The good news? My ordered TL arrived yesterday at Rick Case Honda.

The bad news? Contrary to my written instruction ON THE FACE OF THE ORDER, and confirmed by several emails to the sales person, the dealer removed the plastic shipping film, ran the car through an automated wash, then used long-handled brushes (apparently) to wash the car. They then polished it. ALL contrary to my instruction to call me when the car came in and to leave it alone. I was going to detail it myself.

When I went to see the car, I found fine scratches marring the new black paint that would not rub out with a soft rag. I was sick- literally.

I also told them NOT to put the sticky dealer's name on the trunk. They did it anyway. For a short time, I was able to feel a little of the violation that a rape victim must experience.

Is that too much to ask when you're spending almost $40,000?? Do you think I should refuse this car?

Have you had bad experiences with your dealer? Have they let you down or taken advantage of you? Did you expect more from an Acura dealer? Is it true that Infiniti has excellent customer service?

 

Don't even go there. It's a car.

Now, back to your question. I'd be pissed. Unless the damage is not repairable, I'd refuse. If you think a good detail would fix everything, then I'd take the car but bitch and moan and try to get something for your trouble.

 

refuse the car swirl marks show up on a black car very easily. you gave them more than enough instructions and they went ahead and did it anyways. when i go in for servicing i request that they do not wash the car in any way. i know sometimes dealers think they are doing you a favor and clean your car for you. but they do more harm than good using their dirty scratchy towels.

 

Excuse my error. I'm still traumatized. I should have written "Rick Case Acura," not "Rick Case Honda." Both DO exist but my experience was at the Acura dealership which is different.

 

Well, how badly do you want the car? If you are willing to wait for another one, or go negotiate another deal, then do not accept the car.

 

Walk away. Do business elsewhere.

 

Thanks apwalsh. Appreciate the input. As a matter of fact the salesgirl told me they have an identical one being made in four days which should be in in about 3 weeks. She was apologetic. I was apoplectic! She had the day off yesterday and could not intervene.

She passed along the mgr's lame excuse that sold cars (only) need to be prepped within 24 hours in case it's necessary to make a claim for damage against the trucking company.

Now why would it make a difference if the car was sold or for stock to the trucking company? I pointed out to them there there were a half-dozen cars on their lot with plastic intact that had been there over a week.

I hate incompetence.

 

You don't own the car until you drive off the lot, so refuse away. If you already drove off the lot, I would still complain.

 

dmluds: I haven't even opened the door of it yet. It's still on their lot. I actually got a phone call from a person at the dealership who left a message asking about my satisfaction with my new TL. She wanted me to be sure and complete any surveys I received from Acura.

HAH! I called her back and left an earful on her machine. I told her she could be certain I would be completing surveys.

 

It sounds like they need a rearview mirror their BACKPEDALING so much. I have purchased several new Hondas and Acuras and asked them to leave the shipping film on and they did!!!! The dealer here in Clearwater leaves it on to protect it while in storage. Rick Case is one of the largest dealers, which is probably why it slipped thru the cracks.... STILL Unexcusable!!!!!!!! I Would wait for the next car!!!!! You know you won't be happy unless you do.

 

Xpid, definitely wait for the next one then! Maybe go to another dealer too.

 

I have decided to wait for the next one just on principle. I don't want a new car that has been messed up and then fixed up. I paid for a virgin and I want a virgin.

I will call them tomorrow. If I don't like what they have to say, I'm just going to walk. The 2005s will be out in a couple of months anyway.

 

wait for a virgin bro, I got one, it was like unwrapping a present.
They should listen to your instructions, especially with Black!
glad you stuck to your guns.

 

I recently negotiated a trade for a 04 TL from a local dealer and requested that the dealership not use a mechanical buffer on the paint when they apply the "wax"or whatever they apply to new cars during the detail process. The service guy nearly had a stroke saying "it takes too long to wax the car by hand". I told them to keep the car (luckily i had not signed the bill of sale at that point) I hopped in my trade in and drove home without buying the car. THe service guy couldn't belive that I left without completing the purchase
After arriving home, my cell began ringing and the dealership asked me to return and they would detail the car to my specifications. I really enjoy my non scratched new 04.

 

Multiple dealer issues...just not impressed.
Picked mine up a couple weeks ago and unfortunately it looked fine under the pale lights in the showroom. Got it home and started my detail work only to find mulitple swirl clouds across the hood, fenders, and doors. There were adhesive lines/marks all over and the inside was barely touched. I'm anal and have been in the paint business, so fixing these problems isn't anything new or difficult, but still a pain in the ass. Its the only way I can stay sane with a black car...the average consumer would be screwed, though.
Car was delivered and dealer put new tires on it (without telling me) to 'prevent' vibration issues. Unfortunately, they put on the same compounded/old coded tires, so didn't do much good. Of course, in the process they scratched one of the wheels. Just got her back yesterday after having the new ELs put on and having a rim replaced! They were receptive and willing to make fixes, but still don't impress me all that much. Told them not to wash the car, which they didn't...however they did leave a mess inside the car and didn't clean it.
Biggest issue I have with recent service was they managed to put 60 miles on it! I had them check into other rattles and vibrations, so I guess they thought it necessary to really try to hear them! Advisor told me they actually took it on a dirt/rough patch of road to see what they could hear. Now, I'm not a professional, but it seems that if I drive the car in normal conditions and hear things, why would you need to push it to the extreme? Couldn't they just take it for a 5 minute drive and mimic my driving conditions. Seems too logical I know.

 

I got a new Pearl Green TL about 3 weeks ago. I ordered the small spoiler for the back and waited for it to come in. Went in last weekend and they installed it. I didn't notice what was wrong till the next day.

Whoever installed the spoiler had it over an 3/4 inch off to the left. The left end of the spoiler hung over the edge of the trunk and of course there was 3/4 gap on the right side. Holes need to be drilled to install this thing. I was livid. The tech who installed in knew he screwed up and was hoping I didn't notice.

Called the service manager on the next business day. He pulled the trunk off another green TL and another spoiler (in stock) and installed it. Now it looks fine. No apologies, sorry, anything.

I wouldn't trust this dealer with installing a showerhead now. There is another Acura dealer near where I work, they are getting all my business now.

 

We don't hesitate to criticize the car so let's start making the dealerships accountable for their screwups. They have a dealer's association. We should have a buyer's association!

The dealer who has ruined the month of April 2004 in my life is the world's largest Acura dealer: Rick Case in Plantation, Florida. He has more dealerships around the country. His ads all put Rick himself up front and say how accessible he is. "Just email me or call Ext.7100" Horse pucky! I have emailed him 4 or 5 times. I either get NO response or I get one from one of his staff at the dealership like the manager who says Mr. Case is out of town.

I challenge everyone to NAME NAMES. If you have a good dealer, we want to know. If you have a bad one, we want to know that as well. Let's stop pissing our hard-earned money away into these pirate's treasure chests. :ar15:

 

DM: I got an email from XM Radio with all my registration info. Then I got an email from Acura congratulating me on my new Acura purchase and referring me to the Owner Link website where they had registered me and the car VIN that I refused. I'm also getting lots of Extended Warranty spam.

I think the dealer, Rick Case, may have done all the paperwork for a transfer of title and sale when the car came just assuming I would take this wounded duck. If they already typed up the application for title and filled out their MSO with my info, what are they going to do?? I think they're in a compramizing position, so to speak.

Currently, they seem to be stalling me by telling me it's going to take 5-6 weeks to get another car. To which I say, "Whatever. Maybe I'll find one at another dealer before you get one in."