New vehicle shoppers should be aware of the perks that come with buying a vehicle. Most people are familiar with powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties. Some also realize that roadside assistance is typically offered. What only a few manufacturers offer is limited maintenance for the first few years of ownership. Beginning in 2023, the Honda Service Pass rolls out, a maintenance plan for new models.
Honda Service Pass
The Honda Service Pass is a plan that covers certain factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The plan covers oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multipoint inspections during that time. The work is accomplished at participating Honda dealerships across the country.
“Honda Service Pass offers our customers greater peace of mind, while lowering the cost of owning our award-winning Honda vehicles,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant vice president, Honda national sales. “Honda dealers have always been the best place to service a Honda vehicle and now Honda Service Pass will further enhance the value of that experience for our customers.”
Maintenance Minder
Honda utilizes a vehicle’s “Maintenance Minder” to track repairs during the plan’s active period. Moreover, if a customer sells the vehicle while the Honda Service Pass is still active, the plan is fully transferable.
The new service plan builds on Honda’s extensive warranty coverage for new vehicles. All models are covered by a 3-Year/36,000-Mile Limited Warranty and a 5-Year/60,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Furthermore, a 24-hour Roadside Assistance emergency road service is available during the limited warranty period. These services incorporate jump-starting, flat tire assistance, lockout support, towing, and beyond. Limitations apply.
The Honda Product Line
Honda offers a variety of model choices across the vehicle spectrum. Its car models include the midsize Accord and the compact Civic. The Ridgeline pickup truck and the Odyssey minivan are two models of note. In the utility vehicle market, Honda offers the subcompact HR-V and compact CR-V. Two midsize models, the Passport (two rows), and Pilot (three rows) round out its standard product line.
Honda also sells the Insight and several other hybrid models. Beginning in 2024, the company will offer the Honda Prologue, its first full-electric vehicle.
Manufacturer Service Plans
The luxury brands typically offer service plans with some supplying limited coverage for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Those plans are an expected perk in that segment, therefore it is unusual when a mainstream brand offers one.
The Honda Service Pass compares favorably to the ToyotaCare plan that bundles maintenance and roadside assistance. The Toyota plan is good for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. As for roadside assistance, it is also good for two years, but with no mileage limit. The Toyota plan matches Honda’s plan but adds fluid inspection and top off.
GM, Jeep, and the Rest
GM’s four brands – Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac – offer complimentary maintenance on new vehicles within the first year of ownership. These plans include oil changes, oil filter, fluid inspections and top off, and tire rotation.
Under the Jeep Wave umbrella, Jeep owners will find maintenance coverage for the first 36 months of ownership. Unlike competing plans there are no mileage restrictions. The Jeep Wave program covers three annual oil changes in addition to tire rotations.
Other brands offering complimentary maintenance include Ram, Hyundai, Subaru, and Ford. Some plans, such as Subaru’s are regional. While others have restrictions and are not transferrable. Check with the respective manufacturer for current details.
Maintenance Care
The Honda Service Pass gives this automaker one more point of consideration for shoppers. It also encourages customers to complete the necessary maintenance, something routinely overlooked by a significant number of owners.
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