Honda Dealers and Auction Bikes- USA

[xcuesme]

I found out some disturbing information last night at a Honda dealership.
Honda has a business practice of stacking their bikes/scoots etc. 15 crates high in their warehouses. Of course, things occasionally get dropped- if the crate is at the top, that is approximately 50 feet down.

Honda holds AUCTIONS for these "crate damaged" goods and dealerships may purchase items at these auctions and ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TELL BUYERS that the item is known to be defective. Most dealers, from what I am told, do NOT put the bike up, check the frame, etc., before selling.

I KNEW my bike was "crate damaged"- it was inferred even after questioning that it happened at the dealership and was very minor- I did get an unusually good price on the scooter, a new 2003 SilverWing for $6400 out the door- but never dreampt I was being dealt with dishonestly. I knew because there were a few scratches on it and the handlebars were crooked (which they replaced with new ones) but it never crossed my mind this sham was going on in the background.

Please be very careful- I'm very disappointed in our dealership, whom we have purchased four vehicles from now, for being dishonest regarding the SW. I live in the US and do not know if this happens everywhere.

Some dealerships do not participate in these auctions-- I recommend anyone looking to buy a new Honda ask UP FRONT if the dealer buys at auction and consider any sign of damage reason to suspect that they do.

Safe scooting!

xcuesme

[xcuesme]

In all fairness, an addendum-

I called Honda Customer Service and inquired about the "auctions" supposedly taking place. They said absolutely nothing of this sort is taking place and being sponsored by Honda. They had previously asked for the names of the dealerships involved, which I gave them, as obviously something needs to be investigated on their end if their own representatives are either telling this type of tale or participating in something they are unaware of.

My only conclusion at this point is I dislike salespersons!!! (just kidding- all are not alike in any field!)

[abe]

The only dealers I know of that do this are discount/volume dealers. I imagine lots of the new Hondas on Ebay are damage auction bikes too.