Servicing a Honda at a Honda Dealership

[Alpine]

Lately...this has increasingly been a ripoff.

I have two Hondas in my garage - a 2001 CR-V and a 1999 Civic Coupe - both were recently due for its 60,000k and 80,000k service respectively. So I rang my local Honda dealership to get a price for a service on the two cars with the intention of booking it in as well.

I got my quotes and for some reason decided to try ringing other Honda dealers around the area to get their quote for the same service, assuming it would be exactly the same price for the same service, since it was all part of the Honda network. Alas...nothing could be farther from the truth. Prices for the exact same service varied substantially among Honda dealers! Why would this be?? You'd think that pricing would be standardised among Honda dealerships for logbook servicing?? I certainly wouldn't want to think that all Honda owners are required to ring around all their dealerships everytime their products are due for service just to get the cheapest price?? Where is the standardisation?

Anyway, both cars were eventually booked at the cheapest dealer and the work performed. This is when shock number 2 reared its ugly head. The CR-V cost a total of $750 and the Civic cost a total of $1200. Holy god....... OK, both cars needed some extra work done such as front brake pads (which I knew was coming), and the Civic needed a wheel alignment, and the CR-V required a transmission flush. That was all. The CR-V's 60k service isn't a large one, however the Civic's 80k is (they change all fluids and filters and everything). Now I have a huge dent on my credit card.

Then I got talking to a relative who has two Hondas as well (a Euro and a HR-V). She said she used to take it to the same place I did for servicing but once the warranty ran out on both cars, she now takes both vehicles to Ultratune. She swears by them and says that their fees are half the cost of Honda dealers for the same log book service. Now I've heard many horror stories about Ultratune but she says she has never had a problem with them and her Hondas are running beautifully, and the savings she is making by going to Ultratune just makes Honda dealerships seem like a ripoff as the bulk of the charge is in the LABOUR. Hmm.......

Then another bloke with a Toyota Camry said he used to take his Camry to Toyota themselves and ran into the same ridiculous high servicing costs. He now takes his Camry to K-Mart Auto every time and saves a fortune, also never had an issue with them.

Now I am beginning to question taking our cars to the dealership for servicing...we've always been led to believe they look after the car best but the costs are becoming increasingly and ridiculously high, especially when compared to other places like Ultratune and even K-Mart (heaven forbid).

Not sure what to do now for future servicing... :(

[VTECACCORD]

do the servicing yourself.

If you spent one day you could have done it all yourself following tutorials, the only challenge you would have had is the wheel alignment and brake pads.

Would have saved urself a lot of money too.

I don't trust any mechanics, they all seem to do shit jobs, and its hard to tell becuase half the time u don't see what they have done.

[Zilli]

i'm of the principlee, pay a little more and know the jobs done right

having said that i DONT take it to Honda

i'd rather a long time friend cane my car rather than some pimple faced 19yo. At least i know they wont be completely stupid with it

[aaronng]

The cheapest dealer usually tries to bump up profit by adding extra costs. In this respect, the "middle price" dealer is usually the cheapest in the end.

And they should have called you to confirm the extra work.

[destrukshn]

if they go ahead and change something, that you had to consent them to, you don't have to pay for it.

[EuroDude]

The reason Ultratune is cheaper is beacuse they use non-genuine parts (such as Repco equivelents) and fluids. But yeah Honda dealers still blow up the price on top of the extra cost of Honda parts. I got charged close to $50 for Oil, when FEO is like ~$30, plus I got a sus $22 surcharge fee or something... dodgy.

I'm doing the servicing myself when the warranty expires... ive already saved myself something like $5000 servicing my Civic myself.

[destrukshn]

The reason Ultratune is cheaper is beacuse they use non-genuine parts (such as Repco equivelents) and fluids. But yeah Honda dealers still blow up the price on top of the extra cost of Honda parts. I got charged close to $50 for Oil, when FEO is like ~$30, plus I got a sus $22 surcharge fee or something... dodgy.

I'm doing the servicing myself when the warranty expires... ive already saved myself something like $5000 servicing my Civic myself.
wrong not all ultratune shops use aftermarket parts.
3 ultratune shops always call us for genuine parts, yes even oil filters and sump plug washers.
it's the labour, that's expensive

[xenfacta]

while mines under warranty it will go to the dealer. i dont want them saying that something screwed up coz of a non genuine part or screwed job somewhere else. they can only blame themselves then

[Vinnie]

if you go to a dealer you will get rediculously overcharged. ive seen/heard it again and again. unless you absolutely have to, avoid them. the trick is to find a reputable private mechanic who knows ur car/s but so far i havent had any luck... :(

[EG5[KRT]]

personally i service my own cars and a few other peoples car...

they come to me for the general service items which i charge them mates rates...

but if i had a brand new honda id take it to honda for major services but minor oil changes id do myself save myself the money.. and any warranty issues id def take it bak to honda for the diagnosis and computer stuff...

coz with the major services you would at least have a record of going to honda at least once a year making your warranty still valid.. and when u change the oil yourself you use genuine stuff so that they woudlnt know if you did it yourself or not :D

[panda[cRx]]

lmfao don't go to ultratune or other el cheapo workshops.

we get a fair few customers that go to them for a service or 2 then come back running to us (i work at a dealer)

half of the 'cheaper' workshops end up charging just as much for some services anyway and you are gettign a second rate job. do you really think that an ultratune will know your car as well as a honda dealer?

the reason for the price variances between dealers is they all do things outside of whats listen in the service manual. things like transmission services, engine additives and miscellaneous other goodies.

if you just want whats listen in the service book TELL THEM THAT. ask for a straight BOOK SERVICE with BOOK TIMES if you are more concerned with money than your car. just remember what is listed in the book is the BARE MINIMUM or what is recommended to keep the car performing at it's optimal level.

