Hi folks,
Does anyone here bought their TL from Sussman in Maple Shade NJ? I called them numerous times regarding to the famous "BUTT PRINTS" and asked mine to be replaced with the 2005 seats (which has an additional stitch), but they seemed to be very ignorant about it. When asked if they will take a look at them and replace, they said "IT'S NEVER AN ISSUE, NO ONE HAS CALLED THEM UP FOR SUCH ISSUE", I am trying to gather some info here and perhaps we could all go there together and tell them such problem, we could have a better luck and perhaps get those ugly seats changed?

 

My dealer hasnt had anyone call either he said.

 

Sussman in Maple Shade are a bunch of assholes. I always seem to have a problem when I go in there. I would keep rediculously pestering them about it until they give in..

 

I don't think that's the way to go.

Put yourself in the shoes of someone who hasn't exchanged an '04 seat/seat cover to an '05, and ask yourself this question:

"Hi, My 2004 TL driver's seat has butt prints in it. I've heard on the internet that there are dealers out there that are putting 2005 seats in those cars. Can I get a 2005 model seat for my 2004?"



Sounds a little odd, doesn't it?


I'm not saying you don't deserve your seat to be repaired, I'm just saying you're gonna get some resistance if your approach the service department that way.

I would suggest, at the minimum, reading the other thread about the 04/05seat swap, finding out which dealer(s) has done it, getting the phone number for that dealership from www.acura.com and presenting that information to the service advisor when your seat is visually inspected.

You can also request they follow up with the DPSM on this issue. I can guarantee that if this practice is occuring, not everyone has heard about it yet.

 

Actually, for your information. This is what I said to them
" Hi, as you can see, my leather shit looks like shit. I paid $32k+ for this car and within 2 weeks, look how badly the butt prints are. The 2005 obviously tries to fix the problem by having the 3rd liner. Now, the car is beautiful, but if anyone looks at the seat, they will be disgusted. I want them swapped out"

your approach works, but Sussman dealership always give problems like HQ said

 

Fair enough.

It sounds like you've done all the right things. The only suggestion I can make is to speak with the service manager, and not a service advisor regarding the issue. He may in fact be more accomodating.

Again, I'd at least have the information from the other dealer in hand, just to strengthen your case.

 

I suspect that the dealers have heard the complaints, but don't want to admit it. Acura is obviously aware of the butt print problem. Why else would they've changed the seat design? I think the dealers don't want to admit it because then they have to order replacement seats and install them and if word gets out, they'll have to do that for everyone with 04 TLs. The dealer I used to go to pretended not be aware of the butt print issue. He also pretended not to know about the problems with the Bridgestone tires. Never believe what these dealers tell you. For a brand that's trying to establish itself as a major player in the luxury market, they really need to act like it and own up to their mistakes instead of denying them.

 

I doubt if Sussman will be straight up with you on this. Their dealerships are very bad. I suggest next time try another dealership, this time, you're probably stuck. Others reading this should avoid Sussman dealerships in PA and NJ.

 

HondaOnly-

Dealers get paid by the manufacturer to replace the seat covers under warranty. There is no reason for them not to replace them if they feel the seat covers are a warrantable defect.

It only makes good business sense for me to:

A-make a warranty repair & get paid for it.

B-satisfy a customer in the process.

 

I'm not a big fan of Sussman either. They are outrageously overpriced on everything...parts, service and cars!! It's their perogative, but that's why I bought my TL from Turnersville.

 

I've heard many positives about the Acura dealer in Turnersville. A good one in Central NJ is www.bridgewateracura.com.

A good one in Northern NJ is Montclair Acura- many friends have purchased there.

greg

 

Montclair Acura better be good-there's a training center in Montclair!