comment considering brake fluid is hygroscopic.
Tasty_Cod_7354@reddit
Insanely dumb
You really should change your brake fluid
Suspicious_Ad9561@reddit
Brake fluid change is actually valid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water over time. Eventually it absorbs enough water to lower its boiling point enough to be a real safety hazard under hard or prolonged braking. Every two years is probably excessive and I’ve never paid to have it done because I just do it myself for the cost of the fluid.
MountainFace2774@reddit
I would just do the transmission fluid.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
Why it runs great?
MountainFace2774@reddit
Spark plugs should have been changed at 100k but if it's not misfiring, it's okay to wait.
Fuel injection service is not needed (unless there's a check engine light related to it). Run a bottle of Techron through it (I do this every oil change, but it's probably not necessary, especially on a port-injected Honda).
**Do the transmission fluid** (it should be drained/filled every 30k)
Brake fluid can wait until the next pad replacement.
IDPTheory@reddit
Fuel injection service isn't a manufacturer recommended thing. I wonder what they mean? Injector additive in the fuel? That does nothing and costs about a tenner. Brake fluid service is done on time NOT miles, usually every two years because the fluid absorbs water. If the brakes work you can leave it.
OkPhilosopher7569@reddit
$270 is very high for spark plugs.
RingOk664@reddit
Spark plugs should be about $50.00. Skip the rest for now and do as money is available. Transmission would be next then wait.
Edumacated_Guess@reddit
She needs ac fixed I’d start with that and ignore all of this.
New-Job1761@reddit
Spark plugs used to be so easy. I’ve rebuilt motors back in the day when you could actually see them. Now I can’t change the plugs in my Toyota!
YoungFlexibleShawty@reddit
Never had any of these done except for the spark plugs. Car still running fine with 220k miles on it.
j-christopher@reddit
On our older Lexus, once the warranty expired we took it to a reputable independent mechanic for everything.
Same with a higher-end MB and two BMWs.
Even assuming the necessity of identical repairs/maintenance, the labor rates are much lower.
But the independent mechanics typically presented me with choices that went like this: "Manufacturer recommends doing [whatever] at this interval, but we think it's necessary. If you want us to do it, it'll be $X, otherwise we'll reassess the next time you come in."
deadkins@reddit
Reasonable stuff and charges - time to get your credit card out for her.
Mastermind521@reddit
14 year old car needs $750 of maintenance and she "calls crying"? she needs a reality check and some budgetting tips
although you should teach her to call 3 other local mechanics and get 3 other quotes to complete the same work. never get auto work done with only one quote
uppender@reddit
plugs that’s about it maybe transmission .
TellemTom@reddit
These are all normal maintenance items. It kind of depends on when these were all done last but most of this stuff can wait if money is tight. Nothings going to spontaneously brake soon if none of this stuff is done. The fit might only make it too 280k instead of 300k lol
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
These people saying change plugs to a broke person who has a car that "runs great" are insane. Are they all from the 50s when plugs are always in their way out?
Various-Gazelle4713@reddit
The average person seems to think their vehicle “runs great” until it doesn’t. And for a lot of those people, there was a mile long list of red flag warning signs that they either didn’t see or just ignored.
Just because someone says their car “runs great” doesn’t make it reality.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
It's running great. If it stops doing that then they can decide between bills and plugs.
Izacundo1@reddit
Changing the plugs will be less than $100 if they bought new cheap tools and the parts and did it themselves. It’s not expensive
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
It's also not needed.
CrankySneakerhead@reddit
Seconded. Frankly I would do my trans and brake fluid before anything else. Spark plugs should be done at some point, but if its running like a top and no misfires, it can wait.
overindulgent@reddit
If she’s keeping it for 3 more years then she needs all of this done. Probably more as well. Safety is key so things like brakes are vital. To keep her car running the transmission service, spark plugs and fuel injectors are definitely needed.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
No she doesn't. It runs fine plugs and fuel injection are fine.
overindulgent@reddit
It might run fine now but if she is hoping to keep it for the next 3 years all those things should be done soonish as preventative maintenance.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
No. She's broke. Ride it. Bad plugs don't break engines. If it becomes a problem it can be fixed then.
Izacundo1@reddit
If you did all of these yourself if would be like $200-$300. None of these are complicated jobs. Specifically transmission fluid and spark plugs are brain dead levels of easy on a Honda
Izacundo1@reddit
If you did all of these yourself if would be like $200-$300. None of these are complicated jobs. Specifically transmission fluid and spark plugs are brain dead levels of easy on a Honda
LSBm5@reddit
All very reasonable prices and if she’s gonna keep it, she kinda needs to keep up on the maintenance
Adrenaline-Junkie187@reddit
You might want to sit down and have a talk with your daughter about the cost of living because thats not even expensive for very reasonable services. That being said she could likely not do any of them and be just fine. lol
The_Cars93@reddit
If money is a concern, this can become a DIY (Do It Yourself) kind of thing. I understand if that’s not an option because of time or physical ability but like I said, if money is the issue, then there are several YouTube videos to show you how to do this yourself. Even if you don’t do all of it on your own, at least doing some of it will save a bit of money
trevordbs@reddit
$750 is nothing for this maintenance. Crying because you have to maintain your transportation, can’t afford it, but using a 1,000 phone to call dad?
The logic in people.
FoxDie-6@reddit
1,000 phone is broken up to payments in a phone bill. $750 up front charge is not. If you had a logical mind, you would get why an unexpected charge like this would stress someone out if they don't have the money.
trevordbs@reddit
You can avoid high monthly payments by getting a cheaper phone. You can get Boost Mobile and get a free Galaxy S16.
Acrobatic-Pattern834@reddit
270$ to replace spark plugs is absolutely insane that should be whatever the shop minimum is
mandatoryclutchpedal@reddit
Dad here.
Spark plugs. An easy task your daughter can do. Watch youtube for instructions.
Fuel injection service - Pass for now.
Transmission service - Its a modern Honda. Not a bad idea if never done.
Brake fluid service - Should be done every few years. If its never been done, I would do it BUT if she's broke. It can wait until she saves up for it.
In summary, $160 plus the cost of tools and ngk equivalent plugs for the sparkplug change. Total cost a shade over 200.
kikiacab@reddit
Why are they looking at the spark plugs, tell her to take it to an a/c shop that won’t try to do work not on the air conditioning.
NeedsmoreRobustness@reddit
Will give the car another 50k smooth miles.
International-Pen940@reddit
Putting that amount of money into a Honda is a good investment. Unless there are bad rust problems it could be good for many years.
Choice-Newspaper3603@reddit
Just telling you what’s needed, doesn’t help you or your daughter. You have an owners manual for a reason and that tells you what you need.
informal_bukkake@reddit
I mean owning a car (even a reliable car) still requires interval services. That means getting what the MFG recommends. It can be MORE than just oil changes and tires.
Extreme-Weakness9573@reddit
Spark plugs you can do yourself very easily with YouTube and some basic tools you’d have to buy
Giant_117@reddit
That’s $2000 worth of work at most shops. Lol
Automatic_Style_9528@reddit
I don't think they're ripping her off but I also think all this stuff could wait until she has the money. it's scheduled maintenance so should be done eventually I think anyone with a socket set and half a brain could change the spark plugs and save around $200. just make sure you don't get counterfeits. never worked on a Honda fit but I did spark plugs as my first job on my accord and it took me 20 minutes.
badhoopty@reddit
does it run bad and/or throwing any codes?
im gonna go against the grain here and say i would decline all that.
yes service needs to be done to vehicles... but if i take my car in for ac work and they come back at me with shit like that im absolutely declining it.
Almyar@reddit
Spark plugs are a good idea as is the transmission service and brake fluid flush, the rest can be passed on.
DirectionImmediate88@reddit
All totally normal maintenance items. $750 is a fraction of the cost of replacing the vehicle.
AltruisticCrab9220@reddit
Pass on all of it if she’s broke, do the services when she has the money. If the brakes work, they work. New fluid just make the pedal feel firmer, it doesn’t really go fully “bad”. If it runs and doesn’t misfire, the plugs are still good, they really work or they don’t. Trans fluid is important, especially if that particular model has a history, but again, it ain’t gonna stop you tomorrow.
Successful-Alarm-151@reddit
Yea most shop prices are good but I took my Kia Sedona in for a oil change and they tried to charge 120 to replace the cabin air filter. That was the first and last time I went to that shop
GlobalTapeHead@reddit
Brake fluid. It’s a safety issue and if it hasn’t been done in 3 years or so, I’d list that as the priority.
The rest of the stuff can wait. But don’t wait too long. Budget for it now. Honestly if it’s never had transmission service, it might be too late. But you won’t know until they look at it.
OakleyEd23@reddit
Those prices are reasonable. I would opt for Spark plugs if they haven’t been done. Those are a pain for these ones since they pack the engine tight so you don’t have much room to work. Fuel injection, unless there’s a seal done just put a can of bg44 at fill up and you’re good. Trans fluid can wait, do it at your next oil change unless it’s having trouble. Brakes always change brakes and brake fluid at the same time.
Calm_Income6781@reddit
Unless the car is misfiring and throwing codes I would leave the plugs alone
You don’t need any of the other stuff either. The next time brakes are done get new brake fluid at the same time
refrainfromstupity@reddit
Sparks plugs are relatively easy to do. Find a YouTube video for your car and see. The fluid changes are sometimes easier at a shop purely for mess and convenience.
munkoo@reddit
I’m a tech and I would recommend doing everything except the fuel injection however I would ask and try to have a fuel induction service done. Modern engines are mostly direct injection and a lot of carbon builds up on the intake valves which gets worse if you city drive or idle a lot. Which is a common failure point in high mileage direct injection engines. It’s a very overlooked service due to the scams that exist within car service but can save you the cost of an engine in extreme cases. Not all fuel induction services are equal so ask how they perform it or what chemicals they use and do a little research.
You can also wait on transmission service if the trans hasn’t given you issues but try to get it done before that point since most shops around me won’t take the risk in flushing a possibly failing trans. This is another commonly declined service that if done early and regularly can stretch the life your transmission.
I would do the spark plugs and brake flush if they haven’t been done. Spark plugs should be done just to prevent your daughter from being a scary situation. If a plug goes out the car starts misfiring and shaking and running terribly, most engines cut power and limit mph to like 35. It can be a very spooky situation for the uninitiated. Brake flush is safety related bad brake fluid means bad brakes. Get that done asap.
Early_Apple_4142@reddit
If you're remotely handy, Youtube replacing the plugs on it. If you think you can handle it, buy the plugs on RockAuto and do it yourself though, $270 isn't awful considering the lowest quote I got for my truck was $700. Fuel injection service, buy your self a couple bottles of royal purple atomizer and run it through over the course of 5,000 miles. They're basically just charging you for seafoam anyway. Trans fluid, has it been done before? $159 isn't bad and it's usually a good idea to do that maintenance but if it hasn't already been done on a car with 130k on it, it may create problems. Check the color of the brake fluid with a flash light on the tank. Is it golden like honey or is it black/dark brown like it's burnt. Another thing that should probably be done at some point but isn't a necessity unless it's already very dark. I had mine done on my truck when I did brakes at 90k.
Human_Indication7126@reddit
All bs.
Deathstar772@reddit
If you want to keep the car for a few more years this is what’s mostly needed to get there. Yes it’s a Honda but if none of this has been done and it’s still kicking it deserves a little love like it’s given your family.
sexchoc@reddit
Keeping it for three more years? I wouldn't do any of that stuff, honestly. Particularly if it runs great. If it was something you were going to keep until it's run into the ground it would make sense to take care of it, but quite frankly all of those are maintenence items you can probably neglect and won't be an issue for three years, unless she's driving up and down mountains all day or something.
Subject-Ad-8055@reddit
she only needs the trans service skip all the other stuff
ATXKLIPHURD@reddit
Unless it’s having issues or symptoms that any of those services will remedy, I say leave it be. Sure the spark plugs could be due but how do you know they weren’t changed at 90 or 100k miles? How long has she had the car? Shops will definitely try to sell you stuff you don’t need. Check the owners manual to see which services are due and look around the glove box and try to find any receipts of past service. You can even pull up a car fax report.
Flo_Evans@reddit
That is all reasonable and expected maintenance.
2WheelTinker-@reddit
These prices seem really fair.
This is kind of a welcome to owning and maintaining a vehicle situation.
Competitive_Can_946@reddit
My advice…. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Oil change yes. If it runs good…. It will let you know when it doesn’t.
crxb00@reddit
Drop the fuel ⛽️ inj service
crxb00@reddit
Drop the fuel ⛽️ inj service
IWuzRunnin@reddit
Honda does not recommend fuel injection cleaning as maintenance, only as a repair. Individual dealers recommend it as an extra "gravy" item. Try to find honda brand fuel injection cleaner, meanwhile everything else comes honda branded. The dealers that do it use another off the shelf brand treatment. The dealership I worked for got reamed out by the district rep over having it listed on the maintenance schedule. Most reps don't care, he was a nerdy by the book guy.
airmech1776@reddit
$270 is definitely too much for 4 spark plugs.
