Honda of Watertown - Service Center

Service to Sales I had made an appointment to have the oil changed on my Honda CR-V 2013, While I waited, I spoke to a sales rep, Jeff Baron, about the Vehicle Exchan I had made an appointment to have the oil changed on my Honda CR-V 2013, While I waited, I spoke to a sales rep, Jeff Baron, about the Vehicle Exchange Program. Honda honored my requests for lower monthly payments, and I walked away with a 2015! More

At the end of October and throughout November I had some At the end of October and throughout November I had some very troubling times with my vehicle because of the Honda dealership in Watertown, CT. I bro At the end of October and throughout November I had some very troubling times with my vehicle because of the Honda dealership in Watertown, CT. I brought my car in for a new serpentine belt because mine was partially shredded. My car has aftermarket performance parts so I came prepared with explaining everything thoroughly with the mechanics as well as leaving supercharger installation instructions and having the supercharger company call the dealership directly. The employee of the supercharger company explained to me that he tried to explain how to properly install the belt on my car; however, the Honda mechanic did not seem interested to hear what he had to say. So I get my car back thinking I am all set. 250 miles later my belt shreds partially on the highway. I bring it in again and they explain this is because of my tensioner. They install a new tensioner and a new belt (over $700 worth of work so far at the dealer). When my car was in the shop a second time I receive a call from one of the Honda techs and he leaves two voicemails (which I have saved) explaining that he needs the instructions on how to properly install the belt (so the first time they just winged it?). I call him back and explain to him that the instructions could be downloaded and printed off a pdf online if needed, he explains to me that the car is all set and that they figured it out. I addressed my concern explaining that I felt as though he should review the instructions to ensure a proper install. He said that I was “paranoid” and that they knew what they were doing. So I get the car back and while I pick it up I ask for my old tensioner so I could show my tuner. The service manger seemed troubled by this request and told me that I could not have it back; I went back and forth with him and then he said if I wanted it back there would be a $30 core fee (whatever that means). I told him that was ridiculous and that I demanded I have it back to show to my tuner. He finally agreed and gave it to me. So my belt started to tear AGAIN and I finally brought it to PA were my tuner is located. He told me that the belt was installed improperly, which was causing my pulley bearing to fail, which then lead to the pulley running off track and shredding/wearing prematurely. I showed him the tensioner and he was shocked to find out that my tensioner was perfectly fine and all it needed was the $20 pulley. Instead of doing that, the dealer told me I needed a new tensioner and charged $160 for a whole unit instead of just replacing the pulley, which would have been easier and cheaper. This is why I believe the manager did not want me to have the old tensioner to examine it. After I left PA my car was running normal again because my tuner properly installed my belt. After my business trip I called the Honda service manager and explained to him what my tuner found. I asked for a refund and he said he would think about it and call me back. He ignored me for about 2 weeks before I finally reached him. When I spoke with him he explained that he could not refund my money because my car was modified. He would not budge; so lets recap quickly. I came into the dealer, asked for a simple service request on my car, they not only did not provide this service they caused numerous expensive issues with my car, when I asked for a refund they said I was not able to receive one because my vehicle was modded. I would understand this if my car was under warranty and the bill went to them, but I paid for everything out of pocket. So I contacted the general manager and explained to him that I did not appreciate this service and that my family has spent 100s of thousands at this dealer (which is true). He replied to me and told me that he would like to meet with me to discuss the issues and possibly issue a refund. He then proceeded to give me the cold shoulder like the service manager did for a while. I left him numerous emails (all saved) and numerous phone calls and messages on his voicemails; he did not respond to any of them. The service at this dealership is problematic to say the least and they care about one thing and that’s money. I would not trust this dealer at all if I were you because I no longer do. When I bought the car at the dealer I explained to them the plans I had for the car (supercharger) and asked if I could bring the car in for maintenance. They said they would have no problem working on it but explained to me that I would obviously loose my warranty, which I already knew. So the service manager says that it’s my fault I brought in a car with mods and I should have known better because they only work on oem cars. So that would entail they lied to me when they sold me the car. Two other incidents I had with this dealer: I had my tires rotated here (July of 2013) and when I left the car had vibration on the highway at 60mph or over. I brought it into Wallingford Honda because it was closer to my residence at the time. I got charged again to fix the job they (they rotated my tires the wrong way) failed to do. When I went to the service manager he refused to give me a refund but wrote on a piece of paper $40. He told me this was a $40 credit that could be used at the dealer (I still have the paper it is amusing). Also, my brother had his car brought in for a new transmission (Honda accord). They charged him $5,000 for a USED transmission. I do not know why my dad went through with it (I learned about it after the fact, I would not have let him do that). Stay away from this dealer at all costs there are plenty of good Honda dealers out there like Honda of Wallingford. You do not have to fall victim to this dealership. If anyone has any doubts of my experience with the dealership I have all emails, Phone calls, voicemails, statements from my tuner, and my old tensioner. More

I went for service but I also spoke with Jim Ricciuti about possibly buying a new car because I won't buy anything but a Honda! I brought my civic in for an oil change. The service was outstanding. Matt about possibly buying a new car because I won't buy anything but a Honda! I brought my civic in for an oil change. The service was outstanding. Matt (Service Advisor) was awesome! He answered all of my questions. The cashier, I'm sorry I don't know her name, was great too. I received an email from the Service Manager after to ask if they could do anything else for me as well. Pleasantly surprised by the outstanding customer service. Oh wait, I forgot to mention pretty much the best part... I left there with a bill for $14!! They checked a bunch of things and only came up with the fact that I could use a transmission fluid change. One of the only times I've ever been to ANY car place where they didn't try to tell me the car needs tons of work!! More