I called early last week, spoke to the service - spratlenj
I called early last week, spoke to the service department, asked if parking sensors could be added to my Ridgeline, and if so, what the cost would be. I was told that the parts department would give me that information, so I was transferred there. They confirmed that they can be installed, told me the parts cost would be $287. I asked for the total cost, I was told the service department would provide that, so I was transferred back to the service department. The advisor there said $550 for everything, so I asked them to place the order, and I was told that the parts department would have to do that. I never was called, so I called and they got me scheduled. I arrived before the scheduled time, asked for a ride home, and I was told that the person that does that, had not arrived yet. No problem, since it was a little before 8AM. By 8:30, I was told that the person who does the shuttle, was at the dentist, and it would most likely be another half hour. I conveyed I had meetings to attend and stuff to do for work, and half an hour later, another person came to give me a ride. At 11AM, the service department calls me, to ensure I am on the same page for labor, and I was informed just the labor would be $687. That combined with the parts cost, would be around $1050 with tax, double what I was quoted, which is not in my budget. I told my advisor that when I called, I repeatedly asked for the total cost, so he went to his manager, and they decided to honor the $550. A couple hours after that call, I was called again by the service department, informed that all of the parts were not ordered for the parking sensors, and as a result, it will be the next day before it’s ready. I called at the end of the next day, spoke with my advisor, and I was told “due to the after market sound system, they’ve had issues getting the sensors installed, and if they would have known that, they would have charged more for the job.” I asked why, and he said that the sensor system has to be wired into the speakers of the truck, so the audible tone can be played on the speakers. If someone had taken the time to explain the install process, when I initially called, I would have been more than happy to convey about the speakers. Fast forward to picking up my vehicle, I get a different service advisor, and he told me that the cost is $941. I explained once again, that I had called and repeatedly asked for the total cost, to which he informed me that was the labor only, so he brought the “manager” over, who I believe is Edward Thomson. He explained that he was the original person I spoke with, and the $550 is only labor. I then asked, “so, if someone calls and asks for the total cost on something, there is no one at this dealership that a customer can talk to, to get this information?”, to which he replied “no.” He sat at his computer for a few minutes, then said “with a 10% discount, your total is $860”. I explained once again that when I called to ask for the total cost, I was told it was $550, and then when Sky called and I explained the same thing, $550 was the answer. I explained to Edward that there was far too much miscommunication that happened, the experience was not ideal by any means, to which he scoffed and sneered, then said, “clearly….on both sides….”. I was so frustrated at this point, I told him he has two options: 1 - I pay $550 total and I leave, or 2 - he can take the system out and replace the back bumper, since it now has holes in it. He grumbled a little bit, then got the total invoice price down to $547. On the All Star Honda website, it states the following, in the About Us section; “We live by the golden rule at All Star Honda Abilene and we treat everyone who visits us in the Merkel, San Angelo, Clyde and Baird area exactly how we would want to be treated. We make each transaction with us easy and transparent, from sales to navigating auto financing deals, and we make caring for your vehicle for the long haul easier as well..."
Read More