New owner as of yesterday!
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
New owner as of yesterday!
Hey all!
Just a Red 2007 S2000 from Keyes Honda in Woodland Hills, CA. I simply cannot stop smiling now. My face is going to be ripped in a few days.
Now the stuff that makes me really ticked off and it is my fault for letting my guard down. The guy in financing is one responsible for these outrageous charges on the accessories. I will edit this post and include his name once I find out who it was. I was a bit tired while I bought.
Lo Jack + Early warning system. All other dealers have quoted me $895 I was charged $1345.
The Blue Tooth adapter for your cell phone that works with the stock stereo. The guy told me it was $350 to my face. I was charged $595.
I also paid $1495 for the extended warranty which seems to be the going rate so that is fine.
I am very worried that since these 2 items were written up with the sale contract that I have no way to get out of paying these high rates. I faxed them in writing that I do not want these items installed now. What do you think? I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see what can be done. If they remove them or give me a fair price I will be satisfied and will post the outcome either way.
So if you are going in to buy a S2000 or any car, never let your guard down. Read every dam line on that contract and ask questions. Bring a car buying savvy friend with you also. Someone who is does not have the adrenaline going and can point out things you might miss. I can't believe how dumb I was for not taking my sweet time and catching these things. I guess this car does strange things to people.
In the end I am so happy to finally get my hands on this car.
Just a Red 2007 S2000 from Keyes Honda in Woodland Hills, CA. I simply cannot stop smiling now. My face is going to be ripped in a few days.
Now the stuff that makes me really ticked off and it is my fault for letting my guard down. The guy in financing is one responsible for these outrageous charges on the accessories. I will edit this post and include his name once I find out who it was. I was a bit tired while I bought.
Lo Jack + Early warning system. All other dealers have quoted me $895 I was charged $1345.
The Blue Tooth adapter for your cell phone that works with the stock stereo. The guy told me it was $350 to my face. I was charged $595.
I also paid $1495 for the extended warranty which seems to be the going rate so that is fine.
I am very worried that since these 2 items were written up with the sale contract that I have no way to get out of paying these high rates. I faxed them in writing that I do not want these items installed now. What do you think? I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see what can be done. If they remove them or give me a fair price I will be satisfied and will post the outcome either way.
So if you are going in to buy a S2000 or any car, never let your guard down. Read every dam line on that contract and ask questions. Bring a car buying savvy friend with you also. Someone who is does not have the adrenaline going and can point out things you might miss. I can't believe how dumb I was for not taking my sweet time and catching these things. I guess this car does strange things to people.
In the end I am so happy to finally get my hands on this car.
Joined: May 2006
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From: USA
Originally Posted by Shazzam,Oct 28 2007, 12:01 AM
The Blue Tooth adapter for your cell phone that works with the stock stereo. The guy told me it was $350 to my face. I was charged $595.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Lakewood, OH
Sorry to hear about your experience but you are not alone. Car dealers know that people expect to haggle with the salespeople but once they strike their deal, they are tired and let their guard down. In steps the typically low-key finance guy and before you konw it, whamo, all that hard work and negotiating that you just spend countless hours on goes out the window. The approaches are endless, from fabric protection to paint protection to extended warrenties to accessories, all way overpriced. Best of luck in trying to get out of these and know that, despite your experience, you have a great car.
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
Ok, so heres how it went today at the dealer. They took the blue tooth off ($595) no problem, they claim the $350 he quoted me for was for the LoJack early warning system. It doesn't matter they took it off I'm happy about that. I can't recall the company that makes the adapter but there is no way it is worth $595 or $350 I will just get one that I can stick in the car and it doesn't work with the factory stereo. I think it is after market and the finance guys at your local Honda dealer should have some info. The warranty I can cancel if I want and will do some more research before I decide. So I am happy with that. The LoJack I am stuck with, and seeing how I didn't take the time and question every line on the contract I can't complain too much, my fault. The slip that said they charged me $595 for an alarm was the blue tooth but it hasn't been updated on their computers yet so he just marked it as alarm. The sales manager Simon at Keyes Honda in Woodland Hills took pretty good care of me. I actually worked with him about 14 years ago and he was trustworthy guy back then and still is. After some of the mix ups were cleared up I feel I came out with a fair deal on the car. I could have done better but that was my fault for just jumping in with both feet. It is hard not to get excited when you are in there and decide to make the plunge. Never let you guard down and take your time ask questions about every item on the contract. Don't just gloss over it like I did.
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From: Heart of the City
Im in the same boat as you finally after all those years of dreaming i finally got a deal i couldnt refuse...but they sure ripped me on lojack i got charged $1595 for mine i had a few questions and pm'd you... i was so tired i didnt really read the contract and the dumbass that i am i signed it ... another silly expensive move on my part.
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
and finally my letter to corporate which i will be faxing over to them tomorrow. this is summary of my car buying experience. I am 100% happy the car itself.
