Morley

Hi,

Does anyone from the bay area have any experience with the service depts in the list below? Good or Bad? I originally bought my 04/NBP/NAV/AT at Serramonte Acura but I wouldn't trust them to do any service.

Thanks

Sunnyvale Acura
750 E El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2918
(408)733-2400


Autowest Acura Of Stevens Creek
4747 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95051-6758
(408)247-7422


Hopkins Acura
1555 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063-1938
(650)364-6771


Los Gatos Acura
16151 Los Gatos Blvd
Los Gatos, CA 95032-4515
(408)358-8000


Mike Harvey Acura
1070 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010-2415
(650)579-4200

Slava

I had some small warranty work done at Serramonte. They were prety good about it. I was planning to do my first A1 service with them. What do you have against them?

dwcolt

So far, I've had good experience with Hopkins Acura. I had a small tear on the rear door vinyl from where one overly-zealous employee apparently nicked it when taking off all the plastic during the prep process. Hopkins hooked me up with a loaner very quickly and did the repairs in just a couple of hours. The car came back clean with no nicks, scuffs, grease, etc. The facility is also nice as it is fairly small and not too crowded.

Morley

1. They delivered my car with a half way charged air conditioner. Of course I didn't notice it because it was kind of cold up here but when I drove to L.A. across the 5 in 100 degree heat it became an problem. I had to have Keyes Acura in the valley finish the job. They are great btw.

2. I sent an email to the service manager and never heard anything back.

Bad customer experience for me. I'd like to have the car serviced near Mt. View where I work.

You know it would be great if everyone here posted their ratings at:
http://www.dealerratings.com/

qali

I bought my car at Mike Harvey... they qre quite small.. i don't know if I am going to go to them to do service though. Although my experience wasn't bad, I wouldn't say it was good... I guess I expected more.

I was also going to ask a similar question. I was wondering about either Stevens Creek Acura (since it's real close to my work) or Los Gatos (because they are a certified Comptech dealer/sellter)...

so, if you hear anything, let me know too!

xristos

Pleasanton Acura is also a Comptech dealer.

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but what about Acura of Concord , since its in the Bay Area, any negative/positive experiences at this service dept.?

fpique

I tried Mike Harvey's(where I bought my car) never again. I also tried Serramonte... fast service and they drove me 'round town for a while...

If you live in SF I would go to them.

glnn01

I may be due for my A1 service pretty soon. Anyone know what most Bay Area dealers are charging for this service?

jime

I have been driving Acuras since 1989 and have tried Hopkins, Pleasanton, Sunnyvale and Steven’s Creek. I found that Hopkins (1995 data) and Sunnyvale (Dec. 2003 data) did not have loaner policies that I could work with. My experience with Pleasanton (March 2003) was terrible and I will never go back although they are my closest Acura dealer. I have had my best service with Steven’s Creek.

Have you considered taking your TL to a Honda dealer? I take my Acuras to my local (Autowest) Honda dealer, except for warranty repair, and have been very satisfied.

daikon38

Just curious, as I might take your advice about taking it in for service at a Honda dealer, but are/should the Honda mechanics be familiar with the new Acura's inner workings?

Is there anything significantly different in the TL than a Honda that would require extra training? Or is it the case where a car is a car...and it's essentially the same regardless of brand, and especially between sister companies as Honda and Acura?

birdboy

I purchaed a Vigor from Hopkins Acura in '92 from sales rep Michael Andrews and it was a horrible experience. He misquoted me (in my favor) on a lease package and publicly embarrased me in front of other customers claiming I was the one reneging. The sales manager Mike Quigley ran out and had to intervene and he agreed on the deal. Quiqley was very professional about the whole thing while Andrews sulked. Well, fast forward 14 years and Mike Andrews is STILL THERE. I guess if you produce, they keep you around. Anyway, they have this loyalty program with sales reps there that if you worked with one --you have him/her for life. Arlene (dont remember last name) greeted my wife and I and was such a pleasure to work with -so we got the TL through her. Im at 3500 now so if anyone else has experience with Hopkins service dept, please post.

subinf

Marin Acura has never given me any problems, although I dont take my car anywhere for service its easier to do yourself if you can. Marin Acura has a good tech department and have never given me any problems with the work done on the 2000 3.2TL also in the family.

birdboy

Ok I just read my own post and it provided zero value regarding Morley's original inquiry -- but I had to vent !

