Bell Honda

Horrible experience... stay away, harassment on the phone calls, scam warranties and rip offs abound. Will never shop here again for a car.

I wanted to buy a new car. I wanted a car that had good gas mileage one that was reliable, safe, would hold its value and something I could pass down to my daughter to drive in a few years. I wanted a car with great reputation. After talking to friends and researching I was pretty sure that car would be a Honda.

I went on line for Bell Honda, because they are the closest Honda Dealer to me. We filled out a joint credit application and waited for a call back. After playing phone tag, I got the news that we were approved. So we set an appointment for February 21, 2013 at 3:30. Unfortunately I had to work overtime that day and rescheduled for 6:00pm. The original sales person, Sam, was not available, so I was referred to a lady named [redacted] presented herself as a nice religious person she talked about going on her missions in other countries. She was a woman another woman could trust. My husband Bruce was not with me, because I had no intention of finalizing any transaction without him.

The first night I was shown both new and used vehicles, I wanted to know my options. I looked at Accords and Civics, even test drove a car. I was pretty sure we wanted an accord, that it would fit our family’s needs. But I wanted to think about, and discus it with my Husband before making a decision. I was at the dealership from after 6 to 8:30 that night.

I returned to Bell Honda the next day February 22nd around 3pm to look around some more, to try to narrow down to which car we wanted. I was asked to fill out another credit application, I told them I had filled out the credit application online and it was approved, that is why I was there looking. They told me to fill out anther credit report application and make sure my new job information was included with salary. Put my husband’s job information, and to include the income from a business we own even though I don’t draw a check or income from the business. I personally hand wrote the credit application. They came back and told me the credit check was approved on my credit alone and I didn’t need my husband Bruce as a signer, there was no need for him to take off work and come down. I was not shown a copy of the credit report but was advised I was approved at 3.9%.

I was still debating on a purchase; I never intended to leave with a car that night. I was thinking about an upgrade to a nicer car, one with a sunroof and leather interior but didn’t think I could afford it. They came back with more good news, they said they could get me into a car at a 3.39% rate! I found the car I liked. After talking to my husband I asked if they would include an upgrade to nicer rims and tires. They kept telling me what a good deal we were getting and that I was a nice lady and that they were taking care of me. They told me the rims and tires upgrade wasn’t in the “wiggle room” for the deal that it wasn’t in their budget. They gave me a choice, we could add $1500 to the price for the rims and keep the 3.39% or they could include the rims but the contract rate would go up to 3.9%. They kept insisting this was a great deal and they were taking care of me. We decided to pay the additional $1500 for the rims to keep the 3.39% rate.

At about 6pm my husband contacted me reminding me of a dinner engagement we had with friends and family that night. I had been up since 4am that morning for work, I hadn’t eaten anything since 10am, I was tired and hungry. At this time we were waiting on finance. I was getting impatient, was tired, hungry and people were waiting on me for dinner. I told the dealership I would come back to do the paperwork after dinner. I was told we were almost done, we had to complete the transaction because the paperwork had already been started and that it would be less than 30 minutes longer.

When we finally sat down to sign the paperwork in finance they did advise me the process was recorded. They knew I was late for a dinner date that I wanted to come back for the paperwork, but they wanted the deal done that night and assured me we were almost done. I was confused with what they were telling me. I felt I was being run over, that I was being pressured to complete the paperwork now! I was presented with a stack of documents to sign. I was told to sign here, sign here, initial here, sign here, etc.

I know during discussions I had told them I wanted to decline Zaktek for $399.00 I had also told them I wanted to decline the extended warranty, that we have never purchased one before on any vehicle and didn’t need it now. I did not put my signature on any paper approving the extended warranty. However, I was charged for both. They talked me into auto payments through Smart Note because they said it would save me money by paying every 2 weeks. And also the tire protection package for $549.00, because it would replace my tires and rims for free in the event of a flat and the rims were damaged. Also, that they provided roadside assistance. I later found out that this coverage was only for the original tires and rims or upgrade of the same size. The Plan would not cover the upgrade on my vehicle but they talked me into it anyway and charged me for it. So how many $1,000’s of Dollars did they rip me off for.

Again I want to say they knew I was late for an engagement, that I felt pressured and rushed. The documents were put in front of me and I was instructed to just sign here, initial here, etc. Also, I thought it was strange that during the entire purchasing process I was told at least 5-6 times to be sure to give them an “all 5’s rating” by my sales representative and also by the finance person, when Honda headquarters called to ask how the sale went. My sales representative promised me a $25 gas card for a great 5 star review.

