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Pohanka Acura


13911 Lee Jackson Hwy, Chantilly, VA 20151 (map)
Today 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Dealership Service Review

1 out of 5 starsservice Rating
Pohanka "FREE" state inspection rip off
Written by tepes on 05/21/2009

I bought a 2001 Acura TL from them back in 2004. It wasn't a great experience but not too bad either. Went there 2 years ago to change the tranny under warranty and the whole experience was great (Jerry was the service advisor). I usually take my cars to Goodyear Gemini for state inspections and oil changes and to Koons Honda in Manassas for more serious issues. 3 weeks ago I had the 105k major service done at Koons (timing belts, water pump, side engine mount) mainly because of the price $1000 vs $1700 at Pohanka. They did a very good job and was told that the car is in great shape and there's nothing else that needs to be replaced. Couple of weeks later, the state inspection is due and since Pohanka is 2 minutes up the road and I just received a Free State Inspection coupon from them, I went there to do it. BAD IDEA! Dropped the car for state inspection and a brake fluid flush around 9 AM, I get a call from Tom Smith the service advisor around noon. He tells me the car failed inspection and I will have to replace the front engine mount (says it's leaking hydraulic oil?!? but i don't see any oil spots under the car) and lower ball joints to pass inspection. The cost to fix all this at Pohanka? about $950 before taxes and shop fees. Whole thing smelled fishy since I didn't notice anything abnormal vibrations when accelerating hard or any noise from the ball joints, plus the car had just been inspected 3 weeks ago at Honda. So I tell him I decline the repairs and I start calling around for some quotes. First call to Goodyear Gemini in Centreville, service advisor says "I won't call names but there's a lot of Acura's coming in that failed inspection at certain dealership in the area because of lower ball joints and when they come here for a quote we find no problems with them and cars pass inspection without any need for repairs."!!! Go figure...how many Acura dealerships are close by? Just Pohanka. So being on the way home, I stopped by NTB in Chantilly for a quote, they inspected the car for about 15 minutes and then told me there's nothing wrong with the front engine mount or the lower ball joints. They see no need to replace them!!! Unfortunately they don't do state inspections but can pretty much guarantee it will pass. They suggest to remove the rejection sticker and take it to a different station for inspection. So I take their advice, stop by my house to take down the sticker and drive straight to Goodyear Gemini in Centreville. One hour and $16 later the car passed state inspection. Lesson learned: a free state inspection at Pohanka Acura will cost you $1000!!!

  • Recommend this dealer? No

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