My car has almost 60k and the maintenance req button came on..
I just got the car and I don't know where to go for regular maintenance.
dealer? locar auto shop?
what do they check/change?
how much does it usually cost??
btw I live in north jersey..

 

I go to my dealer, but I bring my own fluids. I'd advise you do the same. Why? Because the chances of them putting in the wrong stuff is pretty high. They tend to think that the S2000 can use the same differential fluid as the Pilot.

Then, when your diff is grinding after 100 miles, you have to try to convince them to buy you a new diff.

 

DIY, because no one will do a better job on taking caring your car than youself.

trust me, finding a good trustworthy shop is very hard, some of my ASE classmates are just straight bastards when working on someone's car.

 

super JDM high-end performance shop... Joey (ItS2Krazy) FTW!

 

but i live across the U.S. so that wouldnt work to well.

 

I do my own maintenance because I'm broke.

As for what to do/check, your manual lists almost everything. If the differential, brake, transmission fluid haven't been changed yet, add those to the list. Also check your cabin filter.

Try posting in your local forum for a trusted mechanic.

 

I do my own maintence because I don't trust the dealer. Too many stories of joyrides gone wrong to think there aren't a TON of joyrides-not-gone-wrong and the owner never the wiser.

The regular maintence items, like oil change, diff fluid change and transmission fluid change are EASY, check out the Under the Hood forum for detailed instructions on how to do the work yourself.

 

Be cautious about these quick lube places as well. Maybe you've seen this post:
EZ LUBE in Cali busted
This is in the West Coast, but you never know. If you don't want to do it yourself, ask around (family members, friends) if anyone knows a good mechanic shop. Figure out exactly what the 60K service needs so they don't BS you around. Sometimes there are certain shops that specialize in Honda/Acuras that are not necessarily shady.

Also ask on your regional S2ki.com forum. I know here in So. Cal. there are a couple members who work at Honda or Acura dealerships but also do work on the side. I would trust them more since they're enthusiasts.

 

One of the most respected S2000 mechanics lives near you. Billman250 in Long Island.

 

do mine myself now...
gave the dealer two chances and they struck out!!

asked them not to wash the car-
they did... and they totally swirled it up, and added in some water spots too.

they also spilled oil on the engine- did a half assed job of cleaning it up.

i decided not to pay someone to swirl up my car and spill oil on the engine anymore, so i now just do it myself.
installed a fumoto valve and the oil change is a snap!!
(hardest part is changing the filter- but thats really not hard either)