[4thGenExi]

I take mine to Southside Honda in Brisbane and have nothing but praise for their level of service. They tell you straight up exactly what they are going to do in the service and how much it will be. It's never a cent more. If something comes along they didnt know about, they will always call you for verbal consent to go ahead.

Yeah it can hurt sometimes maintaining it but its the reason my cars done nearly 300,000km with perfect bodywork and mechanicals.

[nugget666]

nothing wrong with ultratune i get genuine parts from there and get a good deal too. considering i do most of it myself there then my dad does the rest :P it helps when he works there.:)


but thats one expsensive service i would ask a few of your friends who know a bit about cars to help you on your next service will put a huige dent in what you have jsut payed.

[chicken8]

Hanny's is the only place i take my honda to

[.::F[L]Y::.]

Hanny's is the only place i take my honda to

amen to that!

Honda dealers are shithouse, why would you wanna take your honda there? usually your car is worked on by apprentices.

[panda[cRx]]

nothing wrong with ultratune i get genuine parts from there and get a good deal too. considering i do most of it myself there then my dad does the rest :P it helps when he works there.:)


i know both dealers and the 'cheaper' generic places have their good and bad workshops but we've been shown invoices and they've had stuff like "inspected tailshaft"... ok now that's nothing abnormal if we are talking an s2000 but it was a civic!! (for the slow people the civic doesnt have a tailshaft of it's fwd)

we've had other peoples bringing their cars back to us because they run like shit. then we look at the car and it's quite obvious the rocker cover hasn't even been off to do valve clearances at major services.

i've also never heard of a generic workshop changing dps fluid on a crv/hrv... then the owner comes back to us when their difff starts groaning. (some workshop told OH member 'yourfather' that his mums hrv needed a new dif that would cost $3k, when all it needed was a change of fluid costing all of about $39)

also had a workshop call "how often do you change the cambelt on the accord euro?"
"errr.....dude there IS NO CAMBELT on the euro, have you even had a look at the car? :confused:"

we also get these same workshops calling us and ask how to change cambelts, they also sublet all the stuff that is too hard for them to us:wave:

yeah dealers are a lil more expensive than a generic dealer but you are paying for genuine honda parts, specialist knowledge, tools and diagnostic equipment

so to sum it up i think u may get a cheaper service elsewhere but you wont get a better one. (however over the years i've heard lots of love for hannys but i cant speak for them coz i'm in melbourne)

[ek4-guy]

Ive always taken my car to Honda for servicing but after the last time never again will i take it to honda dealers.

My civic hadnt been driven for around 4 weeks so i took it to Bayside for a service. After that i drove it straight home where it sat for another week before i fitted new headers an exhaust, during this process the radiator hose was removed so before driving i cheaked and topped up the fluids.

When i opened the radiator cap i found nothing left on the underside of it but a small ring of rubber. I couldnt find any pieces of the cap inside my radiator so i rang them and asked did they inspect my cooling system. They said yes they did but if i have a problem bring it back and they will reinspect it.

lol needless to say they will never touch my car again

[NightKids]

What place do you recommend then from Melb Panda? And do you service cars yourself?

[Chuckz]

the service advisors (they're not even mechanics) at honda artarmon told me that the dc2r doesnt have timing belt....what can i say....

[schew]

Does anybody have any comments (good or bad) regarding Honda dealerships in Sydney? Any particular dealerships that are highly recommended or should be avoided?

[yfin]

decided to try ringing other Honda dealers around the area to get their quote for the same service, assuming it would be exactly the same price for the same service, since it was all part of the Honda network. Alas...nothing could be farther from the truth. Prices for the exact same service varied substantially among Honda dealers! Why would this be??

Yeah it is a fair assumption to assume the service is the same at all dealers - but like Panda said, some dealers do 'extras' which are not part of the log book service but generally cost a little more. If I remember correctly, for example, log book in the Euro does not require oil filter change at 10,000kms (despite change of oil).

When I was doing the ring around - a couple of dealers said they disagree with the book and do the oil filter change anyway (a good thing that they are thinking). So if you only want exactly what is written in the book - ask them to quote on that.

$1200 for the Civic @80k does sounds like a lot. What proportion of that was labour and what was parts?

[Alpine]

Labor was just over a third of that cost.

[yfin]

Labor was just over a third of that cost.

So $800 was parts? If you post up what was done someone here who works in Honda service will tell you whether it was a fair price for a 80k service. I would be shocked too if that was my car @ 80k.

[panda[cRx]]

for 1200 bux he'd have to have had a cambelt and/or brake pads and other extras.

scan ya invoice and post it up y0

i'm curious :p

[martizzle]

so what would a honda dealer do to a euro on the 120k service?

[destrukshn]

honda service departments aren't that bad, most of the service advisors i know are ex mechanics.
to me they're quite good, i'd just don't wanna pay that premium price.
lol.

[aaronng]

so what would a honda dealer do to a euro on the 120k service?
Same as the 40k service. Valve clearance check, air filter replacement and fluid replacement if required.

[TECBOY]

dealerships are a ripppppppp. for the price u pay u can still get ur car serviced by mechanics and with better fluids.

