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She was the gal whos' new CRV burned.
I'm interested in the cause of the fire.
hartig: I bet they meant to say EBD is standard on all models. ABS is not.
-juice
Make of this what you will.
CR-V +60% (about 28 points higher than last year)
RAV4 +53%
*Element +50%
*Forester +30%
Liberty +20%
Xterra +19%
Santa Fe +17%
Rodeo +14%
*Sorento +12%
Wrangler 0%
Escape -6%
Tribute -6%
Tracker -8%
Vitara -8%
Aztek -32%
VUE -60%
*Freelander -148%
Vehicles with an "*" are ones with only a single year's worth of data (too new to be fully rated).
The Freelander index also confirms the "prejudice" about English brand cars.
-juice
I believe they will only use the past three years to create their ratings. This way a vehicle with a poor start, but good performance in recent surveys, will eventually be "forgiven" for its initial problems.
Baja scored poorly, but we're a bit puzzled because the Outback does well and the sample for the Baja is so tiny anyway. I guess they got *both* owners to fill out a survey? ;-)
-juice
This sounds to me like it should be kept between you and the dealer.
Based on what you just posted, I'm pretty certain it was the dealer's fault. Granted Honda should be more upfront with you, and I bet they already have been with the dealer, who probably isn't telling you the whole truth. I've never heard of Honda "stiffing" a customer for something as blatant as your fire. But I'm sure the dealer wouldn't bat an eye if they could. I'm sure Honda has their bases covered on this and the dealer will pay dearly. Don't be surprised if Honda told the dealer: "You buy his fire vehicle for fair market value if it wasn't toast and give him a new CRV", which should be about $2K difference. I'd bet that dealer (or his insurance company) is out a bundle, as they should be.
The best advise I can give is to let your attorney handle this and move on with your life. You will come out ahead of this.....
I say they owe you a 6 month old 03 CRV with similar mileage at NO COST.....unless they can prove it was a freak accident or your fault.
As a potential first time Honda customer, when push comes to shove, as I suspected, Honda is no better than Toyota was when the 'sludge' issue appeared and they were in denial and pointing fingers for 9 months.
If HONDA is not at fault and knows what happened then RELEASE THE REPORT! What would they have to hide?
Perhaps you should put a huge sign in you window saying: 'My last CRV caught fire for no Reason!' then park the car across the street from the dealer on weekends. Better yet, and seriously, call your local news station...they usually have regular segements on people, like you, getting ripped off, I bet they'd take your story and I'd bet you'd get your 2K back real fast! Nothing like a little public embarasment to move things along....
If you are out more than $2K, then I take it all back.
regards,
kyfdx
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Better to have a court tell them to release it so they can ask for gag orders or get certain info redacted, as may be appropriate. Even better to settle before any suit with a non-disclosure clause in the agreement, and spend the time and energy addressing the underlying problem.
Steve, Host
If it's the latter, shame on them for not sharing the info, what do they have to hide? I'd contact NHTSA to get them to force them to release the report. Or your attorney.
If it was the dealer, then maybe they're playing Honda against you. Again, I'd fight for a copy of the report.
Who are you suing? Or is your insurance company suing on your behalf?
Dealers are independent, sure, but dragging a customer through the coals like this is something Honda can withdraw a franchise for. At a minimum they should be trying to help, not hiding reports.
Pretty pathetic. I need some coffee.
-juice
Our host is correct. The company is not going to divulge anything to her that would reflect negatively on them or their dealer. She could sue, but her insurance company is not going to support her, and if her only losses are $2000, then no one will take her case on contingency.
