Honda of Bowie

Review: I recently purchased a 2000 [redacted], autumn red clearcoat, 4-door sedan, with 62,314 miles on it on 05-28-2014. Total sale price: $7,602.08. During test drive with my cousin that evening, airbag icon light was blinking on and off. I questioned the young salesman seated in back of the vehicle about it. He stated to me and my cousin that that was a "normal" occurrence in the 2000 [redacted]. We did not question him since we know persons who have [redacted] whose airbag lights do stay lit during a course of a drive when there is a passenger seated in the passenger seat. Finalized sale. Dealership allowed for us to leave the vehicle there until pickup on Saturday, May 31st, 2014, by 1:00 p.m. Picked up vehicle. Ran very well. The blinking icon did not disappear during that weekend. Decided to bring the vehicle back the late evening of Monday, June 2nd, 2014. Left the vehicle parked near the service center area of dealership. Left keys in service envelope and written instructions for Mr. Chris Row, Head of the Service Division at the dealership, about the status of the vehicle. I e-mailed Mr. Enuma Nzesi about the status of my vehicle. When I spoke with him on Friday, June 6th, 2014, in the afternoon, he acted disinterested, indifferent, and unaware of what I was talking about. I asked him if he had received any of my e-mails that I forwarded to him. He said that he had. I asked him why he had not had the common courtesy or decency to either call me or e-mail me. He mumbled something that I could not discern or understand. He is supposedly also the Internet Customer Relations Manager at the dealership. Spoke also with Mr. Chris R** and Mr. Christopher F[redacted] that afternoon. Mr. R** stated that the airbag light denoted that their was a problem with the vehicle's airbag apparatus. He stated that the price of the problem would start at around $900.00. I asked him was he aware of the problem before the vehicle was sold to me or put on the market. He seemed vague, quiet. He sounded as if he wanted to avoid that given question. Mr. R** stated that this problem was not a problem for the dealership even though I informed him that I had a 30 day, 1,000 mile warranty on major items such as the engine, transmission, drive train, etc. He stated that the airbag harness problem in the passenger's door was not their problem but mine. I informed him that the airbag scenario was one that could imperi me, family members, and general passengers who might ride in the vehicle. To me, this would entail a major risk variable to all those who might ride in the given vehicle. Who knows - an airbag might possibly inflate inside the vehicle's interior accidently or out of the blue - perhaps causing undue damamge to the passengers seated inside the vehicle at that given time. Mr. Christopher F[redacted], the sales consultant who assisted me with the given purchase acted as if he did not know of the given air bag harness problem. I stated that I would give him the benefit of the doubt, and that he did not know of the given mechanical problem, but since he did "now" "know" of the problem, he should talk with his supervisors, managers, etc. and try to help me resolve the given dilemma that I have found myself in.

I have left the vehicle at the dealership since the evening of Monday, June 2nd, 2014 - around 9:30 p.m. My cousin, Mr. Lawrence O. Taylor, of 1352 Talbert Terrace, Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20020, was with me during the test drive and the finalization of the purchase papers and contract. He can readily give you his take on the given circumstances that I am facing with the dealership also. His cell phone number is: (202) 306-1905. I would voluntarily take a polygraph test concerning this given purchase/transaction revolving around the purchase of this vehicle. I was also informed by Mr. Christopher F[redacted] that my credit score was 760, which is a very, very good credit rating. My credit is impeccable. I have never been arrested or had a warrant taken out on me. I shun drugs and alcohol and I basically try to treat others the way that I would want to be treated. But I would never give my customer the run-around treatment that I think I am getting from the management of the auspices of Honda of Bowie, 2260 Crain Highway, Bowie, Maryland 20716. If I could go back to the 28th of May, 2014, I would have had my cousin drive "right by the dealership" and keep on going...Desired Settlement: I would like for Honda of Bowie to honor my 30 day, 1,000 mile warranty and complete the task at hand (fixing the airbag harness which hopefully would disengage the lighting of the airbag icon on the dashboard. If they cannot honor that request, I would then request the termination of the purchase/transaction agreement that took place at the Honda of Bowie dealership on Wednesday, May 28th, 2014. Also, I would like for the dealership to return the $500.00 deposit/downpayment that was issued to it on that same day. Also, I would like a $500.00 compensation from the dealership for the "undue financial expenses, undue transportation expenses, and unnecessary mental stress and anxiety.

