Hi -

I have a Honda Civic 2003 which I bought new 6 years ago. This was my first car as I had just moved out of NYC where I never had a car (or even had a license).

I have followed the severe maintenance schedule (live in Florida) per the Honda manual, which gives their recommendations as either time or mileage, whichever comes first--usually time in my case.

My car now has only 28,000 miles on it, and I took it in a week ago to a Honda dealer for the "annual" or "10,000 mile" service--oil, filter, rotate tires, lubrication, yada yada, plus "checking" lots of things (A year ago I actually had the 30,000 mile service). I take this car in every six months for oil/filter change and fluid checks, plus yearly for other scheduled maintenance. I have to say I was never given any type of hard sell for other maintenance suggestions--until a week ago. After I had waited there about an hour, my service manager approached me and said the mechanic had some "suggestions" for additional maintenance, as follows:

1. A/C evaporator service (?)

2. Coolant Flush (Service manager acknowledges Manual says 120,000 miles or 10 years, but say Honda has changed the type of coolant uses--from blue to green, or vice versa--and that I should have the "new" type).

3. Fuel Induction Service - Service manager said this was not mentioned in the Manual because it was not an issue at the time I bought my Honda. Says something about ethanol now being added to fuel which contributes to "carbon build-up";

4. 4-wheel alignment - I have personally not noted a problem with this but Service Manager says this is especially a problem with cars that are "not driven much, and make frequent U-turns."


OK, I will do whatever I reasonably need to do re maintenance, but do not want to pay for "fluff." I would so appreciate any opinions out there on any of the "additional service" suggestions made. If I should have it done, I will. Incidentally, it may be just coincidence but this particular dealership underwent a change of ownership a few months ago; plus, I noted that their usually busy service area was considerably less busy than usual when I went in.

Thanks!