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Linda of Long Island City NY (08/22/08)
On July 28. 2008, I signed a lease agreement with Honda Financial Services via Hillside Honda for a 2008 CRV. I walked out of the dealership with my new car and the knowledge that my car was insured fully with a company that they connected me with. I wouldnt have been able to drive out of the dealership not having the car fully insured. Following that, I went on vacation and returned yesterday. To my surprise when opening my mail, I found a letter from Lang Insurance (covering the Honda, copy enclosed) reminding? me that if the car is not photo inspected as of 08/02/08 that fire, theft, vandalism and collision coverage would be suspended. I was very agitated after I read the letter.
I called Lang and was told that the dealer should have told me that this was a requirement. On the day that I signed the agreement, no verbal instructions or written instructions were given that my car had to be photo inspected within 5 days to precede a reminder letter.? Lang said that in order to have that coverage reinstated to call the dealership and have them fax the bill of sale, and a copy of the window sticker. As of that conversation, according to Jillian (Lang employee), the dealership had not done that.
Okay. I called Hillside Honda, and asked for a business manager/general manager. I was instead forwarded to the salesperson. The salesman very matter-of-fact said, Oh, this is not a problem. Your insurance isnt really? suspended. This can be solved no problem. I asked him why I wasnt told on the day of purchase that this was a requirement. I had left on vacation and was in the Carolinas for over two weeks with zero insurance. How could that be? Instead of apologizing, and respecting my being upset, he told me, Do you want me to help you solve this, or not? We just have to go on from today and worry about getting it solved. Im going to give you a person to call at the insurance company who will help you.? When I told him that Lang had not received my bill of sale, copy of window sticker, the salesperson said, they dont know what theyre talking about!? You know what: this is NOT the response I should received. I ended up hanging up on him.
In my small mind, not being a legal expert, this is serious business, a brand new car without appropriate insurance. If I had been in an accident today, yesterday, a week ago, Id be up the proverbial creek. So, I called Lang Insurance back. I told Monica that Honda said they sent the bill of sale and window sticker to them. She told me, Yes, he just sent that to me right now.? Monica gave me the number for their photo inspection company and asked me to take the papers they give me and fax it back to her. She also said to me that Hillside should have told you that had to be done in 5 days.
Incidentally, I never got to the part where the brand new 08 Honda broke down on the road on the OuterBanks. But thats not Hillsides problem. That was a manufacturer problem. What is their problem is that the day I broke down, I called them. The question I was asked was, Do you have Honda Care?? My response was, You sold me the car, dont you know what I have?? Jesus, this isnt rocket science. I was given phone numbers (at least three calls were made ) that had no relevance to my car being picked up on a country road in the Carolina. (The last call was with a manager, Mario). Not knowing what else to do, and not having received acceptable instructions from the dealer that sold me the car, I called the nearest Honda dealer. They authorized a tow service which I called. The car was picked up, serviced 100%. They called to find out I was satisfied with the car, and even sent me a letter while down there stating the same. Is this just Southern hospitality? Maybe. But I call this darn good business sense. The Hillside people never even called to find out if I got the car into a dealer, or floated out into the Atlantic Ocean. I think this is more offensive to me being a woman out on the road alone, than the intial problem Im bringing up!
Now, back the insurance situation. After talking to Lang, I called Hillside back at about 5:45 pm today. I specifically asked for an office manager. What is got was transferred to two different voice mails, and on the third call, some 13-year old sounding girl, who after being asked twice, never identified herself as a manager. I ended up hanging up on her!
Okay. Heres what I think has to happen. If photo inspections are a NYS insurance required, then on the day an agreement is signed, a required, written statement with referrals to such NYS certified photo inspection outlets should be given. (The checklist of papers that I signed when picking up my car, did not include any written statement/warning given as to photo inspection being necessary within 5 days.) As a consumer, then if I sign that paper and dont get that inspection, the burden then falls on me.
