I'm tired of giving the honda service center all of my money

[control1200]

I want to stop giving my local honda service center all my money. They explained to me that a 60,000 mile major tune up would cost about 790 dollars! And they recommend I do this every 30,000 miles on my 99 civic dx sedan.
So I wanted to know what I was getting for that price. The service guy didn't like that I was asking so many questions (I could tell by the expression on his face), So I told him never mind, I am going elsewhere.
I purchased The honda service manual, and would like to give my car a tune up.
Here is the problem, I am not a mechanic and this is my first car, but I am pretty good with tools. I have socket sets, torque wrenches, screwdrivers, etc...

I would like to know what exactly is a major tune up and what is a regular tune up?

can the average person give their honda a tune up?

[control1200]

according to my local service center, timing belts are changed at 90k

[02EXSILVER]

It sounds like you need to find out what a 60K requires, accordin to your manual. Then pick up a Hayes, or Chiltons, repair manual. They are quite detailed. The work is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Try starting with one thing at a time though, don't overwhelm yourself. If you run into problems, don't be afraid to ask questions.


On a personal note: If you've never really worked on cars B4, why do you have a torque wrench? Just a ?, I don't mean anything by it.

[control1200]

I do all the easy basic stuff myself and like I said in my first post, I already have the honda service manual, but I'm curious as to why a major tune up costs that much. I use my torque wrench for my rims(lug nuts) and I also used it to install my comptech sway bar/tie bar and my b&m short shifter and my neuspeed strut bar. The service manual came in real handy, it has all of the torque measurements for every bolt.
Does anybody know what a honda service center major tune up is?

From a Honda dealership site:
http://www.hondagb.com/index.cfm?act...n=servicerates

Scheduled Maintenance
Lube, Oil & Filter most vehicles... $22.95
Tire Rotation most vehicles... $14.52

Additional Services
4 & 6 Cylinder Major Tune Up $215.00
4 & 6 Cylinder Minor Tune Up $99.00
Air Conditioning Inspection $89.95
Engine Valve Adjustment $79.95
Four Wheel Alignment $97.77
Fuel Injector Service $89.99
Power Steering System Flush $69.95
Replace Timing Belt $485.00
Transmission Service $72.95

I know this doesn't explain what is included in the "major tune up" but it gives you an idea of the cost. I'll look more into this.

[02EXSILVER]

Ok so it sounds like you have a pretty good head on your shoulders... (maby we still have not decided yet... ) I work for a "Steeler" (dealer) myself. You should ask what the parts price is for the 60K. I think you'd be suprised. The majority of that price is in labor. If your like the rest of us, or most of us, than you'd perfer to do it yourself. I can understand that. I live in New England, and most of the service rates around here are about $90/hr. F*#K that. I'll do it myself.
You came to the right place for advice. Just don't forget, if you need help, or are lost on somthing..... ASK! We're like a big happy family. (ok I need to stop that, I'm making myself sick) Basicy your on the right road, hang in there.

[sledfreak76]

If I may shed some light on the 60k service. To start off, every 30k gets the same attention except the fuel filter, it is at 60k intervals. So now, ALL fluids are changed, a vavle adjustment is done, fuel filter replaced if applicable, ignition tune up except the sparkplugs, if platnimum are present, ac cab filter replaced if equipped, tire rotation and brake inspection including pins check and lube, lube door hinges, check lights, windows, exhaust, suspension, and test drive. Timing belts are replaced at 90k or 6 years.
I am a Honda technician for a dealership and follow these recomendations and services regardless of the vehicle brand.
I started out doing my own work to save money and then progressed to being a master tech for Honda and Jeep.... If it were not for the domestic brands, I would have no work!!!! Happy tweakin.... Sledfreak76