KL wrote:
> Greetings
>
> This isn't a buyer's remorse, because I really like driving this vehicle,
> better than my old Prelude.
>
> A couple years ago, we purchased a Certified 03 Element for the daughter.
> Was very pleased with what we purchased, and said our next vehicle probably
> would be a Certified Honda.
>
> Wife had a 98 Olds Intrigue, and was due for a newer vehicle, since the
> Olds was becoming a money pit.
>
> Bought a certified 07 Accord Sedan EX-L, a couple weeks ago, from a
> different dealer. The car was dusty when we checked it over, while signing
> the papers on it, they washed it. We seen a few spots on the hood, like
> tree sap. No big problem, I'll get it off with bug/tar remover, so I
> thought.
>
> I washed the thing last week, noticed they must've tried to buff out the
> hood too much. Can see gray beneath the black, and those spots I thought
> was sap, are actually clear coat chips. Hundreds of them. Also noticed at
> one time, someone must've run the wiper blades down to far, scratches in
> the glass. Noticed the car must've been in an unreported accident, since
> none had shown up on the CarFax. The one stone guard is pulled away from
> the front fender, but underneath by (rocker panel?) is scraped up. This
> couldn't be seen looking at the car, I actually just felt it while washing.
> Upon further inspection, while laying on the ground checking it out, the
> front bumper (fascia?) where it meets the front fender is cracked right on
> the seam. Didn't even really notice this, until drying it off. The area
> cracked is about 3" long.
>
> So, last week, the little wrench light came on. There was only 15% oil life
> left. She took it in today, had the oil changed, and they charged her for
> it. She came home and told me, needless to say I'm livid. Not only about
> the oil, but what I read on the Honda site, on how they're supposed to be
> Certified. The unreported/hidden damage could've have easily been observed
> on the rack, had they had it there to change the oil. You would think the
> service department would've checked the service record. If no record, they
> should have done it for nothing, since it was supposed to be Certified. She
> only had 700 miles on the car so far, and the majority is because she drove
> it out of state last week.
>
> Upon checking out the Honda site, I found the 150 point inspection check
> list. Including "Minimum replacement items" #4: Engine & oil & filter--with
> Genuine Honda filer. #17 Nearest scheduled maintenance must be performed
> if within 3 months or 2,500 miles of service interval, or if no record of
> service exists.
>
> Under "Exterior" section:
> #130 Front bumper---fascia, guards, finish
> #132 Hood--- emblems & finish
> #144 Windshield/glass--- cracks, chips, scratches, pitting.
>
> Since the car is in her name, she called the salesman today. He said he
> will look into it. I have my thoughts on that one, since he hasn't replied.
>
> Anyways, I believe the dealer sold this as a Certified to get the extra $$,
> without actually certifying per Honda's standards. Here's Honda's link.
> http://automobiles.honda.com/certifi...ards-list.aspx
>
> What would you expect the dealer to take care of, if it were you?
>
> Thanks, and I'll follow up "if" & when we hear back from the dealer.
>
>
>
>
>
>

"Certified" used cars are a way to make more money for dealers.
Even following the standards doesn't guarantee a great vehicle. It's
better to buy from a dealer known to be good than to buy "certified"
from an unknown or shady dealer, as you have learned. The designation
isn't usually *worthless*, but it sure isn't all you need to look for.