310 783-3023
Dear Honda,
2007 S2000
Keyes Woodland Hills Honda
6111 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Purchased 10/27/07
Mileage ~400
My info:
Problem:
My cousin and I bought two 2007 S2000's from Woodland Hills Honda within 8 days. My problems is with the business ethics of the people working in the finance department. Richard Chan is man who I have the biggest problem with. My cousin was with me the entire time during the negotiations and signing.
First, he quoted me $350 for a blue tooth adapter that works with a cell phone and the car stereo. He charged me $595. It was put under Item D: marked with WHH. Had he said that it was going to be $595 I would have instantly said no. That is an outrageous amount for such an item to me. But he said $350 and I thought for a dollar or two a month it would be pretty useful so I agreed. The car is so loud this item would be practically useless. The car being loud is a good thing for me, but this item doesn't even make much sense for this car.
Second, he charged me $1345 for LoJack + early warning. I have a quote in writing for the same system for $750 from an Acura Dealership (also Keyes). I have talked to many people who have this system and discussed it on a few forums and response I have gotten that this is a complete rip off. Normally one would expect to pay $750-900. I had no idea the value of the system but figured since me and my cousin bought 2 of Honda's flagship vehicles within 8 days from the same people they would treat me fairly. Big mistake on my part.
Thirdly, he did not go over the final retail installment contract line by line like most finance managers do. Again I made the mistake of trusting him.
Had he done that I would have instantly caught the blue tooth discrepancy and known something wasn't right. He did not tell me to read the back of the contract either. He pretty much handed me papers and told me where to sign while talking about other things.
Eager to get into my new S2000 and having spent 5 hours going through the same process with my cousin just a Friday before I signed all of them with out much thought. When I got home and actually looked at what had been done I immediately called another dealer for a quote on the same LoJack system. The first place I called quoted me $895. Realizing they completely took advantage of my trusting nature I notified Keyes Woodland Hills Honda of my dissatisfaction via fax from a local Kinkos. It simply stated that I was quoted one price and charged another and that This was within 24 hours and both accessories had not been Installed. I have the dated confirmation copy in my possession and would gladly fax it over to you.
On Sunday 10/29/07 I returned to Woodland Hills and expressed my dissatisfaction very clearly to the sales manager and said that I wanted to speak with him. It was very busy and did not wish to disrupt all the other customers and sales associates without at least talking to a manager first. I sat there quietly with my 13 year old daughter and waited. After about a half hour Richard Chan approached me and I told him that I did not want to deal with him and I was waiting for the manager. I asked him to go away 3 times. We got tired of sitting there and made our way to the lounge and sat for even longer. I wasn't keeping track but my daughter said we there over an hour. While sitting there waiting one of the finance managers (Shay who did the financing for my cousin, 8 days earlier) walked by a said "Having fun?". It was obvious that I wasn't. My body language completely said otherwise, completely exhausted from lack of sleep, I had maybe 6 hours total until that point. Now I felt I was being mocked. Finally the sales manager Simon helped me. He explained it was a very busy time. In the end he was able to remove the Blue Tooth but told me the LoJack basic unit could not be removed. He offered to remove the Early Warning system but to me the system seems useless unless you are notified right away that your car is being stolen. I explained that I had been quoted much lower from the first place I called, Valencia Honda. He told me that the quote was probably scam to get me in their dealership but he didn't know. He assured me that the LoJack was a fair price and that I could not get such a quote in writing. Meanwhile I had called my mother to pick up my daughter and get take her from the dealership as she was bored out of her mind. My stepfather also came to assist me with decisions. In the end I gave in after about another hour and accepted the fact that I was stuck with the LoJack and that it was a fair price. Simon really tried to assure me that I wasn't being ripped off and answered all of our questions.He got us all the information that was requested and was genuinely helpful. I feel he was stuck between a very unhappy customer and a boss that refused to remove the LoJack. I have no problem with him and can imagine myself in the same situation.
On Monday 10/30/07 I went into Keyes Acura on Van Nuys (the first Honda/Acura dealership I saw that day) and received a quote in writing for the LoJack +Early warning system for $750 + tax. I was livid. I then decided to call Hondas Customer Care Service after work. I called the number and was so distraught that I could barely explain what was happening to me.
If I could rate my satisfaction with Woodland Hills Honda (especially Richard Chan) lower than 0% I would. I cannot stop thinking how stupid I was to trust these people. I feel they are gouging me on the LoJack and tried to charge more than the price I was quoted face to face on the blue tooth. All I asked was that these Items not be installed and to not be charged for them. I notified them in a timely manner. I did not walk into their dealership shouting " you ripped me off!". This is my third Honda/Acura and I love their vehicles. My previous car was a 2000 Prelude Vin# JHMBB6145YC003010 bought from Valencia Honda with no problems. I wish to continue buying Honda products. But I can not remember a time in my life where I have been more unsatisfied. I will wait until your response before doing anything else.