Review: On 5/30/14, I brought my vehicle into this establishment for a scheduled oil change. During the course of this transaction, Honda Advisor [redacted] informed me that a "large oil leak" was discovered in addition to several other "needed repairs". According to **. [redacted], the cost alone to repair this oil leak was $3300.00. Needless, to say I became quite suspicious of the cost associated with the repair. I consulted with 2 other auto mechanics one of which disputed Honda's diagnostic quite remarkably. This mechanic informed me that the parts/labor for my particular needed repairs should not have cost more than $300.00. Overall, this mechanic looked at my vehicle and disputed practically every diagnostic made by **. [redacted] at Honda. Another mechanic I consulted with indicated that, in their opinion, the cost that Honda quoted for repairs was quite exorbitant. I personally feel that this was price gouging in the worst sort of way. They provide this bogus assessments during the course of a routine check in an effort to increase their bottom line. Unfortunately, this illegal practice is at the expense of the customer.Desired Settlement: I would like this issue addressed with establishment's corporate offices so that this type of practice is curtailed.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Honda of Bowie regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Review: This is the email I have sent to the manager to describe my issue...

Hello Mr. Phil M[redacted] –

My name is [redacted] and I am a customer of your dealership – Honda Of Bowie. I am not satisfied with the service I received from your manager, Mr. Elliott M[redacted]. I pur[redacted]d my vehicle (a 2010 [redacted]) on August 7, 2014 (on this deal I brought in a pre-approval from [redacted] Federal Credit Union but was financed through another institution on final financing). On August 10, 2014 my dad had his hand caught in the door of the caravan because the door closed automatically without any prompt or notice. The video for DVD’s cut-off suddenly twice. Then the “check oil” indicator came on. I contacted the office on Monday, August 11th and was told to come in. I brought the van in for a service review and was told the van was fine, nothing was wrong. The indicator for oil was reset and I was told everything was fine. On Friday, August 15th, 2014, the car got me to work but then would not turn on. I called the dealership and was told I would have to pay for a tow to get me from [redacted], MD to the dealership. I explained that I only had the vehicle for 7 days and should not be held liable and was given the grace to have to the tow paid for by the dealership. However, after this point, I was not treated with any consideration.

I came into the dealership, explained all above and even that I pur[redacted]d the vehicle I did for the space, the features, and the price. I also expressed that I wanted something comparable in features and price. I was told all that was available for me was a [redacted]. I looked it over and expressed that it was smaller and more expensive. I was told by Mr. M[redacted] that this was a better vehicle and was priced at the “…best I can do!”. I thanked him for the discount of $300 but expressed that it was not acceptable that I pay more for the vehicle when I was not trying to get a new car from the beginning, however, I had no choice because the [redacted] would not start (service techs tried and they could not get it to start either). I also expressed that I had a pre-paid vacation that was to start on Saturday August 16th, 2014 and I would not be in town. I had paid money in advance to be someplace and that I was not able to get the car situated and/or wait beyond that day for a solution (other people were involved in the travel plans as well not just myself). I also stated that I would even take my deposit and go elsewhere. I was told “…the deposit can only be returned to you on Monday. You could get the check then.” I reiterated I would not be in town. I asked what can be done today. I also asked the Financial Manager for a solution and although she tried to do what she could, nothing beyond what the Sales Manager wanted to sell the car for could be done. Needless to say I left in tears at the fact that I am now in a car I did not want for a price I definitely do not want all because I had no other way out. I was trapped in needing a vehicle and having to make a deal that was NOT comparable to what I had originally.