At this point, a massive BURDEN is on me that I didnt create. Hillside Honda and other dealers should be required? to make consumers aware if a photo inspection is needed and when it is due in writing. Hillside had no problem bending over backwards, and doing cartwheels to sell me the car, but their problem is the follow-up relationship between dealer and customer in time of need (like when I was stranded), and completely following all steps necessary to put the car in the customers hand and legally out on the road.
There is NO reason, that I should have been without fire, theft, vandalism and collision insurance for ONE day, let alone three weeks.
Maurice of Far Rockaway NY (01/28/08)
my wife purchased a 2008 honda civic. it was supposed to have 14 miles, but when we got it , it had 32 miles and as we started to drive home the tank was empty. thier whole attitude is a disgrace with their lies and promises. we were supposed to have the registration mailed to us and of this writing still have not received it. they said its in the mail. we were supposed to have the car ready, it took them 4 hours before we got the car each time was another persom we had to see about selling us another product. they should really be investigated by consumer affairs amd have their kicense taken away.
Irene of Brooklyn NY (11/18/07)
We went into this dealership to look for a 2008 Honda Fit, everything seem normal. They told us about the specs and the differences between the base model and the upgraded sports model. They had a MSRP sticker price and then a total price which includes a destination fee. We asked the sales person to confirm if that was indeed the price with the destination fee included. We were told that was the price. We proceeded to test drive the car. Afterwards, we sat down to talk about pricing. The salesperson gave us a whole new price, the price we were given was $1,000 more than what we were told earlier. I had then asked him why the price difference, he then proceeded to tell me the price had just been increased due to public demand. Of course, that did not seem reasonable to me since the price was still the same when I first walked in the door but once I wanted to buy the car, the price had suddenly increased??? I do not think this is fair nor is it professional. I fell that they have wasted my time and insulted the intelligence of an informed consumer. Ultimately, I hope no one has to go through the same experience as I had.
Harvey of Flushing NY (09/15/07)
The lens on the back light of our Honda was broken. We called Hillside Honda, where we had purchased our vehicle, and they told us that they had the part. At their suggestion, we brought the car to them immediately. When we got there, (around 4:15 pm Sep. 14) we were told that the cost woud be $156.00 for the part and $45.00 for the installation, which would require a half hour's worth of labor. At 4:30, the mechanic came out and said that the labor would be $90.00 because they did not realize that the bumper would have to be removed before the part could be replaced, and the entire procedure would take one hour. When I asked why I was not told that at the beginning, the man shrugged his shoulder and said they don't replace lenses too often. He then, very arrogantly informed us that we could take our car home without repairing it if we did not like the terms. He did remind us, however, that we could get a ticket. Knowing our backs were against the wall, we told them to proceed.
At 4:55,(exactly 25 minutes after we were told of the new price) our car was ready.
Even though the whole thing took less than a half hour, we were still charged for an hour's worth.
The moral of this situation is when your job requires math, please realize that 25 mins of labor does in no such way mean 1 hour worth of work. To the consumer we know you are just looking for extra cash, but it looks like you the worker, think that 25 minutes will save your job and extra cash will save your marriage. Nice that people listen. I will Thank you when we are properly reinbursed
Rosanna of Middle Village NY (06/25/07)
I wanted to purchase a Honda CR-V and got ripped off by $2000; I was over charged for the car. I conned by Ray to get Lo-Jack on my car and Honda Care because that was the choice I was given and did not know I did not I could refuse and then tried to get it taken off because I changed my mind and it was not necessary because Geico covered the same thing as Honda care. The Manager, Mohammed, would not reimburse me $2300 after much arguing he finally filled out a cancellation of the Honda care, and was supposed to fax over the form and did not because today I received my Honda care package, but would not take off the Lo-Jack because once its installed it cannot be taken out. Today, June 25th, I received a letter from Geico stating they needed a photo of the car or my policy would be canceled. I called Geico and explained that I received the letter and the photo inspection is for pre-owned cars not new. I now have to fax them over the bill of sale and the window sticker because the dealer did not fax over the information when Enrique said he would. I am very disappointment in the service and if I had to do it again I would not go to Hillside Honda. I winded up paying close to $30,000 for the car and feel horrible when I should feel happy about buying a car. I don't want the same thing to happen to another person.