[kraiye]

i never take take my car to dealers for service. u can get the same service elsewhere. the only trouble is having to try out different places till u find somewhere good.
by going to dealers for log book services u may be able to sell your car for a little extra but the $ you'd save in long run by getting it serviced elsewhere far outweighs the little extra on reselling.

i do most service myself -seriously fluid changes, brake pads and other basics etc are not hard. every once in a while i get it done professioanlly to find out if there's things i've missed, then go fix em if i can or just get them to do it if i cant (providing i'm confident in their ability with a honda).

imo, the money u save from doing things yourself or getting someone other than a dealer to do minor things can then be used to get dealers to fix big problems down the track if needs be -or to go buy ur Mrs sum nice lingerie :thumbsup:

[Alpine]

']for 1200 bux he'd have to have had a cambelt and/or brake pads and other extras.

scan ya invoice and post it up y0

i'm curious :p

No, cam belt wasn't done. But brake pads were. Here's part of the scanned report also showing the total ($1091.94+$109.19 GST = $1201.15)

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1665/civicservicemediumtt7.jpg

[bigjo5]

honda dealership = ripp offs...

[panda[cRx]]

jt what are those 2 'piston assy'?
i don't think i've ever seen that on an invoice unless our parts dept label it something else ?

and alpine did they replace your rhs driveshaft boot man?
it's hard to tell from the pic u posted
pads and disc machine etc too huh..... by the looks of it you did have a fair bit of 'extras' done so you can't really say the 'service' was ridiculously expensive

[Alpine]

I have no idea what those 2 piston assemblies are, sorry.

Also not sure where the RHS driveshaft boot is. Is that the CV boot? If so, it doesn't look like a new one at all (all dirty). The first page of the report says "RH RACK BOOT AIR TUBE BROKEN OFF"...whatever that is.

[panda[cRx]]

^yeah i was refering to CV the cv boot

[Alpine]

So any ideas what "RH RACK BOOT AIR TUBE BROKEN OFF" means and what part on the invoice would have fixed it?

[yfin]

What is the hourly rate on labour these days Panda? Seems pretty high for the amount of work done. I also hate places that put "misc" and then a fee (in this case $15).

[destrukshn]

']jt what are those 2 'piston assy'?
i don't think i've ever seen that on an invoice unless our parts dept label it something else ?

and alpine did they replace your rhs driveshaft boot man?
it's hard to tell from the pic u posted
pads and disc machine etc too huh..... by the looks of it you did have a fair bit of 'extras' done so you can't really say the 'service' was ridiculously expensive
looks like they were overhauling the brake master cylinder

[FIT]

wow $543 for labour!

[destrukshn]

probably 100per hour or so.

[yfin]

looks like they were overhauling the brake master cylinder
Is that something you guys tell the customer when it is discovered? Personally, I would want to know before something that might add $100+ to the bill is going to be done. Misc work is ok - but anything outside that I want a phone call. Maybe wishful thinking.

Anyway, in this case it doesn't look like they clearly explained to Alpine what was done even when he picked up the car.

[destrukshn]

put in part of the 100k, 5year service.
that invoice was for a EK civic correct? for a 5year/100k service?

[yfin]

put in part of the 100k, 5year service.
that invoice was for a EK civic correct? for a 5year/100k service?
In first post he said 99 Civic Coupe and 80k service. So they treated it as a 5 year-100k perhaps?

[destrukshn]

maybe it was up for the 5 years? get what i mean?

[yfin]

maybe it was up for the 5 years? get what i mean?

Yep..

[destrukshn]

we have to wait for the owners reply
lol

[Alpine]

Before I booked in for service, I asked this mob over the phone if they overhauled the brake master cylinder, they specifically told me "no", they do not overhaul the brake master cylinder.

The work was not explained to me because I had went to collect the car quite late in the day and the service dept was closed. I had to collect the keys and pay for the service in the sales dept (which was still open), and those clowns in sales had no idea about this sort of stuff.

I just can't help but feel I got ripped big time.

[destrukshn]

but you do know you don't have to pay for it, if they didn't give them verbal consent?

[yfin]

Before I booked in for service, I asked this mob over the phone if they overhauled the brake master cylinder, they specifically told me "no", they do not overhaul the brake master cylinder.

The work was not explained to me because I had went to collect the car quite late in the day and the service dept was closed. I had to collect the keys and pay for the service in the sales dept (which was still open), and those clowns in sales had no idea about this sort of stuff.

I just can't help but feel I got ripped big time.

Get on the phone to them Alpine as it is always important to know what work has been done on your car.

That invoice leaves a lot to be desired in terms of explanation. Both Panda and destrukshn work in Honda dealerships and as you have seen - they can't be sure what was done on the car from the invoice.

[destrukshn]

alpine, what is your car?

[Alpine]

Why would they need to simply go and overhaul the brake cylinder if it does not even state this as work required on the service manual?? It only states "Inspect" if I remember correctly...not overhaul the whole thing! Besides, even if it did require overhauling as a result of inspecting...I certainly was never told about it during the day.

[Alpine]

alpine, what is your car?

1999 Civic Coupe

[destrukshn]

from the invoices i see that they have done
*brake master cylinder overhaul
*bleed the brakes
*transmission fluid
*front pads
*coolant
*fuel filter
*oil filter
*air filter

BUT, you have 2 air filters that have been charged out to you!!
17220-p2f-a01
17220-p2j-003

the p2j filter should be the one for your car, but the p2f, is definately not for your car.

17220 part numbers are air filter part numbers, so the place you went to, jipped you, go back and go get your money back for that.

plus, they didn't replace the seal that goes inbtween the cylinder and booster, which they are supposed to when you overhaul the master cylinder.

dust seal, i can't seem to figure what that is.

