I want to cry!

[ilovemk76]

today i took my van in to the honda dealership because the shift interlock was recalled. so i take it in and they ask if i want to do a free multi-point inspection. i said yeah sure why not. i was going to get my van looked over anyway before our trip. so i get a call saying my van was done but they found alot of problems.
my right side engine mount is broken, front engine mount is broken, p/s pump is leaking and making noise, r/f strut is leaking, right side axle boot has a small hole (leaking grease), leak from the trans. side rec diag., r.f outer tie rob boot is weather crack, and there is an oil leak somewhere.

this is NOT what i needed when we are getting ready to leave for a very long car drive to Fl. in just over a month.

Honda estimated a little over $2000 to fix everything! we just got the van in Nov. (my birthday gift) and then i get hit with this.

and this is stuff i just cant ignore and wait till we get back. ugh! if i lived alot lot lot closer to WDW (like 15 mins away) then yeah, maybe. but we are driving over 27 hrs. no way im taking that chance!

Did you buy this vehicle used? The two broken motor mounts hint at an accident in the past.

 

[jgreco]

Not sure how Honda service center works, but at the Land Rover dealership here, the service writers get paid commission, which I find highly unethical.

Definitely get a second opinion.

 

[Disneefun]

Along with getting more opinions, look into renting for your trip. That way, if you do have legitimate stuff wrong with your van, you can get a van for the trip and fix stuff on your van as you have money/time/urgency, etc.

At least with a rental, if something goes wrong on your trip you call 1-800-whatever and it's the rental company's problem to get you another car. Yes, it's an extra expense, but probably not $2000.

 

[StephMK]

Did you buy this vehicle used? The two broken motor mounts hint at an accident in the past.

That's what I wondered when reading your post. Did you have it inspected before purchase or know the history?

Along with getting more opinions, look into renting for your trip. That way, if you do have legitimate stuff wrong with your van, you can get a van for the trip and fix stuff on your van as you have money/time/urgency, etc.

At least with a rental, if something goes wrong on your trip you call 1-800-whatever and it's the rental company's problem to get you another car. Yes, it's an extra expense, but probably not $2000.

Good idea! I would also take it for a 2nd opinion. We were told we need some huge repair on DH's car. Took it to another place that said it was totally false. We drove the car until it died from other causes and never had to fix that particular issue.

 

[cheer25mom]

I agree with those who say get a second poinion. That is a LOT to have just come up t of knowhere with no indication of a problem before. Sounds very fishy to me.

 

[ssawka]

This is exactly why I will not buy a used car, unless it is certified. Yes, I know I spend a lot more money on cars that way, but I want the piece of mind that there will be coverage if there is a problem. I basically do not trust mechanics and have yet to find one in our area that I can trust. Furthermore, since I know very little about cars, I cannot determine whether or not the are BSing me and I don't want to take my chances with my family being safe.

As my Mom used to say... "Often when you buy used, you are just buying someone else's headaches."

 

[mommy2_3]

You didn't happen to mention your trip to anyone there when you dropped it off, did you?

no i didnt mention our trip. just that i needed the recall product replaced.

Wow, with all those leaks you should have noticed a lot of spots on the pavement where you park. And usually a broken motor mount is pretty noticeable when you take off. And again, if the p/s pump is leaking and making noise you should be able to tell a difference in the steering. If you were having any symptoms of these problems it should have been taken care of earlier. Sorry if I sound harsh but I have driven many clunkers in my time so I am usually very aware of leaks & noises and just the general feel of the way my car drives.

there are no marks or anything my driveway. the steering is great. i can turn and everything just fine. the only problem when i take off is when i first start my car in the morning and i put it in reverse. it kinda jumps a little. but other than that, when i go forward, nothing. as im in and out of the car the rest of the day, nothing. just after the car has been turned off for hours. i have driven it in silence a few times (not that often with 4 kids lol) and i never hear anything out of the normal.

I'd be upset, too. But then I'd probably stop and think about it, and be happy that they found these problems NOW when you have time to fix them before your trip. I'd also be grateful that I could get them fixed before the trip because I wouldn't want to imagine having car troubles while ON the trip far away from home, that would have been a lot worse.

