fuel system tune-up question

Hi there!

I have a Honda Civic 1998, 2 door, 4 cylinder, with about 60,000 miles and live in the Chicago IL area.

1) I have been told that every 20-30,000 miles or so, a fuel system clean-up is necessary, which includes cleaning of the fuel lines and throttle. I have been told I had carbon buildup on my spark plugs, which were just changed. The quoted charge is $150 ($60 parts, $90 labor). Is this necessary ... if so, is this a reasonable price?

Also,

2) Is $150 parts + $80 labor a reasonable price for replacing front brake pads and rotors?

3) Is $225 parts + $63 labor a reasonable price for replacing a ZK193 muffler with extension pipe?

Many thanks!!

 

The quoted charge is $150 ($60 parts, $90 labor). Is this necessary ... if so, is this a reasonable price? What are the $60 in parts? Plus, $90 just to put a can in the tank and walk away is ridiculous.

Also,

2) Is $150 parts + $80 labor a reasonable price for replacing front brake pads and rotors? Again...Ridiculous price. $80 might be right for labor, but $150 for pads and rotors? Come on...shop around.

3) Is $225 parts + $63 labor a reasonable price for replacing a ZK193 muffler with extension pipe? They are difinitely charging you at least 100% markup on the parts. Thats twice as much.

 

Thanks for your feedback, NewHomeowner396!

 

Seems like a pretty low mileage vehicle for major injector cleaning needs.

Find a parts store that carries 3M (in-tank) injector cleaner. 3M supposedly has the highest concentration of the detergent "techron". Run this through with a full tank of mid-grade gas. Should take care of any inector related issues.

 

Please satisfy all of our curiosity's as to where you were getting your technical information. My wife's last vehicle ('95 Camry) was still going strong at 175,000 miles and the only fuel system maintenance it ever had was a couple of fuel filter changes and a manual cleaning of the intake throat once. Fuel system preventive maintenance jobs are largely profit-makers for whoever is selling them, especially on low-mileage vehicles.

I'm not sure I agree on the brake job; $230 for a front brake job including rotors isn't REAL bad, although the pads and rotors can probably be had for about a hundred bucks at a discount parts house if you're trying to be economical. Be aware, however that often the garages that use the absolute cheapest parts on every job may not be doing top-notch work and the cheapest parts may not be the most economical in the long run.

 

Thanks for all your feedback!

Firestone in the Chicago area gave me this advice and prices. I also checked with Car X, and their prices were a little less, maybe $40 or so for each of the jobs.

Will keep shopping around and thanks for your help on this!