Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Better than Expected

Last Thursday I got ready to do battle…..

I heard a funny clicking sound coming from the front end of my car. My independent Honda mechanic told me that my 2008 Honda Civic needed a new left axle. We just bought the car from Miller Honda dealership in Fall 2010.

I hadn’t hit anything. I hadn’t been over obnoxious in my driving except for making too many U turns. I’ve owned Honda’s since 1986 and NEVER needed a new axle. I usually drive Honda’s up to 250,000 miles. I’ve had to repair or replace many things. This was a first.
 
My mechanic also told me, after looking at the computer database that there was a history of replacing axles on my car. Both had been replaced at 20,000 miles, before I owned it. That fact didn’t show up in the Carfax report I got on the car before I purchased it. That made me angry and suspicious.

Friday morning, I took the car back to Miller Honda in Van Nuys and explained to them with receipts and print outs what my mechanic had found.

I expected an argument, but didn’t get one. They said they’d check the car at no charge and they’d get back to me if it needed a replacement axle. I made them put everything down in writing. They were very efficient and friendly. But, I didn’t buy it for a fast second.

In my head, I was already composing a letter to the CEO of Honda.  I expected a bait and switch, or some other devious explanation. I didn’t get one.  I expected to be taken to the bank. But none of that happened.

Yes, the car needed a new axle… and no, there wouldn’t be any charge to replace it since the first axle was under warranty. No jumping through hoops, no argument, just a company backing up what they sell.

The mechanics there all agreed with me that a Honda should not have to get a new axle every 20,000 miles. Because it was fixed under warranty at a dealership, Honda now has a record of it.

I got the car back at 3pm, didn’t pay a dime.