[yfin]

Great work. Saving members money = + rep points...:D

[Alpine]

Shit...now you've got me really worried...which is now changing to rather pissed off.

I will definitely be calling this Honda dealership tomorrow. Not impressed. I will question them about the two air filters and also about the brake master cylinder. I will let you know the outcome. Thank you for your advice!

[destrukshn]

yes so would i.
do that, and do a complaint to honda australia.
there is NO reason why they would charge out 2 air filters, unless they were doing something dodgey,

[Alpine]

BUT, you have 2 air filters that have been charged out to you!!
17220-p2f-a01
17220-p2j-003

the p2j filter should be the one for your car, but the p2f, is definately not for your car.

17220 part numbers are air filter part numbers, so the place you went to, jipped you, go back and go get your money back for that.


So before I phone them and slam them for this jip job...I just want to be sure what I am talking about so I don't sound like an idiot on the phone...p2j is for my EK Civic...what car is p2f for?


dust seal, i can't seem to figure what that is.

Any chance of looking this part number up at work tomorrow to find out what this is for as well?

I would really appreciate it.

[destrukshn]

p2f? *shrugs* can't remember.. lol.

just say to them, why the fock do i have 2 air filters charged out to me?!
then they will start stuttering, get em to make a bullshit excuse, just for the hell of it, to put them through hell lol, then you ask to talk to the service manager.
then explain to him to whole situation, nicely. becuase, really, it's not the service advisors fualt, it's acutally the parts interpreter, he is the one that charges the parts to the job.

[yfin]

Go get em Alpine - let us know how you go. :thumbsup:

Just keep the dealer name to PM if someone asks

[destrukshn]

So before I phone them and slam them for this jip job...I just want to be sure what I am talking about so I don't sound like an idiot on the phone...p2j is for my EK Civic...what car is p2f for?



Any chance of looking this part number up at work tomorrow to find out what this is for as well?

I would really appreciate it.
i can.. if you remind me.
lol.

[Alpine]

Heh...how would I remind you tomorrow? You got an email address there?

Also...is an overhaul of the brake master cylinder a usual thing that automatically gets done at an 80k service?

I also notice that there are two "PISTON ASSY PR M" and "SEC N" listed on my invoice...do you reckon this is correct for a brake master cylinder overhaul? RE-reading his report...I don't think he stated that he overhauled it...unless I'm misinterpreting their mumbo jumbo.

[destrukshn]

Heh...how would I remind you tomorrow? You got an email address there?

Also...is an overhaul of the brake master cylinder a usual thing that automatically gets done at an 80k service?

I also notice that there are two "PISTON ASSY PR M" and "SEC N" listed on my invoice...do you reckon this is correct for a brake master cylinder overhaul?
seriously, it's good that you got it done, really, because i'd probably give it another 10000kms, and your next brake fluid change before it starts leaking.
BUT, they may have just charged it out, and not done it, the focking noobs.

if it's not in the report, of what they done, they probably didn't do it, and charged it out.
is it in the report?
lol.

[Alpine]

I just edited my last post at the same time you replied ...which answers your question.

[destrukshn]

yes primary and secondary pistons were charged out.

[Alpine]

SO that suggests they've done a brake master cylinder overhaul...correct? Or at least charged it out but no mention of it in the mech's report!

[destrukshn]

yes. but is it in the story?
that they did do it?
beucase on the minor things, like maybe adjusting small t higns they probably won't note down, but they will definately put down that they did the overhaul.

[yfin]

what about on the first page Alpine? I think you have only shown us the second page.

[Alpine]

I'll post the report up again for easier reference.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1665/civicservicemediumtt7.jpg

From what I can see, pistons were charged to me which suggests a BMC overhaul...but the mechanic's report above does not mention this work was done whatsoever. I was also told by their service advisor that they do NOT do a BMC overhaul as part of this 80k service. I double checked this with them before taking the car in. So I was led to believe they wouldn't be doing it. But now it looks like I was charged for it, but the work was never done.

[Alpine]

OK this is the first page. The one above was the second page. Third page only shows the total damage in price so I won't bother posting that up.

I certainly can't see anywhere where they said they actually overhauled the BMC.....yet on the second page I was charged for it.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6967/civicservicefirstpagepc5.jpg

[destrukshn]

yups, get your money back for it as well.

[yfin]

yups, get your money back for it as well.
how does the labour work destrukshn - is it actual clocked time? Or is it some sort of system in place where X service is 1 hour, front brake is an extra 45 min, etc, etc.

What I am saying - is it possible the labour component is now also wrong if they did not do the BMC overhaul? It should be correct if it is actual logged time.

[yfin]

I am confused - which item on that list is the cost of the spark plugs?

[Alpine]

This keeps getting better and better, doesn't it. :(

My instincts did tell me it seemed way overpriced...and it seems I was right. It should be a very interesting phone conversation tomorrow, that's for sure.

[Alpine]

Spark plugs are mentioned in the body of text in the mech's report...but you're right...it isn't mentioned in the list of parts with a $ value to it.

[destrukshn]

okay, it is clocked time, but servicing is usually a set price.
lets say for example, dealer charged $100 an hour.
service advisor will ask, how long will it take to change the pads? mechanic says 30mins, then they will tell the cusomter it's $50 to fit it.
get what i mean?

depending on the system they use, the job has "lines" each line is a job eg: line 1 is brake pads
line 2 is 80k service
line 3 is balancing tyres

they will clock on to line 1 when they start on the job, and then clock off when they finish.

i'm pretty sure they can go back and see what lines they have.

