Just bought a '96 Acura 2.5 TL

[Andy22]

It has 134k miles on it but I need it to last me a few years. Basically it will be just to get me to and from work. I want to make sure I get the required maintenance done on it and of course regular oil changes. I have never owned a car with this many miles on it so I wasn't sure what I should be looking out for. I thought maybe some of you Acura owners could provide some insight.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

It's a Honda, relax, they run forevarz.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Only thing I'd check is when the timing belt was changed.

Other than that, drive it and change oil

 

[Andy22]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Only thing I'd check is when the timing belt was changed.

Other than that, drive it and change oil

I probably should know whether it has or not but I don't. Any idea how much it costs to have that done?

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
It's a Honda, relax, they run forevarz.

Really. You never seen repair work done on a Honda?

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Only thing I'd check is when the timing belt was changed.

Other than that, drive it and change oil

don't forget to get the transmission fluid changed on schedule, too. as for the scheduled services, it basically comes down to how much of the inspection stuff you can do on your own. each "service" is generally just an oil change with varying levels of inspection, and varying fluid changes. the only time they are really servicing it is on the majors, when they'll likely change the spark plugs, adjust the valve lash, and some other important stuff.

the scheduled services basically buy you piece of mind, and will assist you and your mechanic at making sure other maintenance on your car is preventive, not reactive. you'll never run down your brake pads all the way, or find out too late that a master cylinder is leaking, etc. it is up to you if that's worth the $60-$300 each service can cost.

i think it's really important to find a honda/acura specialist who shares whatever your mindset on maintenance is, and build a strong relationship. i think a great tip-off on a good mechanic is when they ask you how long you plan to drive the car and/or explain the relative importance of each service. my mechanic would always start by giving me a quote for the work i requested, then ask me about my plans for the car and what i've been using it for. then he'd letting me know the status of all the relevant parts, and other options (less expensive or more) that i might not have considered. his suggestions changed as the car aged, until we were at almost a "band-aid" level of service. see sig for mileage. i've bought my replacement car, and i'll be selling the old car soon, but it still runs great.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: Andy22

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Only thing I'd check is when the timing belt was changed.

Other than that, drive it and change oil

I probably should know whether it has or not but I don't. Any idea how much it costs to have that done?

~$800 for a full timing belt service, which probably includes replacing the water pump and other related and handy wear items.

 

[Andy22]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain

Originally posted by: Andy22

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Only thing I'd check is when the timing belt was changed.

Other than that, drive it and change oil

I probably should know whether it has or not but I don't. Any idea how much it costs to have that done?

~$800 for a full timing belt service, which probably includes replacing the water pump and other related and handy wear items.

Good info...thanks for this and your previous post.

 

[Kelvrick]

Is that 800 bucks from a dealer? Seems kind of high to me.

Didn't the 2.5 tl come with an i5 instead of an i4? That might explain the high price, I don't know.

Usually a timing/waterpump replacement on an i4 shoudl be like 4-600 I'd say. Less if you can find a cheaper but not screw you over mechanic.