Bitter_Vast2160@reddit
None of if it NEEDS to be done right now. All can wait until she can afford it or piecemeal it. If you wanted to pick one to do sooner than later I’d say do the trans fluid, as dirty/old trans fluid can cause more problems than anything else on the list. Fuel injection service is BS. Plugs and brake fluid exchange can wait. And honestly if she’s only keeping it 3 more years I wouldn’t bother with the brake fluid flush. I’ve been an ASE certified master tech for 22yrs.
Whatta-Knob@reddit
If she is going to be keeping the car another 3 years, you're just defering maintenence items. Spark plugs definitely should be done if they haven't yet, that could yield you better MPG. Transmission fluid is very important especially if the car is a CVT, and brake fluid should realistically be changed every 3 years or so, once it takes on moisture the fluid breaks down.
Readit065@reddit
Skip fuel injection service it’s a scam. If the brake service is a fluid flush you can skip that too
BlacksmithStrict9795@reddit
So are plugs are fairly easy to do just find a good YouTube video and a socket set. If the car runs and idles fine, decent power can defer the fuel injection service, transmission fluid should do it soon but when you have the funds, won’t leave you stranded running older fluid. Brake fluid could start there, but also not a won’t make it to work item.
So plan them but space them out, do it over the next year one thing at a time.
DuggerX@reddit
Personally I would do the spark plugs and transmission fluid myself and skip the fuel injection service (which sounds silly) and the brake fluid change, if your brakes work dont worry about it. Its mostly for preventing long term corrosion over many decades. Unless she is racing the car that I dont know about.
QuadTechy88@reddit
Spark plugs you could do yourself and pay way less. They are very easy to do on inline 4 cars.
Fuel injector service, eh maybe but if your not getting any codes or any mis fires I would probably skip it.
Trans fluid, that’s a toss up imho. In my track car I change it yearly in my daily drivers that have traditional torque converter autos I usually don’t change it. My VW DSG trans car I change it per the schedule.
Brake fluid if it’s never been done you probably should. Break fluid absorbs water, so overtime it because less effective. There are cheaper little testers you can pick up on Amazon to check the water content in the fluid.
Impressive-Panda4383@reddit
Those are pretty good prices
Old_Chapter1845@reddit
If it runs fine, service the AC and leave. A girl going into a shop for anything looks like a rube to get all kinds of things she can live without. Replacing plugs and injector serve can improve fuel mileage-ROI-years. Just throw a bottle of Techron in the tank a couple of fill ups. I think they are padding the bill.
Salty_Insurance_686@reddit
YouTube videos are your DIY friend.
smarterthaneverytwo@reddit
These are cheap regular maintenance items that should be expected and budgeted for. They probably should have been done 30-40k miles ago. That said, it’s a Honda, and will be fine. I would do spark plugs and fuel injection now, do tranny fluid with next oil change, brake fluid with the oil change after that. That spreads it out over 6 months I would guess.
bugalll@reddit
I am a little more surprised that a 750 dollar maintenance bill is cause for a breakdown. That is pretty chill compared to most and why honda’s are so popular.
If you treat them right, they treat you right. That car is just getting warmed up at 130,000 miles and if she can’t afford that service there is no way in 3 years she is paying for a newer car.
Skip the fuel injector service- just get a thing of sea foam or whatever. Everything else is a good idea but doesn’t need to be done all at once. Do the brakes when it needs new brakes…
APGaming_reddit@reddit
these seem pretty normal. id get them in stages in order of importance.
brake service (brake fluid absorbs moisture and is only good for a couple years)
trans (CVT will need fresh fluids)
plugs/coils (maybe)
fuel injection (you probably dont need this unless you notice a drop off in fuel economy or the engine has misses)
TJHawk206@reddit
These are all good prices and the services sound like it’s about time based on mileage and age
ZaphodG@reddit
She needs to get a boyfriend who is a competent shade tree mechanic.
oceanwayjax@reddit
So umm what's up with the ac
Raw-sick@reddit
Most of this is fluff, I never changed my brake fluid, unless I did brake calipers or hoses. Mind you if you do, your pedal will feel better. Spark plugs depends on mileage and if they have been done before. You said car runs fine, no need for injector service. Trans service can wait. Just say thank you, and move on. I have owned many cars with over 200,000 km on them, never changed trans fluid, brake fluid( unless calipers or hoses changed) or injection flush.
howrunowgoodnyou@reddit
Buy her a simple socket set. Send her a YouTube video. Changing the plugs should take 15 minutes.
Loveschocolate1978@reddit
High grade spark plugs cost ~$10 a piece, and she would need 4. That's $40 in parts, yet she is being quoted at $270, or about 2 to 2.5 hours in labor. Yes, these are all scheduled maintenance items, and yes these should be done by 150,000. I would add changing the transmission ATF filter as well. None of these tasks are more difficult than an oil change, so I would suggest a DIY approach. DIY would bring the price down to around $250, even if the parts and fluid were bought directly from Honda, which I would suggest as well, with the exception of the spark plugs. I was charged $18 per spark plug from Honda, when the exact same plugs could have been bought at a local auto parts store for $9 each. I'm not speaking in hyperbole either - the box the plugs came in wasn't even a Honda box, just the regular NGK's with a new price tag stuck on the same box.
bradperry2435@reddit
How old is she and does she have a job?
Flashy_Possible37@reddit
Breaks that’s it. Maybe plugs. Dont touch the trans your a stirring up settled shavings. Fuel system service is a joke they are putting seafoam in there. Don’t get scammed go to a local shop and have them do breaks and ride on for the next 5 years
Medical-Big-959@reddit
She does need any of this if car is running fine. This "service" is just an estimate of your last change of spark plugs etc. U say u dont know they automatically charge u the maintenance package. Just stick with a/c
millenialismistical@reddit
Spark plugs and tranny fluid drain and fill at diy jobs. Fuel system service? Just pour in a bottle of Techron every 3 months. Brake fluids, yeah I wouldn't mind paying for that. That's a diy job for some but I'd rather just pay someone else to do it - need to lift the car take off the wheels and then avoid making a mess - the savings are not worth the hassle and risk to me.
ErichAZ@reddit
If you need trans fluid changed do it. I am bad this way, don't really keep up on maintenance the way I should. When I decide something needs to be done every year or so I wind up with a laundry list of things that need to be done or considered at least.
Naturist02@reddit
$270 for Spark plugs ???
Buy her a socket set and teach her how to do it herself. All 4 spark plugs are $50. She can watch how to do it on YouTube.
Fuel Injection Service. NO !
Go to The Auto Parts store and buy Techron Brand High Mileage Fuel cleaner bottle. $15. Buy 2.
Have her start buying gas at ONLY TopTierGas stations. Amoco, Shell, Mobil. (TopTierGas.com).
Transmission service. I’d take the pan off and do it myself, or a drain and fill. Or just pay it.
Brake Fluid. Pay the $120. This should be done about every 3 years.
Out of all that I’d do the transmission and brake fluid.
She can test the brake fluid herself by using a $20 electronic tester from Amazon. (https://amzn.to/4cVoG7n)
It’s $6 usd. If it’s green she doesn’t have to change it.
I take care of all of our cars. Especially my 21 year olds car.
She might be able to find a backyard mechanic on the neighborhood app
Best of luck to you 🫶
JCDU@reddit
None of that stuff is urgent, it's just maintenance that *should* be done *at some point* in the same way your house won't explode if you don't vacuum the carpets for a while.
You can get other quotes.
earthman34@reddit
Spark plugs and transmission fluid are the real important things.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
It runs fine it doesn't need $270 spark plugs.
TranslatorBoring2419@reddit
The answers are insane. It's an old car. If it runs fine why does it need plugs or fuel injection service? Just run it if it's running. Why would you do anything else? A bad spark plug won't ruin your engine it will just run a little worse, then go to the shop, same for fuel injection cleaning or whatever.
It's an old car, do what everyone else does, nothing except oils and filters.
LowBattery@reddit
Was it serviced at 100k?. It's a 14 year old car, it sounds like it didnt get the normal 100k servicing that is typically recommended. If you want to save money, teach her to do the fluid exchange herself?
glomar-recovery-co@reddit
Plugs, do yourself.
Fuel injection service find out what that really is, probably a can of cleaner in the gas tank. .... Do yourself.
Brake service? Is that an actual to goodness flush? I do that myself too ...
Time to get handy
teachmethegame@reddit
Thats what im saying man who tf pays for that when its so easy to watch a video and do and its stupid cheap when you do it
glomar-recovery-co@reddit
I do as much as possible, one,to save money.
Two, it's a sense of pride and I know it was done right.
SammiSmash@reddit
I would likely skip all, aside from the sparkplug replacement. Yeah, they're good to do, but if budgeting, if the Sparks have never been do e, and your around or passed the 100-120 km (sorry if American. 🤣) mark, it's time.
The fuel Injection service, is likely just a bottle of something they're going to dump into your gas tank, and charge you 400%. Lol.
The trans can wait until later, yes a good idea, but can be scheduled for a mo the from now say...
As for brakes, unless she needs them and it doesn't sound like she does, skip the service. It's mostly a cash grab (we did this at the shop I worked at) as you would know if you were losing brake fluid, or if you were squealing. All we mostly did was machine the rotors, cleaned out the drums, and checked the fluids, and sometimes replaced...
Best_Case3197@reddit
$270 for 4 spark plugs? Run!!! Run fast to somewhere else! Hellllll no.
OkTechnician4610@reddit
Take it to another mechanic for a 2nd opinion. Those prices seem high but I’m in the Uk so don’t know differences
Mike312@reddit
Spark plugs takes $20 worth of tools and an hour. Fuel injection service is probably them running seafoam through it. Idk about transmission fluid flushes. Brake bleeder is a $20 tool, some fluid, $10 in wrenches, and an empty Gatorade bottle and a coat hanger.
But, if she hasn't noticed anything going wrong, and her plan IS to drive it into the ground, she can probably limp it along for 3 more years - its a Honda after all.
Minute_Check_2127@reddit
That spark plugs in my country is like 20 to 50 bucks only
Less_Improvement8583@reddit
She can diy if she can't pay. Its a way to learn too
Tomthumb1990@reddit
Do all of it. Or buy her a bicycle.
gpetrov@reddit
Go give your daughter 750!
pwnageface@reddit
Very reasonable pricing, she can save quite a bit by doing some of those things herself... id leave the fluids to them, but the plugs and the injectors? 1 hour of work for the plugs and about $25, and then a $5 bottle of fuel treatment...
Sweaty_Illustrator14@reddit
That's all BS stuff that'd not critical. Can be put off for another 6 months or even yr if doesnt drive slot.
rebuildingsince64@reddit
Ok 1st off she went in for A/C service and the mechanic thought he saw a sucker. Dude is totally taking advantage of her lack of knowledge. Look up routine maintenance on a 2012 Honda Fit and go to another mechanic. Do the plugs at the next oil change. The brake fluid when the brakes get changed next. Then the transmission fluid around 180k miles unless official Honda maintenance says otherwise. The fuel injection service she could do herself by going to pep boys or AutoZone and buying $7 injector fluid and putting it in next time she fills the tank with gas.
Jjzeng@reddit
$750 for all that sounds pretty reasonable. The transmission servicing alone on my ‘08 m3 cost $1000
Legitimate_Archer988@reddit
None of that is an immediate need. I would check the fluids myself before paying anyone to do any of this.
teachmethegame@reddit
I mean you can do all of this by yourself for less than 100 and its easy unless your plugs are in a pita spot
MegatronsJuice@reddit
Zip pay is great. Idc what anyone says. I use it for stuff like this. You can make bi weekly payments for like 4 dollars extra total and no credit check.
neomoritate@reddit
If the car is running fine, the spark plugs do not need to be changed.
"Fuel injection service" is a lie. They may put in a $6.99 bottle of fuel system cleaner, they may do nothing. This is a good sign that you should not trust this mechanic.
Transmission fluid change at 130,000 is a good idea, at a different shop
If the brakes are working well, the fluid does not need attention.
codepapi@reddit
Are you not in the same area as her? If you are the spark plugs are not a hard thing to do. Autozone will have them for $50-75 bucks. Plus a spark plugs tool/wrench for $30-50 if you don’t already have it as a man. Google how to do it and you’ll find a tutorial. Maybe another local mechanic can get it done for <$200
The rest you can get done in shop. She can price compare but the prices seem comparable to what I’ve seen.
I’d get the brake fluid service done asap. It’s not dangerous to not get it done asap to her but it’s highly recommended.
Transmission fluid sooner than later.
Maybe she can go back and see if there’s any multi service discount she can get. Sometimes they’ll knock off 5-15%.
