Santa Barbara Honda

I was disappointed with the customer service. Able wasn't exactly rude, just disinterested. We have a service contract and it covers all the regular service - I was charged and it took time to re-do the bill to zero it out. I assumed they would wash the car - they didn't. I asked and they did it, but it looks worse then it did. water spots, streaked windows. I just hope their mechanical skill is better then their customer service. The Accord had a recall which is why I took it in -did the regular maintenance service too.
Going back to Rocket Honda in Lompoc from now on.

I've had one of the worst experiences at this Honda dealers service station. I went in with a problem after getting a clutch change.



Initially they thought it was the alternator, so they changed it and I paid $360 or so. But then, my battery would still die so they replace the battery, cost my $90.



This over a week period and I had to rent my own car too until I complained, then the service guy gave me a loaner after $275 on a rental car. They eventually find that the ground wire was detached from the chassis when the clutch was changed. But this didn't fix the problem...



About 3 weeks into this debacle, 3 alternators later and 2 batteries later (which at least they covered the last two alts and last battery) I get a call saying that they need to call in a "specialist" to diagnose the problem... this is when I get livid, because this is what I asked for the first day I went into the dealership! I knew it costs about $250 dollars but a Honda ASE certified electrical guy will pinpoint the problems. Ah well, they really didn't listen. So I ended up spending 1200 dollars on nothing... a car that still didn't work and now to call in the "specialist" they needed me to purchase a new Honda alternator for $512 and pay for the services for the diagnostics.



So i told the guy just leave it, I'll be in to talk to him. Well, find out that he avoided me at all costs and the other service man just said "think he left for the day." How do you like that.



So I ended up leasing a car on the same day, the sales team was OK. They were trying so hard not to let me know there's a lease deal but I knew about it and they didn't screw me on the lease because of it. So thumbs up on that on sales.



I will not be getting my brand new Honda serviced at the Santa Barbara dealership if I can help it and will take it to Acura in Ventura, the independent Honda guys downtown (who are good) or the mobile Honda service man who also has good consumer reviews.



Just to add to the fire, I personally know 5 other people with bad experiences with the service center here... another electrical issue.. they tore up a 1992 Honda Civic to diagnose the issue but the charged the customer to put it back together or do it himself. A lady I met the day I leased my car also was having a bad Santa Barbara Honda Service day, the clutch issue she was having was completely ignored when it was taken in for the clutch problem specifically. All I can say is, buy an Acura, their service is top notch each trip to the Acura service center, with qualified techs and they give loaners without a gripe on big jobs.



I've been going to this Honda service center since 2004 for oil changes without a hitch. That they are good at... they should probably only work on oil changes and major maintenances there. I've owned and service my own Honda from 1998 to 2004 and pretty familiar with the Honda/Acura. From 2004 to 2007, this place did oil changes and one major maintenance without a hitch. So they seem good for that... I just wouldn't take your car there if you're trying to fix a problem with car.