I hate my Fit!
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
I had wonderful luck with my Honda Civic but it's been downhill since I bought the Fit. I'm not blaming the car any longer but I am going to start blaming the dealership. I bought the car from there and I've had it serviced there (just out of convenience). I'm removing Sam Swope Honda from the equation in hopes that my luck will get better. I guess I'll start taking it in on Saturdays to the dealership on the other side of Louisville.
Thanks for the advice! I've got some anti-seize at home...I'll make it a small project this weekend!
Thanks for the advice! I've got some anti-seize at home...I'll make it a small project this weekend!
New Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
From: Ransomville, NY 14131 USA
I've dealt with both the dealer and Honda directly and I think I'm caught somewhere in the middle. The dealer does not want to take the chance of putting time and/or money into the car and not finding a direct cause for the oil burning and Honda will not reimburse unless the dealer can provide proof of the problem. I really can't take the chance on losing $600 for the labor costs so I just have to grin and bear it while I'm getting screwed by both of them.
If you have 8 Hondas in the family then there is no way you would QUIT with the fit.
Smells a little fishy.
Maybe you should get a Chrysler product and give your griping a little validity.
I recently took my Fit into Sam Swope Honda World in Louisville, Ky for a safety recall and brake check. Is was against my better judgement to take it there since I already have a history of issues with the dealership. Unfortunately it is one of only three dealerships in the Louisville area and it just happens to be 5 minutes from where I work. The other two dealership choices are 45 minutes away in opposite directions.
The dealership called me within an hour after dropping the car off to advise the wheel lugs have been stripped on my car. I advised there could be no way since the wheels had only been off the car once and that was to put on the HFP wheels and I did the job myself. They came up with a quick story that it looked like someone had tried to remove the wheel lock (Honda factory wheel locks) from each wheel causing the damage. I found this very questionable because I doubt a thief would try one wheel, give up and try the other three wheels.
I asked them to leave it and I would have someone else look at the issue. I was told that there was too much damage to the lugs and the car was not drivable. I told them to go ahead and fix the issue but I would like every bolt and nut taken off the car for my own inspection. I was then told one wheel could not be removed because the lug nut was stuck. I told the dealer to skip that wheel and I would deal with it later.
Four hours and $300 dollars later I got my car back from the dealership. The bolts are stripped but the locks were in brand new condition...they did not look tampered with. I'm pretty sure the idiots at the dealership tried to remove the locks with a air drill without using the key causing the damage to the lugs. I then tried to remove the "stuck" lug nut with the factory wrench and it came off within 6 turns!!! I reapplied the nut with no issue!! I even had my father try just so I wasn't missing anything! It then became very clear that I was dealing with a very crooked dealership. They caused the damage to my car, fed me some BS and stuck me with the bill.
I plead my case to the manager at the dealership and was blatantly told that it was a case of my word against his. If you live in the Louisville area, STAY AWAY FROM SAM SWOPE DEALERSHIPS!! They will only cause more damage to your car.
The dealership called me within an hour after dropping the car off to advise the wheel lugs have been stripped on my car. I advised there could be no way since the wheels had only been off the car once and that was to put on the HFP wheels and I did the job myself. They came up with a quick story that it looked like someone had tried to remove the wheel lock (Honda factory wheel locks) from each wheel causing the damage. I found this very questionable because I doubt a thief would try one wheel, give up and try the other three wheels.
I asked them to leave it and I would have someone else look at the issue. I was told that there was too much damage to the lugs and the car was not drivable. I told them to go ahead and fix the issue but I would like every bolt and nut taken off the car for my own inspection. I was then told one wheel could not be removed because the lug nut was stuck. I told the dealer to skip that wheel and I would deal with it later.
Four hours and $300 dollars later I got my car back from the dealership. The bolts are stripped but the locks were in brand new condition...they did not look tampered with. I'm pretty sure the idiots at the dealership tried to remove the locks with a air drill without using the key causing the damage to the lugs. I then tried to remove the "stuck" lug nut with the factory wrench and it came off within 6 turns!!! I reapplied the nut with no issue!! I even had my father try just so I wasn't missing anything! It then became very clear that I was dealing with a very crooked dealership. They caused the damage to my car, fed me some BS and stuck me with the bill.