[yfin]

ok so Alpine can't really question the labour if logged time (unless he did not approve the BMC overhaul etc)

Why do you think the plugs are not itemised as a consumable? Is it possible they were not changed?

[Alpine]

Oh hell no....I hope that isn't the case too!!! What kind of service might I have received here?! :~(

The thing is, I can't even check if any of this stuff is new or not so how would I know if it was changed!

[destrukshn]

don't jump to conclusions yet.
IF the service department supply thier own plugs, then it won't be on that list.
that list of parts and part numbers, are from the parts department.

[Alpine]

So where would the cost of new plugs be included in that list? I'm sure it would be worth more than what's quoted in "miscellanous"...($15)

[destrukshn]

plugs are quite cheap
for your car, it's probably only 3.50 each or so

[Alpine]

ok so Alpine can't really question the labour if logged time (unless he did not approve the BMC overhaul etc)

I certainly did not approve any BMC overhaul, nor did they advise it was done as part of the service even though I specifically asked them about it before the service.

[yfin]

I certainly did not approve any BMC overhaul, nor did they advise it was done as part of the service even though I specifically asked them about it before the service.

Well you have an interesting phone call to make tomorrow - charged for 2 airfilters and a BMC overhaul.

We should get destrukshn to scrutinise every Honda service :D. lol

[destrukshn]

lol, well.. only if i have to.
lol.

[Alpine]

Yes...it would seem there is alot to be answered for by this mob. They're really let me down this time and if all of this turns out to be incorrectly charged, it is completely unacceptable from this Honda dealer.

Well, I'm off to bed. All this excitement has exhausted me. I'll post up what happened after I talk to them tomorrow. Thanks again for all your advice and help, guys. It was a great help.

[destrukshn]

no problems dude. please do tell us.
lol
=)

[yfin]

This thread shows the power of Ozhonda - right there ladies and gentleman. :thumbsup:

[destrukshn]

yes.. the destrukshn power of ozhonda.
har har har!!!
lol.
=)

[Alpine]

Well, I rang them first thing this morning. Was diverted to an answering service and had to leave a message because it was obviously busy with people dropping off cars, etc and there were no service advisors available to take my call.

Two hours later, I get a call back. I got them to bring up my invoice on their computer and I referred her to the mechanic's report and parts charged. Then I cut to straight to the chase...

Me: "Why was I charged for two air filters?"
SA: "Oh...um...hmm, I'm not sure. Let me check with the foreman and call you back".
Me: "Not so fast, there's more. Can you tell me if an overhaul of the brake master cylinder is performed as part of this service?"
SA: "Uummm...yes, because the piston assemblies are listed here on your bill"
Me: "So that suggests that because the piston assemblies were charged to my bill, that means an overhaul of my BMC was performed?"
SA: "Yes"
Me: "Well that's very interesting because when I rang to get a quote for this 80k service and to book it in, I specifically asked the other service advisor who took my call whether an overhaul was performed as part of this service and she said no it was not. Later in the conversation I asked again and she said definitely not. AND I also note that in the mechanic's report here that there is absolutely no mention of him overhauling the BMC. So was this work performed or not?"
SA: "I will have to go over your invoice and discuss with the foreman and mechanic and give you a call straight back, sir" (obviously sounding very eager to get off the phone with me)
Me: "I shall be waiting for your call"

I am still waiting......

Stay tuned!

[Alpine]

Well speak of the devil...as soon as I posted the above, I got a call back.

They are crediting me back the cost of one of the air filters 17220-P2J-003 ($32.57) as they said that is the incorrect one for my car. Which means they say that 17220-P2F-A01 ($65.03) is the one I need. Is that right? Destrukshn said it is the other way around so I wasn't sure. But I did ask them if they were certain and she said yes.

As for the BMC, well...she said that was an error on the other SA's part. An overhaul is indeed done as part of this service (which is actually consistent with what all the other dealers are doing) but her excuse was that the other SA was looking up the wrong vehicle, despite her asking me two times which car mine was. She said they will now alter their system so that this confusion does not happen again. I then said why is it not mentioned in the mechanic's report, to which she replied that it is done as part of the service and would not be mentioned in his report because that is only for extra work that he has done. So they won't be refunding me the cost of the BMC.

So it looks like I am just getting refunded $32.57 for the cost of the cheaper air filter. She will be mailing out a revised invoice to me along with a refund cheque. She wanted to credit me the cost of the filter off the price of the next service. I said send a cheque coz I certainly don't intend on going back there!

One thing I noticed with this conversation though, is how she kept cutting me off even though I was still talking and not once did she offer an apology for the stuffup. I am inclined to take this further because I have hung up the phone without feeling like this has been fully resolved...

[destrukshn]

wrong, the p2j is for your car.
unless you have a GLi coupe.

[destrukshn]

also, ask them for the 80k service schedule sheet.
and look at it for yourself, if it doesn't say rebuild master cylinder, and they did it, they are in the wrong, so you can complain about that as well.

[yfin]

This dealer is really making idiots out of themselves. What a surprise - they told Alpine the more expensive filter is the correct one. Alpine why don't you have a quick look at what filter was actually installed and report back? The part number should be written on the filter.

You should keep detailed notes of your conversations with them (times, dates, who you spoke to, etc) - that BMC explanation is highly improper (and a breach of legislation) if they know the 80k service does not include a BMC overhaul.

[destrukshn]

This dealer is really making idiots out of themselves. What a surprise - they told Alpine the more expensive filter is the correct one. Alpine why don't you have a quick look at what filter was actually installed and report back? The part number should be written on the filter.
it depends on the grade he has, vti and vtir have the p2j, gli has the p2f.
so the dealer may be right, jsut waiting for alpines response on that.