Morley

No problem birdboy (great handle), I think this is helpful all bay area TL owners. I'm leaning toward Steven's Creek or the Sunnyvale Acura if anyone has any experience.

brucehallberg

I've had excellent experience at Stevens Creek, not happy with service experience at Mike Harvey (where I purchased, along with an earlier poster). Rodney Juarez I think is the guy I worked with there, he's handled everything nicely and I plan on continuing to go there in the future.

reloaded

Take it where it belongs..Acura (haha)...Go To Serramonte..they fuckin nice. Why don't you wanna go back there?

edl1

Could those who have issues with Mike Harvey give some specifics? I am just purchasing a 04 TL there, and they are by far the closest Acura dealer to where I live...just want to be aware of all the positives and negatives with their service dept - we have used their Honda dealership for service before with no obvious issues...

cullal

My experience with Los Gatos Acura has been excellent. The work is good and the service folks are nice to deal with...

Neorick

On my 40th B-day (8/31), I decided that a new car was an appropriate present for me.
I've had my 90LS Legend Coupe for 14 years and I was due for a new car.

I went there to buy my 04 TL. As i got to the location...I was browsing at all the cars on the lot. I've decided that before buying the TL, I wanted to test drive the TL, RSX and RL.

There is this Chinese/Taiwanese guy who approached me and the first thing out of his mouth was...The TL is a hot car!!!

I replied "Good, I want to test drive each model"
He Said "Oh no!!! cant test drive...they are hot cars...no cars available for test drive.
I said..Really!!!! ok then..how about a brochure for each model.
He replied"we're out of brochures..." (if he was not an asian I would think racism)

Ok...but what about those on the desk?
We have a few left and we could not give them away. He replied.

I said...Dude...you just lost a sale. Let me speak to the Manager.

The manager came, I said. Your staf are arrogant and you just lost a sale.

I went over to Marin Acura and was met by Michael (Sales Manager). Totally different treatment. They let me test drive all the models and even told me that 8/31 is month end and it's my B-day. He will make me very happy.

In the end...got my White Pearl 04 TL Auto w/ Navi for $35K out the door.

I drove to Serramonte the next day and saw the guy...he saw the car and I told him that the sale would have been his.

I've also report to the Honda Motors of America & BBB.

DO GO TO SERRAMONTE ACURA..THEY ARE ARROGANT AND MORE LIKELY WILL RIP YOU OFF....


NUFF SAID

Bobzmcishl

I have had many similar experiences over the years with car dealers like that, and they usually involve dealers that have vehicles in short supply like the TL, Mini Cooper, or new GTO. I just waited them out until I got a dealer I liked (Concord Acura) who sold me a car at a fair price and it was a win-win deal. When will the shoddy dealers ever learn?

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

I had my A1 service done at Serramonte, and was impressed to say the least. The service included a multi-point inspection, which I didn't expect them to actually do (most places will just peer under the hood and claim "everything's fine"), but Serramonte actually went the full mile and reported wear levels on all 4 tires and brake pads. Two weeks later, I received a follow-up call from Serramonte asking whether or not I was pleased with the service.

However, I can't say the same about their sales staff. I remember their persistence at selling me a 5AT back when I was shopping for a 6MT. Over and over again, they would insist how much "better" the tiptronic was compared to a manual (basically taking me for an idiot). And repeatedly, I would point out that I had no intentions of buying an automatic, but they persisted. In the end, I took my business to a dealer that actually listened to what I wanted - Stevens Creek Acura.