Another option. Some franchise mechanics have a loan free in house credit card that come with 50% off oil changes and free 6 month no interest payments on services over $250 or similar.
Cultural-Let5474@reddit
My niece had something similar. What I did is simply look up a lot of the maintenance routines on YouTube and my niece and I did it ourselves.
We spent like $80 in parts and about $60 in tools.
The brake flush is a safety thing for sure.
Illustrious-Flan-474@reddit
None of it is urgent, but all of it is necessary. She should try to get at least one of these things done each month until it's all completed. But there's definitely no rush to get it all done right now. I have an older car and they're always giving me a very similar list of things I "need" to get done on it, even when I personally know for a fact I've already recently gotten them done lol
NuclearHateLizard@reddit
If it runs and drives great then none of this is urgent. But at 130k it's understandable that it might be on its second set of plugs, they could be fairly worn considering. (could be first set even if its 130k km and not miles) trans service does make sense for the mileage but is never really an urgent thing. Just don't forget to get it done. And I'll be perfectly honest, I don't bother with brake fluid flushes unless I'm getting in to do brake work anyway on my personal vehicles. I would keep ths brake fluid thing in mind, and ask to have the fluid service done when it needs brakes.
And this is all assuming this was really checked and accurately reported on instead of just mileage and time based recommendations
ExcellentDraft3030@reddit
What I usually do is find a mechanic that works at a shop and ask him to do it on the side. Usually charge way less for labor and you just have to buy the parts. My co-worker recommended me their relative, got a bunch of things replaced. 6 hours of work for less than 400$.
That is not common, but I know at the shops they charge like 75$ just to look at your car.
Of course I get it, you wont get a warranty and if they mess something up then its on you, but If you are broke like me this is the only option. I have saved thousands of dollars doing this. Some people just know how to do it and would rather make some fast cash on their free time than sit around and do nothing.
flagship-owner@reddit
Look, it's a fuckin Honda fit not a Ferrari. All of the above might be a regular scheduled maintenance - yes. However it's a simple car with simple engine - only thing that actually matters is regular oil changes for engine. Brake fluid? Yes - good practice is 5 years or when tester shows water, but it's Honda fit not a sports car - it will run and brake.
Everything that he stated in estimate can bu pushed a little further. Also - the prices are egregious.
He wants to scam a woman thinking she doesn't know much about cars. Scummy guy, he could recommend those but they are not necessary to continue driving that car.
InfluenceEfficient77@reddit
Is there a check engine light??
If not this is just them scamming you.
Read the codes and search what the codes require to change.
No use in fixing something that hasnt broken
theycmeroll@reddit
Contaminated fluids don’t throw a check engine light until very expensive damage has been done, that’s why they have service intervals.
Spark plugs also don’t throw a check engine light until they have already failed and causing misfires that can cause internal engine damage or destroy a cat. That’s also why they have service intervals.
Service intervals are not a scam, yet are designed to prevent costly damage to the vehicle.
InfluenceEfficient77@reddit
Depends on how they actually flush that transmission. Is it a 5 qt drain and fill, or is it a full thorough transmission flush?
gonerwon@reddit
A $750 maintenance appointment is nothing
Themike625@reddit
Plugs most likely. If you’ve never changed them, it’s time. Trans fluid - if never changed, it’s past due.
Brake fluid - only if it’s discolored. However it is 14 years old. It’s probably time if it’s never been done.
Fuel injection service - I’ve driven 7 vehicles to over 200,000 miles and never once did this service.
rddit_bytes@reddit
This is basically a tune up service. And yes I recommend this for the car to run great for another 3 years
CantHaveWhatIWant@reddit
I’m convinced that the only reason asian vehicles are considered to be as reliable as they are is because of their aggressive maintenance schedule. I cannot be convinced differently. They require at least double the maintenance of any other manufacturer. Why? Well it makes sense that they don’t want to pay out any warranty, so have brainwashed people into thinking that if they don’t change their cabin air filter every 3 months, that their engine will explode or something. Maintain ANYTHING according to Honda or Toyota’s maintenance schedule, and that anything will also last forever.
Regardless of all that, what it really boils down to IS the warranty. If warranty still applies, then your hands are effectively tied to do all of that maintenance. If there’s no warranty, and it’s still running fine; plan to get it all done over the course of the year. No harm will come to the car from waiting a few more months.
unpolire@reddit
How long has she been the owner and from what mileage?
Hard_Head@reddit
Skip the fuel injection service. The other maintenance items are necessary and should be budgeted accordingly.
Spark plugs and transmission fluid are important.
The brake fluid is equally important.
Sufficient-Dare-2144@reddit
If she dosent have 750$ in an EF then she should be taking public transport and sell the car.
No_Tower_7026@reddit
$750 on a 12yr old car … sounds fine
Initial-Opening-5780@reddit
If the transmission hasn’t been serviced regularly, DO NOT do a flush, it will kill it. Brake fluid I’ve never done, and injection cleaner is a joke. Plugs, yeah, but it’s an easy job. Was she actually quoted for fixing the AC. I definitely wouldn’t go back to that shop.
Professional_Bike336@reddit
Nothing on that list is urgent. The spark plugs should be done as soon as she can afford it. The fuel system thing is a scam. Buy a bottle of Techron at Walmart and dump it in the gas tank.
Do the other things in the next 6-12 months as she can afford it
QueasyParamedic6783@reddit
$270 for spark plugs for a Fit???? Top of the line plugs for my G30 were $32 each.Replaced them myself. A Fit is not a BMW. Do that yourself and save yourself some money.
darkstream81@reddit
Fuel injection is a skip. You can probably spread those out some to lesson the blow. Unless the engine is doing something id do the Trans first or brakes( but only if the brakes have an issue. Plugs .
Sensitive_Tax2640@reddit
Honestly, the ONLY thing that may need done is the spark plugs. And if the car is running fine and getting its normal gas mileage, even that can be put off for a while if money is tight.
As for the brake fluid, I can't remember EVER changing the fluid in any of my current cars, two of which are 20 and 22 years old, with 145k and 217k miles. Both brake just fine with a firm pedal from high speed, and I don't drive like miss daisy. It won't hurt to be done, but if money's tight let someone else worry about it.
Hussar1241@reddit
At 130k miles this kind of stuff will keep the car running for many more miles. Not doing it is what makes cars prematurely brake
dmforjewishpager@reddit
don’t need trans fluid tbh or brake fluid tbh tbh skip fuel injectors too imo. they’re fine for a while longer
Suspicious_Ad9561@reddit
If it’s a 2012 and nobody knows if the brake fluid’s ever been flushed, I’d do that, too, but I’d do it myself.
Particular_Dot_1@reddit
2009 Fit has 245,000 miles and still going
Kyle_2099@reddit
$270 for four spark plugs? Is the American dollar that devalued?
Inevitable_Youth_495@reddit
Could be worse. Do the spark plugs as cheaply as possible. And if the brakes are working and the transmission running without a problem , wait til next month and then the month after that, if you feel they have to be addressed. Maybe get a second opinion at a service station with a good recommendation.
Realistic-Might4985@reddit
For fuel injection service go buy a bottle of Techron at Oreilly’s for $6. Transmission should be changed, guessing it has been serviced multiple times already or it would be driving like crap. Plugs are due but can probably wait a month. Would not worry about the brake fluid until she has the pad replaced, they can flush it then.
BudFox_LA@reddit
Reasonable prices. Not even 4 digits. We just did 100k service on wife’s ‘17 Beetle, including suspension and it was $3k.
aquatone61@reddit
Brake fluid yes but depending on when last done, should be every 2 years. Spark plugs possibly but again when last done? Fuel injection service, fuck off with that noise. Trans service, maybe, when last done and what’s OEM interval.
sleightmelody@reddit
She should get this done if she wants the car to last. It’s preventative maintenance and honestly fairly priced.
Simple_Song_5030@reddit
My buddy has a 2015 Honda Fit and with the exception of the brakes I did all this and a radiator flush for him for less than $175. The spark plugs took me 15 min to do.
BHG_702@reddit
Spark plugs can indeed be needed but takes 20min if that to replace on your own. Super easy. Trans fluid wouldn’t hurt to do but can wait. The injection service and brake fluid is bs
WolverineKey8667@reddit
If that includes parts and labour it’s not going to get any cheaper than that
2fast4usky@reddit
you can get a pump from harborfrieght for nothing to suck out old brake fluid and top off. trans dont flush just drain and fill. I probably wouldnt even bother with the filter. you guys can do that yourselfs for 100 bucks or so and an after noon but nothing dire that needs to be done now unless its misfiring or the trans is having issues
Happy2BeHere_J316@reddit
I have a super honest mechanic that has worked on about 6 cars of mine over the last 15 years. Even done some minor things at no cost for me. They just did some service at the 100k mile mark. He told me the spark plugs could wait till around 120-125k miles. Your prices are about the same that I paid for some of the service I had done. The transmission flush really needed to be done on my accord. After, it shifted much better! I've bought cars almost new and driven past 200k miles. Always maintained then well. My recommendation is to do a bit as you can but focus on the major systems first like oil changes and transmission flush. Then do the others as the money is there. Some service is better than none and doing a bit at a time feels more doable.
2fast4usky@reddit
270 for spark plugs on an inline 4? thats a crook right there.
Plane_Translator2008@reddit
I'm sorry. How much for spark plugs?
My cars are all old, but that seems insane.
CockroachVarious2761@reddit
Its a Honda - drive it - do this stuff if/when you can afford it; plenty of other Hondas from that era running > 200K miles that haven't had any of that done.
smackasalmon@reddit
Dude, replacing sparkplugs for $270 dollars is highway robbery. Drain and refill the trans and do the brake fluid yourself.
unbridledcheesetoast@reddit
Good lord she can replace the spark plugs herself in 5 minutes.
RetroDawg56@reddit
Say no to all.
Correct-Tomatillo-39@reddit
This needs to be higher up. Came for ac, not an upsell. Sticker shock got her emotionally. If the car isn't running bad, it can wait. If it Wasn't an issue before showing up, it shouldn't be one when she leaves the shop.
bearhos@reddit
This is r/askcarguys not r/povertyfinance, you’re saying you do zero recommended maintenance until the car starts running bad? Horrible advice.
Spark plugs at 100k miles is good advice. Trans flush and brake flush also good advice. Injector service is unnecessary. And those are good prices too, very reasonable suggestions by the mechanic
RetroDawg56@reddit
Transmission flush on a non-CVT trans? Asking for trouble. What's a fuel injection service on a well running car? Dumping in a half pint of injection cleaner in the gas tank? $175 to unscrew and screw in $20 worth of plugs? Those alone make the brake flush, which could be valid, invalid at this shop. So, again, my answer is - No to all.
Correct-Tomatillo-39@reddit
Just answered off of OPs question. Not saying ignore maintenance, but why are they checking the brakes when she came for a/c service? Not trying to argue because we all dont have exactly what was said in person, just responding off of the limited details about recommendations.
bearhos@reddit
They should be checking everything within reason. Cars aren’t inspected by professionals often and you’d be surprised how bad things can get. Some people truly won’t address an issue until the car refuses to move, despite being one highway swerve away from death.
I’d be more disappointed in them NOT checking the brakes. Fluid, pads, and rotors are easily checked and can save a life. Maybe the most important part of the car
TheWhogg@reddit
You could usually DIY spark plugs for a few dollars. FI service - use a bottle of injector cleaner but do change fuel filter if they’re serviceable items. Yes, service your transmission and brake fluid - WTF?? If you think fluid is expensive, wait till you see how much not fluiding costs. Yes, you can probably DIY the brake fluid too.
zedshadows@reddit
Thats what I charge 😀
Nice to see fair pricing
RemoteVersion838@reddit
Plugs and brake fluid service. The rest are upsells
GAS2HI@reddit
Pass on everything from the dealer.. find a local shop that had good reviews. Change oil/filter coolant exchange. My wife had a Honda Fit /5 speed MT with over 230k miles
onlyhav@reddit
You should do all of them except the fuel injection maitainence (which I can't speak on since I've never done it and have never felt a need to have it done). But if she knows someone with a light bit of automotive experience, spark plugs are very quick and easy to do.
friendIdiglove@reddit
Plugs and transmission fluid.
Modern spark plugs are designed to last about 100,000 miles, after which, the gap becomes larger than the coils are designed to spark across, causing possible misfiring, plus it’s harder on the coils and could cause one or more of them to fail (4 plugs = 4 coils).
Transmission fluid = “oil change” for the transmission instead of the engine. It should be done regularly, just not as often as the engine oil, say every 60,000 miles instead of 6,000 miles.
pentamethylCP@reddit
The general advice on the Fitfreak forums was a 30k interval for the automatic fits. It's super easy: pull the plug and drain, replace the crush washer and replace the plug, then add ~ 3 qts of honda fluid through the dipstick hole.
friendIdiglove@reddit
Good point! The Fit Freak Forum Folk are right. A drain and refill only changes out half the fluid (with the rest trapped inside the torque converter), so every 30,000 miles is perfect.
