So I decided to call a local Honda Dealer to schedule a routine maintenance appointment. I told them that my car had nearly 60k on it. Soon after I was instructed that Honda has a special "60k mile" maintenance program. He listed all of the things that are incorporated and checked. I was about to say ok, until he told me it would roughly cost $500 for everything.

Now I know some of you might think that is pocket change, but I'm a struggling college student and the last thing I can do is spend $500 on a hour checkup.

Now I'm wondering what you all have done in this case? Has anyone else heard of this? Do you think I'm better off with a regular checkup considering I get one every 3000 miles?

Plus I'm not sure what has been done to the vehicle as I purchased it used at 52k.

Any ideas?

Yes, here is what you need to do.


Go and log onto Honda's Owner Link (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com).
Add your vehicle then check the Maintenance Schedule.
For now, here is what is required for 60,000 miles Normal

60,000 mi/96,000 km Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2003 Honda Element:



Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000 km (independent of time).
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2003 Honda Element:



Replace engine oil.

Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 252 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp)).

Replace engine oil filter.

Inspect front and rear brakes.

Check parking brake adjustment.

Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.

Inspect suspension components.

Inspect driveshaft boots.

Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).

Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.

#Inspect exhaust system.

#Inspect fuel lines and connections.

# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 211 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp).

Inspect and adjust drive belt.

Replace dust and pollen filter. (See dust and pollen filter on page 246 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp) for replacement information under special driving conditions.)
Severe

60,000 mi/96,000 km Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2003 Honda Element:



Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000 km (independent of time).

60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2003 Honda Element:


Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 252 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp)).
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with multipurpose grease.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 211 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp).
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter. (See dust and pollen filter on page 246 of your owner's manual (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Model/mdl_manual.asp) for replacement information under special driving conditions.)

You can easily perform this service yourself. Basically it is an oil/filter change and tire rotation. Plus you can inspect suspension components and other things underneath the Element. Your dealer is looking to charge you for things that are not required/needed on the Element for close to 40-60,000 miles. It would be a waste of your hard earned money. Go and register on Owner Link or read your owners manual and look thought the maintenance schedule and see what is truly required.

My independent mechanic wants to replace brake, differential, transmission, and engine oils at 30,000 miles. Just to be sure, he says. Part of me wants to do it but the sensible part of my head says wait until 60,000 miles.

My independent mechanic wants to replace brake, differential, transmission, and engine oils at 30,000 miles. Just to be sure, he says. Part of me wants to do it but the sensible part of my head says wait until 60,000 miles.

Don't do the diff or trans. Brake pads should be inspected, the fronts might need to be replaced, the rears should be good for 60-75,000. The engine oil can also be done, depending on whether you are doing 5 or 10,000 mile oil change intervals.

Like I told z(+)diac, go sign up on Honda's Owner Link (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/) and see what the maintenance schedule is for your Element. You can follow either the normal or severe schedule that would be up to you.