All this is unfortunate and unfair, but her losses are minimal (from reading her account), and she has a new car now from the same dealer. I'm not sure what more she could reasonably accomplish.
regards,
kyfdx
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-juice
I do feel for her situation... My wife was rear-ended a couple of years ago, and the at-fault party had the same insurance company I did. Which is not a good thing. Financially, we suffered little, as the car was leased, but it still bothers my wife, when traffic slows quickly on the interstate.
regards,
kyfdx
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Now wait a minute... I completely sympathize with Sabrina regarding the frustration of dealing with a problem like this. I support her in her efforts to get to the bottom of this, even if it mean a law suit. But lets not go bonzo over something we really don't understand.
We don't know what caused the fire. Despite the fact that there is no proof of wrongdoing, the dealership provided (at cost) a better vehicle than the one you lost as a gesture of good customer service. And there's talk about yanking their franchise?!?!
Think about that. If I accused any one of you of wrongdoing without any proof, would you cave in and give away $2000 in profit without fighting it? I seriously doubt that.
I, too, would like to see the assessment that Honda commissioned, but I understand exactly why they won't release it. They won't because we have nutcases in this country who file law suits at the drop of a dime. People who spill coffee on themselves get awarded huge settlements. If you want to lay blame for Honda's reluctance to share information, look to the people who created this litigious environment.
Now if a whole bunch of CR-Vs start torching, it would be different. But, having owned both Toyota and Honda, I think that Honda is more dedicated to supporting their product, and attempting to improve it. I think one of the reasons we have seen so many recalls on the 2002+ CR-V is that Honda is willing to fix it when they find an error. They want the best product they can provide. Just my 2 cents...
They have a burned car, it's not like there is no proof.
-juice
His car was 2 years old. Right away, Subaru stepped up and gave him a 7/100 Subaru Gold warranty for free. They train the dealers, and take responsibility for their work (what a concept, no?).
The dealer worked a favorable deal on a new WRX, but again Subaru stepped up and helped them offer a new car to him well below cost. Oh, and he has a 7/100 bumper-to-bumper no deductible warranty on his new car, too.
And his car was not 6 months old, nor did it burn to a crisp in front of him. Funny thing is Sabrina is being even more patient that he was, which is why I feel for her.
I will reiterate my opinion, both Honda and the dealer have done *nothing* for her.
-juice
Its unfortunate it happened, and I'm sure there is blame to go around, but your example from Subaru is not the norm. Your friend was extremely lucky. I agree with varmint about lawyers. The only purpose in involving them, is if you stand to make more than their fees.
In this case, her losses are somewhat less than $2000. Blame who you want, but if her insurance company is seeking subrogation of their losses, the manufacturer and dealer are only doing what is prudent.
regards,
kyfdx
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There are no factory incentives on the 2004 CR-V, so invoice is pretty much as close as you can get to dealer cost. The difference is probably no more than the overhead cost of processing the transaction and prepping the car. So, I doubt very much that the dealer made any money on the deal. That's pocket change.
The dealer did take a vehicle representing $2000 in potential profit and give it away. It's true that they did not lose any money, but they lost an allocation and the opportunity to make a few grand.
The example of the WRX is quite different as it appears the dealership was found at fault. If that were the case with Sabrina, then I would expect something from the dealer. But that isn't the case (as far as we know). There is no proof that the dealer made a mistake.
If the defense asks Sabrina, "how do you know the dealer blew up your car?"
She has no answer except to say, "I read a story about it on the Internet." Yeah, that's gonna fly.
At this point in time, Sabrina has no proof. She has a torched car, but no explanation for it. For all we know, the butler did it. There's this little ideal in our judicial system that finds people innocent until proven guilty. The dealer has taken action despite the fact that they have not been found guilty.
Is this a great customer service story? Heck no. Sabrina has obviously had a hard time with this dealer. But with this little information on the table, I cannot fault the Honda Motor Corporation.
I did wonder about how Honda and/or the dealer came up with the $2,000. I think I'd personally would rather see a per mile charge assessed for the months the '03 was driven, but there is the issue of going from an '03 to an '04.