And the ‘15+ model year has a CVT on which a 30,000 mile interval is very important for long life—CVTs in particular will punish the owner for neglecting their fluid changes.
J-Rag-@reddit
Does it misfire or run rough? If no, dont do the spark plugs. Ignore the fuel injection service. Service the trans. Brake fluid should probably be serviced. It'll take a decent tech an hour to do a trans and brake fluid service on it.
Stielgranate@reddit
Get the spark plugs and transmission oil change first. Do the brake fluid later, get a bottle of seafoam and use that for the fuel system. (Under $10)
Shroomboy79@reddit
270 is ridiculous for spark plugs when they usually take like 10 mins to do yourself
resellpanda88@reddit
It's a Honda. You probably don't need to do any of this.
I change my spark plugs at 100K miles.
I have never changed my brake fluid I'm at 258K miles.
Lordofpineapples@reddit
Help your daughter and do this yourself. It’ll be less than half the cost. Time to man up
Electrical_Pound5642@reddit
In my opinion these are all maintenance items that should be done but also nothing there that is imperative to do this minute. These sound like reasonable prices, if the mechanic is reasonable im sure you could add one item on to the next few oil changes and spread it out a little yet get everything caught up in a timely manner.
NotTurtleEnough@reddit
All of those are very reasonable for both cost and periodicity, especially since changing the spark plugs requires taking the whole cowl off.
VolumeDefiant@reddit
Fuxk that. I was an engineer for Honda for over a decade and designed. These cars do jot need that shit. The brake system is a closed system. Just like your circulatory system. How often do you get your blood changed. This never needs flushed under normal driving conditions. Same with the transmission. Its all recommended not mandatory Honda only makes 3% profit on lost of their vehicles. They make there money from service work. So no. You do not need to have any of this shit done.
Greater_Goose@reddit
If they're cleaning the throttle body as part of the fuel injection service then the price is not unreasonable. Carbon eventually gums up the flapper inside and cause the engine to starve for airflow, and lead to poor fuel efficiency and power. I cleaned the throttle body on my mazda 3 at 200,000km, and it made a huge difference. If you ignore too long it will eventually lead to a check engine light.
You don't have to do it right away, but it's not a complete waste of money like many people here are saying. You can also ask them to do just that part of the service for a bit cheaper.
LoneWolfAMG@reddit
Skip fuel injection service, they just dump injector cleaner in the tank. Do plugs if they haven't been done. Even if the trans hasn't been serviced, at this point, just leave it. If it has been done before then do service it. Definitely do the brake fluid service. All the items were recommended based on the mileage of the vehicle. Some of those services may have already been done by the previous owner, check the Carfax history if you can.
TrickyPineapple5863@reddit
Plugs are NGK, under $10/ea, should be platinum. Thales about 30 min to change. Maybe an hour if you go really slow. It won’t need a fuel injection service, that’s BS. Trans fluid, definitely should be done, a gallon of Valvoline maxlife is $20-$25 at Walmart. Get two, drain and fill twice, drive it between. If it’s never been changed, I would do three times. Brake fluid is extremely cheap, 1qt, usually like $10. Open the R rear bleeder, it’s an 8mm or 10mm, using a box end wrench, and keep the master cylinder full, let it drain, while you do the spark plugs. It should get clear. Then go to the LR-RF-LF. The RR will take a while. And brake fluid washes with water. The prices they gave are not unreasonable though. Not changing fluids will result in extremely expensive repairs. Maintaining clean all clean fluids prevents the majority of mechanical failures. Well, I think they are over charging for the plugs. I often do these kinds of things in my garage, for friends, coworkers and family. Often I just have them do it, while I make sure they don’t break anything. Plus if it’s mechanic tools, I have it.
lord_scuttlebutt@reddit
There's a bit of that she can do herself with a basic toolkit and a spot of bravery. Certainly the plugs, which is the largest part of that quote.
FormerLaugh3780@reddit
Replace the plugs, everything else can wait. Skip the injector service and put a can of Berrymans B12 in the next two tanks of gas.
isthis_thing_on@reddit
If I'm going to a mechanic I'm expecting to spend $600 minimum. That's just how it is these days
BoltActionRifleman@reddit
I’m not a mechanic, but I’ve owned a lot of cars and trucks. If money is seriously tight, you don’t really need to do any of that immediately, or anytime soon…in most cases. They’re not trying to scam her, and what they’re suggesting and charging all seems reasonable, but there’s a good chance she can get by without doing any of it for a long time. Maybe suggest she stows away so much per paycheck and do them one at a time.
Helicopter-penisboy@reddit
These prices are all reasonable and all those services can be necessary, it depends on how long since it was last done . I would do the spark plugs, it's mileage appropriate or a little bit over. I would pass on a fuel injection. Trans fluid and brake fluid will depend on how long since it was last done. If the transmission fluid has never been replaced, I would get it done as well. Brake fluid should be replaced every 3 years regardless of mileage.
JoMomma8915@reddit
I would check the spark plugs yourself and see if they look ok. If her fuel economy is OK, and she hasn't noticed anything wrong. I wouldn't even do anything about that. And has the transmission fluid been done before? If it has never been done, its a very common belief to just leave it. Don't change it. Please research that before just listening to me though. And the brake fluid can be done when you do a brake change if she already has enough. Spark plugs would be the for sure thing if it has been 50k+miles
Darth_Queso_@reddit
This sounds like a basic tuneup, which if she hasn't had should probably get done around now. None of this needs to be done all at once though
Enjoy_Life4219@reddit
shoot $750 isnt bad
Intelligent_Type6336@reddit
Technically you could probably not do any of it, but doing it would make it last those 3 years. It might be slightly overpriced but not crazy.
OldLow7699@reddit
How long has she had the car and do you know if any were done previously?
They are standard maintenance items, with the exception of the fuel injection services, and the pricing is fair.
jonnythunder65@reddit
Take the estimate that you got to a couple other mechanics. May find lower price somewhere else. But saying that she doesn't have to do everything all at once. Unless the car is running bad or the trans is slipping or the brakes are grinding. Do one thing at a time when she has the money
Comfortable-Study-69@reddit
She can pass on all of it. Sounds like the mechanic just had some other recommendations for maintenance, probably based on the car’s mileage. That said, they’re probably not a bad idea to do if you plan to optimize the lifespan of the vehicle.
Agile_Opportunity_41@reddit
All good advice. Plugs first and for me break and trans fluid soon after. She does do oil changes at recommended mileage?
I would add with solid maintenance she will likely get more than 3 more years if needed. Many cars with solid maintenance now will hit 200k plus miles.
theycmeroll@reddit
Most flat rate mechanics aren’t doing anything for less than an hour, labor rates anywhere from $150 - $250 an hour.
OpinionatedMexican@reddit
The Fuel injection thing is whatever, just stuff they love to tack on to inflate bills.
The rest seems like stuff that is about time to be done if it hasn't been done or done recently.
HoLeeFuk19@reddit
All of this seems reasonably priced and likely is due. You could push some off til the next oil change if you need to for the sake of money. Not sure where you are located in proximity to your daughter or how mechanically inclined you are but a spark plug change on a Honda is pretty easy and straightforward and doesn’t require many tools. Doing that yourself (if you’re able to) will save most of that cost because the price of the four plugs themselves is probably about $60. The reason for the rest of the cost is because of where they’re located they take more annoyance and time to replace and it’s mostly labor that you’re paying for. Again, I don’t know how close your are to her geographically or how much mechanical knowledge or experience you have but if you’re nearby and you have some basic tools you can likely do that job yourself. If you’re gonna put off any of these things for a little while so you can save up for them I’d honestly push off the spark plugs and/or the fuel injection service until the next oil change. The one I would prioritize to do sooner rather than later would be the trans fluid change. Skipping those isn’t great, and can or will lead to premature failure of the transmission which isn’t cheap to replace. On a side note though, if the trans hasn’t had its fluid changed at least once so far by now, I’m not sure I’d do it at all. Usually automatic transmissions should have their fluid changed every 60k max. Honda recommends 30k-60k miles for the service and if it hasn’t been done yet and the car has 130k then changing the fluid could just cause more issues. When you skip auto trans fluid services and go way over the interval and then do it you end up flushing out a bunch of clutch material with the fluid and the trans needs that clutch material to work. If you’re sure that it has been done before on this car though, it’s due again. Good luck.
thenewbigR@reddit
Just do it. The car will run better and probably last another 100k miles.
worstatit@reddit
Probably as per maintenance schedule. I'd pick an item off the list and knock it out with each upcoming oil change.
uffdagal@reddit
For a car that old with that many miles $750 is barely a drop in the bucket. I put in at least that much per year to my 2013 with 125k miles as routine care. Let alone true functional stuff. $750 is cheaper than a year of car payments. If you can help, pay it.
CapitanianExtinction@reddit
Unless the car runs rough, fuel injection service is unnecessary
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
These prices are very reasonable. If you can help pay for it it's solid pricing. Hondas down need basic maintenance fyi.... A lot of Honda owners neglect them outside of oil changes
oIVLIANo@reddit
$270 for spark plugs?? WTF?
I'd say that might be the one to worry about over the others, but there is NO WAY it should cost that much!
I did some open source research, $250 is the top end of the estimate range. They're charging almost 10% above the highest in the nation.
Buy some plugs and a plug socket and spend an afternoon with her teaching her how to not let these places rip her off, just because she's a girl.
CityBorn7392@reddit
If you are doing spark plugs, then you need to do coilpacks and with the fit, you need the Hitachis which is oem. The fit does not like the more affordable ones. The nkg spark plugs are $13ish each so its over $50 in parts and you have to remove part of the cowl to access. If its a manual trans, you need oem fluid. I'd pass on the fuel injector cleaning, if it starts running rough, its mostly the valves. Visual check on the brake fluid to see if its dirty, which it probably is and should be flushed, but a drain and fill will be okay.
WonOfKind@reddit
I have never changed the brake fluid. Is that something people do?
picklerick_ftw@reddit
She could easily do those herself.
Those are both easy jobs done by someone who can follow YouTube video steps
SnooDingos8800@reddit
I took my car in to have a CEL diagnosed (I knew what was wrong but wanted them to confirm it before I attempted to fix on my own) and they quoted me $1400 to replace a $200 part that required 2 hours of labor. Went in to pick up the car after rejecting their estimates, and took my partner with me and suddenly the price dropped below 800 when he asked why it was so much for a cheap part.
Do they just over quote people they think they can take advantage of?
Glitchinthematrix373@reddit
That’s pretty good.
kaneuens@reddit
Pass on all and go to another garage.
GrizzlyInks@reddit
Those prices are actually really good and you definitely don’t want to skip going OEM on the plugs. I’d say I’d recommend all of this minus the fuel injection service as a Honda tech.
What_Is_This_1@reddit
Save up ur money and as soon as you can(by the next oil change) have it all done. Nothing pressing but it’s all important. No fear. Doesn’t help or fix anything.
Fragrant_Bathroom283@reddit
“Fuel injection service” is a scam. The rest is reasonable fair priced maintenance items. None of which are absolutely needed unless it’s showing signs.
Does it have a mis-fire? Does it shift hard? Do the brakes feel funny? If you can answer yes to any of those 3 that’s the service which actively needs done. The rest should be done within the next 10k miles/whenever the money is available.
MaximumIntroduction8@reddit
If the engine light is not on, I wouldn’t do anything at all. Fuel has enough detergents in it nowadays to make fuel injection service unneeded
Millions of miles in my life and I’ve never changed brake fluid as maintenance
Spark plugs you can DIY for $50
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
Fuel injection service - survey says XXX.
It's a crime that mechanics charge $300 for spark plugs. They probably cost less than $10/each on Amazon and a pro could replace them in 20 minutes max. Dad, go replace your daughters spark plugs.
Brake fluid - most people never do it without any problems.
Transmission - one should do the drain and fill on schedule if you don't like $5000 transmission repair bills. She could check the price at a lube place - I really like Valvoline Oil Changers. They use Honda fluids when specified. Find a coupon and it's probably cheaper than $175.
LongjumpingRespect96@reddit
Depending on the car, changing the plus on the back bank of a V6 can be a trying and involved exercise.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
This is an I4 with easily accessible plugs, not a stupid transverse mounted v6 with the rear bank of plugs in a shit spot, lol.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
Exactly, $350 is robbery. $20-40 in plugs and 10 minutes for a pro mechanic.
LuckyNumber-Bot@reddit
All the numbers in your comment added up to 420. Congrats!
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PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Most expensive plugs for that car on rockauto are $10 each. And yeah, 270 for 4 easy plugs is bullshit. And I'd say more like 5-10 mins.
