I would like to bring to everybody's notice that i had a small accident when a auto rickshaw banged into my Honda CRV (suv) about a month ago, nothing happened to the auto but the whole front end of the CRV feel off, luckily my insurer Tata AIG went in for a cash-less transaction and approved the repairs with Linkway Honda based in Chandivali(after it was refused by Auto Hangar in Kurla). After that my nightmare began.

First i was told the spare parts were not available at all and i had to wait indefinitely.Then after a few days when i finally got to speak to a senior person (they do not take calls, you call never get beyond the switch board usually) they informed me that the part was arriving one week later and that i should have my vehicle back by the 7th,July, 2006 one month after it was taken in on the 7th of June, 2006.
When i inquired about my car on the said date i was rudely told that the part arrived incomplete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh and that it would take one week more.One week later i still do not have my car as they are still 'hoping' for the part to arrive.

My grievances:-
On an average it takes you about 20 phone calls to speak to the person concerned who immediately gives you a senior's number who then takes another week's grace period from you to ' surely see your car is completed'. This tactic is used about 3 to 4 times before you actually get to know the problem.

A 'call back' from them takes on average a week or mostly you have to ' call back ' and remind them to ' call back.'

I have owned many cars in my lifetime but this is the worst after sales service i have ever experienced.

You cannot take their word to mean anything.

They say the mechanic handling your car has gone for training ' please call back after two weeks'.

The girls at the switch board tell you ashamedly " they are sorry, but nobody takes the call from the switch board, especially on the garage floor, we will have to go there physically and call the person concerned if you urgently need to speak to the person."

Note:-
I was even told once that "my situation was good and that some cars were still there fro last years deluge of 26/11/2005".

My driver on occasion has seen other drivers carrying sleeping mats and pillows too to alleviate their suffering.

The lesson:-
Never buy a Honda again our loan gets paid in 2.6 years more and then i will never see the word Honda in my life again.

Warm regards,
Madhav


PS- I hope this helps people thinking of buying expensive SUVs in India.