Not only that, but usually a mechanic is going to be more careful the first time when he "learns" something and then on later jobs focus on hitting flat rate time.

 

Agreed. I forgot to add that. Thank you.

 

at this rate, we can break it down to the phase of the moon in determining when to get our car fixed.

 

Which brings me to my point. Just don't worry about it. Fix it when it's convenient for you. If there's a problem, take it back under warranty.

 

Exactly. I have time now and the dealer can take me so seems like perfect timing if you ask me.

 

A little faith in Honda, please. These guys do this for a living - it isn't backyard mechanics.

 

"Consumer Reports has named Japanese automakers Honda, Subaru and Toyota as the best all-around car makers for the third year in a row in its annual auto issue."

I'm not disagreeing with you but since we are talking about dealers, service depts, and individual techs, I don't know how this applies all that much.

Disclaimer: I just want to be clear. I'm not questioning the quality of Honda techs or anyone else. There has been so much shit throwing in this thread that I want to make sure that's clear. I'm just debating a point and taking the other side--sort of like devil's advocate.

 

Now wait a minute - I'm the devil when it comes to advocacy! LOL

I understand, but all the ranting that's gone on here regarding this recall, it's really too much. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that most every chicken-little crying the dealer service blues really hasn't had that much direct experience with a Dealer service department and certainly has never established a positive relation with one.

I've got tons of horror stories from the "brake experts" and "muffler kings" and "goodwrenchs" and a few from "friends" in the busness, but to be perfectly honest, my best repair experiences have been w/ Dealer service and referred mechanics.

I'll always go to bat for the shop technician. I also feel a well educated consumer is most likely going to be the most satisfied. Nice thing about this thread the issue has been thoroughly explained and many have gone to great length to reassure folks. I'm not thinking those crying the blues even spent the time to read through the issue. I called it on page one. Too much - oh my the sky is falling - I'm gonna get screwed....... give it a rest, really.

I'm simply disappointed that my Fit is not going to get a free valve adjustment.

Sorry if I've offended anyone - not my intention, but sometimes it just bee's that way.

 

No offense at all. And largely I agree with you about the "brake experts" and "muffler kings" and "goodwrenchs." Although I hope I haven't offended anyone by agreeing.


I think that most people are just checking in for a opinions and info--and some are maybe worrying too much as well. There has been a little panic at times but since it involves the engine, maybe it can be forgiven.

But you're right, everything has been explained here very well and now everyone can make up their own minds. Overall, I give this thread a big thumb's up and I will restate that I appreciate all the info that has been disseminated here by very knowledgeable people. So a big thanks once again!

 

Took my 2009 fit in for a battery problem at 8:00 AM this morning, service dept said it was on the recall list and ask me if I wanted it repaired which was supposed to take 3 or 4 hours or schedule another appointment. I left it!

At 4:00 PM I called and they said that they found a broken bolt in valve area and it was good thing it it was looked at immediately.
The bad news is that they had to order parts and were trying to get me a rental until it is fixed.
6:00 PM and still no word on transportation.

My fit only has around 8000 miles on it and is still in 36 month B to B warrenty.

 

I gotta agree now. This was my first dealer experience and it was a very good one. Every aspect of the experience was good. I'm also loyal to my local mechanic who I've used for years and has always treated me fairly, and actually FIXED my cars. Thing is though, I get a little miffled when two OTHER guys do fixes and maintenance instead of the mechanic I originally liked and trusted. Good independent shops get very busy and the original great mechanics- the owners- become office managers and job coordinators, and fixing cars becomes something they no longer have hands on with, becoming more of master consultants to their mechanics. So there is something to be said for a good dealer too. A GOOD dealer, that is. There's a honda dealer locally that I didn't buy my Fit from, nor would I bring it there for service.

Also, this recall made national news.That's where I heard it first, before finding this thread here. So plan on many people knowing, fitfreakers or not. I like having gone in early though.

Keep the faith in your dealer. And may all the recallwork be problem free!

Dan

 

When I decided I was going to buy a new Honda I had choices as to the dealer I bought from. I asked folks I knew who owned Honda's where they bought their cars and what they thought of the dealers. I sort of had an idea where I was going to shop, but by asking around my thoughts were confirmed.

Thing is, bottom line, you need to go in with the objective of getting a good price and working with a reputable dealer. Glitter and shine doesn't cut it. I had a nice quote for a dealer that was, in my mind, good but too big. I chose a smaller dealer, got a really good "going" deal and will stick with them for service.

Like I've said elsewhere, Tommie is a great local mechanic and he's great for my 15yr old Cadillac, but my new Honda will go to the dealer - at least for the first 100K.

Used to really bug me, but you do have to do your homework. Of course, when wrenching and crawling around a car was more my style and I was a proud 'I can fix it' sort of guy it was a different story. I was also buying used cars and sure, $400 for brakes makes no sense. In fact it still doesn't.

Recalls are different.

 

"they found a broken bolt in valve area "

Uhhhhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,, O.K.........

Which one broke it?<LOL>

John

 

I took mine in yesterday to get my spring fix, along with my MPG fix that I never got around to doing. The spring fix took almost 6 hours to do, with me sitting in the lobby the whole time because I didn't have a ride home. They let me take a look when he had everything pulled apart and was about to start reassembling, pretty cool to see everything down to the camshaft, valves, return springs, all that fancy crap. Once they got it back together and let me go home I took it out on the freeway to see if she still purred.

She does more than purr now. I swear I have at least another 15 HP after the fix. I know it sounds stupid and unlikely, but my ass-ometer noticed a definite change in power.

On a random note I have to take it back Monday to get my seat fixed, the chair doesn't slide anymore. Not their doing, I noticed it the night before I took my car in. They said they's order a new frame and have it installed free of charge, which is awesome!

 

We've had pretty good experiences with the Honda dealer 1.5 hours away from us for warranty work. I think it helps we spend some money at their parts department next door to the service desk. We'll take the car there for the recall work as they have treated us well so far.

The Honda dealer 45 minutes closer to us that we bought the car from can take a hike after the way we got treated during the sale and their combativeness over some very minor post-sale issues, like "forgetting" to give us the second key and insisting we had to pay for it.

 

6 hours? ooof. brutal wait.

did they explain why it took 6 hours?

when i'm stuck at the dealer, waiting, i just sit there and hope some hot chicks walk by to keep me conscious.

 

Yeah, six hours is extreme I think. Brutal wait. Maybe they didn't actually get to work on your car most of that time.

Dan

 

They probably left it cooling for 4.5 hours and then got to it. Any mechanic should easily be able to do this job in under 2 hours having never done it before, and any with experience can easily hit the 1.6 hours of flat rate.

 

It takes 30 minutes or less for an aluminum motor to cool off. They either had a problem or there were 2 in front of his.

 

Assometer may be off somewhat. I suspect no more than 10HP gain. I take mine in on the 16th and will use their shuttle service. They do have a couple hot chicks at desk to take your money but I can't afford them.