Dealers Stealer tactics

Milano_Jon · 13th September 2007, 09:54

Hi

I need some tactical advice please!

I have a few problems with my civic that the dealer seems unable to get right. Usual things such as rattles, but also every time i take my car in, i feel they mistreat it.

For example, after the ipod fitting, i found scratches on the centre console and by the sat nav screen. Also, found a big blob of cleaning solution on the carpet last time. Any 1/8th of a tank of fuel for 5 miles road test!!!

There are other things too, most of which are warranty repairs that are not being done.

I've been back 6 times since purchase (2 months), with the same list!

What should i be saying to get this sorted? I've already had a chat with the dealer principal, who spoke to his team, but not really getting anywhere, and costing me fuel and sanity every time.

I dont want to become a problem customer, and keep my cool, but starting to get bloody annoyed.

andi22b · 13th September 2007, 11:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milano_Jon

What should i be saying to get this sorted? .....

'Goodbye' is probably best; then go to another dealer.
Hope you have one near enough to make this practical.

TTDegs · 13th September 2007, 11:29

vote with your feet - warranty work doesn't have to be done by the supplying dlr

Check out the Wiki to find another local recommended one

JoeyF · 13th September 2007, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by andi22b

'Goodbye' is probably best; then go to another dealer.
Hope you have one near enough to make this practical.

Ditto mate, get yourself away from them and find another dealer, make sure you tell them that they have lost any future business including servicing.

Brodick · 13th September 2007, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milano_Jon

Hi

I need some tactical advice please!

I have a few problems with my civic that the dealer seems unable to get right. Usual things such as rattles, but also every time i take my car in, i feel they mistreat it.

For example, after the ipod fitting, i found scratches on the centre console and by the sat nav screen. Also, found a big blob of cleaning solution on the carpet last time. Any 1/8th of a tank of fuel for 5 miles road test!!!

There are other things too, most of which are warranty repairs that are not being done.

I've been back 6 times since purchase (2 months), with the same list!

What should i be saying to get this sorted? I've already had a chat with the dealer principal, who spoke to his team, but not really getting anywhere, and costing me fuel and sanity every time.

I dont want to become a problem customer, and keep my cool, but starting to get bloody annoyed.

Either find out who the dealer principal is and e-mail him/her directly stating the problems and issues you are having and that you wish to get them sorted asap - otherwise you will go to another dealer !!!

if that doesn't work then switch dealers and make the new dealer fully aware of the reasons you are switching.

Greedy · 13th September 2007, 11:41

And follow it up with a letter expressing your concerns to Honda UK , copy to the dealer if you want the final twist

pcr · 13th September 2007, 12:07

It seems all too common for it to take numerous trips to the dealers to get a simple problem fixed, or even not fixed. I'm afraid that I have pretty much given up, prefering to sort it out myself whenever possible.

m4rky · 13th September 2007, 12:31

Honda have a dedicated customer service team which are generally very helpful. I agree you should vote with your feet but then let Honda UK know of your disatisfaction.

They can be contacted on 0845 200 8000 from
8am - 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am - 5pm on Saturday.

Or you can fill out a form on line at Honda UK Contact Form

Good luck

The Phantom · 13th September 2007, 12:38

In the good old days Honda were pretty strict on who they gave thier franchise to.

I know that my Honda garage are always trying to keep in with Honda by the way they follow up all sales and issue a questionairre to be sent direct to Honda UK on the purchase and servicing of a the vehicle.

Just a pity that Honda UK don't appear to be as considerate with the way they treat their customers directly.

Jack The Lad. · 13th September 2007, 14:45

I voted with my trotters as well and went to another dealership.
Sent a short note to the nasty and a copy of it to HUK.
HUK came back to me an all, with a little present.
Over the years I have found that Honda U.K. do respond and also kick ass when needed.

czechplastik · 13th September 2007, 18:16

Go to another dealer, explain the situation and see if they can help. There are some good ones out there who will happily do warranty work for you.

jayt43 · 13th September 2007, 18:32

For routine servicing, I actually hand them a written list of additional things to be looked at i.e. rattles, trim loose etc. As otherwise, dealerships do have a habit of just servicing the vehicle, but forgetting about the odds/sods that are most annoying you!

Before picking up the vehicle I'll then telephone them to ask what work they've carried out (which hopefully includes all the items from my list). That way, you're saved what could be a long trip to the dealers only to hear them say "Er, did we have to look at that too?"

It's usually better too if you take the vehicle to them as early in the day as possible. That way, if they call early afternoon to say its ready (when in fact they haven't looked into the additional work you want) then at least there's a chance to finish it that same day, or order parts for the next morning.

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayt43

For routine servicing, I actually hand them a written list of additional things to be looked at i.e. rattles, trim loose etc. As otherwise, dealerships do have a habit of just servicing the vehicle, but forgetting about the odds/sods that are most annoying you!

