On August 12, 2010, I purchased a 2008 Honda Accord from Mike Zheng. I have to say, I was not impressed with detail job I had expected for such high end vehicles. I cleaned my car and noticed scratches (which I should expect on a used car) and some imperfections. I emailed Mr. Zheng to inform of my findings and received the normal angry reply for the stereo typical salesperson about how my car wasn't in the greatest of shapes and we all know that. Well, I do know that and that would explain why I was there to purchase a new car. I took my car into the dealership August 14, 2010 for Mr. Zheng to look and inspect and to possibly touch up anything he could that day. Mr. Zheng took my car back into the shop area as I waited during my lunch break. I was returned my car with again unsatisfied with the work from the so called luxury dealership.
On August 19, 2010, I took my car into Milex complete Auto Care in Frederick, MD to have my mechanic conduct an inspection and look over the vehicle. My mechanic informed me that the driver's side tie rod bolt was down to the retaining pin. Finding the loose tie rod bolt should have been discovered by Rosenthal Acura if an inspection was performed at all.
On October 24, 2010, I went to start my car and the battery was dead. I then had used my wife's car to jump start mine.
On October 25, I took my vehicle into Shockley Honda in Frederick, MD to replace the battery while it was under warranty. I asked the service gentleman a question if paint defects would be covered under warranty. I pointed out a specific area (just over the driver's side door handle) in question. He asked his manager if the area would be covered. While walking to the vehicle, the manager said that will not be covered (looking at the passenger side quarter panel) because that was due to an accident. I was then brought into the service area after the battery was replaced to talk to the manger about his findings. I was told about the left quarter panel and I asked if he could explain how he knew it was involved in an accident. The manger opened to hood and showed me that both quarter panels have been replaced. Neither quarter panel had the VIN sticker that is located on all quarter panels on all accords. He then said it looks as though the hood VIN sticker had been tampered with by removing and replacing onto a new hood. I walked outside and called Rosenthal Acura to speak with Gary Wade, Sales Manger about my findings. I drove down, from Frederick to Rosenthal Acura to speak in person and try and get this resolved.
After arriving at Rosenthal Acura, Mr. Wade and I spoke about me getting a vehicle that was involved in an accident. I showed him the passenger quarter panel of the raised body imperfection from a repair. Mr. Wade then looks around the vehicle and notices the bolts on the driver's side quarter panel had been tampered with. I show him the VIN sticker on the hood and he immediately dismisses it and says those can't be removed or replaced. I am no rocket scientist, but using gooBgone does wonders on stubborn adhesive. Also, the service manager at Shockley Honda informed me the only way to get the stickers off is with adhesive remover, but the chemicals will smear the numbers allowing for a tamper proof sticker. I paid over $20,000 for a 2008 Honda Accord involved in an accident that was not disclosed. Mr. Wade then moves to the We priced it accordingly. Do you want me think Rosenthal Acura sells unsafe vehicles? Do you want me to think Rosenthal Acura doesn't check over what they're selling? Just so you're aware, I researched the price of a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L w/out Navigation and a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L with Navigation. The difference is $2,000 on average. There was a grey 2008 Honda Accord EX-L with Navigation on the lot at the same time I purchased my vehicle. I remember asking my wife and her replying $2,000 for a navigation system? You can get a GPS now for $100. Just settle for the one without and we'll get a GPS. And I ended up with what I got. FYI, I went out on the lot to inspect the 08/09 Honda Accord Coupe and the placements of the VIN stickers on the quarter panels and found the oil cap laying on the engine manifold.
Now, it seems the rear brakes are done. I have driven this car under 5,000 miles and have to replace the rear brake pads. This has been the most horrific vehicle sales experience I have ever endured. I do believe Mr. Zheng said in an email to me: Hi Vincent, Thank you and congratulations on the purchase of your new 2008 Honda Accord. You now own one of the most popular and nicest luxury vehicles on the road today. I'm sure you'll enjoy many years and thousands of miles of driving pleasure with your new Accord . It was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to serving your automotive needs now and in the future. I hope to also serve the needs of others you may know as well. Please let me know if next Tuesday from 9am thru 4pm works for you to fix the chip on the front windshield. If the weather permits. Sincerely, Michael
|