I plead my case to the manager at the dealership and was blatantly told that it was a case of my word against his. If you live in the Louisville area, STAY AWAY FROM SAM SWOPE DEALERSHIPS!! They will only cause more damage to your car.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
Why should I have to pay the $600? I paid $16,000 for a brand new car with a 6 year/60,000 mile power train warranty. Sam Swope Honda is basically telling me that they don't believe the oil loss and will charge me $600 if no problem is found internally. I'm sure they won't since I seriously doubt they will even take the time to break down the engine. I can't afford to take the chance on giving $600 to a shady dealership and that is why I took it to another dealer for a second opinion. The second dealership found no evidence of a leak so they advised me to monitor the oil loss on my own and bring it into their shop everytime there is a "significant" loss(1/2 quart or more). So far it has been there twice for the oil loss issue and documented. The third visit (coming soon) will open the discussion for what my options may be. I pretty much have my mind set on claiming it as a lemon and buying a Mazda 3 or Sentra SE-R. I'm not saying I won't buy a Honda in the future but at this point I'm open for bid and willing to explore other manufacturers.
I've owned a Chrysler! It was my one and only (last) American made car! I bought a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport...fresh off the showroom floor. The car was in the shop more that it was driven. I had it for three years and traded it in on a Nissan Altima GXE. I was upside down on the thing but it was worth getting rid of the piece of junk. Never again!
I've owned a Chrysler! It was my one and only (last) American made car! I bought a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport...fresh off the showroom floor. The car was in the shop more that it was driven. I had it for three years and traded it in on a Nissan Altima GXE. I was upside down on the thing but it was worth getting rid of the piece of junk. Never again!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
From: Chicago
if the car has only 5000 miles on it, according to honda, you haven't even gotten your first oil change yet.
they have to fix it -- unless they can prove you deliberately drained several quarts of oil out of the car (since you havent driven enough to run it dry) they haven't a leg to stand on. write letters to honda of america, go to different dealers (don't mention that you've even talked to another dealer yet, just tell them that you don't like your last dealer)
do not go back to this dealer, they are not worth your time... i changed dealers after they (castle honda in morton grove, il) told me they couldn't do the srs recall for 2 months because they only do 1 recall repair a day -- i went to another dealer (Muller honda in highland park, il) and they fixed it that day -- and topped off the fluids, and washed my car! i was freaking thrilled! i told them to take the old dealer's plate holder off and put one of theirs on, and they did, haha
since then, they have replaced my clutch pedal and shifter knob because i simply wore it out and they replaced my radio's head unit when the LCD cracked, absolutely no questions asked... they also gave me free wiper blade inserts when it took them longer than expected to install the head unit!
THAT's dealer service, you should expect no less.
they have to fix it -- unless they can prove you deliberately drained several quarts of oil out of the car (since you havent driven enough to run it dry) they haven't a leg to stand on. write letters to honda of america, go to different dealers (don't mention that you've even talked to another dealer yet, just tell them that you don't like your last dealer)
do not go back to this dealer, they are not worth your time... i changed dealers after they (castle honda in morton grove, il) told me they couldn't do the srs recall for 2 months because they only do 1 recall repair a day -- i went to another dealer (Muller honda in highland park, il) and they fixed it that day -- and topped off the fluids, and washed my car! i was freaking thrilled! i told them to take the old dealer's plate holder off and put one of theirs on, and they did, haha
since then, they have replaced my clutch pedal and shifter knob because i simply wore it out and they replaced my radio's head unit when the LCD cracked, absolutely no questions asked... they also gave me free wiper blade inserts when it took them longer than expected to install the head unit!
THAT's dealer service, you should expect no less.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
From: Chicago
The third visit (coming soon) will open the discussion for what my options may be. I pretty much have my mind set on claiming it as a lemon and buying a Mazda 3 or Sentra SE-R. I'm not saying I won't buy a Honda in the future but at this point I'm open for bid and willing to explore other manufacturers.
my younger sister has a nissan sentra - 2 new fuel pumps... 30k miles.
i have a fit with 40k - aside from the things i mentioned above (i broke the lcd on my head unit accidentally and wore out my clutch pedal and shift knob - all replaced), i've only needed to change the oil.
'nuff said.