Lisa of Whitestone NY (05/14/07)
I have financed on brand new Honda fit back in 8/2006 at hillside Honda. During the time I was told by the financial adviser that I could come back next year and re-finance the car for lower interest rate. When the time has come and I called make an appointment to see a financial adviser he simply said come in to the dealer. I have arrange time with my husband have went to see him at the dealer had the worst experience ever! First there was no such thing as helping to reduce any rate unless we purchase or upgrade to a more high costing Honda vehicle. The gentleman no interest of helping or discussing any other matters other than trying to sell us another car. When we first step into his office before we even sit he just looked and said in such rude way what are you trying to do here?
And when i told him we are here to refinance our auto loan he quickly said We could only help if your buying a new car otherwise the rate can't be lower. That all he said and me and my husband had to sit there with looking all confused and feeling extremely cheated and violated.
I truly feel that this was very unprofessional and rude. I feel so discussed by Hillside Honda with how they treated their customer who simply wanted help like they said they will.
I am very hurt and disappointed by this situation, with the way how people could offer certain things only when they are eager to sell their product and turn their back on you after they have sold you something. Pleas tell me am I over reacting with the was I was treated by Hillside Honda?
I have never wrote a complain letter in my life but this horrifying experince made me actaully write such complaint.
I thank you for your time for reading this letter.
emotional pain and large chunk of high interest rate which could have been avoid only if people were more honest and do what they said they would.
Philip of Bayside NY (07/05/06)
It all started on May 8, I went to dealer to order a Honda Si in black. The sales person, Mohammad, said he could get the car in 7-10days and I ask if he was sure and he said yea. I left a $2000 deposit on that day. The following week, he called me up and said that he is still looking for the car and it wouldn't be in until next month. I said fine. So, I called him on the first week of june and he said he'll get the car next week. I said fine. He calls me up on june 6 and gave me a vin number and said he got me a car and would be in real soon and ask to bring in the check (for the rest of the amount, about $21,000). So, I brought in the check on june 7. I called Honda Corporation service line and verify the vin number. It was an actual black si but there was no name attach to it. I also ask how long is the usual wait for this particular car. They said that he has seen a person wait 3 months for it. So, I decided to wait a little longer. I called him back next week and ask where is my car? He replied with, its coming in soon, maybe next week or last week of the month. At this point I knew something funny was going on. I ask for my refund back and he said he will get back to me later. I called back 3 days later and ask what happen. He told to talk to his manager, Michael Robitaille. I spoke to him and he said he read my contract and said it was a non-refundable amount because it was a special order. I called hillside dealer couple of times after this (about every other day) to just find out the exact delivery date. They kept saying that they dont know. On June 26, I called honda corp. and file a complaint against hillside dealer. I gave them the vin number that I received and they said that it didnt have my name on that car and it was someone else's. They also said that the warranty on that car started on June 16th. So, I immediately thought that they sold my car to someone else. The next day a Barry (from honda customer service) called and said he is on this case and he will try to find out what happen. He agreed with me that I shouldn't have been pushed around for so long and I should be compensated. He calls me back on June 27th and ask me to talk to Phil Remy at the hillside dealer, he is the customer rep there and he will work with me to get compensated. I called him and ask for a package deal to go with my car for the time they wasted and the fraud. I called Phil bcak the day and said that his Gm is not in the office due to July 4th weekend. I will call him back on July 5th. (this is the end of my story, I hope someone can advice me on what lega actions I could take, thank you)
As of right now, I am going to talk to Phil Remy and try to get my package deal, if it doesn't work out, he would give my refund back and I will buy another car someone else.