While on my vacation, the [redacted] stopped running. That was Sunday, August 17 (2 days after pur[redacted] of the vehicle). I called and told Ronnell (Sales associate) on Monday, August 18th, that this happened and I would in to see the car was dealt with properly. Today, August 25th, I am driving with my kids in tow and the vehicle cuts off. Thank God it was in the neighborhood and not the highway. I expressed that this occurred and for this and the reasons listed above I would like the car to at least be discounted and I was told “no…we have been more than accommodating.”

I asked Mr. M[redacted] to then connect me to the General Manager and he told me that there was no one I could talk to but he would speak to another manager in the store and call me back. However, he did not. I called back a few hours ago and spoke to Mr. M[redacted] again and then to the manager he spoke with (no name provided) and then was given your information.

Mr. M[redacted], I would like the car to be priced at what I was paying the [redacted] Caravan - $260/month. This would require that the price of the vehicle is lowered or the APR is adjusted. I am asking with all sincerity that this be done. I have documentation from [redacted] bank (a bank your finance team sent off for Financing for me) indicating that the vehicle is not worth more than $12,900 and yet I was sold the vehicle at $15,000 plus. I am asking for a compromise that is satisfactory. Can you oblige?Desired Settlement: I would like for the company to at least lower the price to match the payment point I was at with the vehicle I desired - which is still not lowering it to the value of teh vehicle. I just want to be able to pay $260/month or lower.

Review: I inquired about a car at Honda of Bowie advertised at $16,894 and when I got to the dealership they told me that the buying price was an additional $1,495 for the maintenance and reconditioning done on the car after they took it in. I feel they're practices are dishonest and misleading and I left the dealership even after they chose to waive the $1,495. I do not think this is how reputable car dealerships should be run nor how their prices should be advertised. I drove 45 miles out of my way (both ways) and would not have done so if I had knowledge of the additional cost. They need to include these costs in their advertised costs and advertise honestly.

[redacted]Desired Settlement: Please contact this dealership and advise them to not use this disingenuous sales tactic.

Review: I took my car, 2011 Acura MDX, in to Bowie Honda to get and oil change and a tire rotation and balance. After of 2.5 hours, they said the car was ready, I paid for the service and left. Later, after getting home, I went and looked at my tires and realized that they had in fact NOT be rotated. Consequently, I don't think that they were balanced either. I called and reported my concerns, the service manager [redacted] called and basically did not believe me. He said, "if you want us to do it again..." At that point I said, excuse me. He then said since you don't believe that we did it. I know it wasn't done because the rear passenger tire was missing a valve stem cap and the rim was scuffed from when I accidentally parked too close to a curb. I went in the next day to get a refund. He then said well I have customers in front of you so you can sit and wait in the lounge area until I get to you. Which I thought was inappropriate as I had come the day before and had paid for the service. I then asked to speak to the GM, who was very rude, and explained the situation to him. His response was that he had to investigate the situation because he didn't know what was going on...after I had explained the situation. I asked what did he mean as I had just explained what had happened and he reiterated that he did not know what was going on. I showed him the receipt and he said he'd have to wait until Monday and because the tires did not have to be rotated front to back. He continued and said that you can rotate them around. This is not true, though I did not correct him but they must be rotated front to back otherwise the tires would be going in the wrong direction. I then ask him to have someone show me the oil in my car as I was not convinced that they had changed my oil at that point after all the service guy asked if I wanted my car washed and didn't. I also asked that he mail my refund as I do not intend to return to that place. I said I'll write my name and address on this receipt he said we already have your address, I said that's my PO Box I don't want it sent there. I also said I'll just put my name above my address then he said we already have your name. After the guy showed me the oil and he said it should look like cooking oil, well they had obviously drain some of the oil out but it wasn't as clear as I thought it should have been based on my experience of looking at oil after it having been changed. At that point I asked again that they mail my refund and I left their store. I did not purchase my car from them. I purchased my car from [redacted].Desired Settlement: In my opinion the GM should know how to rotate tires, he needs to be education on the process or he should refrain from trying to explain. Obviously he thought that I didn't know how to rotate tires as he was talking to me as I was ignorant. I think he and the sales manager should have to take classes that covers how to resolve customers concern in a professional manner because I would want this to happen to another woman especially nor another customer in general.

