Acura RLX Maintenance

Spark Plug Replacement

Quoted:

• Labor: $293.94
• Parts (6 plugs): $293.94 ($48.99 each)

Our Research:

• Labor: $140 - $290 (avg. 1–2 hours, NJ rate $140–$145/hr)
• Parts: $65 – $90 total

Advice:

• Labor: The labor charge is at the very top of the expected range, but not wildly out of line if they spent 2 hours on the job (these engines can be tight to work on). If they finished in less time, it's a little high.
• Parts: $49 per spark plug is very high. OEM (factory) spark plugs for this car usually cost $10–$15 each. Even premium iridium plugs wouldn’t justify $49 each. This is nearly a $200+ markup on just the parts.
• Upsell Watch: No real "upsell" here—spark plugs do need changing. But the parts price is an extreme markup.

Recommendation: Strongly suggest asking for a breakdown on the part number of the plugs, then checking a reputable parts site (AutoZone/Advance/Dealership). Saving $150–200 here is realistic. Labor is high but not extreme for your area.

Transmission Fluid Replacement

Quoted:

• Labor: $384.98
• Parts (Fluid, 10 units): $249.90 ($24.99 each)

Our Research:

• Labor: $140 – $217 (1–1.5 hours, NJ avg. $140–$145/hr)
• Parts (Fluid): $60 – $120 (typical 4–5 quarts, CAN be as high as 8+ with a complete drain/fill)

Advice:

• Labor: This is way above normal. Even at $145/hr, 1.5 hours would be $217. They’re charging for 2.5–3 hours, which isn’t justified unless there’s something unusual (like a full transmission flush, not just a drain and fill).
• Parts: $25/quart is on the high side but not unheard of for genuine Acura fluid—but 10 quarts is a lot. Most RLX transmissions don’t take more than 4–5 for a drain/fill, and usually 7–8 for a flush. Check the owner’s manual for official capacity (also ask them if this was a “flush” or just a drain/refill).
• Upsell Watch: High fluid quantity and labor time suggest they might be overestimating the scope or upselling a full flush when just a regular drain/fill might be needed.

Recommendation: If you just want a regular fluid change, this is overpriced by $200–250. Get a second opinion—preferably at an independent shop. If they insist on a flush and you’re having shifting issues, confirm it’s actually required.

Cooling System Service

Quoted:

• Labor: Included (rolls into bundled labor above?)
• Parts (Coolant, 2 units): $59.98 ($29.99 each)

Our Research:

• Parts (Coolant): $15 – $30 total
• Labor: $140 – $290 (1–2 hours)
• Total Expected: $155 – $320

Advice:

• Parts: $30 per gallon/jug for genuine Honda/Acura Type-2 coolant is actually what local dealers charge. Not much markup here.
• Labor: It’s “included,” but more likely bundled into the high labor charges above.
• Upsell Watch: If it’s time-based maintenance or overheating issues, this is legit—not an upsell.

Recommendation: Pricing for coolant isn’t a problem. Just make sure the work is actually being done, especially if bundled into labor.

Miscellaneous / Fees

Fluid Disposal Fee: $5
Advice: Very reasonable. Most shops charge this.

Overall Judgment

Original Total: $1,147.43

Analysis: Your quote is on the high side, coming in about $110 above even the high end of typical estimates. Most of this is due to high markups on spark plugs and transmission fluid (quantity, price, and labor).
Upsell Alert? The main area to watch is transmission work—already a favorite for shops to overcharge. They’re also marking up spark plug prices by 2–3x retail.

What to Do Next

• Spark Plugs: Ask for part numbers; compare at Honda/Acura dealer prices and reputable parts stores. If you’re comfortable, these can be DIY’d on this engine (with proper tools/torque).
• Transmission Fluid: Confirm whether you need a full flush or just a drain/refill. Ask for the fluid brand and quantity.
• Labor: If you have a local independent shop you trust, get a second quote. $800–950 for all three is much more typical.
• Promo Offers: If you use a shop with a coupon ($50 off $500+), you can bring it into a more normal range.
• No Upsells detected for coolant or disposal.
• General Advice: Make sure the shop explains what’s needed and why. Ask to see old parts and the service checklist if possible.