Alana Franklin

Review of Columbia Honda

My husband and I purchased a 2011 Toyota Avalon la...

My husband and I purchased a 2011 Toyota Avalon last Monday from Columbia Honda. We told the salesperson that we wanted to finance through our credit union and were told that it was not a problem, they worked with that credit union all of the time and that we could apply through the dealership for a loan with the credit union. When we went back to the finance department, the loan they had procured was not through the Credit Union. When we asked the finance manager why, he told us that we would have to pay a higher APR if we went through the credit union. They never went to the credit union to ask about financing it!!!! I now am in the process of moving the loan to the credit union. When we purchased this car, we were not informed that there was only one key. We had already signed all of the paperwork, so there was no way to work that into the contract. We spoke with the Finance Manager and the Sales Person, Doug Walker, upon discovering this and the Finance Manager said that it costs around $300, but they would get back to us on the cost and if it did not cost too much that they would get one for us.
Subsequently, we only received three out of four floor mats. We asked about this and were told that they would check on this and call us back in the morning.
We never received a phone call, so my husband called and was informed that they never said any of that, and basically we were on our own. Obviously, we can pay for the floor mat and replace the key, but then this morning happened.
This morning the battery would not start and Triple A was called. I called Columbia Honda and was informed that most likely, the battery would not be covered under the 50,000 mile warranty since it is part of car maintenance. I completely understand that this is maintenance, but we just purchased it a week ago! I am very disappointed with their customer service and follow through. It is only good when they are trying to sell you the car, not once you drive it off the lot.

Update1-The Credit Union offered a 3.29% rate and Honda offered a 6.99%.

Update 2- My husband spoke with the Finance Director and the Sales person. They agreed to replace the battery at cost with no fees for labor and get us a key fob for the vehicle. I went yesterday at noon and dropped my car off to have the battery replaced. I told them at that time, I would be back at 4:30 or so. When I returned, around 4:30, they told me ten minutes or so. No problem, but i actually did not get out of there until 5:45 pm. I was charged for labor and as far as i can tell, full price for the battery. I was so late to pick up the kids, that I did not check the receipt until I returned home. (Which I understand is my fault.)