Justice is a wonderful thing for those who can afford to get some :-)
Steve, Host
I agree that demand is still high, but CR-Vs are in dealers now, it's not a big loss to sell one at invoice from their allocation. 2 years ago it would have been, sure.
Sabrina's car was essentially new, and had only been service once, by a Honda dealership. I don't think anyone on their right mind would suggest she is at fault, so it's between Honda and the dealer. And the Butler. ;-)
At best, the dealer tossed her a cookie. For even money they got rid of a problem. Honda did nothing. Her insurance paid for the replacement cost of the car.
Out of curiosity, does anyone have a contact at Honda? I'd be curious to hear what isellhondas would have to say about this, too.
I dunno, I guess I feel for the Underdog.
-juice
The point is we do not know this is the case. We do know they are NOT releasing the report. If the dealer or Honda is at fault they owe her a comparable car at no cost plus whatever the rental may cost her until she finds one.
You guys who think it great that she lost an 03 only to get a comparable 04 for ONLY $2K more are nuts. If it is such a good deal, why not sell yours every 6 months...plus I am NOT convinced the all mighty above average depreciation CRV should have depreciated that much.
I really would call the local news station and get them involved....you get much quicker results!
No one has determined what went wrong with her car, or who is at fault. Obviously, she has already decided to buy the new car. I don't see how parking a burned out car (which she no longer has access to) or calling the TV station (about an insurance claim?) is going to help. I think the dealer selling her a car at invoice worked out well for her.
regards,
kyfdx
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regards,
kyfdx
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I shopped for an extended warranty for my cousin's Ody, it was just $700 or so for 7/70. Honda would show a lot of goodwill by offering that, even though it's just 1/3rd of her out-of-pocket expense.
I think Sabrina would be a much happier customer for not a lot of expense.
-juice
-juice
I also think she has suffered a lot less financially than the rest of you do . She is fortunate her insurance company paid off without much investigation. Compare this to what would have happened if all the oil leaked out, with no fire. The engine would have seized up, the insurance company would have told her she had no claim with them, and then she really would have had problems dealing with Honda and the dealer.
She probably came out better having the car destroyed. (not that I would wish that on anyone).
regards,
kyfdx
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regards,
kyfdx
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sabrina9 Nov 6, 2003 8:50pm
Sabrina - I reeeeeally want to stress that I don't blame you for taking action or coming here to discuss the issue. I'm just a fan of hearing both sides of the story and, thus far, we only have your half. My main objective is to get folks here thinking about how little we really know about this. It's altogether too easy to just blame the big corporation and let sympathies for the innocent cloud our judgement. So far, I see nothing to suggest that Honda is any less innocent than you.
I'm not sure why anyone would let themselves in for that much grief, when the situation seems to be resolved. Hey, varmint!! Lets go get a beer! LOL
kyfdx
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regards,
kyfdx
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There are only 3 parties - me, the dealer and Honda. I would assume that if Honda thought it was somehting I did they would have told me by now, case closed. That leaves the dealer who did the o/c. There are several posts on this site about o/c's gone bad. None resulted in a fire and some seemed really bad. Honda knows, but won't say. Who are they trying to protect? If it IS a Honda defect or remotely related to the recall, (despite what they say), then shame on them for lying and not honoring warranty or getting by on a technicality. If they are covering for the dealer, then shame on them again -they are just as liable for being part of the coverup. Seems like they are "taking the 5th" on this one. If the dealer was screwing up, they would be on them, just to avoid this kind of stuff. Honda says there is gag on this because of the subrogation (from ins co). Earth to Honda, if they just gave me a new car the insurance company would not have been involved at all and you would hve kept a customer. No, I would not have accepted a used vehicle. When my dryer broke in warranty, they didn't go find a 2 yr old dryer and replace it - they gave me a new one. It is not my fault that the car is cheaper to replace than repair. Honda warranty says repair or replace -I don't see anything about prorating mileage and paying off insurance company.
