Certified Honda's...Opinions wanted...Long

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by KL, Oct 22, 2009.

  1. KL

    KL Guest

    Greetings

    This isn't a buyer's remorse, because I really like driving this vehicle,
    better than my old Prelude.

    A couple years ago, we purchased a Certified 03 Element for the daughter.
    Was very pleased with what we purchased, and said our next vehicle probably
    would be a Certified Honda.

    Wife had a 98 Olds Intrigue, and was due for a newer vehicle, since the
    Olds was becoming a money pit.

    Bought a certified 07 Accord Sedan EX-L, a couple weeks ago, from a
    different dealer. The car was dusty when we checked it over, while signing
    the papers on it, they washed it. We seen a few spots on the hood, like
    tree sap. No big problem, I'll get it off with bug/tar remover, so I
    thought.

    I washed the thing last week, noticed they must've tried to buff out the
    hood too much. Can see gray beneath the black, and those spots I thought
    was sap, are actually clear coat chips. Hundreds of them. Also noticed at
    one time, someone must've run the wiper blades down to far, scratches in
    the glass. Noticed the car must've been in an unreported accident, since
    none had shown up on the CarFax. The one stone guard is pulled away from
    the front fender, but underneath by (rocker panel?) is scraped up. This
    couldn't be seen looking at the car, I actually just felt it while washing.
    Upon further inspection, while laying on the ground checking it out, the
    front bumper (fascia?) where it meets the front fender is cracked right on
    the seam. Didn't even really notice this, until drying it off. The area
    cracked is about 3" long.

    So, last week, the little wrench light came on. There was only 15% oil life
    left. She took it in today, had the oil changed, and they charged her for
    it. She came home and told me, needless to say I'm livid. Not only about
    the oil, but what I read on the Honda site, on how they're supposed to be
    Certified. The unreported/hidden damage could've have easily been observed
    on the rack, had they had it there to change the oil. You would think the
    service department would've checked the service record. If no record, they
    should have done it for nothing, since it was supposed to be Certified. She
    only had 700 miles on the car so far, and the majority is because she drove
    it out of state last week.

    Upon checking out the Honda site, I found the 150 point inspection check
    list. Including "Minimum replacement items" #4: Engine & oil & filter--with
    Genuine Honda filer. #17 Nearest scheduled maintenance must be performed
    if within 3 months or 2,500 miles of service interval, or if no record of
    service exists.

    Under "Exterior" section:
    #130 Front bumper---fascia, guards, finish
    #132 Hood--- emblems & finish
    #144 Windshield/glass--- cracks, chips, scratches, pitting.

    Since the car is in her name, she called the salesman today. He said he
    will look into it. I have my thoughts on that one, since he hasn't replied.

    Anyways, I believe the dealer sold this as a Certified to get the extra $$,
    without actually certifying per Honda's standards. Here's Honda's link.
    http://automobiles.honda.com/certified-used/standards-list.aspx

    What would you expect the dealer to take care of, if it were you?

    Thanks, and I'll follow up "if" & when we hear back from the dealer.
     
    KL, Oct 22, 2009
    #1
  2. KL

    Leftie Guest

    "Certified" used cars are a way to make more money for dealers.
    Even following the standards doesn't guarantee a great vehicle. It's
    better to buy from a dealer known to be good than to buy "certified"
    from an unknown or shady dealer, as you have learned. The designation
    isn't usually *worthless*, but it sure isn't all you need to look for.
     
    Leftie, Oct 23, 2009
    #2
  3. KL

    KL Guest

    Actually, I have an update.

    The dealer is taking care of every problem I pointed out. They're giving a
    courteous car to us until they get done resolving every issue.

    The GM even agreed the car must meet Honda's standards, otherwise it can't
    be sold as certified. He didn't get involved, until I told the used car
    manager, I just wanted to know where they stand, b/4 I contact Honda. Honda
    like most other manufacturers do not want to hear complaints. Dealers earn
    awards through the manufacturer, based on customer satisfaction. The least
    of my complaint, the oil change issue, is being resolved by giving us 6
    free oil changes.

    IMHO, my 2 experiences buying certified is well worth the extra $ spent.
     
    KL, Oct 25, 2009
    #3
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