[yfin]

it depends on the grade he has, vti and vtir have the p2j, gli has the p2f.
so the dealer may be right, jsut waiting for alpines response on that.
Very true - but wouldn't it make things interesting if the cheaper P2J was installed given they are charging him for P2F? I just think he should pull out the filter and take a look. Maybe they are totally different sizes and are not interchangeable - but it only takes 5 mins to check.

[destrukshn]

i'm sure they all fit, because aren't all EM/EJ/EK filters all the same eg, HKS panel filters?
i guess the best way is taking out the filter and see what part number is on it, it should have the part number on it.

[Alpine]

I can't check the filter until I get home tonight as that's where the car is. It's a GLi Coupe. Even then, I find it surprising a filter for the GLi would cost more than a filter for the VTIR? I would have also thought it'd be the same filter for both.

[destrukshn]

yeah it's odd.
lol, but if that's the case you have the right filter.

regarding the BMC
say to them, if it's part of the 80k service, i want a copy of the service shcedule, saying it's part of it.
and if it's not, you have the right to get your money back for it.

[Alpine]

She is mailing out a copy to me so I'll wait and see what it says. She is also mailing out a photocopy of the mechanic's handwritten report which she says states that he did in fact perform the BMC overhaul. They just didn't type it in with the report I currently have. It still reeks of dodginess, doesn't it...

[panda[cRx]]

lmfao @ this thread
dude ur service dept sounds absolutely clueless.
not only is the invoice a mess, they havent explained the work done....and they dont seem to know what they have done themselves!! (-_-)

imo they should do more than just credit your account for n/s. speak to the service manager and explain how pissed off you are at the whole situation. don't be rude or anythign, just politely explain the situation and that you service 2 vehicles with his dept. and see how you go. he may give u a bigger discount or even throw your next service in for free (just a minor service so doesnt cost him much and keeps you happy)

edit: lol at jt actually having time to answer this while working....

[Alpine]

i'm sure they all fit, because aren't all EM/EJ/EK filters all the same eg, HKS panel filters?
i guess the best way is taking out the filter and see what part number is on it, it should have the part number on it.

I just opened it up and had a look. I can't see any part number on it. Only the words "HONDA" and "Filtech" are printed on it. No part number as such. The filter itself looks brand new as it should be, and the element is cyan in color.

[destrukshn]

']lmfao @ this thread
dude ur service dept sounds absolutely clueless.
not only is the invoice a mess, they havent explained the work done....and they dont seem to know what they have done themselves!! (-_-)

imo they should do more than just credit your account for n/s. speak to the service manager and explain how pissed off you are at the whole situation. don't be rude or anythign, just politely explain the situation and that you service 2 vehicles with his dept. and see how you go. he may give u a bigger discount or even throw your next service in for free (just a minor service so doesnt cost him much and keeps you happy)

edit: lol at jt actually having time to answer this while working....
like i do much at work.

alpine, hms... no part number on it?
either way, the more exxy one, is the one for your car unfortunately

[Alpine]

For the price of that filter I might as well have gotten a K&N equivalent or something... :/

[destrukshn]

yeah i know.. pretty fockin stupid, but yeah. at least you got some monies back!

[yfin]

yeah i know.. pretty fockin stupid, but yeah. at least you got some monies back!

True - but this is not over yet - he has the argument about the 80k service not including BMC overhaul.

[destrukshn]

very true.

[Alpine]

Hmm, maybe I won't get a K&N filter after all! :)

Read this article I just found:

http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_347/article.html

[yfin]

Hmm, maybe I won't get a K&N filter after all! :)

Read this article I just found:

http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_347/article.html

Isn't your car out of warranty though being a 99 model? I wouldn't worry about a K&N filter seizing your engine - that engine seize was caused by something else.

[Alpine]

Yeah, she's well out of warranty.

[schew]

i'm sure they all fit, because aren't all EM/EJ/EK filters all the same eg, HKS panel filters?
i guess the best way is taking out the filter and see what part number is on it, it should have the part number on it.

Slightly off topic but what is the difference between P2J and P2F if all EK filters are the same?

You also indicated that VTi and VTi-R uses P2J and GLi uses P2F but I have a GLi Sedan and when i rang a Honda dealership in Sutherland, they indicated that P2J was the air filter that suits my vehicle and therefore a cost of approximately $36.50. I'm confused.

[destrukshn]

i have no idea dude.
ek's use the p2j filter.
i was under the impression so did all the coupes.
but i was wrong
the coupe GLi uses the p2f?

[Alpine]

Great...... :(

[destrukshn]

what motor do you use?
lol.

[dimsum]

take it to hanny's
a $500 car wash isnt that great from honda...

[destrukshn]

take it to hanny's
a $500 car wash isnt that great from honda...
his in brisbane, i think.

[aussiebuddha]

the service advisors (they're not even mechanics) at honda artarmon told me that the dc2r doesnt have timing belt....what can i say....

yup, i have had problems with Scotts Honda Artarmon in the past.

[kraiye]

$65 does seem a lil extreem for oem air filter, shame :(

any progress on the BMC o/haul ?

[Alpine]

Still waiting on the paperwork they are mailing to me.

[destrukshn]

to tell you the truth, i don't reckon they will send it.
i reckon, go there and find out on the spot.

[JasonGilholme]

i agree too. its pointless sittin around waiting.

Strike while the irons hot man.

[Alpine]

to tell you the truth, i don't reckon they will send it.
i reckon, go there and find out on the spot.

They'd better...coz they're supposed to be sending my refund cheque along with it!

