baystatedog

I own a 2000 Honda Accord. I purchased it brand new in June of 2000. It's a 4-cyl, automatic. I drive alot of highway miles, and I now have 90,500 miles. In accordance with Honda's maintenance schedule, I just replaced the timing belt & all drive belts and waterpump (Honda recommends 7 years or 105,000 miles).

The timing belt service was performed by an authorized Honda dealership. The car was having an annoying "whistle" coming from the belts before this service was performed, and the sound is gone now. When they did this service, they noted that there was a little bit of play in the front wheels, and that the lower ball joints should be replaced. They quoted me $372 bucks to do this job. They also said it needs a new catalytic converter cover, because the existing one has developed a crack. They quoted another $132 bucks for this job. Finally, they suggested that I have the auto trans fluid changed, as well as the brake fluid, for another $124.90. Total for all this additional work....$628.90. This after having just paid $459.95 for the timing belt service. If I have this additional work done, it would have cost me a total of $1,088.85, for a car that isn't even 4 years old yet.

Can anyone tell me if the replacement of ball joints and catalytic converter cover is not unusual for a 2000 Accord with 90,500 miles on the odometer?? I have taken very good care of the car, and performed all scheduled maintenance, and oil changes at every 3,000 miles. It runs like it's brand new, and I don't hear any noises coming from the front end. I love my Honda, and will perform the service if deemed necessary, but I'm not a mechanic and just want to make sure I'm not being bamboozled.

If anyone can shed some light on this for me, that would be great!!!

Chiovnidca

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by baystatedog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can anyone tell me if the replacement of ball joints and catalytic converter cover is not unusual for a 2000 Accord with 90,500 miles on the odometer?? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Loose lower ball joints on those aren't very common at that milage, but not out of question. If they have any play in them it's a good idea to replace them. The converter heatsheilds rust through and crack all the time.

baystatedog

Thanks!

baystatedog

Does $372 sound like a fair price to have the lower ball joints replaced? $132 for the cat converter shield?

Chiovnidca

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by baystatedog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does $372 sound like a fair price to have the lower ball joints replaced? $132 for the cat converter shield?

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Sounds a little high to me, but the labor rate may be higher where your at.

fe519

i think you should go somewhere else other than the dealer, its not like they do a better job compared to a well-respected mechanic not to mention the price difference

tonton

the part is 72.00 and labor is 50.00
i would say you, been had