I just moved to Minneapolis full time, and am looking for a dealer since I had to leave my old one behind. And recommendations for in the Twin Cities area? Nothing wrong with the E, just want to know of a place in case I need it, and would prefer to stay away from ones with bad reviews. Thanks.

eddieroger,

I'm guessing it may just matter where you are.

My EX-P came from Hopkins Honda in the western suburbs, maybe 20 minutes from downtown. It's only been back once since July and will hopefully be there only once or twice a year for VERY routine maintenance. They do have a brand new facility with a generous showroom and a very comfortable waiting lounge with free refreshments which is nice if you need to stick around for service. Car was detailed after my recent first oil change ($28?) which was a pleasant surprise. Service manager also fielded my 5sp/6sp conversion question questions reasonably and professionally, for which I give them some kudos.

I also shopped at:

Richfield BLoomington is the closest to my neighborhood...but they are in a old, cramped building with few accomodations. Sales seemed OK, but they had very little inventory.

and

Burnsville Honda 30 minutes south of downtown where I was basically put off by what I considered snobbish arrogant demeanor when I asked simple questions about the E. Like "what would it cost to get into one?" and "do you have a MT I can drive?"

In the end I got basically got the "warmest & fuzziest" feeling at Hopkins. They worked pretty hard to get me into the exact E I wanted (from ~150 miles away) for what I felt was a very good price.

I cannot speak to any of the other dealers.

Welcome to the Cities, we'll have to get you on the coffee/beer list. Don't worry about the recent snow, a pretty unusual occurrence (unfortunately IMHO).

BTW, do you mountain bike or kayak? I'm always on the look out for a second.

HS

Though I live in St. Paul, I bought mine in Mankato. Hated the treatment I was getting from the sales staff at Bloomington and White Bear Lake. I've picked up incidentals (like oil pan crush washers) from both Richfield and Mankato Honda, but my car's never been to a dealer for anything since I took delivery 36,000 miles ago in August of 2003. :)

I bought my 2007 element at Hopkins Honda and I found them to be very interested in serving the Customer. Lots of surveys on how things went with service and the buying process. Where were you in Indiana?

Thanks for the input! I'm definitely not a chronic dealer-cry-baby, but I do want to know who's door to knock on for warranty things and such. Also, the TL Switchblade Key mod is sounding interesting, and that'd be a dealer trip...

I lived in Indianapolis my whole life before moving out here for work. I don't expect the weather to hold up as "interestingly" as it was this last week, but The Beast (my E) and I were fine. I actually liked it at times - like sledding with a really expensive sled.

I'm driving an alabaster with blue panels, which is pretty standard I suppose, but it still has Indiana plates (well, plate) and an Apple/EOC sticker, so wave if you see me. I'm probably cutting people off on 94 where it "exists" to 35W in the middle lane.

Oh, and certainly add me to the beer/coffee list. :-)

I, too, bought my E from Hopkins, and was pleased with the sales experience after been very dissapointed with Richfield Bloomington Honda.

I've only been back for to Hopkins for service twice, but not since they moved to their posh new facility. The service manager was very concerned that I was happy with the experience.

Buerkle Honda in White Bear has been fine. I had a good buying experience. Service has been good.

It's good to hear that folks have been happy with Hopkins Honda. I'll have to give them a try. I bought my E at Brookdale Honda. The sales guy was nice, but the after-sale follow up (or lack thereof) was very disappointing. I'm closer to Richfield/Bloomington Honda during business hours so I've been going there for service. However, after the 10K service and oil change, I had noticed the smell of coolant after the car was nice and warm. I did a little poking around and found that they didn't replace the coolant cap... Not impressed when something like this happens on a routine maintenance visit... I've had other niggling issues with their service as well.

Yet another Alabaster Silver E! :) We're invading the state! 8-) Welcome to Minnesota!

Dani

Richfield Bloomington Honda. I now live over four hours away and still use them for service and parts, almost seven years now. I had an 01 Civic for almost two years then took delivery of my 03 element January 03, one of the oldest on the road now with 83,000 miles and no serious inconveniences yet. If you plan on taking your Honda to a oil change place like Valvoline or Jiffy make sure to buy Honda oil filters and crush washers. Not only does it keep you in warrentee but they are better quality. Have fun and see you on the road.:D

I bought my Ody there in 2003, it has been great. THe service department has always been very good to me. We were so happy with our first Honda that we went right back to them. I got my new Element a couple weeks ago and love it.

I have heard good things about Hopkins and Burkle Honda.

Burnsville Honda nothing but bad reviews. In fact, my wife works at a credit union in the area and has a few people who work at Burnsville Honda that have said to not go there. A coworker of my wife went to buy an E from Burnsville last fall and was turned off by the pushy staff that she ended up at Richfield Honda without ever talking to us. She has had nothing but good things to say about them too.

Though it would be a bit of a drive for you, I have found the service at Honda House in St. Cloud to be quite good. They are a very down to earth dealership.