In article <4947DB2D.1030709@earthlink.net>,
John <jhy001@earthlink.net> wrote:

> I have a 2001 Honda Civic that I bought used. It
> is in reasonable condition. I am wondering whether
> to take it to a Honda dealer ($$$) to do scheduled
> maintenances, or if a good auto repair shop ($) can
> handle what it takes? i.e. are there things in
> the usual maintenance that only a dealer can
> or should do?
>
> Thanks!

If the work is done at a dealer, original Honda parts will be used. A
repair shop will use after-market parts which may-or-may-not be of equal
quality. In addition, the content of the repair may be different
between the dealer and the repair shop. An example is a timing belt
replacement. The dealer will replace the timing belt, water pump, cam
seals, etc. as part of the "timing belt replacement". The repair shop
may only replace the timing belt leaving all other components untouched.
You need to know what each business is providing. I have not been
pleased with the after-market parts used by repair shops on my 95 Accord.