Acura was labeled as a "$h!tty unreliable car" by one of it's very own mechanics
06-03-2011, 04:02 PM
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Acura was labeled as a "$h!tty unreliable car" by one of it's very own mechanics
I was at the dealership yesterday because apparently my rear tie rods are gone, and since this is my 7th trip to the dealer within a year, I know people there.
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit:
The manual transmissions in his opinion are terribly designed, specifically on TSX's and 3rd gen TL's, and and have way to many problems, however small they might be. The third gear issue is most common, but also Reverse gear popping out, first gear issues and the synchros are "total shit" <-- quoting his words.
Engines, he said the TL and the TL-S engines are somewhat okay, but the 4 cylinder ones are "total waste of the engine compartment" There are countless problems with the engines including all the parts and accessories attached to it.
He also told me, if you're driving in really heavy rain, "stop and turn the engine off" He says the cars suck up water like crazy and their intake system is poorly designed and very sensitive, it trips the CEL for the smallest reasons. He said they get 2-3 cars in the shop after heavy rain because water got into the intake.
The TSB list on Acura vehicles is "long enough to wrap around your car"
The front suspension is poorly designed and doesn't allow much adjustment, which means over time, as you drive and hit bumps and your camber angle permanently changes, there's nothing you can do about it except install aftermarket kits(for which acura will not pay or cover under warranty)
There are countless rattles in the car which in his opinion is unacceptable if you're paying 40K + for a "luxury car". Parts are ridiculously expensive, electronics (bluetooth, sound systems, navi units) fail often and cost an arm and a leg. He told me he recently did the Navi and factory sound system replacement on an MDX, the guy ended up paying close to $5,000. He said I felt so bad for him, I didn't even want to charge him for labor which was about $700 out of those 5k.
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. He really really recommended me to get the extended warranty, its $2500, but well worth it. He said one major problem and it will pay for itself. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
He also added that the car should cost half its price because that's all it's worth and Honda's vehicles are more reliable and cheaper than their "luxury" line Acura.
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho... Just thought I should share this experience with you guys.
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit:
The manual transmissions in his opinion are terribly designed, specifically on TSX's and 3rd gen TL's, and and have way to many problems, however small they might be. The third gear issue is most common, but also Reverse gear popping out, first gear issues and the synchros are "total shit" <-- quoting his words.
Engines, he said the TL and the TL-S engines are somewhat okay, but the 4 cylinder ones are "total waste of the engine compartment" There are countless problems with the engines including all the parts and accessories attached to it.
He also told me, if you're driving in really heavy rain, "stop and turn the engine off" He says the cars suck up water like crazy and their intake system is poorly designed and very sensitive, it trips the CEL for the smallest reasons. He said they get 2-3 cars in the shop after heavy rain because water got into the intake.
The TSB list on Acura vehicles is "long enough to wrap around your car"
The front suspension is poorly designed and doesn't allow much adjustment, which means over time, as you drive and hit bumps and your camber angle permanently changes, there's nothing you can do about it except install aftermarket kits(for which acura will not pay or cover under warranty)
There are countless rattles in the car which in his opinion is unacceptable if you're paying 40K + for a "luxury car". Parts are ridiculously expensive, electronics (bluetooth, sound systems, navi units) fail often and cost an arm and a leg. He told me he recently did the Navi and factory sound system replacement on an MDX, the guy ended up paying close to $5,000. He said I felt so bad for him, I didn't even want to charge him for labor which was about $700 out of those 5k.
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. He really really recommended me to get the extended warranty, its $2500, but well worth it. He said one major problem and it will pay for itself. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
He also added that the car should cost half its price because that's all it's worth and Honda's vehicles are more reliable and cheaper than their "luxury" line Acura.
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho... Just thought I should share this experience with you guys.
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IB Chandak (06-03-2011)
06-03-2011, 04:11 PM
#5
We have a fix for everything you have said-- if it's even really a problem on all cars. He's just a disgruntled worker-- yes, some things can be true but tell him to go to another dealership and to see how worse there cars are. Tell him that is why he is working at the same dealership for so many years because he still doesn't know jack shit or he'd have his own shop by now.
06-03-2011, 04:14 PM
#6
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His facts and figures are off. Sounds like someone pissed in his morning Cheerios.