We all know what is important in life, and it isn't the car, the 2k or the possessions I lost. Honda had a chance to make this right. I'm lucky I'm here to hear the jokes ("Hey, wanna buy a hot car" or "No thanks I'll walk home"). What is morally right is not always legally right. Honda blew it. They could have done this as goodwill, easy. Recalls are occuring everyday. Is it at least possible this is a defect that hasn't happened to enough people yet.
As for the lawsuit, MA allows small claims actions with triple damages up to 6K. No need for atty. I have plenty of access to free legal advice and the stuff from NHSTA should be coming soon.
Funny ending? when I went to sign for the new vehicle the salesman asked if I wanted an "extended warranty". I said what's that mean - SEVEN months
Picks:
-typical great Honda motor, though a bit underpowered.
-doors close bank vault smooth, 'cept for the rear
-Potentially trouble-free...we shall see
Pans:
-anemic tires, "multiseason", which means they do jes' so-so in all conditions, no aftermkt tire choice w/out diff wheels, puny tire size/footprint
-braking distances are longish,esp for weight; probably a function of small tires and small brake swept area.
-fit&finish is so-so; I expected better.
-some squeaks&rattles already
-some wheel/susp/brake moans, esp when going from Dr to R and vice-versa
-very middling mpg, even on hwy
-tiny gas tank=find a station every 235-250 miles
-front seat leg room & position, only for short people.
-rear seat leg room good, but narrow,stiff park bench-like position
-rear seat belts continually creep tighter
-A/C drips in glove box; dlr can't fix
-oil filter is toughest change I've done in 40 yrs.
-5W-20 oil is mpg chaser only and not even synthetic?!
-center "console" is 3rd world cheap and rattles
-very noisy at highway spds; a function of tire tread design, v.thin body insulation,etc.
Not posting to bash or beat on any CRV owner, but I am Very surprised and disappointed with vehicle. Wife likes it, and I find it ok around town; any distant trip is like riding/driving in steerage or tight economy pack on a plane,imo.
For the money, some ends were cut and things overlooked,imo.
Wet traction on v.steep, windy roads is not good and I do not look forward to winter/snow/slipper conditions. Maybe it's jes'me, but I expected a lot more, I guess. Curious as to other opins, comments,etc.
'03 CRV LX, Sunroof,flaps,cladding,leather wheel,
$500 off list, del May 6, '03
Best Regards, David
I've read about CR-V owners experimenting with quieter tires etc; IMO, Honda should be the one doing that along with adding more sound insulation. To me excessive road noise does not equate to the high quality that I have always associated with Honda.
Apparently it doesn't matter what people like me think because Honda has no problem selling boatloads of CR-Vs in the US. I've always been a Honda owner but lately find that Toyota/Scion has more interesting and refined vehicles like the Matrix, RAV4, and Scion xB.
Is your vehicle an LX with manual? That would explain your mileage. Also the cladding adds drag, not that the CR-V doesn't already have plenty of drag, I suspect the CD is around .5 or so.
I get about 26 MPG on the highway, still only about 300 miles range, though. However, with kids, I seldom get that far anyway... ;-)
For those who feel like Honda/dealer gave Sabrina a good deal....you are nuts and I hope this never happens to you.
I STILL SAY CALL THE LOCAL NEWS NETWORK...THEY GET RESULTS!
That sucks, sue the b*st*rds, Honda and the dealer. Oh, and I would not have bought from that dealer.
She keeps it private and Honda does nothing.
I was trying to drum up support, maybe get a letter writing campaign started, or if someone here had a friend/contact at Honda they could try to help out.
6 months old - serviced exclusively by the dealer. There's not a lot of gray area. It's not like it's an 8 year old Toyota past the warranty without any oil changes. That's different.
Even when Toyota was fighting the sludge debacle, they still would have honored a 6 months old car that failed after dealer servicing according to schedule. They weren't that bold.
-juice