Damn bro, i think the dealer is blowing smoke up your arse. First off, the car is under warranty so you shouldn't have to pay a damn dime, regardless!!!!! I work at a VW/Subaru/Mazda dealer, parts dept, but I see craziness happen all the time. The dealership needs to address the issue and even get one of the Honda regional reps in there if necessary to get to the bottom of it. Once again, regardless, do not pay them any money out of your pocket......warranty my friend!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 745
From: IL
do not go back to this dealer, they are not worth your time... i changed dealers after they (castle honda in morton grove, il) told me they couldn't do the srs recall for 2 months because they only do 1 recall repair a day -- i went to another dealer (Muller honda in highland park, il) and they fixed it that day -- and topped off the fluids, and washed my car! i was freaking thrilled! i told them to take the old dealer's plate holder off and put one of theirs on, and they did, haha
i ended up just going back to brilliance honda and just had it done in addition to an oil change. i was pretty annoyed at rosen especially since i waited for an hour for them just to tell me they couldn't do it.anyways, back to the topic at hand
New Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5
From: Krum, Texas USA
Sorry to hear about the dealership woes you're having with your Fit. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Fit myself, and the dealer(s) are just as important as the car itself.
On the subject of oil usage, I'm wondering how long you wait after the engine is shut off before checking your oil? I used to have a car (a then-new 1975 Chevy Laguna Type S3) that I thought was using oil. I'd check it right after shutting it off, and it was low. I'd add more until it was in the right spot of the dipstick. A week later, same thing. It would be low and I'd add more.
What was happening was that all the oil hadn't drained down into the pan when I was checking it. It wasn't until I started giving it about 30 minutes before checking (or checking it in the morning when cold) that I got accurate readings. When checking cold, I found that I never needed to add more oil. I don't know what was happening to the excess, but since then I've always checked my oil only when the car is cold. This is especially true if you're using synthetic oil.
Good luck with the dealer!
On the subject of oil usage, I'm wondering how long you wait after the engine is shut off before checking your oil? I used to have a car (a then-new 1975 Chevy Laguna Type S3) that I thought was using oil. I'd check it right after shutting it off, and it was low. I'd add more until it was in the right spot of the dipstick. A week later, same thing. It would be low and I'd add more.
What was happening was that all the oil hadn't drained down into the pan when I was checking it. It wasn't until I started giving it about 30 minutes before checking (or checking it in the morning when cold) that I got accurate readings. When checking cold, I found that I never needed to add more oil. I don't know what was happening to the excess, but since then I've always checked my oil only when the car is cold. This is especially true if you're using synthetic oil.
Good luck with the dealer!
Last edited by K5ING; Jan 13, 2008 at 03:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
I've always checked the oil when cold and on a flat surface...it's actually funny that you mention it because I had a VW Golf that did the same thing. It was like it "held" oil in the engine for a while until it had enough time to fully drain to the pan.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39
From: Bridgewater, NJ
hey on the note of gas mileage just and fyi you need about 10 to 15k on the motor before you get good mileage. because everything is still new the motor and trans need to break in. i've had my fit for 6months and have a little over 20k on it and right now i'm getting 32mpg city, and 38 highway. i really didnt start noticing any real improvement in the mileage until i was near 10k. oh and the 38 on the highway is doing 85-90 mph everywhere i go. as for the burning of the oil i think you need to call the service department of a honda dealer not in your area, and make an appointment, and honda of NA really needs to know about those dealerships in that area. good luck with the problem.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
I have a rep at Honda USA working on my case. Neither Honda nor the dealership will take my word that the car is losing oil so the car is now being "monitored" for oil consumption. Everytime I have a significant loss of oil I have to call my Honda rep. The Honda rep calls the Honda dealership and schedules an appointment for me to bring it in. The oil loss is then documented by Honda and the dealership. After the loss is documented a few times then I can sit down with Honda USA and discuss my options. I'm hoping to claim the car as a lemon and get my money back but I'm sure they will offer a engine rebuild or replacement. I will not be happy with that option...I'm just done with the car...it's been a true disappointment.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
My Fit is gone!! A formal "lemon" was not filed but a deal was made and I handed the car and the keys back. My experience with the Honda Fit was a nightmare but I wish everyone else the best of luck with their Fit!! Thanks to everyone for the kind words!
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 171
From: Summerville, SC
I've been following your thread and though I have no issues with my Fit, I think it is horrendous how badly you were treated by your dealer. I am glad American Honda was able to jump in and finally do the right thing.