Review: purchased a vehicle from this dealership on 29th of November. 1- It was not explained to me that $749.00 Dealership Options would be added to the price, and sales person admitted that he failed to explain it . 2- I was told that my loan is approved by [redacted] Bank with the rate of 8.9%, however when I went to finance manager to sign the documents, he told me that the rate was 10.99% ! of course I did not accept and he said " let me see what we can do" and then he said if I get extra warranty of $2100.00 the rate would be 8.9%! . Unfortunately since I was so tired and confused I signed the documents. next day I went back to the dealership to cancel the extra warranty but ironically the finance manger repeated the same fraudulent statement that I got this rate because of this warranty and that he was not going to redo the contract again and that he probably could give me a check. I contacted [redacted] Bank and explained the situation, they confirmed that the rate was 8.9% based on the credit and had nothing to do with getting extended warranty,. I called the dealership and talked to sale associate and told him about [redacted] bank response. He promised to call back , no call was returned. Finally after 2 days I was able to talk to him, made an appointment and went to dealership again and sales person did not show up but the new Sales Manager talked to us and promised to review the documents and get back with us. No response gain. I sent an e-mail to him , no response. they even do not have the decency to respond. The reason for my complaint is to stop this from happening to others although it probably happpened to me because of me being a woman and a second hand citizen. I was an easy target .Desired Settlement: I want them to cancel the extended warranty.and refund the $2100.00 plus the adjusted tax. I also think I deserve to get the $749.00 back since it was not disclosed to me and after all I went through with this deal

In October 2015, I traded in a vehicle and purchased a new car from Honda of Bowie. The dealership did not process the transfer of tags or register the new vehicle which resulted in a MVA violation. To clear the issue, I made multiple phone calls to the dealership, had to go to the MVA office to show me bill of sale with vehicle trade in and transfer information, and visit the dealership two times. I spent many hours to resolve this issue that could have been avoided if the dealership had filed the paperwork timely with the MVA. No apologies or explanations were offered by the sales manager or the finance manager. Phone calls were not returned.

Review: Called Honda of Bowie to get things fixed since I have extended warrantyI also mentioned they could do the Maintence package that was recommended as long as it was under warrantyBrought van in, went over what we discussed on phoneSpeaker blown, doors won't lock or unlock with keyless entry, there was a ticking sound (Honda put a new engine in it last year because we had so many problems with it, LemonAnd the DVD player wasn't working right, plus the tire light kept coming on and off and to do the Maintence if it was also included under warrantyHe entered it in his hand held computer, pointed and read all the things that were to be done, never mentioned money, never saw a dollar signHe intentionally kept the screen at a certain place that only showed the review of work to be doneI said ok, and this is all under extended warrantyHe said yes, I signedHe called me later that night to call him back, I called the next morningHe was not working that dayI asked status of my van, said I would get a call backNever didCalled again was told it would be ready the next morningGo to pick up vanchargeI said I was told it was under warrantyManager came..we went back and forth about he said she saidI said call [redacted] he lied to meHe called him, I said he did bad business since he works off commission and said he lied taking advantage of a womanI asked why he called me and left that voicemail he said it was to go over warranty infoManager took phone from me and said he was calling for you to authorize another repairI never authorized the repair and he did it anywayIf this sales associate dishonestly authorized something without me knowing, surely he was capable of lieing to me in the first placeManager refunded that money knowing they were in the wrong, bringing the bill to I want that refunded as well since those charges came about dishonestly by [redacted] lieing to up his commissionThe manager was calm but said I could not have my van unless that was paidThe money is not the issueIt's the unethical way that associate dealt with me, and tried to put a spin on my whole purpose was to get the Maintence done when it was NOTThis salesmen is a liar and misrepresents the establishmentThe manager told [redacted] on the phone " you see what's going on here" insinuating I wanted work done for freeThose mechanics work hard, I have no problem paying for services rendered under honest conditionsNot a scummy tacticThe was paid but again, my point is [redacted] lied and said I approved extra services over the phone when I did notI called the next day and he was not working, doesn't that make him capable of lieing about my warranty? They trapped me because of my signatureMy father had to come (since it is a company van) and said to the manager "so your holding this van hostage until I pay?" The manager said yesThe manager told his employees "under no circumstances give this woman her keys" my issue is with this sales associate and his manager backing up a outright lieThe manager did ask [redacted] why he authorized extra services without my permission and his answer was " she seemed so adamant about having her van run properly" I CALLED BECAUSE MY DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK, a speaker was blown, the DVD player was not working right , the tire light and a ticking soundThe Maintence package was not a priority, but if it was covered then sure, do it.Desired Settlement: I don't know if I want a refund or for Honda to take responsibility for their staffIt's the principle and sneaky unethical way they dealt with meI don't care if [redacted] was a bright shiny employee that never did this before, there's a first time for everythingI am sad I cost my father bucks and very angry how I was made out to be the liarI will contact corporate offices and even go to small claims so this doesn't happen to someone else