Familiar-Seat-1690@reddit
It can be spread out. I would do transmission service first, then brake fluid then plugs like a month or two apart but I would do all of them.
injector cleaning is a good thing but the shop versu is overrated. If you’re in the USA run a bottle of Techron in the gas. If Canada Gumout regain fuel injector cleaner. (Expect to pay $15 to $20). The chemica PEA is what you want and most of the cheap fuel injector formulas have almost none or none.
good luck.
Purple-Food-9829@reddit
Is it that hard to replace the plugs herself? Could save money there
Rattus-Norvegicus1@reddit
Surprised he didn't mention the blinker fluid.
Crocketus@reddit
You can do the plugs yourself. Super simple. Otherwise for 130k miles brakes and trans fluid change is probable smart.
xPofsx@reddit
$750 for vehicle service is a steal these days
Firm_Acanthaceae7435@reddit
You can skip the fuel injection cleaner if it's running smooth. Maybe run a couple cans of gumout through it.
Sea_Department_1348@reddit
These prices sound legit and for the mileage might be necessary except for the fuel injection service. My car(14 civic does not call for this).
Icy_Tip_6101@reddit
I’d skip the fuel injection service,but do the rest.
CaliforniaNavyDude@reddit
Spark plugs: don't bother unless it misfires, they either work or they don't, and many if them work way past the 100k interval. I've seen cars over 200k with original plugs running fine.
Fuel injection service: waste of time, most cars never need this, a Honda Fit being one of them
Trans fluid exchange: this is a good one to do, it's a bit past do for it.
Brake fluid service: if they mean change the fluid and bleeding, then yeah, this is good to do every couple of years
Odd_Activity_8380@reddit
Pick one per oil change. The spark plugs should be done around 100k. I would start there
Informal_Wanker8349@reddit
The prices and repair work seems reasonable. Many garages will give you a 2 or 3 month payment plan. Cars do need maintenance
noladutch@reddit
Do the transmission asap. Everything else can wait.
Have her get a good in tank injection cleaner and go with it.
The engine is pretty much bulletproof you can wait to do plugs especially with cleaner the will get cleaned at the same time.
Then slowly go thru the list. Brake fluid only when it needs other brake stuff done.
brn1001@reddit
I wish I could sort my old car out for $750.
Content_Judge693@reddit
Nothing here can’t wait a few hundred miles if necessary. I would buy a brake fluid tester to measure the moisture. I would prioritize that. I would skip the injection clean and maybe run some Techron through it. I bet it doesn’t die over the next 3 years.
Strange_Pop6376@reddit
Honestly, in my opinion she doesn’t need any of that. None. If the car is running fine let it alone. They are taking advantage of her.
WRNGS@reddit
Do the plugs yourself and rest is fine to not have done.
Coocamunga97@reddit
I can almost assure you that the fuel injection service is just them pouring off the shelf, fuel injector cleaner into the fuel tank ($5-18), I’ve seen a lot of shops say that they’re doing a transmission fluid change and they literally do nothing, same with the brake fluid change. The spark plugs I would do but ask specifically what brand they’re using. If they’re using anything but Denso, NGK or Bosch I’d pass.
Chainsawsas70@reddit
Nothing on the list is hyper critical... Start with the plugs and work through the rest as $$ permits
Doberman831@reddit
None of this is critical. The spark plugs should be done. The rest of it is snake oil.
davidmar7@reddit
All of that could probably wait a bit but at the same time it doesn't seem like the shop is ripping her off at all. They are all things that ideally should be done.
If you are at all handy you could likely do the brake fluid exchange somewhat yourself. Just get a turkey baster or something and remove as much of the old fluid as possible, then replace it. It's not the ideal way obviously (it doesn't circulate properly to mix and you are only getting some of it out) but should help a little as long as you put the correct fluid back in.
The fuel injection service is the most "iffy" one. I'd do that one last, if at all.
BigTex380@reddit
This is all normal tune up stuff that is due at 80-100k miles on most cars. They don’t all have to be done at once either.
The-Dog-Envier@reddit
This. Maybe grab one at each upcoming oil change?
ThePoltageist@reddit
I scheduled one thing every pay period or more for the smaller things (replaced break fluid, cabin and engine air filters and front and back wipers in one go, did the filters and wipers myself)
YoMamaRacing@reddit
Exactly my thought. You know what needs to be done so budget for it and have one thing done every few months. You can shop around a little bit for better prices even though these don’t seem outrageous.
kakak_kvothe@reddit
Give her the money. It’s only 750 lol
JStech42@reddit
None of that is immediately necessary unless she is having problems. Those prices seem normal to good IMO for those jobs but a Honda fit is super easy to work on. Is she in San Antonio by chance? I do allot of side work and could save her a bunch on all this. That said, if she finds someone off marketplace that has good reviews, these jobs are easy to
Pleasant_Thanks_4032@reddit
if it's $750 repair make somebody cry on a car then they should be taking the bus.
464132@reddit
Only 130 km?, I have a civic, 280k, never changed plugs, keep levels up, do regular engine oil changes. Runs like a top. Only brake jobs, even clutch is fine.
464132@reddit
I would say none of it. Why change spark plugs ffs? Especially if it's running well. Brake fluid? Don't know. Check all fluid levels yourself. What's the manual say for these?
JollyGreenestGiant@reddit
So to put your mind at ease… my partner sold her fit with 400,000+ kms on it. I seriously doubt she did ANY of that (no I don’t agree with this approach)
So yeah you’re probably ok
rwebell@reddit
None of that is required service. Find her a private garage with a reputable owner.
No_Geologist_3690@reddit
Those are just mileage based recommendations. I can drive without them. They are good maintenance recommendations however to keep it going long term.
BluntRealitie@reddit
Just the A/C service
CAT_MARINE-POWER@reddit
She’s getting brought to the cleaners
I own my own indie shop and at that mileage it’s just the shop trying to sell services
Get her AC fixed and tell them to pound sand on the other stuff
Plus should not costs more than $50 from rock auto. It’s a 4 cylinder so max .5 hr flagged
Brake fluid service is a scam at 130k
Fuel injection cleaning is another scam at 130k since we have ethanol in our fuel now
Roccnsuccmetosleep@reddit
This is a great lesson on budgeting.
90dbpete@reddit
Agreed. If a young adult cannot come to terms with a $750 bill for maintenance then they will have a really bad time when shit actually hits the fan. Like a battery costs $200+ now and so do tires - when those fail there’s no way around it. I know this economy is tuff but come on…
Vegetable_Log_3837@reddit
Less than 1k is real cheap for anything at a mechanic these days. I was taught that gas is only half the cost of driving (not buying) a car. For every dollar spent on gas, I should save one for insurance, registration, and most importantly maintenance.
All of those things are basic maintenance on a car with that mileage.
CuriousCat511@reddit
Especially when driving a 14 year old car
Albert14Pounds@reddit
Thanks I feel old again now
Strange-Badger5626@reddit
750 dollars in repairs is one of the lowest prices I have seen in a long time how is that a crisis....maybe she can't afford to drive if she can't even take care of basic maintenance?
That being said, spark plugs can be done at home for around 20 bucks, fuel injection service is a scam unless they are replacing the injectors, trans fluid should probably be changed if it never was. Just leave the brake fluid alone if she can't afford to replace it, that also can be done at home but depends how savy you are.
SafetyMan35@reddit
Everything listed is preventative maintenance that will keep the vehicle in proper working order. If that service has never been done before it should be done, but if cost is a concern, you can spread out the expenses over a couple months.
$750 of service on a 14yr old vehicle is cheap.
Droid-Man5910@reddit
Took it in for A/C service and the mechanic told her all that?? where the hell did it get taken??
ApePositive@reddit
You could just pay for it
Nutritiouss@reddit
Fuel injector service is bullshit imo. Rest seems fine if she spaces it out. Plugs id do sooner rather than later but they’re extremely easy on a 4cyl, any handy friends?
theshylock350@reddit
If it runs great as you say, then this is what you should do:-
That takes about $450 off! Spend the $300 now, the rest next service. Suggest your daughter starts putting $50/month aside for servicing.
twelfthfantasy@reddit
Prices are reasonable and these are basic maintenance items, but none of them are urgent if the car is running and driving well.
I would ask them exactly what they mean by fuel injector system service though. Haven't heard of that.
Glittering_Bar_9497@reddit
Technically she can stretch a little longer if she absolutely has to, none should result in catastrophic damage right away. However spark plugs being old worsens gas mileage and can eventually cause the car not to start and more wear and tear on other parts( I was quoted 700$ just for spark plugs and that was last year about 10k miles ago). Fuel injection service helps almost identical to spark plugs but lots of mechanics don’t check or sometimes just put fuel injector cleaner from Walmart in car so I would skip this for now. Brake fluid and transmission fluid stop are both gonna be due and to great benefit; eventually the transmission will break or the brakes quit working due to old fluids so staying up on these is good preventive maintenance). However nothing here has to be done right away.
air_head_fan@reddit
What is the A/C problem? I do not see that addressed.
Albert14Pounds@reddit
That's cheap to keep a car like that going. I get that it sounds like a lot of money if you're young and/or low income but costs like this are part of owning a car. Shop around and watch some YouTube videos to see if anything can be done cheaper or DIY if you really can't afford it.
I actually owned that exact same model/year (manual transmission on mine) and if you "invest" the money in maintainance it will pay off in the long run when it goes 200k+ miles and defers your next car purchase.
kevin_kil@reddit
Female taking it to a dealer is a big no no. Female taking it to a local shop is no A guy taking it to a local shop ok they won’t hit you as hard and you can spread out the maintenance so it’s not a solid hit all at once
Steelhornet4K@reddit
That's all actually fairly fair price for all that work.
Flamtap_Zydeco@reddit
Don't do any of it. She went for AC. That's all today. Thanks for the reminder.
Spread it out one item at a time. Send her to O'Reilly or Wal-Mart to pick up a bottle of Chevron Techron or Royal Purple Max Clean or Max Atomizer. Dump it in the tank and tell her to pump some Tier 1 gas (they are sneaking 15% ethanol in our gas). Three more trips some other time: plugs, tranny, bleed brakes.
sleepinglucid@reddit
If she had actually taken care of regularly scheduled maintenance she wouldn't have this problem. All valid, all very reasonably priced
Cheeko914@reddit
Well it depends on how bad these items are.
Butt_bird@reddit
Is the mechanic just basing it on miles? Or does he have a reason for recommending these. If there is no misfire codes and the plugs look okay I wouldn’t replace them. If the brake fluid is not dirty or contaminated I wouldn’t flush it. Same with the trans fluids. I don’t know what a fuel injection service entails so I’m inclined to think it’s BS. Usually those at for carbon build up.
fbi_surveillance99@reddit
Everything is reasonable except fuel injection service
wannabeblacksmith@reddit
None of that is pressing, you would hear a misfire from a bad plug. Also everything you'd need to diy all of that you could get for 200 bucks max, including tools from harbor freight.
S2kKyle@reddit
If you love together do the spark plugs yourself. It'll be less than 100 dollars even if you buy a nice socket with an extension.
Gold_Historian_5648@reddit
In fairness, this is a reasonable bill.
Legitimate-Clock-134@reddit
Decent prices but all of that can be deferred. Not forever, but for a while. If she can put $100 a month aside, she'll be able to get it done in December, and you'll be free and clear then.
snakesandsparklers40@reddit
Meh a 10 min youtube video and 20 min of your time you can do the plugs for under 100 that includes buying a socket set. Ive seen cars go 300k on factory transmission fluid. Fuel injection system is a scam. Next couple gas fill ups throw a bottle of techron in the tank. Basically what they are trying to charge you 200 for
just-another1984@reddit
Not terrible pricing. The spark plugs are due at 105k. The injection service I would do at the same time. The rest you can schedule for a later date. The brake flush can wait until she has brake work done IMO. The trans service can wait too.
CowboysFTWs@reddit
It depends how bad each system is. She can get a second opinion, might need all. But, by order of safety, I would say brakes, plugs and fuel injection, than trans.
Overall_Meat_6500@reddit
Definitely pass on the Fuel service. Buy a can of Techron and put it in the tank.
Seal-EV@reddit
Are the spark plugs made by Gucci?
N47881@reddit
So they're recommending maintenance while ignoring the A/C problem? Their prices are very fair but their operations leave little to like based on this post.
BTW, what exactly is an A/C service? It's a closed system with a never expiring gas/liquid charge
Tool_junkie_1972@reddit
Plugs need to be done, trans is supposed to be serviced every 30k miles. Fuel injection service is not needed- that’s a bs upsell unless the car has some issue. GDI engines do need them, the FIT is not a GDI engine. Brake fluid should be changed about every 5 years - I have personally never changed brake fluid. And never had an issue. If she wants to do it, that’s fine but it can wait.
ApatheistHeretic@reddit
She likely does need those things. If it's running ok, she can save the money to get the work done later, but it could be bad if she delays excessively.
MintCards24@reddit
If there are no lights and the car is driving fine, then she doesn't need any of this. This is regular maintenance and you should schedule to do this soon.
ihaveahoodie@reddit
She can pass on all of it. Those are just paycheck jobs and will have little effect on a 13yr old gocart.