If I were in your shoes, I am sure I'd never buy a car from that dealer and would probably stay away from the brand forever.
I am a Honda nut and am very faithful, but if put in that position, I'd feel the same way you do.
I am glad to hear your nightmare is over.
It's a good lesson to all you Fit Freaks. If you truly have something going on with your car, document everything and then call American Honda. Be courteous and professional and usually you'll get a decent result. I've been down that road twice and both times ended up with Honda going above and beyond to take care of the issue.
If I were in your shoes, I am sure I'd never buy a car from that dealer and would probably stay away from the brand forever.
I am a Honda nut and am very faithful, but if put in that position, I'd feel the same way you do.
I am glad to hear your nightmare is over.
It's a good lesson to all you Fit Freaks. If you truly have something going on with your car, document everything and then call American Honda. Be courteous and professional and usually you'll get a decent result. I've been down that road twice and both times ended up with Honda going above and beyond to take care of the issue.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 484
From: Massachusetts, USA
I hadn't seen this thread before today, but it sure is a bummer. But, glad you got a good resolution on the issue. I bet they'll tear that engine apart to find the problem. I'm not surprised Honda took it back. I know two people personally that had full size trucks replaced for free. A Chevy Silverado, and a Toyota Tundra. You can tell when the company cares about their business. They do the right thing when there is a problem.
Good luck with your next vehicle.
Good luck with your next vehicle.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
I've been following your thread and though I have no issues with my Fit, I think it is horrendous how badly you were treated by your dealer. I am glad American Honda was able to jump in and finally do the right thing.
If I were in your shoes, I am sure I'd never buy a car from that dealer and would probably stay away from the brand forever.
I am a Honda nut and am very faithful, but if put in that position, I'd feel the same way you do.
I am glad to hear your nightmare is over.
It's a good lesson to all you Fit Freaks. If you truly have something going on with your car, document everything and then call American Honda. Be courteous and professional and usually you'll get a decent result. I've been down that road twice and both times ended up with Honda going above and beyond to take care of the issue.
If I were in your shoes, I am sure I'd never buy a car from that dealer and would probably stay away from the brand forever.
I am a Honda nut and am very faithful, but if put in that position, I'd feel the same way you do.
I am glad to hear your nightmare is over.
It's a good lesson to all you Fit Freaks. If you truly have something going on with your car, document everything and then call American Honda. Be courteous and professional and usually you'll get a decent result. I've been down that road twice and both times ended up with Honda going above and beyond to take care of the issue.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
From: Louisville, Ky
It was determined that my Fit had scarred cylinder walls and a large amount of metalic debris found in the engine. A top end engine rebuild would have corrected the issue. I wonder why this couldn't have been determined while I owned the car? Honda and the dealership treated me as a liar until I could provide proof of the issue. I would have probably kept the car if they had taken my word, researched the issue and provided a engine rebuid or replacement. Instead, it took agrevation, months of taking the car to the dealership and time out of my schedule. I'm pretty sure this "news" seals the coffin on any future Honda purchases for myself. It just pisses me off!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143
From: Corona, CA
So, after 8 good Hondas, one screwup on Hondas part and a bad dealership, you're buying something from a different manufacturer? Why? They're man made and not perfect but closer to perfect than anything else you could buy! Whatever you get hopefully your luck is a bit better, but ANY company can have lemons, nothing is perfect and even Rolls-Royces break down, even though they refer to it as "failing to proceed" LOL. Take my advice and instead of whining on the internet and letting the dealership walk all over you (and don't say you didn't because obviously you allowed them to give you those answers, you went home and complained to us) you actually do something, man up, start screaming at the service MANAGER face to face, in front of customers, especially potential sales customers, they love that... to make a scene. It does work, just don't make threats, obviously... Take it from me, I am a former VW owner, I know what problems are and I know how to make dealers fix them! I am 100% certain that if you have confronted them a bit better on the issue you would have easily gotten your problem fixed.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143
From: Corona, CA
And I'm sorry to the (rhymes with dude but ends with che) that is complaining about his Fit and ended up trading it in on a 4Runner or S2000... ever heard of a test drive? Your S2000 is better? That's news to us! Because I was just about to take my stock AT sport to the track to rape an F430 scuderia! Thanks for the reality check it really helped me realize the error of my "econobox that's really a supercar" ways!