If you thought Acura releasing the specs of the new Integra would end the speculation and leaks surrounding its release, think again! This time, though, the leak seems to apply to all 2023 Acura vehicles. How does a handful free oil changes sound?
2023 Acura models might be coming with a two-year service plan for oil changes, tire rotations, and more.
Checking Oil Levels | Paul Aiken/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
According to Car Scoops, a leaked document shows that the Integra and all other 2023 Acura models will include a dealership maintenance plan in the purchase price. According to the leak, it states that the program is over the course of two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. During this period, owners of 2023 Acura vehicles will apparently receive oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections for free at Acura dealerships.
This sounds like a great deal for buyers. Especially when considering Acura already offers paid service plans like this for current vehicles. Assuming an oil change every 6,000 miles, this included service plan covers four oil changes. That might not seem like a lot, but dealership oil changes can be pretty expensive! Couple that with the cost a dealership would charge for a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The prices start adding up quickly!
However, it’s pretty well-known that most dealerships see the majority of their income from their service department. So, it’s safe to assume that not every Acura dealership will be in good spirits about this service plan. That’s not to say it isn’t beneficial to the Acura dealership network, though.
Acura wants its buyers to keep coming back to the dealership
2023 Acura Integras | Acura
Obviously, that isn’t an Acura-only mindset, either. Any automotive dealership is going to do what it can to keep customers returning for servicing and new cars. Customer service and smile aren’t always going to secure that. However, offering free services just might.
The leaked document states that one of the benefits of this program is that it “strengthens Acura owners’ relationship” to both dealerships and the brand overall. So, in essence, Acura is hedging bets that offering free service with the purchase of cars will keep owners returning to the dealership for servicing even after their free plan is up. Furthermore, it seems that their goal of strengthening an owner’s relationship with the brand implies they’re also hoping this will influence them to keep their eyes on the Acura marque when it comes time to purchase another vehicle. Of course, the opportunity to make up sales while vehicles are in for repair won’t hurt, either.
This certainly isn’t an Acura-original idea, either. Car Scoops reports that Hyundai, Toyota, and Subaru all offer complimentary maintenance plans with new vehicle purchases. Furthermore, free maintenance and service plans with the purchase of a vehicle have been a long-standing offering in the world of European cars like BMW and Mercedes.
Keep in mind that this is a leak
2023 Acura Integra Prototype rear 3/4 | Acura
As usual, it’s essential to take this data with a grain of salt. It is, after all, just a leak. Sometimes, no matter how convincing things look, they turn out to be fake. That being said, this seems like a rather niche thing to try to fool the internet with. Furthermore, many Acura leaks from this source turned out to be true. For example, the same source leaked the standard CVT transmission on the 2023 Integra.
Overall, the best suggestion is not to go planning an Acura purchase just because of this service plan just yet. However, if you’re already eying the new Integra or any other new Acura model, this might just turn out to be another reason to buy you can add to your list.
Keyword: 2023 Acura Integra Could Come With Two Years of Free Maintenance