03 Element - A/C Condenser Road Hazard Damage - Help

Discussion in 'Element' started by cstoddard, Apr 1, 2006.

  1. cstoddard

    cstoddard Guest

    Am researching Honda certified used cars. One of the inspection points says
    they check and inspect the A/C condenser for leaks and road hazard damage. I
    have found a 03 Element with almost 40K on it and the condenser is really
    dinged up all over with road hazard damage - dings bugs small pebbles in it
    etc.. Since this is a Certified vehicle should the condenser have been
    replaced as part of their certification process?

    Honda's web site for Certified vehicles says the Certification Inspection
    process includes mechanical and appearance inspection. Reconditioning
    process includes up-to-date scheduled maintenance services.

    In addition, dealer technicians recondition any component that does not meet
    our standards, or replace it with Genuine Honda parts. Item # 49 on
    inspection list says A/C condenser, corrosion, road hazard damage is
    checked.

    I know it has road damage as indicated by extensive denting. Should I
    request they replace condenser? I know if it gets hit in a weak point in the
    future they would claim road hazard damage and refuse to pay. How should I
    handle this? When I showed damage to service mgr he sd it was normal. Should
    I say - ya its normal for an 03 but since it's a certified unit being sold
    by your dealership it should be replaced as its part of the Certification
    Inspection and it was overlooked. Am I just being blown off? Any suggestion
    would be a help.
     
    cstoddard, Apr 1, 2006
    #1
  2. cstoddard

    Brian Smith Guest

    As you state that the inspection points say 'they check the A/C condensor',
    what is the problem? It doesn't state that it will be replaced, just that
    they inspect it.
    You definition of 'extensive' may be miles away from anyone else's
    definition of the word. Perhaps you should look at other vehicles until you
    find a suitable one for your needs and expectations.
     
    Brian Smith, Apr 1, 2006
    #2
  3. cstoddard

    duckbill Guest

    All of those dings and small pebbles in the condenser may be telling you
    something? Did the vehicle spend a lot of time on dirt roads etc. I
    would be cecking the rest of the vehicle very closely. If you're really
    sold on that vehicle, ask the dealer to give you a special (3 Yr) warranty
    on the condenser. No kidding, it's not that big of a deal. Good luck.
     
    duckbill, Apr 1, 2006
    #3


  4. --------------------------------

    That kind of damage is normal on most Hondas. When you buy it, go to
    hondasuv.com, or any other good Element web site and learn how to
    install mesh on the openings of the bumper / grille. It's one of the
    first modifications that Honda owners make if they know about the
    potential for very expensive damages.

    I've done it on my CR-V and it cost me about $10, but lots of time. It
    looks fantastic, and any CR-V that doesn't have it looks NAKED without
    it now. Here's an example of a real nice job on a newer CR-V that's been
    modified:

    http://www.hondasuv.com/stg/viewtopic.php?t=15151&

    'Curly'
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Apr 1, 2006
    #4
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