On January 13th I purchased a 2003 Honda Element, and a Gold Package extended warranty, from Regal Automotive Group, in Lakeland Florida. I love this vehicle, and was impressed with its ability.in march I started hearing a type of gear whine coming from the engine compartment. Took notice, and on my second service visit, I reported the vehicle making the whine noise, as in the transmission.
The service technician stated after his test drive, that he noticed no noise. So I went about my way. Over the next few months, the transmission on the truck developed an intermittant shifting problem. And with everyones luck, the problem never seems to develop within 20 miles of the service center. So, while I was in Orlando for the weekend, and after the vehicle's transmission "Malfunctioned" again, this time, almost causing an accident. I decided to take it to Coggin Honda of Orlando. The service department, appeared to be more than adequate. The service advisor, stated that I should take a test drive with the technician. To point out the problem. And after 5 round trips down a long, quiet road, the technician admits that he can hear the noise. I then asked, "Whats next?" He then stated, that he wanted to put the truck on the lift, and listen to the transmission with a stethescope.
After about 2 hours, he returned to the lobby, and met me at the advisors desk. Stating that the transmission was making the noise, and even though it didnt malfuntion, during his test drive, that he recommended that the transmission be replaced. I agreed. The advisor, then contacted "Fidelity" and awaited a response. The adjuster showed up late the next day to take his test drive. The technician went along to make sure he heard the noise. After acknowledging the noise, they returned to the dealership. And informed the advisor that he would be in contact the next day. The next morning I was contacted, and informed, that they were going to decline the request, stating that the noise did not pinpoint the problem.
So I returned to Coggin, and retrieved the vehicle. Returning it to Regal Automotive. Along with printouts of the BBB. Gov reports, and usacomplaints.com reports on fidelity. And demanded some answers. Regal's representative assured me that Fidelity, was a great company. And they had never had a problem with them in the past.
My response was to the otherwise. Presenting the information I retrieved from this site, and the BBB. Gov site. He then assured me, that he would find the problem with the transmission, and "Get With" Fidelity on the matter. I submitted to the same tests, at Regal. They stated to me, the next day, that they too heard the noise, but the car "had'nt acted up". I then pushed the original diagnosis from Coggin. And stated that the vehicle needed a new transmission, and that Fidelity should help with the sitation. He then sent me to get yet another rental.
Well, this morning, I contacted Regal. The service representative then suggested that I allow "one of the boys in the service department" to take the vehicle home for the night, which was approxamately 25 miles from the dealership. I responded with a "NO, No one is driving my car anywhere!"
I later recieve a call, from the representative, stating that Fidelity had yet again declined my request for coverage, stating that the noise was "Normal".
Honda Corporate dissaggrees, and so does the Factory Service Manual...
This is a blatant, abuse of people. And the inability for the average american, to understand the contracts they are signing, in the heat of the moment, when purchasing a car. I was under the belief, that the warranty company would rather replace a component, that could possibly damage other componenets when they fail. I was absolutely wrong. And the attitude I recieved at the dealership was a confirmation. These people DO NOT care about the consumer. They care about the "Bottom Line"... As an intelligent American, I have decided to voice my opinion on this matter. And its that these company's do think of the consumer as a mere number, and not as a person. And I've noticed that the dealerships, really dont care either.
And as you might read later on other postings, that these things continue to happen to the best of people. And there is never an easy way to bring about a resolution.
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