Two days ago I went to the Honda dealer near my work to get a quick oil change and to get a quick inspection for my s2000. Unfortunately while the tech was inspecting the car he left the windshield wiper up and scratched my hood when he popped the hood. I have aftermarket hood dampers, so the hood pops up much higher than when stock, so he wasn't expecting it. The service manager immediately called me and told me there's a 3 inch scratch on my hood, but he would get it taken care of. He was unclear if he would get it touched up or reshot. Well at the end of the day I went to pick up my car and the body shop simply did a horrible job. I could see the patch where they put down the new patch of paint, no feathering at all. There was also overspray onto the windshield wiper molding, the windshield also was chipped, and worst of all they completely oversprayed onto the fender (a patch on the fender was rough). I had to rush home to meet my landlord, so I didn't have time to bitch the service manager out, so I told him I would come back the next day to talk to him about it. When I got into the car, my review mirror was on the floor! I was pissed... so I waited for them to put it back on while I was fuming. :waiting: I returned when they opened at 7 AM the next day and I was prepared to rip them a new one, but the service manager didn't argue with me at all. He told me that when I picked it up the previous day he literally got the car back minutes before I arrived, so he couldn't inspect the car to make sure they did a good job. So he documented all of my complaints and said he would get them to reshoot the hood and take care of it. I was still skeptical, but I gave him another chance. When I got it back that afternoon the car showed up a little late, but I didn't mind as long as it looked good, and I must say, they did a good job. I couldn't tell there was any damage, the overspray on the molding and fender were gone, they fixed the windshield wiper, and my rear view mirror was still on. I still haven't gotten a chance to inspect it in the sun, but I can't see any transition of paint while in my garage, and from what I can tell the color matches (white). Before I left I thanked him for taking care of this all, and he signed something to give me a free oil change. I haven't had much experience going to independent mechanics (other than my uncle), so I typically just go to the dealer. This brings me to my question. Should I go back to this dealer? I'm a pretty reasonable guy; I understand accidents happen. I was upset at first, but looking back now, I think the dealer handled things very well. What do you guys think? please try to filter out any bias against dealers, i know they can be evil, and I plan to also look around for a reliable independent mechanic so I can at least compare prices. (btw, I don't go to my uncle because he refuses to charge me, and I don't want him to waste his time on my car when he's got other business) Thanks for reading! --Roger
I would probably go back since they were up front with you right away and they didn't give you a major hassle about fixing it . I had a bad experiance with a dealer when i first bought my truck I had it maybe 6 months and had Aleak in A tire I took it in and they repaired it but they rouined my rim when they pulled the tire off then they said they didnt do it .It took 6 weeks of phone calls tofinally get them to fix it . needless to say I havn't been back.:sorry::bla2::thud:
That's horrible, customer service should never be like pulling teeth. :catfight: You shouldn't have to keep a detailed photo journal of your car before you take it in!
I would go back as the manager did call you about the damage, he did admit he hadn't had time to inspect the car and as far as you can tell, everything was looked after to your satisfaction.
Yes, I would definitely be going back to that dealer. The way I look at it is, the important part is not the problem itself. The important part is how that problem is dealt with. They were great with you. I don't know why you would go somewhere else.
you guys have a good point, things could have gone much worse. I was in a completely different state of might after I got the car back the first time, but since they fixed it, all should be well. What's ironic is that last year my celica also got damaged at this same auto mall but at the Toyota dealer. One of the employees backed a truck into my car! they fixed it and all was well.... but... maybe i just have bad luck. Thanks for the input everyone, I won't hesitate to give them my business.
This may not answer your question but why not change the oil yourself? That's what I do and I'm pretty sure I save some money in the process.
Actually I do usually change my oil, but everyone 4 oil changes I go to a mechanic, to make sure things aren't busted.
i would go back to that deealership since they took care of you ... most places would try to milk you for all they can
Sounds like the dealership did as much as they could to retain your business. I've heard much worse endings to similar stories to this. Some places won't even tell you about the damage and would deny anything if asked about it.
glad to hear that the dealership took care of you ... i currently work at a BMW dealership (technician) and i see accidents happen .. even with me .. most customers are really chill like you .. others flip out like everything is suppose to go PERFECT ALL THE TIME .. If the dealer took care of you I HIGHLY recommend you go back for service .. to show that you appreciate their work .. the service manager will be extremely happy that you returned too .. and since you met him in person im sure he will take care of you in the future
