Outstanding Service - 07Accord
In June 2015, I bought a 2007 Accord from a private party. In April 2016, the check-engine light came on and it began surging on acceleration. After much research, I learned that a part called the Spool Assembly was likely not getting enough oil pressure because it was clogged, which would create the symptoms I was having. I went to 2 different independently owned garages and received repair quotes around $900 for parts and labor. I have repaired my vehicles before (body work, alternators, oil changes, electrical issues) and tried to replace the Spool Assembly myself - big mistake. The part is hard to get at and even harder to remove and replace.
It was Saturday. I stopped half-way through the job, drove to Winter Honda in another car and met a friendly Service Advisor, Laura Santalaya. When I need parts or service, I rarely do business with a dealership because of the high costs. However, I realized that I relied heavily on the Accord and decided I needed professional help. I prepared to pay a dealership rate to get the Accord fixed properly.
After explaining the problems I was having with the car, Laura began to research my concerns. She brought a mechanic into our conversation and in a few minutes they knew exactly what the problem was. It was late in the day on a Saturday. Laura told me that the dealership could begin work on the Accord first thing Monday morning. I explained that I would have to have the Accord towed-in. She showed me where to leave it parked for Monday morning and how to fill out the Early Bird envelope. She told me another Service Advisor, Vin Parr, would take care of me on Monday morning.
After speaking with Laura, I felt like I could relax and things would be ok. I returned home, had a beer and arranged to have the Accord towed the next day. Sunday, I left the Accord at Winter Honda and early Monday morning I got a call from Vin. He told me the Accord was being looked at and that he would call me with an update. An hour or so later, he called with a $500 estimate and added that the car could be ready that afternoon. I was very pleased and gave the go-ahead. A couple hours later, I was at the dealership picking up the Accord. Vin answered all my questions and explained that the Spool Assembly likely failed because the previous owner did not change the oil regularly. This resulted in engine oil sludge and dirt, which clogged the Spool Assembly. The repair costs came in closer to $400 and I couldn't have been happier.
On January 5, 2017, the check-engine light came back on and the Accord again began to surge on acceleration. I was driving in Antioch at the time and drove straight to Winter Honda. I felt better when I arrived and was greeted by Vin. I explained that I was having the same problem again. I read some where that repairs were guaranteed for 12,000 miles and/or 1 year. I had put 14,000 miles on the car since the last repair and mentioned this to Vin. He told me not to worry about it and let a mechanic figure out what was causing the problem. He offered to take the car and have the dealership shuttle service drive me to my home in Byron. However, I had an appointment in the afternoon and opted to bring the car in early the next morning.
As promised, Vin met me the following morning at 7:30 and got the car in for repair. An hour later, Vin approached me in the customer waiting area where I was having a cup of coffee and working on my laptop. He explained that the mechanic determined the Spool Assembly was working; however, the smaller cheap oil filter that was installed at the last oil change by a quick lube oil change service had failed and caused the Spool Assembly to malfunction. He brought me into the repair bay where I spoke with the mechanic and he showed me the bad oil filter and how it was clogged. Vin had the mechanic install a new filter, which also required an oil change, and did not charge me a cent....!!
So, I really wanted to share my story with others about the great service I received from Vin and Winter Honda - not once, but twice!! These guys are great and I highly recommend them. I am a regular Joe Customer and am not being compensated in any way for this review. Nor has anyone asked me to write this review. This is not the first time I have given credit where credit is due. I'm afraid most people do not write a review unless they had a bad experience and want to complain.
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