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06-03-2011, 04:26 PM
#8
Moderator
06-03-2011, 04:32 PM
#9
Raconteur and Provocateur
So, here's the analogy ... doctors spend their days seeing sick patients, thus the percentage encounters with "defective humans" on the job, is higher than encounters with perfectly healthy persons. Now, substitute mechanic for doctor and car for patient. See? That was easy now, wasn't it.
06-03-2011, 04:45 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
I was at the dealership yesterday because apparently my rear tie rods are gone, and since this is my 7th trip to the dealer within a year, I know people there.
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit:
The manual transmissions in his opinion are terribly designed, specifically on TSX's and 3rd gen TL's, and and have way to many problems, however small they might be. The third gear issue is most common, but also Reverse gear popping out, first gear issues and the synchros are "total shit" <-- quoting his words.
Engines, he said the TL and the TL-S engines are somewhat okay, but the 4 cylinder ones are "total waste of the engine compartment" There are countless problems with the engines including all the parts and accessories attached to it.
He also told me, if you're driving in really heavy rain, "stop and turn the engine off" He says the cars suck up water like crazy and their intake system is poorly designed and very sensitive, it trips the CEL for the smallest reasons. He said they get 2-3 cars in the shop after heavy rain because water got into the intake.
The TSB list on Acura vehicles is "long enough to wrap around your car"
The front suspension is poorly designed and doesn't allow much adjustment, which means over time, as you drive and hit bumps and your camber angle permanently changes, there's nothing you can do about it except install aftermarket kits(for which acura will not pay or cover under warranty)
There are countless rattles in the car which in his opinion is unacceptable if you're paying 40K + for a "luxury car". Parts are ridiculously expensive, electronics (bluetooth, sound systems, navi units) fail often and cost an arm and a leg. He told me he recently did the Navi and factory sound system replacement on an MDX, the guy ended up paying close to $5,000. He said I felt so bad for him, I didn't even want to charge him for labor which was about $700 out of those 5k.
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. He really really recommended me to get the extended warranty, its $2500, but well worth it. He said one major problem and it will pay for itself. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
He also added that the car should cost half its price because that's all it's worth and Honda's vehicles are more reliable and cheaper than their "luxury" line Acura.
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho... Just thought I should share this experience with you guys.
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit:
The manual transmissions in his opinion are terribly designed, specifically on TSX's and 3rd gen TL's, and and have way to many problems, however small they might be. The third gear issue is most common, but also Reverse gear popping out, first gear issues and the synchros are "total shit" <-- quoting his words.
Engines, he said the TL and the TL-S engines are somewhat okay, but the 4 cylinder ones are "total waste of the engine compartment" There are countless problems with the engines including all the parts and accessories attached to it.
He also told me, if you're driving in really heavy rain, "stop and turn the engine off" He says the cars suck up water like crazy and their intake system is poorly designed and very sensitive, it trips the CEL for the smallest reasons. He said they get 2-3 cars in the shop after heavy rain because water got into the intake.
The TSB list on Acura vehicles is "long enough to wrap around your car"
The front suspension is poorly designed and doesn't allow much adjustment, which means over time, as you drive and hit bumps and your camber angle permanently changes, there's nothing you can do about it except install aftermarket kits(for which acura will not pay or cover under warranty)
There are countless rattles in the car which in his opinion is unacceptable if you're paying 40K + for a "luxury car". Parts are ridiculously expensive, electronics (bluetooth, sound systems, navi units) fail often and cost an arm and a leg. He told me he recently did the Navi and factory sound system replacement on an MDX, the guy ended up paying close to $5,000. He said I felt so bad for him, I didn't even want to charge him for labor which was about $700 out of those 5k.
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. He really really recommended me to get the extended warranty, its $2500, but well worth it. He said one major problem and it will pay for itself. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
He also added that the car should cost half its price because that's all it's worth and Honda's vehicles are more reliable and cheaper than their "luxury" line Acura.
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho... Just thought I should share this experience with you guys.
As far as 6MT's go, the problem with the newer ones in the TL with the 3rd gear problem was a design problem but acura rectified it with new gear sets. The issue is many tech's don't know how to put a 6MT together properly and afterwards people have more issues like the first gear and reverse not engaging!
The 4cyl engines are limited to 2 models, the TSX and RDX and the TSX is based off the accord which has to have room for a V6 and thus all the extra room in the engine compartment. FYI Honda's 4 cylinders are pretty bulletproof, tons of people turbo the K series motors and are running quite a bit of power with them.