Spark plugs are $30 in parts btw and take about 30 minutes to change. You may need a special socket for $10 more dollars. Ball out and you can get new wires for another $20. I bet he’s not doing fresh wires for $270.
The fact that none of those actually solve a current problem with the car gives me a bad smell of the service center. All those things might have been done at 100k for all they know, and they should have asked rather say “these need done”. Check the carfax to see if any maintenance centers were recorded and you can call to get their history.
Historical-Stuff-897@reddit
not an expert by any means but i think if possible, get all of them done in the next year, starting with the brake fluid. I would hang on to the spark plugs and fuel injection for the last as there does not seem to be any problems yet with them
Maxxjulie@reddit
750 is a lot?
Bulocoo@reddit
None of that is needed. $270 for 4 spark plugs is criminal.
I bought my kid a 2009 Fit with 80k on the clock. We have only changed 3 coil packs (and the 3 plugs) and it now has 197,000 miles on it.
About $125 each time. 4 spark plugs is an hour labor and $6 a plug.
She needs another shop they are 100% crooks.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
That's incredibly cheap pricing, this shop is either in a low income area or tiny. Yes doing it yourself is always cheaper like literally anything else you could do. Rent has to be paid, lifts maintained, scan tools updated, insurance, ECT.
Feeling-Visit1472@reddit
I wondering whether I was the only one who was like, okay and?? I very slightly sympathize with her on the unexpected bill, but it’s literally only $750 and covers some pretty important maintenance which, going by her current sticker shock, she has never taken care of properly before. And the alternative on most of these is to not do them and risk much, much more expensive repairs. And she wants to keep it for another 3 years?!
Bulocoo@reddit
I have a guy...
The coil pack for the fit is like $25. An hour labor max.
But $270 for plugs is still high.
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
Yeah everyone has a guy and then I get to see the lovely results of your guy in a couple weeks when your shit breaks. It's not high you are just broke and entitled. Shop labor rates are easily pushing 200$ and I'm not selling plugs or coils at cost.
Bulocoo@reddit
You don't know me. I am a 50 year mechanic and I definitely make more than you - 😂😂😂
Local shop. Yes lower cost area. I choose not to do my own work anymore but I don't cboose to be ripped off for 4 spark plugs.
A 10mm socket and a plug wrench and plugs are done in 30 minutes. For $270 I'd do it myself.
Not begrudging you your silver.
Least_Confidence_225@reddit
Trans fluid first, then plugs when she can afford it, the rest can wait until her next brake job.
Queenfan1959@reddit
$750 is not a lot of maintenance nowadays. Sounds like some necessary work that needs to stay safe
Mental-Morning-Space@reddit
Those prices are not bad
Odin_3406@reddit
For refrence I am a Class 8 CMV (Kenworth, etc) mechanic, but i do well maintain my own personal vehicals as well.
Spark plugs should have been replaced at or before 100,000, If the gap has wore open you run the risk of burning up the coil packs, as the increased air gap increases electrical resistance to be overcome in order for the spark to arc.
Replace Spark Plugs with NGK Ruthenium plugs if possible. They will last her the long haul and deliver constant high fuel mileage with good power delivery over their lifetime. (Originally developed for turbo engines, but they do now offer a naturally aspirated (non turbo) version for most cars. Ive switched all my personal vehicals to them and have been pleasantly surprised.
No injector service. Just use one full can of High Mileage Sea Foam brand fuel system cleaner (the one in the grey metal can) in/at the next two fill ups, you can do this as frequently as youd like to maintain fuel system and injectors. After a two can deep clean I personally run a can once every 6 months.
Do transmissions fluid/filter change at next oil change.
Brake fluid service can be skipped for now. However, it needs to be done at the next brake job or as soon as she can afford it. Degraded brake fluid is a genuine safety concern.
angrycanadianguy@reddit
Im going to say this as someone who has been chronically broke their whole life: unless theres an active problem, none of these are "dont drive until dealt with" things. The injection service sounds like utter bullshit. Can she afford one per month? If so, start with the brake fluid (safety first), then trans fluid (theoretically risking damage if left too long), then spark plugs (to the best of my knowlege, its virtually impossible for worn plugs to harm the vehicle).
BackgroundGene7510@reddit
Why does nobody ever know the difference between a recommendation and something you have to have right now. Techs are gonna recommend stuff, if you cry over that as a grown ass human you are retarded. Literally just be like no thanks
The--Marf@reddit
Get a $7 bottle of Techron and skip the fuel injector service at a minimum.
rdcisneros3@reddit
Needs to be done and needs to be done right now are two different things.
If she took it in for AC work, she only has the money for that and the car runs fine otherwise, she doesn’t need to do any of it now.
It is all routine maintenance so she could start saving up to do one every 1-2 months or so, to make it easier.
Big_Original1647@reddit
Oil change. that’s it. They playing her. Find another mechanic never go back.
drrandolph@reddit
I wouldn't trust them for an oil change. Even a simple oil change requires some trust and I wouldn't trust these people
Longjumping-Stage-41@reddit
She can drop fuel injection and brake fluid exchange. Now here comes the decision!!!! Trans. Will it last another 30k without service probably but needs a drain and fill, spark plug service is recommended at 100k on the fit but I’ve serviced them past 150k and the car was still running. If I was short on cash I would have a mobile mechanic do a drain and fill on the trans and you can run the spark plugs longer or until you get misfire, then change. Everything I just stated goes against my 42 years of wrenching on cars….
Infinite-Past7640@reddit
I had a Honda Accord for 10 years/350k and a Camry for 13 y/ 290k and never did any of these.
Did regular maintenance every 8k and changed the brake pads when needed.
I would do fuck all from the list they are suggesting.
MyCarIsAGeoMetro@reddit
The mechanic gave your daughter a free checklist. Tell her to get the A/c done only and keep that list of tasks to complete at a later time. If the mechanic refuses to service the A/c, take the car elsewhere.
Ride2Wheels68@reddit
Assuming the transmission fluid has been changed regularly- I would do everything but fuel injection - all maintenance items. If tranny hasn’t been serviced in a long time I wouldn’t touch it - may make worse.
Pleasant-Weekend-163@reddit
Just my opinion. I work in a garage since 2006:
Tell them to do the AC as requested, and the rest will be done at a time when she is able to.
Honestly, I believe the Honda fit takes 4 spark plugs, and they are right at the top of the motor. Maybe a 45 minute job with hand tools and a spark plug socket if you buy them pre gapped. MAYBE $30/plug, max.
Brakes aren't hard, either, but if no one is mechanically inclined, let a shop do it. Same for the transmission flush.
I would skip the fuel system service. Just let her know to put decent gas in it and not drive below 1/4 tank. When people run on E, that's when you suck up sediment in the tank and cause fuel pump/filter/regulator problems.
Dexford211@reddit
Crying about what? Car needs maintenance.
SupermarketFluffy123@reddit
She can do her own plugs, super easy job. Put half a bottle of seafoam in the gas tank for a “fuel system maintenance”. “brake fluid system service” maybe, if the brakes are responsive then I wouldn’t worry about it, that’s a “mileage service” thing.
drrandolph@reddit
A Honda at 130k miles is barely broken in. I would do nothing.
gotcha640@reddit
Another vote for this stuff (except the fuel system one) needs to be done if she wants to keep it another 3 years.
Coolant is probably also a good idea.
How often is she getting oil changed? Even broke and only need another 6 months out of a car I was changing the oil every 7000 miles.
It’s generally cheaper to maintain than to repair or replace.
ThirdSunRising@reddit
Reasonable prices for stuff she may or may not need. If she only needs three more years out of it she may well make it there on oil changes alone for all we know. Fuel injection service, I can tell you straight away she doesn’t need that unless she has drivability issues, which it seems she doesn’t.
TurboItAll@reddit
Where are you located?
Picklechip-58@reddit
At around 120k.. Trans flush.. brake fluid flush.. P/S fluid same. Start to think about changing differential fluid change. But really - $750 I'd s cheap date!
daveyboydavey@reddit
You can change spark plugs for not much yourself.
PossibleProgress3316@reddit
Plugs and trans service everything else is not critical
croppedcross3@reddit
Realistically it all needs done except the fuel system thing, but none of it needs to be done immediately. She can wait until she has the money and nothing disastrous is going to happen
ezduzit8648@reddit
For the fuel injection service… purchase Techron complete fuel system cleaner $9 at Walmart. Follow the instructions. It’s the same thing.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
Do the spark plugs but you still need to do the rest eventually
fastbeemer@reddit
Those are really great prices. If they are competent I would do everything. Straining finances now can protect finances in the future.
justthefacts84@reddit
I would get the trans fluid exchanged and replace the spark plugs !
ItsMister2You@reddit
These are preventative service issues not repairs. Big difference. If she doesn't have the money for them currently and it's running okay, she should be good for a few months if not longer.
CrunchMunch415@reddit
Do the spark plugs and if you haven’t changed the break fluid, do that as well!
wpl200@reddit
regardless those prices are actually pretty reasonable. i have three cars all over 100k miles and the only service I would decline is the fuel injection service.
SteadySurvivalMode@reddit
To answer your question… she doesn’t “NEED” any of that right this minute. But it’s a good idea to keep it all in mind for the near future
Fun_Muscle9399@reddit
YouTube it and teach her some life skills and you can knock all that out for much much less. But to answer your question, none of that is urgent where it must be done now. Assuming it runs well, I would prioritize trans service, then brake fluid flush, buy a bottle of injector cleaner at walmart, and then DIY the spark plugs when able.
dumpin-on-time@reddit
270 to replace spark plugs? why is that the most expensive?
This-Fisherman-7422@reddit
This is all low pricing on normal maintenance items. Most important being spark plugs.
Gandi1200@reddit
I would do it all with her on a Saturday. YouTube is your friend.
Jaduardo@reddit
This isn't exactly a scam, but it's close....
In the last 5-10 years most repair shops have adopted this strategy of giving you a laundry list of things that should be done. They know you won't opt for them all but they also know you'll spend more than you intended. It's a way to get you to spend all (or more) than you can afford.
OP, your daughter took it for A/C service. If they gave her a fair price, have them do the A/C service. None of the other stuff is acute. Take the car home, think about the advice you received here, maybe have her save up, get some competitive prices, clip some coupons, etc.
Also use this as a teaching moment: every time she takes her car in, she'll get the laundry list.
Low-Collection-1582@reddit
Only thing you should actually stress about is maybe spark plugs,,, you don’t NEED any of it honestly, yes it definitely would help keep the car in good shape but it’s a Honda fit it’ll survive right now if you don’t got it
Hopeful_Drag_9919@reddit
If none of them are currently an issue, just do them in a few months.
rodeo302@reddit
The only thing on that list id do is the spark plugs. Maybe the transmission fluid if its affordable but I wouldnt worry about it. Ive had plenty of vehicles with well over 300k with the original trans, and brake fluid. The fuel injection service is usually either snake oil or its unnecessary if theres no issues.
Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit
If it's scheduled maintenance then it's not a good idea to skip it. I'm sure you'd be happier to pay for it than anything going wrong from not having it done
lupus_denier_MD@reddit
Do the plugs, dump some seafoam in the gas tank, and you’re good. Trans fluid shouldn’t be hard to do on your own either especially on a car like the fit. Brakes should be fine, maybe check the fluid level, see if there’s meat on the pads, unless it’s throwing some ABS code or a leak you shouldn’t have a problem with those.
Diz666@reddit
Oh man, she needs a friend who has a toolbox! Spark plugs are less that $100, can of fuel system cleaner in the tank for $10, possibly skip the other two… Id honestly say have her take it to a shadetree shop, one of the old places with peeled paint and an old barely working f150 out front, one of them old fellas in there will tell her straight.
TheBobInSonoma@reddit
Fuel injection service, no, unless there's a problem.
WinstonEagleson@reddit
None is necessary for a 2012. Not good to do transmission if never done before at that age, fuel injection is a scam my Honda dealership laughed at me when I asked about it. I haven't changed brake fluid or transmission on my 2012 Honda civic, it has 341,000kms. I changed spark plugs myself 160,00 kms and at 240,000 kms. Spark plugs cost $20 and are easy to change
good-luck-23@reddit
Ask what the fuel injection service is. It might just be a $20 can of fluid injection cleaner added to the gas tank.
M18-Hellcat08@reddit
I wish my car bills were 750. Got a bill for 8k last month
RageYetti@reddit
It’s not bad, but is this the dealer or a trusted local? If it’s the dealer find instead someone recommended by family, local fb group or coworkers.
OldGeekWeirdo@reddit
I'd want more details. Otherwise, I'd skip this.
The rest are things that should be done, but the wheels won't fall off tomorrow if you don't do them right now. This is preventive (pay now or pay more later). She needs to save up for it.
For that matter, she needs an emergency fund. A $1000 repair bill out of nowhere is just one of the joys of adulting.