310 783-3023
Dear Honda,
2007 S2000
Keyes Woodland Hills Honda
6111 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Purchased 10/27/07
Mileage ~400
My info:
Problem:
My cousin and I bought two 2007 S2000's from Woodland Hills Honda within 8 days. My problems is with the business ethics of the people working in the finance department. Richard Chan is man who I have the biggest problem with. My cousin was with me the entire time during the negotiations and signing.
First, he quoted me $350 for a blue tooth adapter that works with a cell phone and the car stereo. He charged me $595. It was put under Item D: marked with WHH. Had he said that it was going to be $595 I would have instantly said no. That is an outrageous amount for such an item to me. But he said $350 and I thought for a dollar or two a month it would be pretty useful so I agreed. The car is so loud this item would be practically useless. The car being loud is a good thing for me, but this item doesn't even make much sense for this car.
Second, he charged me $1345 for LoJack + early warning. I have a quote in writing for the same system for $750 from an Acura Dealership (also Keyes). I have talked to many people who have this system and discussed it on a few forums and response I have gotten that this is a complete rip off. Normally one would expect to pay $750-900. I had no idea the value of the system but figured since me and my cousin bought 2 of Honda's flagship vehicles within 8 days from the same people they would treat me fairly. Big mistake on my part.
Thirdly, he did not go over the final retail installment contract line by line like most finance managers do. Again I made the mistake of trusting him.
Had he done that I would have instantly caught the blue tooth discrepancy and known something wasn't right. He did not tell me to read the back of the contract either. He pretty much handed me papers and told me where to sign while talking about other things.
Eager to get into my new S2000 and having spent 5 hours going through the same process with my cousin just a Friday before I signed all of them with out much thought. When I got home and actually looked at what had been done I immediately called another dealer for a quote on the same LoJack system. The first place I called quoted me $895. Realizing they completely took advantage of my trusting nature I notified Keyes Woodland Hills Honda of my dissatisfaction via fax from a local Kinkos. It simply stated that I was quoted one price and charged another and that This was within 24 hours and both accessories had not been Installed. I have the dated confirmation copy in my possession and would gladly fax it over to you.
On Sunday 10/29/07 I returned to Woodland Hills and expressed my dissatisfaction very clearly to the sales manager and said that I wanted to speak with him. It was very busy and did not wish to disrupt all the other customers and sales associates without at least talking to a manager first. I sat there quietly with my 13 year old daughter and waited. After about a half hour Richard Chan approached me and I told him that I did not want to deal with him and I was waiting for the manager. I asked him to go away 3 times. We got tired of sitting there and made our way to the lounge and sat for even longer. I wasn't keeping track but my daughter said we there over an hour. While sitting there waiting one of the finance managers (Shay who did the financing for my cousin, 8 days earlier) walked by a said "Having fun?". It was obvious that I wasn't. My body language completely said otherwise, completely exhausted from lack of sleep, I had maybe 6 hours total until that point. Now I felt I was being mocked. Finally the sales manager Simon helped me. He explained it was a very busy time. In the end he was able to remove the Blue Tooth but told me the LoJack basic unit could not be removed. He offered to remove the Early Warning system but to me the system seems useless unless you are notified right away that your car is being stolen. I explained that I had been quoted much lower from the first place I called, Valencia Honda. He told me that the quote was probably scam to get me in their dealership but he didn't know. He assured me that the LoJack was a fair price and that I could not get such a quote in writing. Meanwhile I had called my mother to pick up my daughter and get take her from the dealership as she was bored out of her mind. My stepfather also came to assist me with decisions. In the end I gave in after about another hour and accepted the fact that I was stuck with the LoJack and that it was a fair price. Simon really tried to assure me that I wasn't being ripped off and answered all of our questions.He got us all the information that was requested and was genuinely helpful. I feel he was stuck between a very unhappy customer and a boss that refused to remove the LoJack. I have no problem with him and can imagine myself in the same situation.
On Monday 10/30/07 I went into Keyes Acura on Van Nuys (the first Honda/Acura dealership I saw that day) and received a quote in writing for the LoJack +Early warning system for $750 + tax. I was livid. I then decided to call Hondas Customer Care Service after work. I called the number and was so distraught that I could barely explain what was happening to me.
If I could rate my satisfaction with Woodland Hills Honda (especially Richard Chan) lower than 0% I would. I cannot stop thinking how stupid I was to trust these people. I feel they are gouging me on the LoJack and tried to charge more than the price I was quoted face to face on the blue tooth. All I asked was that these Items not be installed and to not be charged for them. I notified them in a timely manner. I did not walk into their dealership shouting " you ripped me off!". This is my third Honda/Acura and I love their vehicles. My previous car was a 2000 Prelude Vin# JHMBB6145YC003010 bought from Valencia Honda with no problems. I wish to continue buying Honda products. But I can not remember a time in my life where I have been more unsatisfied. I will wait until your response before doing anything else.