X.j. of Briarwood NY (01/09/06)
I found cruise function was not working after I got my car back from the service done on 12/27/05 at Hillside Honda. I called them immediately. They arranged another appointment today(1/9/06). I told them the Cruise was working pretty well, but after their service, it wasn't working. Dave (the man I dealt with) first of all denied that this was caused by their servicemen. I was driving my car the day before I sent it for service and the Cruise was functioning. There's no reason it would stop working itself after I got the car back (It's a 2001 Honda Civic with only about 16000 milage). Dave called by the end of the day, telling me there's nothing wrong with the Cruise, but charging me $55.92 for their check. The Cruise is not working. I don't know what Dave meant by nothing was wrong. They did something to my Cruise during their service, which made it not working and I have to pay again for their mistake. This is unfair.
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Narissa of Brooklyn NY (08/09/05)
Today I walked into the dealership to inquire about a 2005 Honda Civic DX. When my husband and I were approached by a young man introducing himself as Mohammed. He was told that we would be interested in purchasing a car if everything was agreeable to us. When asked about our tentative monthly payments based on a downpayment of $4000.00 we were told to have a seat. Where upon we waited for Mohammed to speak to his manager and get back to us with a price. Which he did after a half an hour. The price he came back with was 15725.00 which did not include our trade-in or taxes and registration. When asked to consider all this figures and give an estimate of a monthly payment Mohammed could not do this. Instead he had us fill out purchasing contracts and had the trade in evaluated. He then came back to the table with a 1200 trade-in value which made the purchase price of the Civic 17000. Which he claims was the NYC taxes, registration and trade-in which included any rebates and cash back offered by Honda.
I am a Math teacher by profession and I think that Mohammed needs Math lessons. His figures did not add up.Still without coming back with an estimated monthly payment he asked for my registration on the trade in to be transferred. Then insisted that I add the new car to my existing insurance policy. This salesman was not thinking about forging a relationship with a potenial customer instead he was thinking about how much he could make for himself. Which is a sad reflection of your company.
This process took about two hours. Needless to say this was not the first dealership I had visited within this week. The service was poor to say the most. I walked into your company with 4000 cash with high hopes of purchasing and financing an automobile today,I was so disgusted by the entire experience,I subsequently gave my business to Nissan.
A direct of consequence of this was a lost of 2 hours. In which the salesman took a $100.00 deposit which he claimed was for the bank. After I realised that Mohammed lacked the necessary training and skills I decided I wanted my money back. Which was another ordeal ,the money was in the safe, no one had the combination,until I had to fuss and was told to come back later by the manager.I would honestly like to know why do you make your potential customers wait so long. Today I lost approximately 3 hours at your dealership. The time would not come back like this potential customer.
Maria of Brooklyn NY (11/08/04)
Our lease on our 2002 Honda Accord is up on 1-15-05. We went to the a/m dealership with the intent of leasing a new vehicle. We have stressed to the rep that we stand firm on not paying more than $300.00 a month on a new lease.
One of their vehicles that was in the showroom caught our eye. A 2004 Honda CRV. On the back window in big numbers the price tag was $20,499 or close to it, but the catch was that you had to purchase the options they were offering which were chrome wheels, ski rack, front bumper guard etc. all these options were already installed on the vehicle.
After sitting there for 5 hours trying to come up with a deal a price quote was given of $289.00 a month but not for the 2004 CRV but for a 2005 CRV with no extra options. We told the rep if he can give us the 2004 CRV on the floor for $289.00 a month lease than it'll be a done deal.
Nothing was accomplished we told the rep we would think about it, in the meantime they have our phone number and if anything they could call us.
That was wednesday. Friday my husband receives a call from the rep stating they will give us the 2004 CRV for $289.00 a month and when will we be coming in to sign the contract.