At 7:50pm I was finally done and glad to get out of there away from the pressure because by now I was very late for dinner. The car was not detailed and they presented it to me to drive off the lot with all the stickers on the inside and outside of the car. The last thing they said to me was “remember, all 5’s and we will give you a $25 gas card!” [redacted], my sales, rep even called me a few days later to remind me to give all 5’s when Honda calls.

A few weeks after the purchase, I was going over the contract and miscellaneous paperwork with a friend. After reviewing with someone who understood contracts, I had serious concerns and questions. I know I told them I did not want an extended warranty but I was charged $2200 for the warranty. I reviewed the paperwork given to me at the signing, I saw my initials (remember sign here, initial there) but I had nothing in file for the warranty. On May 8th I went to the dealership and asked for a copy. What they provided was a document for the coverage but it did NOT have my signature, it was my name but my signature was forged!!! How dare they !!

This caused me great concern and the original paperwork was reviewed even closer. During the sales process my sales rep [redacted] had told me all the new cars come with alarms. The original sticker from the Factory included a Security/Alarm system. They had another paper in the window with Code Alarm Security Enhancements $695.00” as an extra cost. In reviewing the contract I show an additional alarm $895 was added to the price. Why was the $895 alarm added when there was a factory alarm already. I did not ask for or authorize this feature. More importantly, not only was I charged almost a $1,000.00 for it. The supposed company Rockledge confirmed just a couple of weeks ago. That they have no record of me, purchasing an Alarm. So I was not even given any information on the alarm warranty or how to use it. I also saw a billing of $599 for PDR Protection. I don’t know how it got on there. if I initialed to it or not ?. There was a charge on the second sticker that showed to be optional of $395 for paint sealant. They apparently snuck that in there too!!

On May 17th I returned to Bell Honda, spoke to Steven [redacted] and asked to see my credit report they pulled for the sale. He told me he couldn’t release the credit report. I said I had the right to see the report but he insisted they do not release it. Only after arguing in the lobby and me, in a very loud voice saying “by law you are required to show me a copy of my credit report” did he go to my file and pulled the copy for me to look at only. My score was 711.

Because of my concerns on May 17th I also asked for a copy of every document I signed for this deal. After reviewing them I found:

• There was no documentation for the $895 add on alarm system showing what it was, what it covered, any warranty information or showing that I authorized this charge.

• The copy of the Extended Warranty with my forged signature was NOT included at this time (previously provided May 8th)

• The credit application provided was not the original online application nor was it the hand written application completed by me February 22, 2013. In the file was a credit application that if they do record the transaction will show that they had me sign blank. I believe he said they were just going to transfer the information from the one I wrote. That is clearly not what happened. The handwritten application they wrote, NOT ME !!! with my income inflated substantially from the $35,000 a year salary to $62,400 I could use the raise, but not the rent. My salary was inflated and it also stated I rent my home for approximately $750. We own our home outright. This document was in the signed paperwork, provided by Mr. [redacted].

• After determining, that several of the papers I had requested were not provided by Mr. [redacted], I sent another request for copies of everything I signed, that was in my file. The next thing I know [redacted] Legal Counsel for the Dealership is trying to contact me. Via Email.

• I then requested the same documents from her that I had requested from Mr. [redacted],she in turn ignored my clear request, and simply sent me what Mr. [redacted] had already provided me.

• I thought it was strange, that I was contacted by their legal department, and not the Gentleman that had helped me previously. I think I know why !!

On May 20th I went to the dealership for an oil change and was advised it was not required yet. I went back into the dealership and saw the man I met with May 17th, Steven [redacted], I asked him if he could provide me with any information regarding the alarm system that was installed on my vehicle. He stated they don’t have any brochures and could not provide me with any instructions or warranty information.

The sales and finance closing process of Bell Honda has left me with many emotions. I was rushed, things were presented in a very confusing way and I was pressured to do it now. I was told to trust them, that they would take care of a nice lady like me. That trust was betrayed. I was tricked, lied to and misled. The lack of integrity and honesty shown by Bell Honda is appalling. I was taken advantage of and I am outraged and disappointed. I am at my wits end, I am not an attorney. I am certain that several things were done that simply have to be illegal.

I remember their last words “give us all 5’s when Honda calls for that $25 gas card”. I did give them all 5’s but that was before I reviewed my paperwork. I wish I could take it back now. I never did get the $25 gas card bribe.

We bought a Pilot from Jake and the whole expierence was the easiest car buying we ever had. The whole thing start to finish was smooth and easy, and much quicker than my past purchases! Make sure to ask for Jake from state farm! He is great!