Did you buy this van new? If so I would think that some or all of these things might be covered under warantee and you won't have to pay for all of them (or at least not all the cost). If the van was purchased new, I would definitely pursue that angle.

oh yes im deft. happy, if there are all these problems, that they found them now and not loose my engine on the highway on the way to Fl.!! no the van we got used at a used car dealership.

That's what I wondered when reading your post. Did you have it inspected before purchase or know the history?

no i didnt get it inspected before hand. we asked for the history and they told us they couldnt get one. my husband asked for a carfax.

Good idea! I would also take it for a 2nd opinion. We were told we need some huge repair on DH's car. Took it to another place that said it was totally false. We drove the car until it died from other causes and never had to fix that particular issue.

I am taking it for a second opinion today actually. im taking it to the car dealership that we got it from, to their shop. and im crossing my fingers and my toes and everything else that it wont be as bad as they are saying.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Don't cry OP. don't let the Honda dealer do anything yet. Take the van to another mechanic for a second opinion.

And like another poster said, if the can truly heeds the repairs, it may be better to not do the repairs before the trip, rent a van, and do a few repairs at a time when you get home.

 

[beavismom]

For this recall the van would have to be a 2003-2004. Broken engine mounts are a very common problem with this generation of Odyssey. It doesn't take much, even hitting a pothole, to cause the breaks. The good news is that they don't all "have" to be fixed. There are some that are fairly easy to get to which means a cheaper repair and you can drive with just those. It might vibrate a bit more, but that is all.

I had a very, very good service adviser at our local dealership who was always honest about what repairs were critical and what could be put off and the more expensive mounts could be put off. I left mine broken for years until I had a transmission repair done and they were fixed then. You have to monitor them to make sure the other ones are in good shape though. The CV boot could wait as well. Here is some history for my van to give you an idea.

Front engine mount was broken and the car was driven for 50,000 miles before it was repaired. Rt. side engine mount was repaired at initial diagnosis for $80 (they were doing other work at the same time so not sure what that did for the estimate).

CV boot was noted as leaking for 25,000 miles. Eventual repair was $218. I don't advise waiting that long for repair, but there was no additional damage to my van from waiting.

I don't have a history with the other repairs, but they may not be critical either. Hopefully, this will give you some comfort that your van is not about to self destruct.

 

[trip]

I am taking it for a second opinion today actually. im taking it to the car dealership that we got it from, to their shop. and im crossing my fingers and my toes and everything else that it wont be as bad as they are saying.

Don't tell the new repair shop what you were told at the first one when you take it in. Then you can compare results and ask what must be done now and if any can be just "watched" for later repair.

 

[mikehn]

sorry you fell victim to the "free" inspection. Hope things work out.

 

[mm1971]

no i didnt mention our trip. just that i needed the recall product replaced.



there are no marks or anything my driveway. the steering is great. i can turn and everything just fine. the only problem when i take off is when i first start my car in the morning and i put it in reverse. it kinda jumps a little. but other than that, when i go forward, nothing. as im in and out of the car the rest of the day, nothing. just after the car has been turned off for hours. i have driven it in silence a few times (not that often with 4 kids lol) and i never hear anything out of the normal.



oh yes im deft. happy, if there are all these problems, that they found them now and not loose my engine on the highway on the way to Fl.!! no the van we got used at a used car dealership.



I am taking it for a second opinion today actually. im taking it to the car dealership that we got it from, to their shop. and im crossing my fingers and my toes and everything else that it wont be as bad as they are saying.

We are very lucky that our local Lexus dealer is very honest. Several times they have called and said some estimated work was not required or found alternate ways to save $$. They actually call and check warranty coverage on everything. Bought car as used/certified back in 2008 and most recently had to have a sensor replaced. They originally quoted it at around $70 parts and labor. Called and said they checked and it was still under warranty and would not cost anything (and provided a free loaner while fixing). There are good dealers/repair shops out there, you just need to find them.

I agree to take it elsewhere and not return to that specific dealer. You certainly would have noticed some of these problems they "found" if they all existed. Good luck with the original dealer. Did you get a copy of the report from Honda? I would show them the report.

