I have a local Acura dealer, I went in under warranty a few times to have minor things fixed. One was a headlamp replacement. I specifically always talk to the service manager and tell him I don't want any mechanics test driving my car. He said OK. I tell the same thing to the service writer. He says "no problem". I ask for no car wash. I've just seen too many stories on prime including the latest valet incident. Obviously a headlamp replacement does not require a test drive. I pickup my car, there are 1-2 or so extra miles on there. 2 miles is a lot for pulling the car in and out of the bay. I think well.... perhaps I looked at the odometer wrong. Car goes in one more time, for a taillamp replacement. I walk by ten minutes later, there is a crowd of mechanics gathered around my car looking at the CTSC. When I pick it up, the service writer says "that thing must be really fast". I say yes and he says "yeah last time the mechanic took it for a spin after the headlamp replacement, he said it was the fastest NSX he had ever been in". I was pissed... but I didn't say anything and left. I wanted to maintain a decent relationship with this dealer, but now after the fact I am very upset. It's been 2 months and it still bothers me everytime I drive by. I am probably never going back to that dealer. Would you complain at this point to Acura? I don't have much actual evidence. Will that complaint even go anywhere? Would you talk to the manager first and ask him what the deal was? how come no one listened to you? It may have only been a mile or two but WTF... how clear did I need to be?
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"test drove" my car after headlamp replacement
- Thread starter TURBO2GO
- Start date
I'd be really pissed off too and certainly never go back. It seems pointless to just let it go since they'll have no idea why you stopped going there. It might be worth telling them why you'll never trust them with your car again.
At least it was only a couple miles and they didn't drive it into a guard rail.
At least it was only a couple miles and they didn't drive it into a guard rail.
I'd be really pissed off too and certainly never go back. It seems pointless to just let it go since they'll have no idea why you stopped going there. It might be worth telling them why you'll never trust them with your car again.
At least it was only a couple miles and they didn't drive it into a guard rail.
They will probably just deny it if I bring it up. Then its my word against theirs. I am not sure what good will come out of this. Unless calling Acura gives them a black mark. The thing is that this same dealership replaced my taillamps for me even though I was 2 weeks past my warranty. So they did me a favor. I don't know... I am torn... angry and torn... reading that valet thread just made me more upset.
I would have said something as soon as I became aware that there was unauthorized mileage on the odometer. Since I have a '91 I don't use Acura dealers. I always take mine to the local NSX tech that everyone uses here in San Diego. I trust him and if he wants to take my car for a spin then thats fine. There are alot quicker cars out there than mine though.
At this point it seems as though if you complain it will be water under the bridge. Unless you plan on bringing it back, its probably a waste of your time...unless you think you will get some satisfaction from complaining to the manager. I would guess they would offer a free oil change. But then that tech can take another joy ride. :frown:
I say move on...
At this point it seems as though if you complain it will be water under the bridge. Unless you plan on bringing it back, its probably a waste of your time...unless you think you will get some satisfaction from complaining to the manager. I would guess they would offer a free oil change. But then that tech can take another joy ride. :frown:
I say move on...
Dave I would call the dealer and speak to the General Manager. Be upfront that you're not looking for anything but you wanted to provide some feedbdack on a bad experience you had at his/her dealer. If the mechanic had damaged your car the dealer would have been "on the hook" and I highly doubt they want to foot the bill on a NSX repair because one of their immature mechanics made a stupid move. Since you aren't looking for anything from him/her I would think they are going to want to address it with that mechanic to make sure he doesn't pull that crap with anyone else's car. You never know, they may throw you a bone just to make you happy.
I'd be pissed too.
I'd be pissed too.
You want to maintain a decent relationship with the dealership. Thats gonna have to work both ways then. They need to respect you wishes. If it's wrecked, then what?