Was very happy with [redacted]. He treated me with respect. He has followed up several times making sur I am happy with vehicle. This was my first Honda and I love it.

Leased a 2016 Civic. Great experience. Sales manager Omar M[redacted] helped me through the process very professionally. Great team.

I had a very good experience. Robert G[redacted] was a great help.

I have purchased 3 vehicles at Bell Honda and have been completely satisfied every time. I liked their service so much that when my wife wanted a non-Honda product I let them know, and the General Manager found us exactly the vehicle we wanted and brought it in for us. I new exactly what the price was upfront and there were no surprises! I even like how they make car buying fun by having customers ring their huge bell on the showroom floor and everyone claps for you.

Review: I've had salesmen calling me about trading in my vehicle in 2010 .It's been 4 years now and the sales / trade-in calls have not stopped. I've asked nicely for them to take me off their lists, I've asked not-so-nicely, I've threatened to file [redacted] harassment charges. I've been "promised" hat my name is removed from their lists..AL of their list.

They are using my wife's and my cell phone minutes as we don't have land lines.Desired Settlement: That the Management of BELL HONDA will realize that their inability to delete a number from solicitation may and in my case WILL result in escalating civil action (small claims court for my phone minutes, or [redacted] complaint) on my part and that this attempt to get their attention will make them delete my number, [redacted], ending in [redacted], and [redacted]'s, ending in [redacted], for ALL ETERNITY.

Business

Response:

Response to complaint # [redacted] – [redacted] and [redacted]

We have reviewed the complaint filed by Mr. [redacted] on February 19, 2104 regarding the phone calls being made to solicit business. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused him.

We have done both name and phone number searches in both of our customer database management systems and have deleted all records applicable to Mr. and Mrs. [redacted]. Before deleting, the phone logs indicated that there were two calls made to the phone number in 2014 and there were previous calls in mid – 2013. The no solicitation rules are taken very seriously at our dealership and we would ask Mr. [redacted] if he is contacted again, that he obtain the name of the person calling so that we can take the appropriate disciplinary action. I can be reached directly at ###-###-####.

Thank You.

[redacted], Controller

Bell Honda

Review: Bell Honda (BH) will not stop calling me to try and purchase my vehicle. Six months after I purchased a vehicle from them in 04/2012 I started to receive calls about their buyback program. Initially I told them that I was not interested so they stopped calling, for a little while. Then a few more months go by and the same deal is being offered by someone different. I tell them I'm not interested and they stop, for a little while. Currently, BH has called again to offer the same never ending great deal where they are "in need of my Honda." But this time they don't stop calling I've received calls as early as 7:30 am till late at night when I'm eating dinner. I've called back and told Mr. [redacted] to stop calling. He assured me that the calls would stop and gave me Mr. [redacted]'s (General Service Manager) name if something were to happen. For a week I think the calls did stop but I'm starting to receive them again. I called back today and was given the run around. The salesman ([redacted]) that I spoke with said there were zero comments under my profile about, do not call. So I asked to speak to Mr. [redacted] but of course he was not available.Desired Settlement: I would like the contact information for someone above the General Manager that is going to take care of this problem. The owner of the dealership or an actual person at Corporate that can take some action on this problem because it is obvious that the problem will not be fixed internally.

Business

Response:

Response to complaint # [redacted] – [redacted]. ([redacted]) We are in receipt of the above complaint. In searching both of our customer databases, the customer’s last name was obtained (via the phone number listed on the complaint). We have deleted Mr. [redacted] from both of our databases. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Bell Honda adheres to and takes the “do not call” policy seriously and takes the appropriate action against those employees who do not follow the guidelines and processes we have established. I would ask Mr. [redacted] if he were to receive any further calls, to please get the name of the caller and call me directly with that information so that disciplinary action can be taken as needed. I can be reached at ###-###-####. Sincerely, [redacted]Controller

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait until for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

I highly recommended this car dealership to people who asked me where I got my vehicle. [redacted] was a great help! He answered any and all questions I had and made me feel comfortable in my decision and not pushed into it. He was very very nice and helpful. I want to thank all of the staff that helped me that day including [redacted] in finance, he was a great help as well. Thanks again, and I am very happy with my new Honda Civic.

It was truly a pleasure to deal with the team. I got the car I wanted and they moved heaven and earth to make it happen.
When you visit the store, ask for Roy!