 

[Sagginit]

sorry you fell victim to the "free" inspection. Hope things work out.

i had the same thing happen. took my honda in for a safety recall (and i actually was having a minor issue with that part). they gave me a list of repairs to the tune of $800. took it to my mechanic and one minor thing was fixed for $20 (they charged me just an inspection fee). he told me the rest of the items they said to replace were not on their last legs and considering how little i use my car it is fine and those items will need a lot more time to completely wear out.

 

[mommy2_3]

We are very lucky that our local Lexus dealer is very honest. Several times they have called and said some estimated work was not required or found alternate ways to save $$. They actually call and check warranty coverage on everything. Bought car as used/certified back in 2008 and most recently had to have a sensor replaced. They originally quoted it at around $70 parts and labor. Called and said they checked and it was still under warranty and would not cost anything (and provided a free loaner while fixing). There are good dealers/repair shops out there, you just need to find them.

I agree to take it elsewhere and not return to that specific dealer. You certainly would have noticed some of these problems they "found" if they all existed. Good luck with the original dealer. Did you get a copy of the report from Honda? I would show them the report.

yes i have a copy of the report. im glad to know that there may not be anything wrong with it. if there is something wrong with it, and if it cost around $400 or under to fix (with labor) then i will be happy!

 

[trip]

yes i have a copy of the report. im glad to know that there may not be anything wrong with it. if there is something wrong with it, and if it cost around $400 or under to fix (with labor) then i will be happy!

I wouldn't show them the report until after they look at your car.

 

[ItsNotMuchofaTail]

Definitely get a second opinion, without divulging anything you were told by the last place. My Honda dealer is very honest, and has never recommended anything as a result of the free inspection that surprised me or cost me a lot of money (I have an '06 CR-V purchased in '09). A battery once, and tires last time. I know the tires need to be replaced by inspection time (August) so no surprise there. There are reputable dealers out there, but there are also bad guys for sure. Good luck to you!

I bought it certified, and would only buy a certified used car because I am afraid of expensive car repairs after many years of driving beater cars, LOL.

ETA: I forgot, one time he asked me if I was hearing any noises in the front end. When he mentioned it, I said I noticed when I drove over the bump at the end of my driveway I heard something. He said it was a bracket of some sort, and it would be $75 to fix it so I agreed.

 

[danygirl]

I'd be upset, too. But then I'd probably stop and think about it, and be happy that they found these problems NOW when you have time to fix them before your trip. I'd also be grateful that I could get them fixed before the trip because I wouldn't want to imagine having car troubles while ON the trip far away from home, that would have been a lot worse.

Did you buy this van new? If so I would think that some or all of these things might be covered under warantee and you won't have to pay for all of them (or at least not all the cost). If the van was purchased new, I would definitely pursue that angle.

That actually happened to us in Disney World about 10 years ago. we literally broke down at the gate. Luckily, DH was working at Carmax at the time, so he called the Orlando Carmax and begged them to help us out, and they fixed things very quickly (though it cost us). Worse yet, DH was a master mechanic at the time, and he should have checked the van out before we left.

 

[tvguy]

That actually happened to us in Disney World about 10 years ago. we literally broke down at the gate. Luckily, DH was working at Carmax at the time, so he called the Orlando Carmax and begged them to help us out, and they fixed things very quickly (though it cost us). Worse yet, DH was a master mechanic at the time, and he should have checked the van out before we left.

Mechanics always have lousy cars! Mine (independent) won't even consider buying a car with less than 200,000 miles on it. My friend has been a Toyota Dealer mechanic for 35 years, all he buys are salavage cars, brags he has never paid more than $3,500 for a car! Gal I worked with's husband was a Porsche-Audi-Volkswagen dealer mechanic, she drove 2 whole winters with no heat in her BMW because her husband didn't want to spend the $175 for the bypass valve to fix it.

 

[Pooh2]

Good luck!

I still have the recall notice for my 04 odyessey sitting on the counter. Not sure I am going to bring it in now!

 

[Eureka]

I am guessing maybe you have a 2003 or 2004 Odyssey? We have a 2004 and had the same recall. Last year we had to have three out of the four engine mounts replaced. I would definitely recommend that so the engine doesn't shift around. I don't know anything about the rest of it, but sorry you're faced with so many expensive repairs.