EDIT - Just wanted to add that Serramonte also wanted a $1k deposit for a new order, whereas Stevens Creek (and most other Acura dealers in the area) only required $500.

birdboy

Went to Mike Harvey (Burlingame) in '97 for front brake discs on wife's '95 accord. They called me about 4 hours later to say they were done. Before I paid, I asked to see the old ones of which they couldn't locate. The reason? the SAME ONES WERE STILL ON THE CAR. Im sure they've changed management since then, but that was bordering on sheer negligence.

Slava

So does Serramonte offer a loaner Acura for A1 service or not? My Oil Life issaying <20% so I'll be doing that service pretty soon.

Oh, and what did they charge you?

Grimnebulin

I've had good service at both Stevens Creek and Los Gatos. I've used both dealers depending on which location worked out best for me at the time.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

I didn't bother asking, since they promised to be done in an hour (and they did). Note that they're also on a first come, first serve basis - not bad, considering I was at <5% oil life, and Stevens Creek, Sunnyvale, and Hopkins were completely booked for the next two weeks.

Oh yeah, and they charge $39.99 + tax for the A1 service, which is basically their current oil change special.

realport

i don't mean to be rude but these are my comments. when i was trying to shop for my tl. the rest is up to you guys.


Sunnyvale Acura ----> They did not entertain me.. they thought i was just window
750 E El Camino Real -> ask about a-spec they said that it is not recommended.
Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2918
(408)733-2400


Autowest Acura Of Stevens Creek -->??????? never went here????
4747 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95051-6758
(408)247-7422


Hopkins Acura ----- > TO crowded when i went.
1555 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063-1938
(650)364-6771


Los Gatos Acura ---> Went here but they were closing by that time...
16151 Los Gatos Blvd
Los Gatos, CA 95032-4515
(408)358-8000


Mike Harvey Acura ---> Too small. A little bit pricey.
1070 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010-2415
(650)579-4200


Serramonte Acura - -> Got the car here .. excellent deal.. only problem the buildings they have are separated. probably because honda and acura is owned by the same company.. I still have to go back and forth when i ask for something.. for the service don't know if. But i got a 50% discount on my first Service..


you guys decide.. just posting.

xristos

Serramonte Acura is remodeling/expanding, so for right now, they use a mobile trailer as their home office.

Neorick

I am wondering How Many TL Owners are there in the Bay Area? I have only seen one 04 TL in San Francisco.

I have a Pearl White 04AT NAV and took out the Acura/TL emblem ...looks clean and lots of drivers are confused.

So ??? How many 04TL are there in the Bay Area ...specially in SF proper?

realport

i'm one in the sf area 04 SSM/Ebony.

xristos

SF/SOMA (south of market area) near Pac Bell Park. Yeah I know its SBC Park, but I'll always know it as that.

birdboy

Did they hand wash too?

loko

Los Gatos Acura said they will do my A1 service for $136.95. That's oil change and tire rotation! I can't believe their price. They have a coupon on their web site for oil change for $38.95. That means they are charging me a hundred bucks to rotate my tires!
I thought I heard it wrong and I called again later and talked with someone else who confirmed $136.95. I guess I'll never find out if their service is excellent. Too bad because they are the most convenient for me... But other dealerships charge only $39.95 for A1... Did others have a similar experience?

jime

I go to my local Honda dealer for a “while you wait” oil change for $34.95.

I would never go to the dealer and pay for a tire rotation. I went to my “America’s Tires dealer where I buy tires and asked about the cost for rotating tires. It was $24 (I think), but since I was an established customer I was treated to a “free rotation”. Since I purchased tires for my other cars there, and for the Legend I traded for the TL, they were willing to give me the free rotation. It was good customer relations because I also purchased my PZero M&S tires from them.

skeet4x25

I have had my 98' NSX serviced @ Pleasanton Acura and never had a problem. Bought my 04 TL there and will most likely have them due the 15K and 30K service when the time comes.

NSX-Tuner

There's been a lot of chatter on this in the CL forum. Here's what I've heard and what I've experienced:

Sunnyvale Acura: I bought an '01 CLS from them and had nothing but trouble with them.

