redterminator

Hey guys,
It's almost time for my timing belt service so I've been scouring the forums for info. I saw that a couple of out of state dealerships are offering discounted part packages so I wanted to use those for my service.

When I went to my dealer, they refused to install parts I bought anywhere else because they claim they have no guarantee that these other dealerships are not using gray market parts under the guise of OEM parts. The manager said that if something went wrong they wouldn't be responsible for a timing belt bought somewhere else. I offered to show them the invoice from the other dealers but they said that wasn't enough for them.

This sounded like a load of crap to me, especially since they were very surprised when I told them the prices available online. They claimed they've heard of dealerships doing this, but I think Acura would have pretty good control of their dealers and shut them down if something like this happened.

Anyone have experience dealing with this? Are they just trying to muscle me into paying them more for the parts? They're the only Acura dealer in town and I don't really feel like driving 2 hours to the next closest dealer for my service.

dan.....k

iTrader: (1)

My dealership has no problems installing the parts I buy online.

Hi speed

iTrader: (3)

Go to an independent shop, better quality work, less BS and better prices. The dealer just wants you to pay $1100 for the parts. If you really want the work done at the dealer tell them you will pay the $600 mark up they charge for the parts, if they are willing to do the work. Or just return the parts you bought and let the dealer charge you for them.

sddale

It all depends on the shop whether they will put on customer provided parts.

Conan O'Brien

that's wack. my dealership in plano, TX just installed new motor mounts (front and side) that i purchased from a wholesale OEM vendor online. they never questioned it.

LoveMyTL-S

2 hours drive is not too bad to save a ton of cash. Just call them ahead of time to make sure they'll do the work with those parts.

Rick_TL-S

Better than my dealer; they keep trying to uninstall my parts.

TLDude876

iTrader: (7)

I bought oem parts online to fix my ac and the dealer installed it but clearly said they cannot issue any sort of warranty since I didnt get the part from them. OP, I think they are trying to screw you over. If there is a Honda dealer near you I'd say give them a try.

mikedog4

iTrader: (1)

How can you just throw out a generalization that an independent shop provides better quality work? Lots of BS at indpendents and the prices are not always better. I am the service mgr of a Honda dealer and I hear this shit all day long. Do we make mistakes? Sure everyone does but I think my shop of 9 techs (5 of which are Platinum level master techs with 20+ yrs Honda experience) will provide better work than Joe Blows garage down the road.

Now OP it sounds like the dealer is blowing smoke up your ass. If the parts are oem in the packaging any dealer should install no problem regardless if you bought it from them. Labor is where the service dept makes the money. If the parts are oem and you have receipt there should be no question. Warranty on honda parts is 12/12 regardless who installs. Unfortunatly, this type of service is what gives dealers (any facility really) a bad rep.

You just need to find a shop that is honest and does good work at a fair price. Just because the price is cheaper (be it a little or a lot) doesnt mean you are getting a deal. Time is money and if they fuck it up and you have to take time to take it back then ultimatley its costing you more.

natedoggydog

I'd find a new dealership and when corporate calls to check on your service, let them know the crap you put up with at the other location. Corporate calls me every time I have work done.

Sandals

iTrader: (2)

@Mikedog4 You should throw out generalizations about Joe blows garage, I have heard of many satisfied customers in my area. Not only with his prices but service as well.

mikedog4

iTrader: (1)

Sandals, you took that out of context. I'm not saying an independent cannot do fine work. I know a lot that do but to say "go independent, better quality work..." is a mass generalization.

quanaman

iTrader: (4)

Uh. I think the easiest solution is to go to the dealer, tell them that if they won't accommodate you, you'll go to a different Acura dealer.

and if they dont,

do just that.

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

If you bought ACURA genuine parts, no matter where you bought it from, the part will come in some sort of packaging with a red authentication sticker on it with the part number, that will serve as proof that the part is GENUINE OEM.

Have you shown them the part? I can't wrap my mind around why in the hell they would refuse it at that point or what type of argument they can throw at you. If I were you I would've called them out on it.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

Best of luck!

WRXtranceformed

I would take your parts elsewhere. I bought a discounted timing belt kit from a vendor here and it's all OEM parts. So there is no reason why a Honda or Acura dealership should have an issue with installing them....other than to force you to pay through the nose for the parts through them.

PSURob12

I'm probably due for some brake pads soon...

I was wondering if there was a place I could buy the OEM brembos for an 08' TL-S online cheaper than what the dealer wants to hit me with and if they would do the work.

CubanLynx84

iTrader: (2)

The dealer probably told you that for the simply fact the he just lost on making money on the parts from his mark up. But there are bootleg parts out there that are put into oem looking packaging so I can understand why he would say that he doesn't want to install the part regardless whether you got it from him or elsewhere. Show him the part there has to be some way to make sure it's not a bootleg part via part # routing or something.

stillhere153

iTrader: (1)

last I checked OEM Acura Parts = 1yr/12,000 mile warranty??? shits in writing flip that dealer the bird and drive over to the next acura dealer



excelerateperformance.com

nj2pa2nc

I agree-Even tho there are acura dealers closer to me I drive over 2 hours to go to one I think is excellent and does not overcharge.

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

Dealer is lying to you. They just want to force you to return the parts so you have to buy from them. They make huge margins and can't compete with internet prices

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

the dealer sucks in general

Mine would install whatever I brought them but they cost to much money so I just go to my independent shop

redterminator

I told them that the part comes with the Acura packaging and stamp but they claimed there are shady dealers out there that sell third-party parts under the guise of OEM parts. I've decided to go to an independent shop to save the headache and some money.

I guess being the only dealer in the area gives them a monopoly.

DMZ

I've never encountered a dealer that won't install parts not purchased there as long as they're genuine Acura/Honda OEM's as labor is where the service department makes the most money. I can however certainly understand a dealer's refusal to install non-OEM parts.
.
.

Bearcat94

That is complete and utter BS.

The big on-line OEM parts distributors are EXACTLY that - distributors. When a local dealership doesn't have a part, who do you think they call? A regional parts distribution facility. That's why it only take a day or two to get most parts.

(Edit: For clarification, I'm talking about legitimate Acura DEALERS that are also Acura parts distributors.)



What your dealer doesn't like is that they don't get the 30% on the wholesale price.

Dump 'em. Seriously. If they'll tell you such a blatent BS lie about parts sources, what are they gonna do when you've got repair issue?

redterminator

I had a lengthy conversation on this topic with the service manager and he insisted that he does not trust anyone else other than his own parts store to obtain genuine parts. I even mentioned that they've installed other parts (brakes, etc) in the past that I'd purchased elsewhere and he said he wouldn't take the risk of a timing belt because if it fails then he'd be responsible for the engine.

I even asked if he would repair my vehicle had I got the install job done at another dealership if it failed at a later time and he said he would. Sounds like they're pretty confused by their own policies because in that case they would get no money for the install job and still have to do the repairs.

TJD2007TLS

iTrader: (3)

Have you tried Acura of Peoria here in the West Side? Bell and I-17. I got a great deal on the whole 105 package and they are greedy but seem to work for me with parts discount. Call Mike King in service and see if he will install parts.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

This is the sole reason why Tuscon and Phoenix sucks. I tell my Uncles and cousins that everyday.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Hence the red text.