I use my NSX master tech at the Acura dealer for my S2000 work if it is something I cannot or don't want to do.

 

Guys, Gals,

Please check out these threads:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=41203

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=40627

cthree needs your input. Please contribute your suggestions for survey questions. See the first thread, cthree's request for survey questions near the end of the thread.

Don't just assume that all dealerships/service techs suck. Some, techs like fullthrottle, are consciencous and we just need to identifiy them so that we can avoid bad repair experiences. Carping and complaining gets us nowhere. Please contribute to the survey. Let's make this website the most usefull one on the www for S2K owners!!!!!! Get off your duffs and contribute definite questions for the survey!!!

BTW my survey questions are awesome. Bet you can't beat them!!

 

Good point - sometimes a particular tech is not up to par... but the whole dealership gets the bad name...

I like to deal with the sales manager and service manager first before I have a problem - or even when I do have a problem, to deal with them - they usually do a better job solving the problem than complaining to this board does.

 

I'd like to clarify how flat-rate compensation works and why it is not in the best interests of the consumer.

Here's how it works:

Let's say you take your car to the dealership for some work and the Service Writer informs you that the tech is booked for 2 hours to do the job. Considering that the average dealership salary for techs is about $15/hr., the tech will earn $30 to complete the job. Because of the way flat-rate compensation works, the tech will be compensated for two hours worth of labor no matter how long it takes him to do the job. If the job is completed in half the time booked, they get paid $30. If they take 4 hours, they still get paid $30.

Because of this, techs strive to work on as many cars as possible during an eight hour day, with little regard to performing meticulous work. This is I would avoid taking a prized possession like an S2000 to a dealership for service...if I can help it. If it's 4:00 in the afternoon and the tech has only managed to book 2 hours for the day, you don't want this disgruntled individual working on your S2000.

If you have no choice and need warranty work, consider my suggestions at the top of this thread.

 

In years gone by I have owned a SHO Taurus and a Mustang Cobra. (SVT cars) The Taurus had to have the transmission rebuilt once. The Cobra was at the dealer for I forget what...but they ran the passenger side of the car into the building...putting a large, deep white scratch the entire length of the car. (They tried to hide it by parking it close to the building when I went to pick it up) They knew they had done it, did not deny it and had to repaint the entire side of the car, so it's not just Honda dealers/techs that have problems. I do think that Honda eventually responds to complaints, but it is a battle to see who will give in first. It shouldn't be that way with any mfgr...but it's their nature. I had expected better of Honda based on what I had heard prior to owning one... I think the quality of their cars has decreased over the years, based now on what problems/complaints I have heard from others in the area that own other Honda products, not just S2000s.

John N

 

John N,

You're right...the Taurus SHO was probably the biggest piece of crap premium vehicle ever put together by an auto manufacturer. Despite its unreliability, it was one fun car and the Yamaha 3.0 was as refined as a modern day Honda engine...and it was built 13 years ago. The Taurus SHO is actually not a SVT vehicle, which is a marketing division of Ford.

My point with Ford's SVT program is that SVT dealers are accustomed to dealing with car fanatics like us who expect premium service. Whether you get it or not is another story. I'm basically applauding the existence and purpose of Ford's SVT division, not Ford's service departments.

 

I am in Fort Lauderdale and had the benefit of purchasing my car from Ed Morse Honda. I just can't say enough about this place they are great all around. My dealer actually gave me the heads up when I bought my S that 2 of the mechanics had to be sent away to train to work on the S2000's and are certified, so when ever I take my car in to the shop I have only them work on it and they haven't let me down yet. I am sure that not all dealers are this accomodating but luckily mine is.

Bob

 

For fun, check out: http://flatratetech.com/oursite.htm

 

I took my S2000 in to the dealer this past Monday for the TSB 054 clutch plate install. Went back six hours later and they informed me that some quarter-sized clip broke while they were dismantling the transmission and that part is back ordered. They tell me it will not be available for at least a week. I asked about getting a replacement car and they said that they will get back to me (which they never did).

I waited a year to have this done because I was skeptical about the abilities of my local dealer. I am not skeptical anymore.