[yfin]

They'd better...coz they're supposed to be sending my refund cheque along with it!

I agree with the others - act hard and fast on this Alpine. I would ask them to fax to you the 80k service requirements (it does state what is included in the invoice so what on earth are they sending you?). I think the dealer is hoping you will cool down and give up...

[aussiebuddha]

What do you expect from the "Stealership" ??

[panda[cRx]]

wow clever play on words!!!! wow!!!

[TypeRice]

err i goto a local mechanic just 5 mins down da road from me... and it costs like $200 to service my car.. with da usual shiet..

EDIT: also last time i went it had to do extra shiet like flush da break fluids and fix some break shit.. and it was only $150 extra.....

you got ripped off bad son

peace^^

[aaronng]

err i goto a local mechanic just 5 mins down da road from me... and it costs like $200 to service my car.. with da usual shiet..

EDIT: also last time i went it had to do extra shiet like flush da break fluids and fix some break shit.. and it was only $150 extra.....

you got ripped off bad son

peace^^
Uhh.. if you paid $200 for a usual service at a local mechanic, then you got ripped off.

[destrukshn]

typerice, i believe your getting ripped off as well.
lol.

[TypeRice]

dam i just got pwned =(

[destrukshn]

a normal oil + filter change at a local mechanics, using lets say honda oil, shouldn't cost you more than $80 in my books.

[Vinnie]

a normal oil + filter change at a local mechanics, using lets say honda oil, shouldn't cost you more than $80 in my books.

shoodent, but usually does... my last service (minor) was around $80 but i supplied the oil. better than the other place which charged my mum $40 for wiper blades ffs :(

[panda[cRx]]

better than the other place which charged my mum $40 for wiper blades ffs :(
u should see what those parts trolls like destrukshn charge for a set of mdx wiper blades bwahahaha

[Atjo]

Hey panda, how much is the service cost for 40K at Travis & what usually they do beside the on in the log book? I'm at 37K now and trying to compare to other dealer as well beside the usual dealer that i went to.

[destrukshn]

']u should see what those parts trolls like destrukshn charge for a set of mdx wiper blades bwahahaha
your the troll.
were both trolls.
lol.
har har har.
wiper rubbers average $10-11 each for hondas.

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/customavatars/avatar2047_72.gif

[Alpine]

I have written a firmly worded two page letter to the service manager at this mob along with their feedback form they provide after every service. I listed all the things that went wrong with the service, so let's see what kind of response I get. If I get no response, it'll be a formal complaint to Honda HQ.

Incidentally, I did receive the service schedule last Friday and conveniently enough it does include the BMC overhaul. Not that does not alter the fact it is still not listed in the report they give to the customer, not listed in the mechanic's report, and not listed in the service schedule in the owner's handbook, AND the fact it is not part of the service as advised by their service advisor!

Worse still, my refund cheque for the incorectly charged air filter was not included with this mail. Still awaiting the cheque as of this evening.

[destrukshn]

what i've found out is the GLi coupe filters.
are a different size.
lol.

[Alpine]

What...larger than the VTI/R version??

[destrukshn]

i think it's more rectangular, than the normal square one you will find in EK's

[Alpine]

Obviously Honda Spare Parts reckon that's good enough excuse to make it almost twice the price over the other one! :(

[panda[cRx]]

your the troll.
were both trolls.
lol.
har har har.
wiper rubbers average $10-11 each for hondas.

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/customavatars/avatar2047_72.gif
i've seen a set of 3 wipers for mdx be sold for $57 :)

having said that a local small workshop charged one of our customers $40 for 2 wiper blades on a civic bwahahahaha

[destrukshn]

Obviously Honda Spare Parts reckon that's good enough excuse to make it almost twice the price over the other one! :(
we don't make up our pricing. lol, honda australia does.
so don't start blaming the dealerships.
lol.
=)

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/customavatars/avatar2047_72.gif
sorry jsut had to
lol.

[AsH_]

why do different dealerships prices parts and services differently???

[Alpine]

why do different dealerships prices parts and services differently???

That's what I'd like to know...

[aaronng]

Why do Coles and Woolies sell Coca Cola at different prices eventhough the cost price is the same?

[kraiye]

Why do Coles and Woolies sell Coca Cola at different prices eventhough the cost price is the same?
but we're not talkin coles and woolies... more like woolies and woolies

[aaronng]

The owner of each dealer is different. If you were talking Larke Hoskins at Parra and Larke Hoskins at Rosebery, then that's like woolies and woolies. But if they are different dealers owned by different companies, then it's coles and woolies.

[destrukshn]

fock you's all.. lol, like i said.
honda have a rrp retail price that they set.
some dealers tend to follow it, some dealers don't.
and all dealers get the parts for the same price, it is a set price.

[kraiye]

The owner of each dealer is different. If you were talking Larke Hoskins at Parra and Larke Hoskins at Rosebery, then that's like woolies and woolies. But if they are different dealers owned by different companies, then it's coles and woolies.
understood :thumbsup:
i just assumed they'd have set rules/prices to follow to keep things universal under the honda banner... guess some dealers are just jerks!

[aaronng]

understood :thumbsup:
i just assumed they'd have set rules/prices to follow to keep things universal under the honda banner... guess some dealers are just jerks!
It's not their fault. Honda Australia doesn't enforce strict pricing policies.