Good Luck with the dealer. I've had them damage my car and deny the damage and then have emloyees say that it was already damaged when they got it (twice - at 2 different dealers). If you're looking for honesty - stay away from dealers . I wonder if your engine was still cold when they hit VTEC - under 2 miles - probably was. I just can't stand this kinda crap! Dealers SUCK! Happy Motoring !
. I wonder if your engine was still cold when they hit VTEC - under 2 miles - probably was. I just can't stand this kinda crap! Dealers SUCK! Happy Motoring !
I would call Acura and file a complaint, because they do look into things like that.
I would also go talk to the General Manager of the dealership, because he or she is the head honcho of the dealership. Talking to the Service Manager won't get you anywhere because they will be covering their own butt...but the GM can definitely tear the Service Manager a new one.
You will probably also get a call from the dealership on rating your service experience and possibly from Acura like I do when my car comes back from service. They seem to call me all the time.....
Sorry to hear about this Dave....they can justify the test drive to make sure the headlamp wasn't flapping around, but they shouldn't be driving your car all fast. If anything they should have just went around the block going speed limit or under to see if there was any issues or have you go drive around and see if there was any flapping.
By the way I can say not all dealers are bad....I am glad we have JM at Cerritos.
I would also go talk to the General Manager of the dealership, because he or she is the head honcho of the dealership. Talking to the Service Manager won't get you anywhere because they will be covering their own butt...but the GM can definitely tear the Service Manager a new one.
You will probably also get a call from the dealership on rating your service experience and possibly from Acura like I do when my car comes back from service. They seem to call me all the time.....
Sorry to hear about this Dave....they can justify the test drive to make sure the headlamp wasn't flapping around, but they shouldn't be driving your car all fast. If anything they should have just went around the block going speed limit or under to see if there was any issues or have you go drive around and see if there was any flapping.
By the way I can say not all dealers are bad....I am glad we have JM at Cerritos.
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You've posted before about shaking headlamps and mention that one was replaced this trip. Perhaps he drove the car to see the shaking problem was resolved by the replacement or that the new one shook as well. That would take 1-2 miles round trip.
If this is not the case I would request sit down with the GM and this mechanic. Ask why he drove the car.
Calling Acura won't do zip.
If he doesn't have a good answer he needs to be told to his face, with his boss present how you feel. I don't think threats are in order and don't think you would do that anyway, but he does need to understand how you feel every time you drive by since then. He needs to understand that this was a breach of trust that you did not expect from a professional adult and a abuse of the access he has to that dealership's customer's cars.
He was entrusted and acted like a kid with his daddy's keys.
I remember meeting you and I think you can convey this to him and make him feel ashamed as he should.
On the other hand, he may have a good reason for the VERY short test drive.
FYI
Just because the mechanic said it was the fastest NSX he had ever driven does not mean he broke any speed limits or even drove it fast at all. The fastest NSX I ever drove I didn't drive fast. Didn't have to.:wink:
If this is not the case I would request sit down with the GM and this mechanic. Ask why he drove the car.
Calling Acura won't do zip.
If he doesn't have a good answer he needs to be told to his face, with his boss present how you feel. I don't think threats are in order and don't think you would do that anyway, but he does need to understand how you feel every time you drive by since then. He needs to understand that this was a breach of trust that you did not expect from a professional adult and a abuse of the access he has to that dealership's customer's cars.
He was entrusted and acted like a kid with his daddy's keys.
I remember meeting you and I think you can convey this to him and make him feel ashamed as he should.
On the other hand, he may have a good reason for the VERY short test drive.
FYI
Just because the mechanic said it was the fastest NSX he had ever driven does not mean he broke any speed limits or even drove it fast at all. The fastest NSX I ever drove I didn't drive fast. Didn't have to.:wink:
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I told them that the best way to check the bounce is to tap your fist on the housing. I showed them this. It is IMPOSSIBLE to see this during the day on a test drive, and I picked up my car at 2pm. The test drive had NOTHING to do with the actual issue. I don't go to the dealer for service, I take it to a trusted NSX specialist here. I have to go to the dealer for warranty issues. Now that is over too so I will most likely never be back there. Is it still worth a complaint? I sold 4 cars for that dealership by taking my friends there.