Saturday morning we cleaned out our 2002 Honda Accord, removed the chrome wheels that we personally purchased and drove to the dealer with the intent that we were leaving the dealer with a 2004 CRV.
We were greeted by Yogi our sales rep.After mingling around in the show for 2 hours Yogi got all the paper work together and we all sat down. My husband sign the contract, we gave them a check for $2,017.18. Not even 10 minutes later the assistant manager approaches us and informs us that they can't make the deal. Our jaws just dropped. I tols the assistant manager, how in the world do you call someone and agree on an amount, have us come in again under the assumption that we will be getting this vehicle, have us in your showroom for two hours and then sucker punch us with there's no deal
and again this idiot after all that is still trying to sell us a 2005 CRV. My husband took the contract which the assistant manager snatched out of his hand stating that it was Hondas property and we took back the check and left.
The bottom line is that their intent was to reel us in with the promise of the vehicle we originally wanted at the price that we agreed upon and when we get there they'll throw a whammy at us and maybe they'll succeed and sell us another vehicle..
How despicable can one be.
We, Mostly I were traumatized by this type of behavior, I was sick to my stomach. We have a month left to release our 2002 vehicle, we're pressed for time.
Roland of Queens Village NY (09/24/04)
My wife and I purchased a brand new honda pilot w nav on 8/16. Everyone was pleasant on this day they even stayed open late to close the sale. Upon reviewing the paperwork we discovered that we were overcharged $200. Not a problem they took care of it. However, 2 days after purchase the engine light came on and it was reset while they were installing some accessories we took with the difference. Two days after that it came on again and all attempts to contact our sales rep or a manager was met with transferred calls to everyone, long extended wait time on the phone ( until the rep picks up again and have forgotten why you were on hold!) and yet no help. It was taken to Hillside Honda service department on the 5th day and was told that I have to wait 5-7 days before they can examine it( but you can continue driving it, was the instructions by the service person). Again, attempts and messages to the sales rep Benny was futile no response or assistance from any one. yet, when asked to speak to a manager you are placed on hold for >15mins until you hang up and call again. I eventually called another dealer had it reset(PS Honda) Dennis, the service manager was quite the opposite just what customers want in a service dept. He waskind enough to take it and diagnose a kinked hose that was the culprit. Until now just a prepinted thank you note from the sales rep no follow up call about the problems. We are still attempting to pick up the remainder accessories that we had to call to find out if it came in, since no one notified us. Also, our wait time for installation is 1 wk. As you may expect we are now having it serviced by PS Honda.
The customer service of hillside honda needs a dramatic CPR course to help resusitate its customers confidence in them. After leasing two previous hondas and purchasing a third I feel that PS honda through its excellent customer service will be getting our future business.
Jay of Flushing NY (07/06/04)
I bought a Honda Pilot 2003 and a Honda
Civic 2004 recently. At the delivery of my Civic 2004 I received three Keys (Two for Igntion and One Valet Key )out of which only one key belonged to my Car. Upon contacting the dealership thru
the sales agent who had sold the car, I was told to return to them with the car so they could make and program two new keys. I have been to the dealership already three times but every time I have been there, I am told some new story i.e either the service department is too busy or the machine that cuts the
key is not working. I am highly frustrated. I met with Mr. Shuster, GM, who assured me that I would receive a
call from him after he is able to schedule an appointment for me. To date
it has been a week and I have not heard
from the dealership. I have sent two
e-mail to owner Mr. Rod who has not responded back. It seems this dealership is only concerned about selling cars and have nor regard for
consumers once they have made a sale.
I deeply regret purchasing my cars
thru this dealership (spent nearly
$65K) who seem to be ungrateful and
selfish. When I went to compain to
Mr. Shuster I was told by him that
I probably went to buy my cars thru
them because of the deals that they
advertise. Again this was totally false
as I never bought either of my cars with
extra deals. Next when he asked me for my registration, as I pulled my
Federal ID CARD to remove my registration from the card's pocket, I was accused of trying to misuse my ID to threaten him.