Before picking up the vehicle I'll then telephone them to ask what work they've carried out (which hopefully includes all the items from my list). That way, you're saved what could be a long trip to the dealers only to hear them say "Er, did we have to look at that too?"

It's usually better too if you take the vehicle to them as early in the day as possible. That way, if they call early afternoon to say its ready (when in fact they haven't looked into the additional work you want) then at least there's a chance to finish it that same day, or order parts for the next morning.

Some fine logic there, my friend

psykik · 15th September 2007, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayt43

For routine servicing, I actually hand them a written list of additional things to be looked at i.e. rattles, trim loose etc. As otherwise, dealerships do have a habit of just servicing the vehicle, but forgetting about the odds/sods that are most annoying you!

Before picking up the vehicle I'll then telephone them to ask what work they've carried out (which hopefully includes all the items from my list). That way, you're saved what could be a long trip to the dealers only to hear them say "Er, did we have to look at that too?"

It's usually better too if you take the vehicle to them as early in the day as possible. That way, if they call early afternoon to say its ready (when in fact they haven't looked into the additional work you want) then at least there's a chance to finish it that same day, or order parts for the next morning.

Jayte - this is excellent advice. I'll be using this myself. Thanks

bigal · 18th September 2007, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack The Lad.

I voted with my trotters as well and went to another dealership.
Sent a short note to the nasty and a copy of it to HUK.
HUK came back to me an all, with a little present.
Over the years I have found that Honda U.K. do respond and also kick ass when needed.

Jack do you have an email or address?

robbo51 · 18th September 2007, 18:49

Name and shame, then go to another dealer after first informing HCS

psykik · 19th September 2007, 01:59

ok i copied the check list for a new civic from the wiki ( thanks to Pottsy and all who contributed to it, its just awesome!) - about 18 points, and sent it to my dealer in advance of me picking up the car on saturday. I rang today and asked if my check list had been gone through as to me its a condition of sale (ive only paid the deposit, balance to pay), they were very eager to go through every point I raised.

Jayte your advice has been heeded with thanks.

From this point on this is how i will be with all my car dealers.

13th September 2007, 09:54	#1 (permalink)
Milano_Jon Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 17th July 2007 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 130 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Stealer tactics Hi I need some tactical advice please! I have a few problems with my civic that the dealer seems unable to get right. Usual things such as rattles, but also every time i take my car in, i feel they mistreat it. For example, after the ipod fitting, i found scratches on the centre console and by the sat nav screen. Also, found a big blob of cleaning solution on the carpet last time. Any 1/8th of a tank of fuel for 5 miles road test!!! There are other things too, most of which are warranty repairs that are not being done. I've been back 6 times since purchase (2 months), with the same list! What should i be saying to get this sorted? I've already had a chat with the dealer principal, who spoke to his team, but not really getting anywhere, and costing me fuel and sanity every time. I dont want to become a problem customer, and keep my cool, but starting to get bloody annoyed.

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The Phantom Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 18th March 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 245 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	In the good old days Honda were pretty strict on who they gave thier franchise to. I know that my Honda garage are always trying to keep in with Honda by the way they follow up all sales and issue a questionairre to be sent direct to Honda UK on the purchase and servicing of a the vehicle. Just a pity that Honda UK don't appear to be as considerate with the way they treat their customers directly.

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Jack The Lad. Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th August 2007 Location: ENGLAND Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 8 Thanked 23 Times in 23 Posts iTrader: (0)	I voted with my trotters as well and went to another dealership. Sent a short note to the nasty and a copy of it to HUK. HUK came back to me an all, with a little present. Over the years I have found that Honda U.K. do respond and also kick ass when needed.

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jayt43 Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 27th June 2006 Location: Budapest Posts: 552 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader: (0)	For routine servicing, I actually hand them a written list of additional things to be looked at i.e. rattles, trim loose etc. As otherwise, dealerships do have a habit of just servicing the vehicle, but forgetting about the odds/sods that are most annoying you! Before picking up the vehicle I'll then telephone them to ask what work they've carried out (which hopefully includes all the items from my list). That way, you're saved what could be a long trip to the dealers only to hear them say "Er, did we have to look at that too?" It's usually better too if you take the vehicle to them as early in the day as possible. That way, if they call early afternoon to say its ready (when in fact they haven't looked into the additional work you want) then at least there's a chance to finish it that same day, or order parts for the next morning.

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19th September 2007, 01:59	#17 (permalink)
psykik Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 28th April 2007 Posts: 475 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader: (0)	ok i copied the check list for a new civic from the wiki ( thanks to Pottsy and all who contributed to it, its just awesome!) - about 18 points, and sent it to my dealer in advance of me picking up the car on saturday. I rang today and asked if my check list had been gone through as to me its a condition of sale (ive only paid the deposit, balance to pay), they were very eager to go through every point I raised. Jayte your advice has been heeded with thanks. From this point on this is how i will be with all my car dealers.