Honda service train wreck: Advice asked

[Skillet83]

My brother has a 2010 Accord EX-L, 100k on the clock. Took it in for a timing belt, long story short, came out 3 weeks later with a new, replaced engine. They screwed something up. (All work done at Local Honda dealership)

Last week, back in for an oil change, ( Same dealership) they mentioned he needed new brake pads. Front passenger caliper did not get reinstalled properly. At 80MPH on the turnpike from OKC to Tulsa, caliper falls off and locks wheel up. About killed him and two passengers, and the car behind them.

He does not want car back. How much does a replaced engine depreciate a car like this? I suggested to sell it back to dealer minus hit for the replacement if they would go for it. If not, alternative course of action? Looking for something that works for both parties without a big hassle. In defense of the dealer, they have been good to my knowledge at trying to make this right, but have not been down the road of not wanting vehicle back.

The caliper deal though, CHIT!!!

Will keep you posted.

[KNS]

While I don't have any advice for your brother's predicament, it amazes me how many people are afraid to work on their own brakes because "it's a job best left to the pros".

[Nostril Cheese]

I once had a Honda dealer tell me that the auto tranny fluid in my old accord never needed to be replaced.

They replaced the transmission a few months later at their cost.

[Charles Freeborn]

I got my VW back from a dealer after having brakes installed and one wheel had all lugs finger tight.

As for your brother's situation he should get a lawyer, or at least threaten one and insist the dealer makes good on full value of the car towards a new one or similar / better than his used one. I'm guessing they'll want to turn this around in a hurry.

[BE911SC]

Have him call Honda of America (corporate customer service HQ). They'll put the pressure on the dealer to do the right thing. At least they did when I had a problem with an Accord several years ago.

[fastfredracing]

I honestly do not think that a replacement engine will hurt the value any, and may even add some value to the car . Especially if they used a factory replacement engine, documented and done at the Honda Dealer . I would think most buyers would look on this favorably . Just my .02

[rattlsnak]

I agree. It would raise the value..

[Noah930]

I would keep the car and switch to an Indy wrench.

Actually, I'd just do all this basic maintenance myself and keep the car. It's got a new motor in it, no? It's sloppy dealership mechanics that he's got a problem with.

(After they replace the brakes (calipers, discs, and lines), front wheel, and tires....and I double check all the work/torque specs on the affected bolts.)

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

I agree. It would raise the value..

Until you tell them about the caliper..

[onewhippedpuppy]

Threatening a lawsuit should get their attention.....

Why would he sell the car, it's not the car's fault that he took it back to the same shoddy shop after they already destroyed his engine. What happened to one bitten, twice shy? For the life of me I don't understand why anyone would take a car to dealer service after it is out of warranty, it's the most expensive option with the lowest standard of quality.

[Steve Carlton]

What damage occurred to the car when the wheel locked up, besides the brake?

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

For the life of me I don't understand why anyone would take a car to dealer service after it is out of warranty, it's the most expensive option with the lowest standard of quality.

So true. No sympathy for dealer customers. Doesn't everyone know that indy shops are all owned by people who started out at dealers and thus have the factory training and much more experience?

[Sicklyscott]

I don't think this is grounds for a new car. Part of replacing the motor was probably undoing the axles etc. and chances are the caliper came off. They probably didn't tighten it to spec which cause the issue. I am by no means suggesting this is ok, just stating it's further proof of insufficient attention on the mechanic's part.

With that said and adding in 100k mile car into the mix I don't think there is any basis in Honda or the dealer in "buying the car back" as if it were a lemon or frequent warranty issues. The dealership however might be open to a decently higher trade-in value if they're interested in making things right with the customer.

In the end I do think a new engine hurts the value of a car. Failures do happen but so does abuse. With documentation that shows the failure point you might be able to persuade a private purchaser that there is no hit to the value of the car. Without that proof however I'd err on the side of caution and assume it was abuse (over revving, over heating, loss of oil, general abuse) and would figure the rest of the car was treated just as poorly (trans, suspension, brakes) and wouldn't want to touch it.

[1990C4S]

He may not want the car back, but he does not have a lot of options.

The dealer might make a decent deal on trade in basis, but if he takes a used car from the same dealer how is he better off?

Drop the car at a decent independent mechanic, pay for a safety inspection and the repairs they deem necessary and move on. Getting rid of the car is not rational.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Drop the car at a decent independent mechanic, pay for a safety inspection and the repairs they deem necessary and move on. Getting rid of the car is not rational.

When It leaves a bad taste in your mouth... Then getting rid of the reminder is nice peace of mind.

[fastfredracing]

That bad taste will go away pretty easy. Hehas one of the most reliable cars on the planet , that also has one of the best re sale values, and now, a new engine that should go 200k
I'd get the brakes taken care of , and move on.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Skillet83

My brother has a 2010 Accord EX-L, 100k on the clock. Took it in for a timing belt, long story short, came out 3 weeks later with a new, replaced engine. They screwed something up. (All work done at Local Honda dealership)

Last week, back in for an oil change, ( Same dealership) they mentioned he needed new brake pads. Front passenger caliper did not get reinstalled properly. At 80MPH on the turnpike from OKC to Tulsa, caliper falls off and locks wheel up. About killed him and two passengers, and the car behind them.

He does not want car back. How much does a replaced engine depreciate a car like this? I suggested to sell it back to dealer minus hit for the replacement if they would go for it. If not, alternative course of action? Looking for something that works for both parties without a big hassle. In defense of the dealer, they have been good to my knowledge at trying to make this right, but have not been down the road of not wanting vehicle back.

The caliper deal though, CHIT!!!

Will keep you posted.

A NEW engine in a 100k mile ****box Honda would INCREASE the value, not decrease it. Who gives a flock about originality with a Honda?

Sounds to me like someone is just trying to win the law suit lottery.
I hope I'm wrong, I really despise people like that.

[Steve Carlton]

Re-read Skillet's post Jumpy Gunjumper...

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Threatening a lawsuit should get their attention.....

Yes, it does -- you go from negotiating with the dealership to negotiating with their insurance people. And their insurance co's job is to get out of the process with the least $ expended, not to try to work towards a solution and keep you as a customer.

I took my first TDI Jetta in for an oil change and a few hundred miles later the oil plug fell out. At 75 mph. At night. Outside of St. George, UT. Motor drained in nearly an instant and locked up solid--I barely managed to navigate out of traffic and get us safely onto the side of the highway.

After a LOT of back-and-forth the dealer replaced the engine and paid for a 100k powertrain warranty.

[1990C4S]

Questionable damages. Certainly won't warrant much worry at Honda.

They worry when people die in an accident, not when someone gets a scare.