Any car will hydrolock if you drive stupidly with it, don't go though deep pools of water! The factory intake is designed to STOP hydrolocking but if you venture into deep enough water, it'll happen. With a CAI it's more prone to happening since the filter is so low.
Actually the TSB list is one of the shortest for all the comparing brands, I believe that the Lexus IS had almost twice the amount of TSB's.
As far as the navi drive, it's expensive because Alpine sets the price that high. They offer a repair service though for 180 dollars and will fix anything wrong with it. The guy spending 5K must have spent money on a new radio and navi system at the least. All I can say is that's what the guy gets for going to that dealer.
If anything he's trying to sell you on an extended warranty. This is a honda product, don't worry!
06-03-2011, 04:54 PM
#11
Needs more Lemon Pledge
OP, no one brings their car to the dealership because it works great. Only when there are problems. Thus the mechanic only sees the problems. This is why dermatologists wear 10000SPF sunscreen and cops think everyone is a shitbag criminal.
It's a matter of exposure.
06-03-2011, 05:01 PM
#12
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
meh.. what the dumb
06-03-2011, 05:08 PM
#13
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
I also work for Acura as a Technician and I can assure you 90% of what he said was just to blow smoke at you.
06-03-2011, 05:14 PM
#14
That was uncalled for...
I was at the dealership yesterday because apparently my rear tie rods are gone, and since this is my 7th trip to the dealer within a year, I know people there.
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit.........................................
I was having a long discussion during lunch with one of their mechanics who has worked there for over 7 years. Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit.........................................
Tie rods control the steering in the front end. You have 2 inner and 2 outter, but no rear ones. Unless of course your car has rear wheel steering, which I don't believe was an option on TL's.
06-03-2011, 05:21 PM
#15
06-03-2011, 05:29 PM
#16
Team Owner
Regardless what he said.. if you are planning to keep your car for a long time, the extended warranty is worth it tho but not at full retail $2500.
Eventually something will break and depends on the price of the extended warranty, it might be a good investment.
Eventually something will break and depends on the price of the extended warranty, it might be a good investment.
06-03-2011, 06:00 PM
#18
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
easy kill
06-03-2011, 06:06 PM
#19
Needs more Lemon Pledge
I also suggest the spray coating to protect the underside.
Also, cloud insurance.
Also, cloud insurance.
06-03-2011, 06:33 PM
#21
Somehow I get the feeling he also complains about the commute home. How dirty the house is and that the kids are too loud. Dinner sucked too. And not a damn think on TV. Bed's too uncomfortable and he has to go back to work tomorrow to that shitty job. Fuck everything.
Seriously though, I wouldn't put too much confidence in what he says. As others say, he generally sees the worst, and I'm sure he probably assumes that all the Acuras he repairs are representative of the brand.
Terry
Seriously though, I wouldn't put too much confidence in what he says. As others say, he generally sees the worst, and I'm sure he probably assumes that all the Acuras he repairs are representative of the brand.
Terry
06-03-2011, 06:36 PM
#23
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
The guy has an interesting sales pitch, but apparently it works.
06-03-2011, 06:38 PM
#25
06-03-2011, 06:38 PM
#26
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
06-03-2011, 06:46 PM
#27
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
06-03-2011, 06:54 PM
#28
אני עומד עם ישראל
Sounds like a really cheerful guy.
06-03-2011, 07:41 PM
#29
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Geez people chill with the flaming in my direction, I'm just relaying what he said. It was an interesting convo and wanted to share it.
I dunno if it was a sales pitch, but if it was I'm not buying it, since I was kinda calling bullshit on everything he said anyway. I mean how could a honda/acura be unreliable if it's considered one of the most reliable makes in the world.
I don't think I'm going with the warranty, it's expensive and I'm going to mod the car anyway, so if anything breaks I'll just fix it myself and I got all you guys on here if I need help.
One thing I had to agree on, it's the rattle issues
**Oh and I meant control arms, not tie rods in the back, my mistake** they said it's $145 a piece plus $300 labor, my car is at about 49,986 miles, so its 14 miles of warranty left so they wanted to make me pay for it. After a fight with the manager they pushed thu as warranty repair. Whats the 300 dollars labor for? I can replace those things on my driveway in an hour with the right tools :/
I dunno if it was a sales pitch, but if it was I'm not buying it, since I was kinda calling bullshit on everything he said anyway. I mean how could a honda/acura be unreliable if it's considered one of the most reliable makes in the world.
I don't think I'm going with the warranty, it's expensive and I'm going to mod the car anyway, so if anything breaks I'll just fix it myself and I got all you guys on here if I need help.
