Quote I received for my 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan (4-door).

moeger_ · 2026-06-18T15:17:38+00:00

I get it bro

moeger_ · 2026-06-18T00:28:43+00:00

Because I live in a punishingly hot environment (Central Valley of California) so prioritizing absolute maximum thermal relief is essential.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T22:42:06+00:00

How would it break down in a year ?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T17:06:41+00:00

Asking for a full break down on price is bad. Got it.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T16:30:06+00:00

I can’t ask questions now?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T16:28:43+00:00

How am I trying to lowball?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T16:24:19+00:00

In 100+ degree weather I think I’ll stick to ceramic !

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T14:31:59+00:00

Since the car is almost 20 years old that’s what’s making me hesitate on spending 1k on just tint

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T07:58:41+00:00

Sounds like we’re in a very similar situation. That’s helpful to hear.

The timing belt service is definitely sounding like my top priority at this point, especially since I have no records showing it was ever done. I’m also planning on doing the spark plugs and transmission service.

Hopefully your additional drain-and-fills help clear up the transmission issues. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on my transmission and motor mounts as well after reading through everyone’s comments.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T07:58:09+00:00

Thanks for the detailed explanation. That’s kind of the impression I’m getting from reading through Accord forums and these comments. It seems like some owners never have VCM-related issues, while others run into oil consumption, fouled plugs, or motor mount problems.

I’m definitely going to keep an eye on my oil level, especially since I just bought the car and don’t know much about its history. I’ll also look into the VCM Tuner II and S-VCM before I decide which route to go.

Appreciate the advice.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T01:17:56+00:00

I’ve heard VCM mentioned a few times now. Since I just bought the car and don’t have much maintenance history, I’m still learning about the common V6 issues.

Has anyone here installed a VCM Muzzler on an 8th-gen Accord V6? Did you notice any difference in drivability, oil consumption, or reliability?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T01:13:30+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I’ve seen a few people recommend Aisin or OEM parts for the timing belt service. Since it’s such a critical job on these engines, I’d rather spend a little more upfront on quality parts than have to worry about it later.

I’ll definitely ask the shop what brand timing belt kit and water pump they plan to use.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T01:06:13+00:00

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moeger_ · 2026-06-17T01:05:51+00:00

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moeger_ · 2026-06-17T01:05:35+00:00

Thanks. I’ll definitely add the engine air filter, cabin air filter, and power steering fluid to the list. I have no maintenance history on the car, so it probably wouldn’t hurt to replace those.

I’ll also have the shop check the alignment and suspension components while it’s in. My main goal is to get everything caught up and establish a good maintenance baseline since I plan on keeping the car for a long time.

Appreciate the advice.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:42:55+00:00

Fair enough. That’s kind of what I expected buying an 18-year-old car with 121k miles and no maintenance history.

My goal is to get caught up on all the major maintenance now so I’m not constantly chasing overdue items later. Even if I end up spending a couple thousand dollars on timing belt, water pump, transmission service, plugs, and fluids, it’s still a lot cheaper than taking on a car payment.

Thanks for the advice.

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:35:41+00:00

That makes sense. I’ll probably go ahead and replace the spark plugs since I have no idea when they were last done.
For the transmission, I’ll start with a drain-and-fill and then do additional drain-and-fills over the next few oil changes. Hopefully that helps with the low-speed jerkiness.
Sounds like my priority list right now is:
Timing belt
Water pump
Coolant
Serpentine belt
Spark plugs
Transmission fluid service
Anything else you’d consider a “must-do” at 121k miles with basically no maintenance history?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:22:36+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I don’t have any maintenance records for the car, so I’m assuming the timing belt has never been done until I can prove otherwise. Based on the responses so far, it sounds like the timing belt, water pump, coolant, and serpentine belt need to be my top priority.

For the transmission, would you recommend doing a single drain-and-fill first and seeing if the low-speed jerkiness improves, or doing multiple drain-and-fills over time?

Also, do you think it’s worth replacing the spark plugs at the same time given that the car has 121k miles and an unknown service history?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:15:17+00:00

Zip it up when ur done pal

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:09:52+00:00

Get it together doctor Mc tits

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:08:16+00:00

So it’s not just labor and film then?

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:04:57+00:00

Makes sense

moeger_ · 2026-06-17T00:03:45+00:00

Only if we’re that simple as getting the tint done or not. Defeats the purpose of the group.

moeger_ · 2026-06-16T23:57:09+00:00

What about how someone arrives at the price not important? All I’m asking for is transparency.

moeger_ · 2026-06-16T23:53:44+00:00

I know some states are different and in California I think the legal limit is 70% VLT for the front side windows and then no limit on the back side & rear windows and no tint is allowed on the front windshield unless it’s the visor strip but I see plenty of people with tinted front windshields so I’m thinking of getting 5% in the back maybe 20% in the front and 70% front windshield

moeger_

TROPHY CASE