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Honda / Boshart Engineering?

6.6K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  aquariumdrunk  
#1 ·
This is probably the wrong forum, but couldn't figure out what would be most appropriate, so I settled with this one.

Received a letter a couple months back from Honda and a company called Boshart Engineering about some emissions systems testing that they're doing. They only wanted vehicles with certain mileage, no serious modifications, yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyway, did a little research, had a couple of phone calls, and all checked out. They take my E for a couple of days, give me a "comparable" type vehicle from Enterprise, run it on a dynamometer for like 75ish miles, and then return it to me with a check for a few bucks.

I figured what the heck?! All set for a pickup in the morning, but having a moment of "what if this is all some kind of elaborate scam?!" I know...it's not...but, anyway...just seeing if anyone else has any insight or experience. :)
 
#2 ·
Interesting...... I have never seen that kind of program , run by honda .

I would call honda before submitting my vehicle for testing .
 
#3 ·
I agree ide call honda.

that 75mile dyno run could be a run to the pier and into an overseas shipping box.
 
#4 ·
Let me say initially that I've never heard of Boshart Engineering, but you should be able to google the name and address of the firm (if you have it), and find out what you want to know about the company.

I received a similar letter decades ago when I owned a 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. The company explained that they were acting under the auspices of Environmental Protection Agency, and that they had a contract to determine the effectiveness of VW's emissions controls on automobiles that had been in service a certain number of miles. Mine fit the criteria. The initial letter further explained in detail how the test would be conducted, and offered some dollar amount (I can't remember how much) to test my car. ($100 1978 dollars, I think.) I also was offered reimbursement for a rental car while mine was being tested over a two-day period. (Those testing the car wanted to conduct two cold starts.) Finally, the offer indicated that Volkswagen would extend the OEM warranty for several thousand miles (I can't remember the exact details) to include any damage (etc.) during the test or afterward. The description of the test didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary, btw; simply running the car within normal rpm ranges on a treadmill to simulate a commute in a metropolitan area. The offer also included payment for the next service performed by Volkswagen.

I did my homework, including checking out the test facility and checking with VW to ensure this inspection and testing was on the up-and-up, and decided to allow the test of my car. When I picked it up, it was clean as a whistle, and the inspectors had prepared a list of suggested maintenence procedures (minor stuff such as points - remember those? - plugs, ignition timing, filters, etc.) that Volkswagen subsequently performed without cost.

All and all, it was a great deal. If you haven't decided yet, I'd follow up on the offer and see what's involved.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I really waited until the last moment before seeking advice of this forum. Haha.

My E went away this morning, with some kindly old folks. They gave me a Dodge Journey (meh, it fit all my camping gear and loose crap in it wonderfully) with a rental contract from the local Enterprise (who we work with through my office), and a couple of other letters and such from Boshart. They actually helped me load my stuff out, very gently, which wasn't necessary! I had at least heard of the Honda R&D place they were taking it to on the other side of town. Signed a couple of "yeah, my vehicle has a nick here" type forms - nothing suspect - and they were on their way. I also work for the company insuring my vehicle, so I'm alright with the situation. They made it sound like I'd likely have it back by Friday...

we will see, eh? ;)
 
#6 ·
Wellllp, for anyone else who might get this opportunity, I'd say go for it.

Totally painless. Got my car back this afternoon, washed well - inside and out, a full tank of gas, and a check for $100. I'm the type of guy who probably would have let them take it free of charge with guarantees and hassle filters in place, but this just sweetened the deal.

Simple, solid experience!
 
#8 ·
Short answer is no. Haha. All I know is that they tested "emissions systems" and, supposedly, would have told me if they made any repairs or found any problems that need to be addressed. The testing center is clear on the other side of the metro area, so that seems to have been been responsible for most of the mileage - about 90 miles total.