This morning I received a call from Andrew in the lease department. He was insisting that I come in for some reason. I politely declined and said no thanks. He continued on and said I was supposed to and pushing the issue. I said no thanks have a good day and hung up. He immediately called back and started again I told him not to call me again or I would consider it harassment. He said call 911 then.
I have had previous experiences like this with them but not to the point that they call back and harass me.
I will never do business with this place again, nor will I ever recommend them. I will also be contacting Honda of North America to report this location.
Having spent the kind of money I have with them I deserve better service.

buying my new Honda Accord at Bell Honda was the best experience ever. I was highly impressed with [redacted]. Truly a very professional Sales Representative who listened to my needs and made sure all my questions were answered. He followed up with several phone calls after the sale making sure that I was happy with the car and if I had additional questions. I felt very relaxed at Bell Honda. All the Sales Staff was very friendly and made feel like I came to the right place-and it was the right place to buy my beautiful Honda. Without hesitation would I recommend this Dealership to my friends or anyone who is thinking of buying a car. Thank you [redacted], I will be back someday to buy another car from you, [redacted]

Truly outstanding experience! Excellent customer service! Impressed from the start- all staff members were friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, professional, eager to accommodate, and showed great attention to follow-through.

This review is of [redacted], Sales Consultant at Bell Honda, [redacted]. I HIGHLY recommend this young man!
[redacted] was so patient with me while I asked numerous questions. Not only was he professional, but curteous as well. He strived hard to work within my "perimeters" on buying a vehicle. Which he did succeed! [redacted] was also personable and genuine. I was very fortunate to have him as my Sales Consultant. I would recommend him to anyone! Great experience!!

Review: I ordered an incorrect part ([redacted]), returned it, and was told I would be given a refund. I waited. I e-mailed. No refund.Desired Settlement: $32.99

Business

Response:

Response to complaint # [redacted] We are in receipt of this complaint dated February 24, 2015. It would appear that this complaint has somehow “duplicated” itself in the system. This same complaint and complaint number was received by us on February 2, 2015 and responded to and handled on February 6, 2015. I have verified with [redacted] that he has received his refund check and has cashed it. He also stated that he has attempted to go back into the Revdex.com site and retract his complaint against us. Unless there is another issue, which [redacted] did not mention during our conversation, we are considering this complaint resolved. Additionally, we would like to make sure that this “duplication” of the same complaint does not count against us in any way, in terms of our Revdex.com rating. If you have any questions, I can be reached directly at [redacted] Controller

Review: I was just in today getting my Accord serviced today. After my "Service Specialist", Josh told me about everything that was "wrong" with my car, I decided that I was going to get a second opinion on what really needed to be done with my car. He told me that the transmission fluid needed to be replaced, the /ac filter and the engine filter needed to be replaced. So, I took it to another dealership tonight, because I do not trust any word that comes out of his mouth. And when I did this, it was determined that the engine filter needs to be replaced because on the last oil change the Bell Honda has done, they put too much oil in my car. So, after I told them that they had JUST replaced it no more than an hour go, they checked my oil levels in my car. And guess what?! They OVERFILLED it AGAIN by over 1 and a half quarts of oil. So not only a simple engine filter need to be replaced, but Bell Honda service technicians are RUINING my engine on my 1 year old car. So needless to say, I'm extremely livid.Desired Settlement: I want it fixed.

Business

Response:

Response to complaint # [redacted] – [redacted]

After reading the complaint filed by Ms. [redacted], we are sorry and apologize that she did not have a positive experience with our service department. We would like to, however, address some of the issues she raised.

First, it is apparent that Ms. [redacted] does not like to bring her car to Bell Honda for service, She states that “she does not trust a word that comes out of his mouth” when referring to our service advisor. She also states that the advisor reviewed with her the items that were “wrong” with her vehicle. As we do with every customer, an overall inspection is done to every vehicle that crosses our service drive as a courtesy to our customers. This inspection/review includes items that are not only “broke” or determined to need immediate attention (such as safety related items), but also services that are “recommended” based on either the physical inspection or time and mileage since last service. It is always within the customer’s right to refuse any or all of these recommendations as it is also to take their vehicle to another repair facility.

Second, it is possible that the oil level was high when changed. Given this, however, it is very unlikely that the level was as excessive as was told to Ms. [redacted] by her other repair facility. Additionally, it would be literally impossible for just an overfill situation to cause the issues she describes. Again, Bell Honda may have indeed overfilled the oil level to some degree, but we believe the “damage” and repairs that this second facility expressed to Ms. [redacted] were simply a “sales tactic” in an attempt to steer her away from doing service with us.

