Maint required or dealer scam?

tgindy99

Hi,

I have my Pilot serviced by the selling dealer. I always get the mini service, oil/tire rotation/check up. The last check at 37k miles, the service rep told me my vehicle needed 4 wheel tire balance, 4 wheel alignment, dif oil change, & the throttle body serviced. All for only about $1K!!! The maintenance manual and maintenance minder don’t mention any these services at 37k. Is this just dealer up sell scam or typical maintenance? This is my first pilot, so I don’t have previous experience with this vehicle or dealer

Thanks

Michaell

tgindy99 said:

Hi,

I have my Pilot serviced by the selling dealer. I always get the mini service, oil/tire rotation/check up. The last check at 37k miles, the service rep told me my vehicle needed 4 wheel tire balance, 4 wheel alignment, dif oil change, & the throttle body serviced. All for only about $1K!!! The maintenance manual and maintenance minder don’t mention any these services at 37k. Is this just dealer up sell scam or typical maintenance? This is my first pilot, so I don’t have previous experience with this vehicle or dealer

Thanks

I would stick to the services in the manual, in general.

That said, you can likely get the tire balance and alignment done at a reputable tire shop.

I had the diff fluid changed in my wife's Outback at about 15K, per recommendations from other Subaru owners whose opinions I trust.

You can also shop around at other Honda dealers to see what they quote for those services. Like anything, prices are negotiable.

kyfdx

tgindy99 said:

Hi,

I have my Pilot serviced by the selling dealer. I always get the mini service, oil/tire rotation/check up. The last check at 37k miles, the service rep told me my vehicle needed 4 wheel tire balance, 4 wheel alignment, dif oil change, & the throttle body serviced. All for only about $1K!!! The maintenance manual and maintenance minder don’t mention any these services at 37k. Is this just dealer up sell scam or typical maintenance? This is my first pilot, so I don’t have previous experience with this vehicle or dealer

Thanks

Tire balance and alignment are only needed if an issue can be demonstrated while driving, or shown through abnormal tire wear.

Throttle body service? The most oversold maintenance product.

Differential fluid change? Refer to your owners's manual.

Mr_Shiftright

I'd call the entire list they gave you as completely unnecessary. Just go by your owner's manual. If there are exceptions to the factory schedule for "severe service", they'll have an asterisk to alert you to that. Service writers at dealerships don't have the technical training to veto the factory owner's manual.