[spacadet]

Hello Gulf Coasters!

I tried to buy a 2006 Element at Royal Honda in Metairie this week. The Carfax said it had been in an accident, so I had it checked out at CARS repair shop behind the Whole Foods. They verified body work had been done, said the stuff under the hood looked great, suggested getting it put on an alignment machine (they were swamped at the time and had another car on their machine).

I made the sale contingent on the alignment, which Royal at first refused to do. I offered to pay for it, and they agreed. The numbers revealed out-of-spec measurements which cannot be aligned back into spec. I had to walk away from the deal.

I worked with Jared Hotard and he was a jerk. I also worked with Mike Billups, who was GREAT! I overheard other salesmen using very high-pressure negotiating techniques with other customers. So my overall impression of the dealership is not good.

I'm back to square one and thinking of buying new. Has anyone had a good experience at a gulf coast Honda dealership? I'd be less picky about the color if I knew I could work with nice people and get a fair price.

 

[MORGANMAN]

Got mine in Covington!

Hey.
Im over here in Hammond and I got my 08 Element at Honda of Covington. I was happy with the service and they didnt seem to pushy. I also recently had the recall repaired there and it also was a good experience. Im not too terribly far from you. if you are ever in hammond or wanted to meet up in covington some time I would be glad to help with any questions about the E.
Morgan.

 

[spacadet]

Hi Morgan, thanks for the advice! Covington would be convenient for me. I live about a mile from Honda of Slidell but don't like them either, so I guess Covington is next-closest!

I did email Honda of Covington with my offer to pay about $300 below invoice on a new E, but so far nobody over there has bit. I've had three other dealerships (one in BR, two in Jackson) come in at my price, though. As soon as I finish eating my sammich, I'm off to BR!

By the way, I've had good experiences with Superior Honda in Harvey in the past (2001-2003-ish). They don't have an E in stock that meets my requirements, but I'd consider going there for service in the future if necessary.

 

[MORGANMAN]

Good to know! well keep me posted on how everything turns out!

 

[spacadet]

So I bought from Richards Honda in Baton Rouge, and it was a great experience! The GM even met me at the door. I told them I was driving over from Slidell and was ready to buy that day, and I wanted to be in and out within an hour. It took two hours, but they did have nearly everything ready for me. Everyone was very nice and I felt no pressure.

They don't say so on their website, but they have a President's Award. So does Superior. Interesting that the only two Honda dealerships I've had good experiences with are President's Award locations... something to keep in mind for the future!

 

[MORGANMAN]

I will definitely keep that in mind! Well, once again if ya ever have any questions (not that you couldn't just find the answers here on the forum) or wanna meet sometime, just let me know. There are a couple of members here in Hammond and one or two in Baton Rouge.

 

[marksbug]

I was told my e was out of spec an couldent be aligined either, they dont know how to do it. the controal arms have ajustment slots built in to them.but the morons dont know that they do. I cant say there's enough movement to aligin the one you were looking at but my E rides and drives much better now since I did it my self.