These stories piss me off. That's why when I get my car back I'm going to put a rev limiter on it when I drop it off at mechanics or anyone else I don't want to beat on my car.
Stephen
Stephen
You've posted before about shaking headlamps and mention that one was replaced this trip. Perhaps he drove the car to see the shaking problem was resolved by the replacement or that the new one shook as well. That would take 1-2 miles round trip.
If this is not the case I would request sit down with the GM and this mechanic. Ask why he drove the car.
Calling Acura won't do zip.
HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH YOU THERE...I USE TO WORK AT ACURA CORPORATE IN TORRANCE AS A CSR AND THEY DO DOCUMENT THESE THINGS DOWN....I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT AFFECTS A DEALERSHIP WHEN THEY HAVE A LOT OF COMPLAI
If this is not the case I would request sit down with the GM and this mechanic. Ask why he drove the car.
Calling Acura won't do zip.
HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH YOU THERE...I USE TO WORK AT ACURA CORPORATE IN TORRANCE AS A CSR AND THEY DO DOCUMENT THESE THINGS DOWN....I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT AFFECTS A DEALERSHIP WHEN THEY HAVE A LOT OF COMPLAI
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I would call Acura and file a complaint, because they do look into things like that.
I would also go talk to the General Manager of the dealership, because he or she is the head honcho of the dealership. Talking to the Service Manager won't get you anywhere because they will be covering their own butt...but the GM can definitely tear the Service Manager a new one.
You will probably also get a call from the dealership on rating your service experience and possibly from Acura like I do when my car comes back from service. They seem to call me all the time.....
Sorry to hear about this Dave....they can justify the test drive to make sure the headlamp wasn't flapping around, but they shouldn't be driving your car all fast. If anything they should have just went around the block going speed limit or under to see if there was any issues or have you go drive around and see if there was any flapping.
By the way I can say not all dealers are bad....I am glad we have JM at Cerritos.
I use J.M too Ed, but I'm still convinced that in 2006 when J.M. transferred to Cerritos, someone there took my car out for a joyride during a routine oil change. I didn't look at the mileage when i dropped it off, but i had to wait a long ass time, and when I got my car back the seating position was changed, the air conditioner was blasting, and the radio station was changed. BTW, J.M was gone that day...plus, at that time, I'm sure that NSX service was a realitively rare thing at that dealership......hence, my car was "special".
shawn110975
Suspended
Ok guys,, where would i look for an NSX specialist? I mean me with the Valet guy, and now these stories,, I dont like the fact that while Im not there who knows whats going on with my car,, or what street its on now! was thinking of putting my car on those wheely things the repo guys use after I drop it off, and take the front tire with me,, so they can still wheely it where ever they need!! Im pissed now
Mike,
I know how you feel.....you should have brought it up to Jon. Jon will deal with his guys....and sometimes theres a bonehead or two that will get hired. Jon will regulate for sure...but theres always cracks in every system....
But if I were to take my car to any dealership it will be where hes at.....
By the way I have another item for your car if you want it....just give me a call.
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There actually is an easy, albeit stupid solution. Buy a set of rims and tires that has mismatched tire sizes between front and back. This incorrect tire size difference will make the TCS control go apesh*t during normal acceleration. Joyriders will have a boring ride unless they turn off the TCS control. Don't ask me how I know this
There actually is an easy, albeit stupid solution. Buy a set of rims and tires that has mismatched tire sizes between front and back. This incorrect tire size difference will make the TCS control go apesh*t during normal acceleration. Joyriders will have a boring ride unless they turn off the TCS control. Don't ask me how I know this
hahahaha :biggrin: turn the tcs off mike....:tongue:
I understand your frustrations. No one is professional anymore. I like how they go, yea, there's another guy with an NSX that I worked on and blah blah, it was black and this and that. Yea, why is it that you feel it is needed to test drive my car after that one then... Jackasses, you work on cars, you are not a driver.