Nearby_Knowledge8014@reddit
None of it. Let me guess: was this Firestone?
AcrobaticAmoeba8158@reddit
Why is this so low, this is all mark-up shit. Everyone saying spark plugs, if the car is running fine all this shit is not necessary.
Interesting_Mix_7028@reddit
Oh noo, not Firestone.
They took THREE attempts to diagnose (much less correct) a blown catalytic converter. Replace valve gasket = didn't fix the problem. Top end rebuild = didn't fix the problem. I had to put the mechanic into the passenger seat and get onto I-80 to show him what happened when I put my foot in it. "Oh." Drop the muffler, pile of ceramic ash on the floor. "Yeah ok, that explains everything."
Then, I had them do a brake pad replacement on my wife's '99 Dodge Grand Caravan. Different shop than before. She picked it up and found she had nearly zero braking power when trying to slow for a freeway exit. The dumbass that did the job somehow blew the proportioning valve, and only one caliper out of four was functional. Disc overheated and warped, caliper rebuild as well. No test drive, no verification that car was safe after the job. Firestone tried to charge me for the extra work, I said "Your incompetence caused it, you're liable, so you're paying the entire tab. Bill your bond insurer if you don't have the overhead to eat it directly."
Since then I refuse to darken their door. If I have a breakdown and Firestone is the closest shop, I will PUSH my car to the next closest mechanic instead.
MultipleOrgasmDonor@reddit
Wheel works (same parent company) recommended spark plugs on my diesel and I was so annoyed about it the lady apologized so much lol
SnooEpiphanies8097@reddit
You don’t want to pay $29 to have your battery terminals cleaned? $100 for cabin air filter? They are such scammers.
rilesmcjiles@reddit
The last time I went to Firestone, they fucked up and didn't reattach my skid plate after an oil change and it was flapping around on the interstate during rush hour. When I pulled over, it was a half turn on one bolt from flying off.
Yeah I don't go there anymore.
Pretend_Detective558@reddit
Realistically you probably don’t need any of it.
Proper_Turnover3251@reddit
She doesn’t ‘need’ to do any of that. If the car is running fine then skip the spark plugs for sure. She will notice when they need to be replaced if the engine starts to run rough.
ichiban4713@reddit
If they will do all of that for $750.00, I'd schedule it.
Advanced-Elk-7581@reddit
Get a new mechanic. Most of this stuff is profit building.
July_snow-shoveler@reddit
Ditch the fuel injection service. Gasoline is required to contain fuel injector cleaner. Worst case is to buy a container of Techron fuel injector cleaner and pour it in before a fill up. Run the tank as close to empty as possible first.
Admirable-Tart9299@reddit
Anytime I’ve changed trans fluid the transmission went out within months
xyeahtony@reddit
Fuel injection service can be skipped that is stupid. Spark plugs, Trans fluid, Brake fluid are essential. But if I had to prioritize which to do first, Spark Plugs, then Brakes, then trans.
VirileMongoose@reddit
I’ve owned Hondas and Toyotas for two decades. Is she doing oil changes every 5K miles? Hondas are very forgiving.
None of these seem to be do now critical.
Not convinced fuel injection service is critical. Trans fluid, again should prob get done. Brake fluid system.
I’d do brakes fluid, transmission fluid, sparkies, and then fuel injection. You can do one each paycheck, or one a month.
This is also a personal finance lesson: start keeping a sinking fund. Saving $50 a paycheck automatically into an online savings account different than her spend account helps money build up without her noticing. Pull from it as needed.
PrometheanEngineer@reddit
270$ for spark plugs? Buy her a spark plug socket, and do them in 15 minutes for like 100$
MillerTime_22@reddit
Yeah that’s not bad pricing at all.
Careful_Thought_8386@reddit
No idea why they would recommend the brake fluid change honestly. I'd understand if it was during a brake job. Trans can wait but still would recommend it soonish down the road 3k-10k depending on last time it was done. Ignore the injector cleaner can do that herself next time she fills up or just sometime soon. Somehow my Honda has almost 240ishk miles before I changed spark plugs because they are so simple to do even on the 2012.
Difficult-Novel-8453@reddit
Never trust a ship that wants to flush your trans. Drain and fill only.
C0smic_Cunt@reddit
Most of this seems like stuff that could be done yourself relatively easily, I would say watch a bunch of YouTube videos, do some research and take the opportunity to spend some time with your daughter and teach her how to work on her car, and maybe enlist the help of a mechanically inclined friend.
It took a few minutes to find a tutorial on taking out the spark plugs and it seems like it wouldn't be too hard, just a little tedious compared to most cars. As for the injection cleaning, I used an at home kit that cost 60 bucks.
Transmission fluid should be changed every 100,000 miles generally, and brake fluid is usually changed or topped when the brakes get work done on them, although if you want to do that too brake fluid is cheap and bleeding brakes is an easy job.
Most of this seems like about what you would pay because even though the actual resources used in this are pretty cheap, you always get charged out the ass for labour.
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
Those are all extremely inflated prices, especially the sparkplug replacement. I'd bring it to another shop to get a competitive estimate.
FKpasswords@reddit
I wouldn’t do anything if it’s running well. Coolant hoses and belts will leave you stranded
Fractal_Ey3z@reddit
Did she think owning a car would only cost for gas?
FriendlyArachnid6000@reddit
That's nothing dude 130k is going to need timing soon probably 2k. Is be curious about rotors that old too that can go into thousands quick and suspension especially if driven by someone who thinks <1k is a big repair bill
Beautiful_Climate_18@reddit
Prices are reasonable for a shop. They gotta pay labor, rent, insurance..
I work on my own car, but that's because I value my Saturday time at zero dollars per hour.
Try getting someone else to work on a Saturday... Or put it this way, would you go into work on Saturday if they didn't pay you overtime?
Evening_sadness@reddit
Honestly would just skip them all. It’ll be fine. If she for sure selling in three years. Call around and price out any of that you want. Some of those are bad. Some are okay.
Jonny_Boy_808@reddit
This is all really easy to do yourself. Hell, if you have a friend that even works on their car a little bit, I’d ask them to help with this. Compensate them with lunch or something.
Special-Original-215@reddit
750? A new car will cost more than that.
She wants you to pay for it
white94rx@reddit
$750? Lol. Wait till something actually breaks.
Inside_Function_6072@reddit
270 to replace spark plugs???? Buddy teach her to work on her own car or help her out yourself thats fucking nuts.
SaltLakeBear@reddit
If you're handy, these are all pretty easy to DIY. Quality plugs should be $10-$20 a piece, and although there is conflicting information about how accessible the plugs on a Fit are, MOST four cylinder cars it should be a 15 minute job.
Fuel system service, I'm not sure what's included, but I'd change the fuel filter and add a fuel system cleaner and call it good. Filter should be cheap, and I don't know how accessible it is but it shouldn't be hard.
Brake fluid flush is a two person job unless you get a vacuum powered attachment, but it's easy. Get a few bottles of the recommended fluid, and just use the pedal to push the new fluid through the system.
The transmission service is gonna be the hardest. You'll need the car on jack stands, and at the very least access to the fluid drain and fill ports. If you change the filter, which I'd recommend, you may need to take the transmission pan off and replace the gasket.
All told, this could probably be done in a day for $150 if you have the tools. If you're not super handy, those prices aren't terrible but not great, especially the plugs.
jackson69kc@reddit
She doesn't need the fuel injection service. Spread the rest of them out over time.
bluereptile@reddit
Not sure where you are located, but those are all very good prices around here. I would be cautious that she is getting the 100% correct spark plugs and fluids for those prices, lots of shops quote “$175” for a transmission service, then call you after they start and say “actually your car calls for a special fluid, he’s going to be $xx extra” because they didn’t look it up in advance. Or they just straight up put bulk fluid in every car without care.
HipGnosis59@reddit
My advice to my kid? If it runs fine, do what you went in for, forgo the rest. Yes, by the calendar/miles, it could benefit from those services, but we all have been there - if it's running ok and you can't spare the money, thank you but no thanks.
Downvote_me_dumbass@reddit
Honda explicitly states the car doesn’t need fuel injection service and several dealerships got a letter about that because it was ruining the brand. She can get a Lucas Complete Fuel Injection item at Walmart for around $10 that will help, but again it’s not necessary (I do this around every 5k miles, but I don’t have to).
For the brake fluid change, why? Does she have new brakes? If yes, then yeah, do it all at the same time, otherwise just top it off with a $8 bottle from Walmart.
As far as plugs and transmission change, those may be worth it.
Interesting_Mix_7028@reddit
So, while these items are all 'reasonable' to perform at the prices listed, I'd say she doesn't have to have them done Right This Minute if there's no issue with the car's operation. She went in for A/C service, and should get that done as it's in the budget.
Everything else can be deferred until she has the money to get the work done (but she should save to get it done, not put it off indefinitely).
Plugs could probably be swapped in the driveway if they're accessable (apparently with the Fit they're under the wiper cowl which would make things fiddly), fuel injection could possibly be corrected with a bottle of injection cleaner put into a full tank of gas. Everything else I'd have done at a shop.
Things like tire and brake pad wear, ABS system faults, airbag sensors, those would be "this isn't safe to drive" items. This list? She's fine for now.
FitPhilosopher3136@reddit
I wouldn't do any of it if there's no issues. I've had lots of high mileage cars and never once changed brake fluid. I add injector cleaner occasionally but that's about it.
Greengiant2021@reddit
Don’t do any of it…fucking crooks!
jghall00@reddit
Plugs and transmission fluid are DIY. YouTube instructions. Skip the injector cleaner. Run a bottle of Techron and use only top tier fuel.
Brilliant-Onion2129@reddit
Has she considered doing some of this herself? They are probably charging her $150/hr or more.
Educational_Bench290@reddit
None of this is mission critical: it's all maintenance, not required repairs. I.e., she can say 'thanks, I need to look at my finances. I'll bring it in for some of these as soon as I can.'
mtbguy1981@reddit
I'll just say it. Most people do not change out brake fluid and trans fluid like they should. Most of the time that does not cause an issue. Fuel injector service is bogus, it's just a bottle of stuff they dump in the gas tank completely unneeded. In reality the car sounds like it needs nothing they were just upselling.
Hot_Lava_Dry_Rips@reddit
If the car runs fine she can hold off on plugs until the engine starts running rough or wont start easy.
Fuel injection service is a scam. Do not do unless the engine is running poorly and it has specifically been diagnosed as dirty fuel injectors causing the problem.
Im paranoid about transmissions so id have the fluid drained and filled and filter changed. Thays a pretty reasonable price for it.
Brake fluid is probably fine. Some cars go their whole lives without that being changed. Unless the brakes are feeling soft, I wouldnt do it.
That said, if she cant afford $750, she should start learning how to do some stuff herself. The prices for these services (except the fuel injector service) are very reasonable for a garage. Spark plugs and fluid changes arent difficult and are prime targets for saving money.
Graflex01867@reddit
I would do the spark plugs and the brake fluid system service now. If it’s still on the original plugs, it’s time, it will run better. It might or might not need the brake fluid service right away, but stopping is important.
The transmission fluid exchange wouldn’t hurt, but if it drives okay, it’s not something you need to do now. I feel like it would start to shift poorly or give you some signs it’s unhappy.
The fuel injection service I don’t think it really needs at all unless it’s running poorly. They don’t do a whole lot. Just get a bottle of fuel system cleaner at the auto parts store and follow the directions on the bottle. (Usually pour it into a full tank of fuel and drive the car.)
vaspost@reddit
$750 isn't much these days.
DERN007@reddit
Pay for the transmission work, as that is very important to the running of the car. The rest she can get on YouTube and learn to do herself, or get a friend with any kind of basic mechanical knowledge to help. All very basic tools. And save hundreds of dollars in labour
Tractorguy69@reddit
First, maintenance deferred odd the multiplier of damages caused, that said these things can often be triaged into an order. Do the plugs yourself there are plenty of videos and that’s an easy job, the transmission fluid would be my first one done as that is the lubrication in s system of moving parts that is critical to moving. Brake fluid, good idea but probably 75+%of the cars on the road have never had this done, fuel injector service, unless her mileage is not great And the engine is still tuning smoothly that can more than likely be deferred for a while. This is where you tell her to start putting some of her coffee money aside for maintenance do that she has a ready fund next time.
PlanetExcellent@reddit
Just a reminder: doing scheduled maintenance is how people avoid unexpected breakdowns. Remember that when your daughter calls from the side of the road, saying “you told me that if I bought a Honda it would never break down! I’ve only had it for a few years and already it needs repairs?”
Mammoth_Mission_3524@reddit
Nothing has to be done immediately. Schedule one at a time, each quarter, as she can afford it.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Have the plugs ever been done?