Stevens Creek Acura: I've heard more bad than good but haven't dealt with them myself

Los Gatos Acura: Stay away from them. There's currenlty a thread going on in the CL forum about how bad they are. I personally had a terrible experience with them. They even messed up my paint really bad.

Mike Harvey Acura: Don't know about them

Acura of Pleasanton: I traded in my '01 CLS here for a '03 CLS 6MT. They are probably the best dealer in N. CA. All my mods were installed by them. Their service dept. is really good.

birdboy

wanted to ressurect this post and get feedback on Bay Area Acura dealers

Jerky

I really enjoy Pleaasanton, they treat me right, they are certainly the dealer Ill continue to have my service done at.

sftroy

My experience with Acura of Serramonte has been poor. It started with the purchase of a silver TL in Nov 03 (I had been to the dealership several times to drive the vehicle and negotiate pricing) - they took my DL, had me fill out paperwork, took the keys to my 03 Accord coupe and took an hour of my time before they fessed up and said that the car had been sold three days prior. They cut me a "deal" on an Anthracite - which was the color I really wanted in the first place, so the switcherooo although unethical, didn't keep me from purchasing the vehicle. I have excellent credit, but they said based upon my credit rating I couldn't qualify for a top finance rate. I pulled out pre-approved paperwork from my credit union and got them to reconsider my rate. Then when I was signing the paperwork, I noticed that they made a "mistake" and added 0.5% to the quoted interest rate. I ripped up the paperwork and told them to correct it.

In regards to service, it started out OK - they were nice and seemed to really try (Eric Chee is great, an asset to the company) to correct my problems. I had to push them to agree that there was a flatspotting problem with my PVC EL42's, but once they agreed, they promply ordered new tires. Then when things got rough, like the vibrations at high speed and tranny noise, A of S took the Acura company line and treated me like I was over reacting to an otherwise "normal" condition. And they couldn't explain why the loaner 04TL that I borrowed and put over 700 miles on didn't behave like my TL - the Svc Mngr just shrugged it off. I left 3 messages for "Mike" which were never returned - he left the company but nobody there followed up on his unanswered messages - I even told the receptionist that I was frustrated that my calls were not returned but nobody still called. It took them three times to fix my center console - which they damaged in the first place trying to fix a rattle. They heard a rattle in my headliner near the front of the sunroof - they "fixed" it by putting EPS tape between the liner and the roof - the tape didn't hold. Their next solution was to use velcro - the headliner now sits lower in the front than it should, it squeeks/pops and now the back is drooping (I can easily slide my hand between the headliner and roof). I told them that I believed that there was a TSB on the headliner - they acted like I was crazy and stated they were not aware of any TSB. I've had other things fixed that they didn't install correctly or damaged while trying to fix other things. I was in their waiting room talking to another early 04TL owner, he wasn't aware of the seat memory failure because he didn't use the feature - do you think that A of S would step up and tell him of the TSB and correct the problem on their own? Nope.

My TL will be gone soon and I will no longer have to deal with A of S . . . . . good luck to those who do.

PAR5zN2

I've been into Acura of Concord 4 times for warranty and regular service. Each time has been a major screw-up!

abox

I highly recommend you check out Japanese Beetle in Sunnyvale. Found these guys via some magazine that reviewed all the service shops in the bay area.

http://www.japanesebeetle.com/

These guys are honest, reliable, and offer great prices. They also use OEM parts, but don't work on weekends.

For example, many years back I had to do a tuneup which included replacing a timing belt. I initially dropped it off at Acura (I don't remember which one). They gave me a quote for the timing belt and also told me the cam seals had to be replaced for about $240 (I have no clue what the cam seals are for).

I decided to give Japanese Beetle a try. The timing belt replacement was a LOT cheaper. When I asked them about the cam seals, they told me the cost (***well*** under $50). I was so shocked that I blubbered "are you sure?". They responded:
Another time my engine was emitting a loud vibrating noise. They were completely booked that day but allowed me to drive to the front of the building to take a quick look. Turned out one of the engine bolts was loose. They fixed it at no charge. I never got out of my car, said "thanks" and took off.

I haven't gone back to an Acura dealer since then.