One thing I had to agree on, it's the rattle issues
**Oh and I meant control arms, not tie rods in the back, my mistake** they said it's $145 a piece plus $300 labor, my car is at about 49,986 miles, so its 14 miles of warranty left so they wanted to make me pay for it. After a fight with the manager they pushed thu as warranty repair. Whats the 300 dollars labor for? I can replace those things on my driveway in an hour with the right tools :/
Last edited by Hotwired05; 06-03-2011 at 07:46 PM.
06-03-2011, 07:49 PM
#30
I don't know what that mechanic is talking about. My 1G TSX has 163k miles on the clock and other than the A/C compressor grenading (paid for by warranty) it's been rock solid. [redtext] I guess I'm a rare case. [/redtext]
The last time I was at the dealer I had 146k miles on the clock and a sales person said he's never seen an Acura with that many miles and that I should consider stepping into something wit fewer miles. [redtext] Yeah, I'll get right on that. [\redtext]
The last time I was at the dealer I had 146k miles on the clock and a sales person said he's never seen an Acura with that many miles and that I should consider stepping into something wit fewer miles. [redtext] Yeah, I'll get right on that. [\redtext]
06-03-2011, 07:52 PM
#31
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ do you not know how to change the font color? what's up with [redtext][/redtext] crap
06-03-2011, 08:46 PM
#33
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
sorry I forgot to add [redtext][/redtext] on my entire post
06-03-2011, 08:52 PM
#34
Senior Moderator
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Honestly, some of the things he told me scared me quite a bit.
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho...
After about an hour and a half of talking we def. bonded a bit and I'm starting to feel uneasy about my TL-S especially since my warranty is about to expire in 20 miles. Before I firmly said NO to the warranty, now Im seriously considering...
I don't care, I'm not selling my car even with all the problems I still love it and will keep it..thinking about that warranty tho...
06-03-2011, 08:58 PM
#35
I wonder if he's ever worked on BMW's or Audi's. Seems like he was very biased against Acura even though Acura seems to be among the better built luxury cars. Not that I have anything against either of the aforementioned, but from my own experience they seem to be less reliable.
06-03-2011, 09:53 PM
#37
06 WDP / 07 WDP Type-S
I work on BMWs, and trust me when I say all I see is shitty BMWs, but there are some out there that don't have a single problem. If you thought 5,000 is expensive, you probably don't want to own a BMW. A set of tires for a 7 series runs close to 2,500 parts and labor.
I installed an active cruise control module/sensor and night vision module/sensor and the ACC was 2,500...the night vision was 5,000 parts alone.
If you're a mechanic at a dealer, all you see is problems, trust me. Our shop has a quick service shop that takes care of little maintenance and tire problems. The majority of my work requires a good hour of diagnosis. I've put over 24 full hours into diagnosing cars before, and they turn out to be dumb problems. It gets to the point where I would never own a BMW seeing how a lot of my estimates run between 2,000 and 10,000.
The Rollsroyces are even worse... 25,000 for a set of tires.
I installed an active cruise control module/sensor and night vision module/sensor and the ACC was 2,500...the night vision was 5,000 parts alone.
If you're a mechanic at a dealer, all you see is problems, trust me. Our shop has a quick service shop that takes care of little maintenance and tire problems. The majority of my work requires a good hour of diagnosis. I've put over 24 full hours into diagnosing cars before, and they turn out to be dumb problems. It gets to the point where I would never own a BMW seeing how a lot of my estimates run between 2,000 and 10,000.
The Rollsroyces are even worse... 25,000 for a set of tires.
06-03-2011, 09:58 PM
#38
Senior Moderator
Did he check your vtec fluid too?
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1ogan (06-06-2011)
06-03-2011, 10:10 PM
#39
I'm Craig
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FWIW, the poor schmuck that paid $5K for a new navigation unit in the MDX likely overpaid by a lot. The navigation DVD roms are starting to fail more commonly in the 3G TL...Alpine can repair them for a flat rate of $158. I sent mine out yesterday. Would've been $3000 or so at the dealer.
Amen to that analogy. Sounds like someone is a bit disgruntled.
So, here's the analogy ... doctors spend their days seeing sick patients, thus the percentage encounters with "defective humans" on the job, is higher than encounters with perfectly healthy persons. Now, substitute mechanic for doctor and car for patient. See? That was easy now, wasn't it.
