Honda Pilot 2016 Repair Quote Check | Phoenix, Arizona Prices

Labor Charges

Remove & Replace Spark Plugs: $90.98
- Is it fair? This is right in line with typical labor estimates for spark plug replacement ($140 to $233 total labor, and this alone is under $100). If they’re combining this with other work (valve lash), they might already be inside the engine compartment, so the cost here isn’t high.
- Upsell risk? Very low. Spark plug replacement is scheduled, especially at higher mileage.
- Advice: The price is reasonable, especially if bundled with valve work.

Valve Lash: $818.78
- Is it fair? This charge is very high. Valve lash adjustment, even allowing for labor rates in Phoenix ($80 to $150/hr and 1–3 hours’ labor), should generally range from $80 to $450 total. Over $800 for just the labor is double or more the market average.
- Upsell risk? Medium. This isn’t a common bolt-on like a filter, but the price is a major red flag. Shops sometimes over-quote complicated jobs; unless your engine is especially noisy or out of spec (which Honda Pilots usually aren’t), it’s worth questioning.
- Advice: Get a second opinion—this part of the quote is excessive.

Parts

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (x2): $94.07 and $97.91
- Is it fair? The price for each gasket set is almost twice what you’d pay retail ($15 to $50). It’s odd that they list two sets for one engine job. Either there’s confusion, or they’re stacking parts unnecessarily.
- Upsell risk? High. Replacing the valve cover gasket is standard if you’re adjusting valves, but you only need one set for a V6. Double parts charges is suspect.
- Advice: Clarify why two are listed. You should only need one gasket set, and even then, $94–98 is pretty steep. Independent shops might charge less for the part.

Laser Iridium High Ignitability Spark Plug (6): $271.92
- Is it fair? That’s about $45 each. OEM NGK or Denso iridium plugs for this car usually run $10–$30 retail per plug.
- Upsell risk? Medium. Iridium plugs are specified for this engine, but the per-plug price is on the high end.
- Advice: This is marked up but not wildly out of bounds. If you wanted to save, you could buy them aftermarket and bring them in, but you might only save $60–$100 overall.

Additional Fees

Est. Tax: $27.83
- Is it fair? Typical and unavoidable.

Promotions and Offers

• Only one local shop (Auto Repair Phoenix AZ) has a clear $20-off-any-repair promo. Might as well ask for the discount since it’s straightforward.

Big Picture

• Is this an upsell extravaganza? The shop is not tacking on extra “flushes,” “cleaners,” or batteries, so they’re not padding the ticket with classic bolt-ons.
• Are prices fair?
  • Spark plug labor: Fair
  • Gasket set: Probably double what it should be (and possibly a mistake listing two).
  • Spark plug parts: Marked up but not absurd.
  • Valve lash labor: Seriously high—should be $400 or so max.
• Do you need all this now? Spark plugs are due by this mileage. Valve lash is much less common on this engine at 100k unless you’ve got pronounced ticking or a check engine light related to valve timing. Valve cover gaskets only need replacing if they’re leaking.
• What to do:
  1. Ask why there are two gasket sets—one is all that’s needed.
  2. Question the valve lash labor. It looks very padded for the job.
  3. Consider getting a second quote from another independent shop. If you have tools and want to do spark plugs yourself, you’ll save some cash, but valve lash is a much trickier DIY.
  4. Use the $20 coupon if you move forward with this shop.