(See the beginning of my transmission problem here)
I am happy to report that American Honda has agreed to pay for the part for a new transmission, providing I pay for the labor.
I am satisfied with this arrangement. I think that’s fair. Though the labor is a little expensive (the dealer said it would be about $800), it’s better than paying $3000 for the entire thing.
Here is what happened:
I took my car into the Diamond Bar Honda dealer at 7:30am. The service person Alan was very helpful, very nice, very efficient, and offered to have my car washed. It certainly needs a wash, and they are suppose to give a complimentary car wash. The last time I was there several years ago, they said they would wash my car and didn’t. It’s not a big deal, but I told Alan that they shouldn’t offer to wash it unless they are really going to do it. He says agrees, and will make sure it’s washed.
Then at about 10:30am, Alan called me to tell me that Wayne at American Honda offered to give me the transmission providing I pay for the labor. I accepted the offer and now my car is at Honda for the next several days.
In addition, Alan sold me on replacing the transmission fluid gaskets because it was leaking. Another $250.
It’s always like that when you go to the mechanic. It’s never just one thing. In my next life, I’m going to take auto mechanics in high school.
My mechanic at Fuji Auto said he was sure Honda will not cover my transmission on an expired warranty. He is wrong. In a capitalistic society, companies will often times bend backwards for the customer, especially if you scream loud enough (not literally).
Also in a capitalistic society, you should commend the good service of an employee and the company. It encourages them to do more in the future, and it helps that employee to have it in his file. I called Wayne to thank him, and when this is done, I will write a letter of commendation to Wayne, cc his supervisor.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
How many miles did you have?
September 9th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
I read your previous entry: 129000.
I have 127,000 on a 2000 van and want to get prepared to haggle.
thanks
September 10th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Washington: Good luck.
October 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am
My wife’s 2004 Honda Odyssey’s transmission also went out. Our case manager said he wanted the 60K and 85K service receipts showing that the transmission was serviced at the recommended times. Were you asked and were you able to produce yours? I could not find mine so I’m out of luck. My wife has 94K miles on the vehicle and its not even 4 years old.
October 16th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Carlos: I generally did my service at the dealer, so they had my records. I don’t think I did any service on the transmission. Your Odyssey should be under warranty. You should definitely fight this one. Call that number on my post.
October 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
My experience was horrible and I finally gave up. Shame on American Honda and Clark Knapp Honda in McAllen Texas for not standing by their product. I, like you, called the 800 number two and a half weeks ago and was assigned Ron as case manager. He left me a voicemail mssg and it took five messages to him from me over a period of a couple of days to finally get a response. When we finally did speak on a Wednesday, all he was interested in was my transmission service records but he wouldn’t be able to get to my case until Friday because he had Thursday off. By the next day I had all the service records and they were all in order but I did not have any transmission service records at 60K and 85K miles. I again attempted to make contact with him but he never answered his phone and only after five mssgs does he call. Well lucky me, I missed it so he left me a voicemail mssg late on Friday afternoon probably just before he went home for the long weekend. I called first thing Monday only to find out he was off again for Columbus Day. I did try to call him again on Tuesday morning but was only able to leave a voicemail mssg to which he eventually responded at the end of the workday. By that time the General Sales Manager of Clark Knapp Honda (who drives a Toyota) convinced me that all I was probably going to get was 15% off of a $2,800 - 3,200 bill. So I’ve since taken my vehicle to AAMCO Transmissions to get repaired. It’ll run about $2K and I’ll get a 3 year / 30K mile warranty. I doubt I’ll ever buy Honda again. Sorry for my sour grapes. I’m glad you at least had a good experience.