Review: I had my car towed to Honda of Bowie (HoB) because it was running poorly and the "check engine" light was on. The Service Writer (SW) called to say that the VTech sensor needed to be replaced, it would cost $680, and that HAD to be done before they could get to the second reason the "check engine" light came on. The second reason it came on was due to an "evap code", something to do with the exhaust system, and might have come on if I had refueled the car with the engine running or if the gas cap was loose.

I contacted a trusted mechanic friend who has at least 15 years of Honda dealership training and experience to get his opinion. He told me that the SW was trying to swindle me - there was little way the Vtech sensor and its installation would cost $680. I phoned the SW and asked him to explain again what was wrong with my car and why it was going to cost so much. The SW gave me the same story as the original call so I was confident I had not gotten anything wrong or confused. Later in the day my mechanic friend spoke with SW to get a break down of the charges. According to my friend, SW was grossly over charging for both the Vtech sensor and the installation labor.

The next day my husband and I went to retrieve the vehicle. At my friend's suggestion, I asked SW to show me that they reset the "check engine" light (which would not go out permanently as the sensor was bad), which they did. But while a technician was trying to "reset" the "check engine" light, SW insulted my friend and gloated that he had given me bad advice/information. SW then asked if it "was the money as to why you are leaving? If so we could work on a discount or something." I responded, "No, thank you." Then as I was handed the paperwork to take to the cashier to pay the $99 diagnostic fee, SW tried to scare me into keeping the vehicle there for repairs saying that it was undriveable and would continue "bucking and jerking" if I tried to leave. I paid the cashier and left the dealership in my vehicle which ran fine and safely as long as I kept it within the parameters my mechanic friend suggested.

I drove it from Bowie, Maryland, via the 495 Beltway right down to [redacted] in [redacted] without any issues. My mechanic friend recommended I ask for his trusted friend (who is the repair shop foreman) to work on my vehicle. The Service Department at [redacted] was very accommodating with my request to have my friend's friend look at/diagnose/work on my vehicle. [redacted]'s service called me promptly to confirm the Vtech sensor was bad, but with parts and labor, my bill was going to be $225. They also told me the second issue for the "check engine" light, the "evap code" was a non-issue.Desired Settlement: I would like for others to be aware of the unscrupulous, dishonest and attempted thievery practices at the Service Department of this Honda Dealership. I would like Honda of Bowie to take any information about me and my vehicle out of their system as I will not, EVER, be patronizing their establishment again and do not wish to be contacted by them or to receive any correspondence/coupons for service, flyers for sales, etc.