I actually want my mechanic to take my nsx for a short test drive. Then again.. I don't just let anybody work on my vehicles :wink:
Good Luck with the dealer. I've had them damage my car and deny the damage and then have emloyees say that it was already damaged when they got it (twice - at 2 different dealers). If you're looking for honesty - stay away from dealers
Wow. I am glad I have not had problems with my dealer. I have been using Burrard Acura in Vancouver for 8 years now and I am very happy. They definitely take working on my car seriously and would not abuse my trust.
I'm sure they do document. Big whoop. If it is not a corporate owned store there isn't much they can or will do except document.
Osiris_x11
Gold Member, Moderator: Marketplace
patience, big-picture, vent, move-on...
I've had a few issues w/ my local Acura dealer, most involving trust (lying to me), fleecing (price-gouging/invoice-padding), deceit (up-selling maint'/service or repair/replacement whereas they had already done the work in the not-too-distant past). I always kept calm, composed, and collected. Then, I stated to the service manager what was on my mind, and I got a free oil-change voucher to use in the future.
Yes, after gathering my thoughts at home later in the evenings/nights, I'd contemplate making a folder w/ invoices & a stern, yet concise letter addressed the dealership G.M. along w/ my lawyer's contact details or letterhead. In the end, it wouldn't do much. I came to learn the dealership has amongst the worst customer-satisfaction ratings around, based on post-visit phone surveys.
Alas, I leave it for them to p!ss me off another time to make me actually follow through on it. Though, very unlikely to happen since I have found other local/regional shops & individuals to service/maintain/repair my NSX.
Speaking of which, anyone want a few free oil-change vouchers from David McDavid Acura of Austin?
I've had a few issues w/ my local Acura dealer, most involving trust (lying to me), fleecing (price-gouging/invoice-padding), deceit (up-selling maint'/service or repair/replacement whereas they had already done the work in the not-too-distant past). I always kept calm, composed, and collected. Then, I stated to the service manager what was on my mind, and I got a free oil-change voucher to use in the future.
Yes, after gathering my thoughts at home later in the evenings/nights, I'd contemplate making a folder w/ invoices & a stern, yet concise letter addressed the dealership G.M. along w/ my lawyer's contact details or letterhead. In the end, it wouldn't do much. I came to learn the dealership has amongst the worst customer-satisfaction ratings around, based on post-visit phone surveys.
Alas, I leave it for them to p!ss me off another time to make me actually follow through on it. Though, very unlikely to happen since I have found other local/regional shops & individuals to service/maintain/repair my NSX.
Speaking of which, anyone want a few free oil-change vouchers from David McDavid Acura of Austin?
You're not too far from one of the best NSX specialists in the regional area, Nabil, owner of First Class Automotive in Orlando. Check the posts/threads of FLA NSX FIXER (Oster) former tech' there!
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I agree with Joe. If I was the dealer, I would do the same especially if this was under warranty to make sure that it was fixed. Unfortunately, just because you say you don't want any one to drive your car that doesn't exempt them from any liability should your headlamp fall off or cause you to drive unsafely for whatever reason. Lawyers will always find an issue of negligence in such a scenario. Unless of course you are willing to sign a total liability release form and I am sure no one in his right mind would do so. Just my $0.02.
I think a good way to stop some of the joy riding is to get a sticky note and write the mileage on it. Put the date and tiime on it also. Stick it to the intrument cluster or put it in the inside of the driver side windshield. The person driving your car will know that you are keeping track of the mileage. It will not stop it, but it can discourage them.
Remember to write this down for yourself also.
Remember to write this down for yourself also.
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