TC-Gladiator2024@reddit
I think if money is an issue , do the spark plugs those are due ., if you are not mechanically savvy , just have them do it , sometimes the plugs can be a pickle to get out , you can deferred the other items brake fluid when you change the brakes . The injection service I think you just find a good fuel additive to add to the tank, and you really don’t even have to. Do keep with oil changes and air filter.
Insertsociallife@reddit
OP, I own a 13 Fit. This looks like the service after the 100k mile maintainence. I hate to add to the list, but if it hasn't had a valve adjustment, do it.
Everything I see there are real things that are probably good to do, but I don't see anything immediately necessary. If the two of you have/have friends with basic mechanical skills, you can do transmission fluid (it's just a drain and fill like an oil change). Bad plugs basically just waste fuel unless they cause a misfire. Fuel injectors, same story. If the check engine comes on you may be torching the catalytic converter, so keep an eye on it. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which is why it has to be changed. If you don't live in the mountains you can run this longer, but be aware the water in the fluid can boil and cause loss of brakes.
The Fits for the most part are extremely easy to work on and parts are dirt cheap on places like RockAuto. You could probably do this with a $75 RockAuto order and YouTube if you're comfortable working on cars.
Dirks_Knee@reddit
Fuel injection service is a full on scam unless you are experiencing actual issues in which case a fuel filter change is the fix.
Everything else looks like scheduled maintenance. If it's "running great" you can always wait until there's an issue, but the point of these types of things is to prevent issues from happening.
knobbles78@reddit
This lad was doing you air con, turned around and handed you this. Explain nicely you are getting a second opinion. Then do that.
These are all items most garages/mechanics will try to throw in if they can get away with it. Dealers do it. You better believe local mechanics will too.
NotYourNativeDaddy@reddit
Decline all. 1. Save for spark plugs and find a shop that will discount. 2. Add Lucas fuel injector cleaner with every tank fill. This will clean the injectors. 3. Research the trans issue before making decision. 4. You can buy a disposable pipette and remove old brake fluid from reservoir and replenish with fresh fluid. Do this a few times and it will help prolong the life of fluid.
Anachronism--@reddit
Most cars need plugs at 100k or sooner , they are usually less than $20 each and a relatively easy job. This should probably be taken care of.
The rest can probably be put off.
black_widow48@reddit
You literally don't need any of this
ReputationWide4520@reddit
Not all needs to be be done at once and the plugs are easy to do at home save the money and diy it
questfornewlearning@reddit
If she can’t afford it right now, leave everything and let her budget for it.
bobqzzi@reddit
Maybe Spark Plugs depending on miles, but I doubt the place is saying there is a real problem, just that it is due/overdue.
Fuel injector service- no
Brake Fluid system service- no
Trans fluid- if an automatic, it depends entirely how long it's been since it was done.. For a manual, just check and top up
nanneryeeter@reddit
Skip the fuel injection service. Rest is fine
jrileyy229@reddit
You should run away from this shop. $270 for spark plugs is wild .. they cost $30 and take under ten minutes to install... It's not even really an "install"... Anyone with a high school diploma can change their own spark plugs with YouTube.
$175 fuel injection service .. absolutely no reason for that on a second Gen port injected Fit that is running perfectly. Most likely they were just going to dump some stuff in your fuel tank... You can buy your own injector cleaner at Wal Mart for $5 and put it in your gas tank.
The other two things are actually reasonably priced, which makes me question if they're going to do them the right way or the half assed way... Like just simply empty the brake fluid reservoir and put some be fluid in and call it good enough
hatred-shapped@reddit
$750 for all that? That mechanic should be canonized in your family mythology and spoken about kindly for many generations.
coochie_glaze@reddit
Everything except the fuel injection service.
_f00lish_@reddit
First of all, none of this is urgent, so don't worry about continuing to drive it.
Skip the fuel system service - it's not needed unless you start having issues with the fuel system.
Transmission fluid - this is important to change, but not immediately concerning. If you can swing it, get it done with the next oil change.
Brake fluid flush - same as the transmission, it's important but not immediately necessary. I'd try to get it done within the next six months if you can.
Spark plugs - old plugs aren't the worst thing, but a new set will help the car run smoother and get better fuel economy. If you're feeling up to it, this would be a great one to learn to DIY. If not, I'd say shoot for the same six month timeframe.
So, once again, none of this is urgent, and you're doing the right thing by asking questions and doing research before blindly paying for service. Get the services done as money allows (but skip the fuel system service altogether) and don't worry if it takes a little while before you get to everything.
Bubbly-Pirate-3311@reddit
Spark plugs for $270!? That is ridiculous. It should be $150 at the most, unless they're hard to access.
Hanoverfist101@reddit
Only keeping it three more years I’d only do the plugs at the most maybe the transmission service later if money is an issue doing both at once.
Snag710@reddit
None of those services are worth the money they want and can all be easily done in your driveway with common tools, ramps, and a few minutes to watch a chrisfix video on YouTube
Also none of those services will keep her from driving the car if she says no and goes home
Nessuwu@reddit
Transmission fluid exchange is absolutely worth imo. The cost here is cheaper than the cost of a jack, stands, and transmission fluid. Maybe not the best long-term solution, but short term it's absolutely worth.
Snag710@reddit
Also I just plain don't trust any mechanic with a transmission.
99% of mechanics don't know anything about transmission and just say replace it
Or even worse they want to do a fluid flush which would be completely fine if not for the fact that almost every mechanic doesn't know you have to removed the valve body and solinoids before you do a flush or or they will collect all the debris and need to be changed before you drive the car or they will destroy the transmission
Snag710@reddit
Ramps at Walmart are way cheaper and it is super easy to do at home for less money. I'd say it's totally worth it but not worth bringing it to a shop and paying what they want for it.
I did it on 2 of my cars and paid like $60 for fluid
Nstraclassic@reddit
$750 of maintenance on a 130k mile car... buddy..
pianistafj@reddit
If it were me, I’d just have them do the trans fluid because changing it is a bitch. I’d buy some Techron fuel system cleaner and put it in the next time tank is empty, and then repeat the next tank. I’d change the spark plugs myself (very simple and easy to do with a socket wrench, 6” extension, and a deep socket (usually 7/16” or 5/8”). Just make sure you get good plugs.
Then save up until brakes need to be changed, and flush the fluid at that time.
buildyourown@reddit
Plugs should be done but anyone can change those for $6 per hole.
I would do coils at the same time and still be money ahead.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
Even the best plugs on rockauto are only $10 each. And yeah, super easy to DIY. Takes like 5-10 mins.
REF_YOU_SUCK@reddit
I mean realistically none of it NEEDS to be done. She drove it there just fine. Just cause a mechanic handed her a quote of recommendations doesn't make the car undriveable. None of these items will make the car fail inspection so she can decline them at the moment. But these are also all regular maintenance items that SHOULD be done at some point. So you don't have to do them all up front now, but it would be a good idea to start budgeting for them and get them done over the next year or so.
tidyshark12@reddit
Spark plugs for sure, but go somewhere else. $270 for 4 spark plugs is crazy. They're like $25/each for the expensive ones and about 10 minutes of labor. Should be maybe $150 at most.
PaddyBoy1994@reddit
I'd just do the trans fluid service, and DIY the plugs. $270 for 4 plugs is ridiculous. Can get top of the line plugs from rockauto for $40 for all 4, and it takes like 5-10 mins to swap out all 4.
bayoujac@reddit
I just did my own spark plugs yesterday!
$50 plus 45 mins of my time!
When did she last get services done? Not all recommended services are necessary.
Jerkeyjoe@reddit
None of them right now
Hansdawgg@reddit
Everything but the fuel injection service is well worth it. I d do that cleanup myself as it likely does need it just not at that price lol. In all seriousness all of that is well worth doing and you probably won’t need to do any of it again for another 100k miles. The trans fluid swap is a lot cheaper than a trans and the plugs will actually get you better gas mileage and performance so it will at least partial pay for itself. They are usually easy to do yourself but after having one snap off I’m the type of person who thinks it’s well worth paying to have it done and not stressing about it.
If you handle all of that and get ready for a possible sensor or alternator going out you ll be ready for another 50k more than likely. Well worth putting the money into it if it’s in decent shape as is.
Odd_Dragonfruit_2662@reddit
She can probably do spark plugs easily enough. The rest I wouldn’t DIY because I don’t want to deal with fluid disposal.
Dave_A480@reddit
As a general idea you do NOT want to do a transmission fluid flush.
They tend to circulate debris through the system & shorten the life of the transmission.
Ragnar-Wave9002@reddit
I'm not a mechanic so not sure about this car specifically ....... but you could do her spark plugs for her next time you see her. That's an easy thing to do.
Ragnar-Wave9002@reddit
God, this sounds liek the shit they try to sell you at quick change places like valvoline. If that is true, it's not even a transmission fluid change. It's a "cleaning" where they run the fluid through a filter.
castlenutjob@reddit
Any known service history?
Vivid_Witness8204@reddit
Odds are good it will go for another 3 years without doing any of that.
Panthera_014@reddit
I would pass on the fuel injection service
if she doesn't know the answer to - when was the last time the other 3 services were done? then I would say do all 3, and start making notes in her phone of service and mileage dates
this way if anyone tries again at the next oil change, she will know to push back
none of those are unreasonable for a 2012 car with 130k miles
also - service under a grand is really not that unexpected on a older car - it's a lot less than a monthly car payment
I would counsel her on setting aside $50/pay if possible to have a Car Fund - for repairs on this car only
that is still a really low yearly number to save, since everything has gone up in price and will continue to do so
powerguy134@reddit
All that work for $750? I’d send it and not even think twice about it. Last time I went to the dealership they wanted $1400 just do do a thermostat. I bought the part on RockAuto.com for less than $100 and installed it in a couple hours.
NeoKnightRider@reddit
Skip the fluid changes THIS round because if you’re getting the spark plugs replaced, might as well go for the fuel injection service since they both help on gas mileage. The only necessary (needed to be done every 3-5000 miles depending on the car and type of oil) change is an oil change
AbruptMango@reddit
Plugs are due, but if it isn't having any problems she doesn't need to do them now. Everything else is just pampering the car.
SpaceCat72@reddit
You can do nearly all of this work yourself for half or less than half the cost. Do the trans, drop and swap first. Plugs next, but look at them first.
Different-Gate8262@reddit
Spark plugs you should do if you haven’t yet. I would not worry about a brake fluid change and definitely not fuel injection service. I would however worry about doing the transmission flush.
vinnygunn@reddit
Skip fuel injector service, put seafoam in the gas. The rest needs to be done, but doesn't have to be done now if she doesn't have the cash. If the car is running fine I would do brake fluid, trans fluid, spark plugs in that order.
She can get this all done at a small independent mechanic for cheaper
Hawk833@reddit
When she gets her next vehicle go over the maintenance schedule with her so she knows that this stuff needs to be done and budgeted for.
It can be a big shock if she has never known about this and has only done oil changes.
HighInChurch@reddit
Get a second opinion.
LongjumpingRespect96@reddit
None of that is needed unless the car is exhibiting symptoms. Hard pass on the fuel injector cleaning. Note that you should follow maintenance schedules for CVT transmissions, but that’s not the case here.
rimtrim@reddit
I'd skip the fuel injection service. In most cases that's in the "wallet flush" category and not necessary.
The other stuff is good to do, but if cost is an issue, she can buy 4 quality plugs and a decent socket set for a lot less than $270. That's an ideal DIY job on most 4-cylinder engines, unless you're extremely mechanically un-inclined.
The prices for the trans fluid and brake fluid changes seem quite reasonable, and those jobs can get messy, especially if you don't know what you're doing. I'd go ahead and let the shop do those, but it's probably not extremely urgent.
Material_Expert2255@reddit
Mostly maintenance things.
Does she have records?
Likely time for the sparkplugs.
Everything else can be scheduled based on prior service
locodfw@reddit
None of those are urgent. But I Luke be good to do as your earliest convenience.
Terrh@reddit
Spark plugs is $30 if you DIY it and takes probably an hour if you've never worked on a car before.
You can skip the brake and fuel services
Trans fluid change is another easy DIY job. and maybe $60 if you DIY it.
omg4serious@reddit
do you know the last time any of that was done?
check your maintenance schedule for when they're due.
spark plugs going bad will typically cause mis firing, power issues, or jerky acceleration etc
trans fluid going bad typically causes jerky shifting and if ignored too long can cause transmission failure
brake fluid going bad/old typically causes low braking power, requiring to depress the brake more, and general worse braking performance.
tads73@reddit
Much of the time they go by milage, not actual need. And they like to inject fear and urgency.
Plugs should be done at @90,000. If never done, its good time to do it.
Transmission every 60,000. If its rodey red, does not smell burned, you can hold off. But if you want the best life of the car, and have no record of replacing the transmission fluid, do it.
Fuel injector service is an upsell. I've never done it.
Also, they likely dont need to be done now. Choose the most necessary, do that.
demon_twink_gockie@reddit
That's all regular maintenance and should be listed in the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual