You won't be disappointed by this dealership....
... if you set the bar low. VERY, VERY low.
We were looking for a quick and straightforward transaction to purchase a 2012 Honda Pilot. Went here because they were the only Honda dealer open on a Sunday. The dealmaking process was reasonable, although the sales manager attempted to sneak back in the "administration fee" (total make-money fee) despite having negotiated it out originally. We relented, only after having an additional item thrown in to partially compensate.
We were promised a vehicle within a week, as it had to be ordered in. On Monday, a call came in saying "your vehicle is in!". We were surprised and happy to hear this. I called back to get a VIN, and was told by the sales manager: "... couldn't find you a 2012 so we got you a 2013. Everything in the deal will be the same." When I inquired whether or not the financing would be the same, I was told no. That would have cost us several thousand dollars more had we gone for this, hardly the "same deal". Despite his attempts to convince us to take the 2013, I resisted. "Ok, we'll get you a 2012 in a couple days" was the answer. "Will call you tomorrow to confirm."
Did not hear from the sales manager on Tuesday. By Wednesday, I called a couple times, leaving messages, finally heard back near the end of the day. Told that it would take 7-10d to get the car in from BC. I mentioned that I was a bit disappointed, and the communication about this had been poor. I pressed for assurance that some expediency was occurring to get us our vehicle. The next day I was given a VIN, and a promise that we would be given a call in a few days to update.
Again, we received no "update" call. At the 10d mark I called the dealership. Could not reach the sales manager. Got our original sales person on the phone, and he said the manager would call us the next day. THREE days later we received a call from the sales manager. Now we were told it would take yet ANOTHER week, but we would definitely be able to pick it up, on the Saturday.
It is now that Saturday, and I am sitting here after having called several times today and received no response from the manager despite promises he would call back. When he finally did, I was told, "I'll check to see if it was delivered, if it is, we'll get it PDI'd for you for sometime DURING week. Call you back in 10 minutes." Almost an hour and a half later - *I* called him back. Receptionist says he's left for the day. I am transfered to his cell. "Oh, it's been so busy, I'm just going out to the lot now to check; the computer says it is in but I want to physically find it in the lot". He lets me go then calls me back in 5 minutes. "Sorry, it's not here. I don't know when it is going to be in. I will call you back when we have more information." Arrrgh!
I am at my wits end here. The delay in getting the vehicle is frustrating, but I get that it's "just a car" and at the end of the day I can put up with that (despite it being almost a month now). What I simply cannot stand, however, is the abhorrently poor communication and repeated promises that keep getting broken. Had we not already put down a deposit I would surely have cancelled this deal earlier.
We have purchased a few other new vehicles before and have generally been cautious of the nature and reputation of dealerships to try to "take advantage" of you, if you're not careful. I was hoping that this time would be different, perhaps a bit more pleasant for a change. Sadly, Alberta Honda has done nothing to change my impression, and in fact been the worst new-car shopping experience my wife and I have experienced to date.
We still have not received our vehicle. I will update this review once this finally occurs. I would like to think that they will "make it right" after this experience, but unfortunately I have a feeling that I am yet in store for more disappointment from Alberta Honda. read more