As a member of Federal Law Enforcement
community, I strongly advise customers
to be careful when dealing or buying
vehicles from Hillside Honda.
Brenda of Broadway NY (06/02/03)
Hillside Honda fraudulently advertises specials to lure you in to their dealership. I was looking for a Honda Accord and called this dealership if they had any availability. I spoke with a sales girl named Luz. She claimed they had one and quoted an extremely low price for the car. We asked Luz if she definitely had it in stock so that we can test drive it and she said yes. We drove 1 hr to this dealership and when we got there, another salesman said that she was busy and said he would help us. His name was Sammy Yip and he told us he did not have the car in stock, that he would not sell it for less than MSRP and that we could not test drive it even if he had it. He was extremely rude and told us no dealer would let us test drive the car, which was an outright lie. We walked out but we will NEVER EVER go back to that dealership again.
Elizabeth of Bayside NY (10/11/02)
The airbag light remained on in my 2002 Accord EX. Although service dept. is open on Saturday, they said the technician who could fix that didn't work on Sat. Took day off from work and took car in on 9/11. They said there was nothing wrong and they had reset the button. Within 24 hours, the light was back on. I couldn't take more time off from work, so made an appointment for after my retirement - appt. was for 10/10. I took the car in the night before, since I live a fair distance away and needed a ride home - didn't think it fair to ask someone to pick me up at 6 a.m. At 5 p.m. on 10/10, the car wasn't ready. When I asked why, I was told they hadn't looked at it until 3 p.m. and now a part was needed. When I said that I had left it the night before and thought I'd be among the first handled, Paul said he hadn't told me to come in a day early. I now have to make a THIRD appt. to get the car fixed when the part is in. I also asked them to check the transmission because it slips on an incline. He told me, as if I haven't ever driven a car before (and this is my second Accord), that going up an incline I have to give the car a chance to engage gears. (I have subsequently read that there is a problem with the transmissions in Accords and a recall is anticipated.) I have noticed that men who come in with briefcases and suits are treated very differently from women who come in dressed casually. Once before, when I came in work clothes (a suit, since I am an attorney), I was treated like one of the guys and not like a dopey woman who has all day to play and wait for service. I didn't really need to leave my car for 24 hours just to get the oil change that they did complete!
Krishnawattie of Richmond Hill NY (07/27/00)
I went in to buy a new 2000 Honda Civic.I was told that the car came with a CD player. After I signed the deal and went back to pick up the car there was no CD player just a plain am/fm radio. Mr. Khan then told me that the model car I chose did not have a CD player. I love music and the CD player helped me to decide in buying the car because he tod me that is was standard equipment.I was very dissapointed because he then told me along with the manager that I have to pay more if I wanted to put the CD player in. After they refuse to acknowledge that they deliberately tried get more money for the CD player I took the car as it is and left.
I felt cheated, upset and very annoyed because I am a woman and I felt they took advantage of me and also it was my first new car and the experience was very frustrating. I ended up buying the CD player and had it installed for 600.00
Tracey of Forest Hills writes:
After reporting a faulty clutch on four occasions to the Service dept. Hillside Honda refused to find problem and repair my Honda Civic 1998, which is still apparently under warranty. Upon my fifth report they claimed to have found the problem but stated it was a manufacturer's defect, therefore not their responsibility to repair.
I then reported the problem to Honda's customer relations and Head office. Mike T from Head office intervened via telephone, although I requested written confirmation. I believe that Hillside Honda treated my case very unprofessionally, maybe due to gender and/or race as this issue was handled as if it wasn't important - not the case when I purchased the new car back in 1998. Vehicle still not repaired, although Head Office has verbally told me to go ahead and book an appointment for the repair. I initially didn't want to deal with the same Honda service dept. who felt that this issue of a abnormal loud noise when engaging the clutch was a problem I created or imagined.
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