Based on her complaint, it is unclear as to whether further repairs were done to her vehicle by the second repair facility or not. Bell Honda would be happy to re-examine Ms. Breelove’s vehicle and correct any repairs that would be needed in regards to oil levels and filters she referenced. If she has already had these items corrected, we would be happy to examine the invoice from the other repair facility and possibly refund her any money for services that were not provided by us satisfactory.

If there are any further questions regarding this matter, I can be reached directly at [redacted]

Sincerely,

[redacted], Controller

We had the BEST experience at Bell Honda. The customer service was great, prompt and efficient. We will never go anywhere else!

Review: Bell Honda was to refund me the alarm that was purchased for my car. I contacted [redacted], and the General Manager. The GM was friendly and apologized for their delay... My paperwork shows this should have been canceled and refunded back on 10/22/2013. My emails to [redacted] were ignored, [redacted] was rude when I went in to discuss, and the GM said he would take care of it. They said my credit union would be sent a check.mits been another five months and the alarm has not been refunded. I did get the GAP coverage refunded by [redacted] but Bell Honda continues to drag their feet. Please help me!Desired Settlement: I would like the alarm refunded to my credit union, the amount of $615.00 in addition to a 6.5% interest rate I have been paying on that charge monthly for the past 10 months. In addition, I would like $500 sent to me for my time and displeasure during this ordeal. Bell Honda needs to make this right as I have all the documentation showing this should have been refunded in October 2013.

Business

Response:

Response to complaint # [redacted] – [redacted]

We are in receipt of the complaint filed by [redacted] regarding the purchase of an alarm with his 2011 [redacted]. We apologize for any delays in having resolution with this issue for him, however it is rare that we would ever refund an alarm in the manner described as this is equipment that is “hard added” to the vehicle and activated. [redacted] makes no claim that the alarm is not working or has in some way become inoperative. We have attached copies of the paperwork for the vehicle purchase clearing showing the purchase of the alarm, as well as the activation slip for the alarm – both signed by [redacted]

Even given these facts, Bell Honda will be issuing a check in the amount of $615 directly to [redacted] to be applied to [redacted] vehicle loan. In his complaint, [redacted] also mentions additional interest and monies to be paid to the credit union and himself. These we are not willing to do. Again, the refunding of an activated alarm is something the dealership will not ordinarily do, because of the type of product that it is vs. “coverage” such as a service contract or the like. For his inconvenience however, we will be sending a $150 gift card directly to him (via certified mail) at the address listed on his complaint.

We hope that these remedies will satisfy [redacted] and his issues. If there are any further questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [redacted]

Sincerely,[redacted]Controller

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I went into Bell Honda last week and [redacted] assistant, listened to my concerns as well as reviewed the letter that was provided by [redacted] to the Revdex.com. She had a mechanic look at my car and concluded that there was no hard install of an alarm on my car. This was the third time that a mechanic from Bell Honda looked at my car and determined, there was no alarm installed on my car.

I have gone round and round with this issue and Bell Honda still does not take responsibility for their mistake. The response provided is not acceptable. I would like a formal apology in writing indicating there was no "hard installed" alarm on my car, their lack of customer service this past year year in trying to get this resolved, and lack of follow up to this complaint. Why do I have to go through all this for a mistake that was brought to their attention in October of last year? A $150 gift card to Bell Honda is not acceptable and needs to be reconsidered.

Attached is the cancelation contracts as well as the emails to [redacted] that went unresponded too.

Regards,

Business

Response:

My Assistant Controller, [redacted], did meet with [redacted] on a day that I was not in the office. It was physically verified at that time that an alarm had indeed, not been physically installed. We do apologize to [redacted] for this error and mix-up. As we had been billed by our vendor and it is our policy to install alarms in every car we sell, I am sure that yourself and [redacted] can understand that this was an honest mistake on our part. In regards to additional “compensation”, I am not sure what else we can be expected to do. We refunded the full amount of the alarm and did, indeed, send [redacted] $150 in gift cards to make up for our mistake. We feel that this is a reasonable accommodation to the issue at hand. Again, we apologize to [redacted] for the mix-up, confusion, and any other issues that this may have caused him. Sincerely, [redacted]

I have had 2 cars from bell honda and they also
Serviced both. My experience was exceptional. My service
Rep, Steve E[redacted]y is the best I have ever had. I am retired and have purchased many cars for both
Business and personal use. Bell Honda and Steve E[redacted] get my highest rating. I can not speak any higher as to my experience with these people. Steve and Bell Honda are simply the
Best.
Thank you
Walter*. F[redacted]