Acura's Scheduled Maintenance Program for Leases

javigir

I just got a lease for a 2016 MDX Tech package, 12 k/36 mo. The financial guy recommended and said I insisted that I should sign up for their maintenance program. The price was $481 for the life of the lease and said the maintenance was about $800 (total for the 3 years) if I were to pay each service individually. I signed up but not sure anymore.

My questions are:
1) Is it worth paying $481 up front for these basic maintenance options? lube/oil/filter changes, tires rotations...
2) For maintenance, is it required to take it to Acura or can I take it to a place like sears auto, tires plus, etc???

Thanks a lot!

isellhondas

I'm not sure if that's a good deal or not but I will say that taking a new car that is under warranty to a chain store for maintenance would be a foolish thing to do for a number of reasons. No, you can't have them do those services if you've bought the maintenance program. I'm thinking it's probably a good value since they now know you'll maintain the car according to factory specs instead of cutting corners, skipping oil changes and taking it to a Quickie Lube since it's "only" a leased car that you will more than likely just walk away from at lease end.

javigir

Thanks for the reply. Does any one know if this is a reasonable amount? It would be for every 6k miles/6mo. Thanks.

stever

The Edmunds Car Maintenance Guide says four services (every 7,500 miles) would cost $515.16. That would get you through 30,000 miles and you'd be turning the car in before the next service is due at 37,500 miles. I don't know why the dealer is saying every 6,000 miles unless the owner's manual is different from our guide for some reason.

My sister was talked into one of these a few month back on her Subaru and it sort of penciled out on paper. First mailing she got from the dealer? A coupon for half off her first service.

The other trick is that our guide estimates what maintenance should cost - dealers have a funny way of padding these services (thus your $800 estimate).

Sounds like an okay deal from here, just watch for upselling when you take it in for services.

kyfdx

You can take your car anywhere for service, but I have to say.. that's a very reasonable price.
It's also nice to have that regular visit to the dealer, so you can take care of any warranty work, etc.

As @stever mentions, just say no to anything extra.