Our local dealer advised us to replace the CV boots on our 1990 Legend L (47k miles) because they are starting to deteriorate. They said it requires axle removal and will cost about $500. So far, we have already replaced the A/C compressor ($800 including some other components), the timing belt ($660 w/ water pump), the exhaust ($500) and recent maintenance ($450 - plugs, air filter, flush and fill, alignment, etc.). In the sales dept. they said the car is worth $3000 on a trade in. Are we getting hosed on these service charges - specifically the CV boots? Or, is the sales dept. trying to steal the car? Is it worth spending this kind of money on a 13 yr. old car? Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions.

 

$500 is way too much. When I had my first prelude (1990 Si) and took to a shop to have the axle replaced it was about $200. I had to get a new one for my new car too, but I did it myself and spent only $60 on a rebuilt axle.

 

You're always going to get "hosed" taking your car to a dealership for service. New axles should be about $150-200max, and it shouldn't take a competent shop more than an hour to swap both axles in. If you figure the average labor rate is about $70-75/hr, you're looking at roughly $220-275, if not less.