[panda[cRx]]

some dealers tend to follow it, some dealers don't.
and all dealers get the parts for the same price, it is a set price.

not all parts, some things u gotta get in bulk to get cheaper... like 5L bottle of feo :wave:

[martinf]

Thought I'd share what I did over the last few days.
I rang around for a 1yr (20K) log book service for my Honda CRV 2005.
(done without negotiating the price or referring other mechanics price)
Rick Damelian quoted 280
Trivett 260
Ultratune Castle Hill 170
LubeMobile 165
Hannys 120
Repco North Paramatta 115

All non Honda shops claim they will use Honda genuine parts & lubricants and they also have their own warranty to cover.

I emailed Honda Australia about the policy on having my car serviced by non-HOnda shops and this was their reply.

"Thank you for your enquiry.

You are free to have your vehicle serviced wherever you choose, Honda Australia will honour the warranty providing the recommended servicing schedule is maintained and we strongly recommend that only genuine Honda parts and lubricants are used. However Honda Australia will take no responsibility for work carried out by non authorised dealers, and all warranty work needs to be completed by an Authorised Honda Dealer.

Honda Customer Service "


They did not reply to my Question on whether it was ok to have the work done at Hanny or Repco if they used genuine parts & lubricants.


Has anyone had any bad experiences with Honda warranty after they've had their service done at Hanny or Repco.

Repco is closer to me so I prefer them, but will take advice to drive out 20mins to Hannys if anyone has had problems with Repco.

Any advice...

[destrukshn]

']not all parts, some things u gotta get in bulk to get cheaper... like 5L bottle of feo :wave:
yes but all dealers have that option, it is not favoured.
lol.
=)

[martinf]

I also forgot to ask why there is such a wide range of prices.
Apart from a vehicle inspection, the log book states an oil & filter change and a tyre rotation.

Rick Damelian quoted 280
Trivett 260
Ultratune Castle Hill 170
LubeMobile 165
Hannys 120
Repco North Paramatta 115

[Hans Bond]

simple, go for hannys then :p

[MzSuzi]

Thought I'd share what I did over the last few days.
I rang around for a 1yr (20K) log book service for my Honda CRV 2005.
(done without negotiating the price or referring other mechanics price)
Rick Damelian quoted 280
Trivett 260
Ultratune Castle Hill 170
LubeMobile 165
Hannys 120
Repco North Paramatta 115

All non Honda shops claim they will use Honda genuine parts & lubricants and they also have their own warranty to cover.

I emailed Honda Australia about the policy on having my car serviced by non-HOnda shops and this was their reply.

"Thank you for your enquiry.

You are free to have your vehicle serviced wherever you choose, Honda Australia will honour the warranty providing the recommended servicing schedule is maintained and we strongly recommend that only genuine Honda parts and lubricants are used. However Honda Australia will take no responsibility for work carried out by non authorised dealers, and all warranty work needs to be completed by an Authorised Honda Dealer.

Honda Customer Service "


They did not reply to my Question on whether it was ok to have the work done at Hanny or Repco if they used genuine parts & lubricants.


Has anyone had any bad experiences with Honda warranty after they've had their service done at Hanny or Repco.

Repco is closer to me so I prefer them, but will take advice to drive out 20mins to Hannys if anyone has had problems with Repco.

Any advice...

yes iv also had problems with honda.
After purchasin my jazz.. i did 1 service with them, but found it very costly so i decided to have the service done somewhere else.. and continued with this.
However, after having the car for 2years i started having faults in the car i.e the cd player rejected cds, and had problems with the gears.
After honda looked at my car.. Honda stated 2 things: firstly they argued that they didnt wana work on any car that wasnt stock (that has been modified in any way) and secondly a car that was serviced somewhere else. After having put up an argument with them they replaced the cd player but refused to do anythin with the engine (they said this was fine wen it wasnt). I went to 3 other mechanics, they tested my car out and said the car wasnt right! but stil honda refuses to admit anything wrong sayin i should be gettin my car serviced by them first.

[Alpine]

Just a quick update, in conclusion to this saga, the service manager rang me this morning and we discussed what has occurred. In short, the next scheduled service for the Civic will be free and a refund cheque for the incorrectly charged air filter in the mail.

[kraiye]

good on ya for persisting with it.
good to hear u got something back at least :thumbsup:

[AsH_]

dose any1 kno a very reliable workshop that can do a major service on my EG..

clayton area... melb

[xtc.thai]

travis honda mate :) frankston hehe

[AsH_]

will do...

last place i went to i swear im sure they didnt do everything they said... wasnt a dealer tho...

[xtc.thai]

yeah theres alot of places out there that give mechanics a bad rep, there are times where you can service your car yourself (if you know how to) when u only change oil,filters and any other fluids

but what happens when you need to do valve clearances on your full majors? checking every thing under the car..(leaks, joints, cv, suspensions, electrical problems, or faulty parts you didnt even know about) yeah it might cost heaps to service your car at a dealership but you know it'll get done right ..(some workshops) and it would probably save you big bucks in the future when u fix the small things before they become a real problem.

but no you guys are right it is expensive but hey so is your car so make sure it has regular checks by people you know you can trust. :D i talk too much

[AsH_]

i want a 1 stop shop...

[greek_rambos2k]

doncaster honda told me they charge $115 an hour for labor. Im currently looking for a machanic to do a major service on my s2k.

[gumus89]

Not all Honda dealerships "do the job right" for their price premium. The one in Mildura for example is a load of crap. They charge heaps and have heaps of glorified car washers in their service dept. Took my 3rd gen prelude to them while it was stalling (auto) at lowish fuel when braking. Light braking causes a cough, hard causes a stall. They took my money with "its older than this place, we couldnt find out the problem." The thing had so little fuel that even slight deceleration would cause it to stall after they were done with it.