Ask an expert

I have found when purchasing a used import it is virtually impossible to easily get a servicing schedule.

When I bought a Honda Orthia the local Honda dealer offered a schedule after the first service but they were too expensive so I didn't bother.

I now have a Honda Stream and would like to know what servicing is required and when (apart from the obvious oil/filter change).

Do you have any ideas where I could get this info from ?

Ray

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

One of the historical facts about used imports is that generally they are not well serviced in their home country.

If the Honda has come out of Japan then the chances of the vehicle not being serviced as per the book are very high.

Even if you were able to obtain the service schedule there are no guarantees it has been adhered to correctly.

The best advice I can give is to find a trusted and reliable service provider if you haven't already got one.

Have the major service items checked out such as; cooling system, brake and transmission fluids, fuel filter (may be in the tank which means ignore it), spark plugs, air filter element, brake pads and cam belt if fitted. If the engine is an iVTEC then it may be running a timing chain.

Once all those items are checked and sorted, then the service schedule should follow along the same lines as a NZ new CRV or Civic of similar age in my opinion.

Your trusted service provider should take care of you as required.

I would also encourage you to insist on genuine Honda fluids in the transmission and cooling system.