Locate an Auto Repair Shop in Kaneohe, Hawaii

This is a perfect sized vehicle for my needs. I totally removed the back seats and use it as a van. I have some disappointments like The stereo system is ok at best. The front seats should've been able to go all the way forward when in forward position. The rustproofing found under the fender wells should've been sprayed everywhere on the undercarriage. It deceives a buyer into thinking he has rustproofing there. In my opinion, even a weekend car painter knows that all the door jambs should be painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. My Element is like that n some parts of the jambs while the rest is the same as what you find under the hood. I cant believe this is standard for a car company like Honda. Or is mine one of the exceptions to the rule? But, because I failed to notice it during the excitement of the purchase its not their problem and they have the law on their side (according to Honda Windward's owner and GM) They know these problems were there prior to the sale but got it past me The two side doors, with no center support, would be great for accessibility if the front seats didn't block 40% of the space. When I bought my Element I failed to notice the drivers door was out of alignment. What might have been a minor fix before the sale has turned into a big problem for me, again because I didn't see it before signing and driving off, its my problem. True they did attempt to realign the door for me but now I have air leaking from the seals. It is fixed to their satisfaction so, as far as they are concerned, nothing is wrong with the vehicle. I've owned this vehicle for 2 months now and have not been happy for a moment and actually want to get rid of it because of the door. Otherwise Id be thrilled with it. Check every nook and cranny before you buy because they don't inspect before the sale which leaves the problems to you if you miss them at first. Thanks Honda Windward Hawaii and Honda of America for the screwed up door and an unhappy customer. They know these problems were there prior to the sale but got it past me during the buying process. I'm wondering if I'm the only person out there that bought a Honda and were forced to settle with a less than perfect new car. Lucky you if you got one with no problems because we probably paid the same price. May I strongly suggest that if you must buy a Honda do so from anywhere but Honda Windward in Kaneohe,Oahu,Hawaii.

Been there, done that---first--2 questions-- 1) Is this the 2.5 or the "Miller Cycle" motor? 2) is the "check engine" light on?? Obviously, if the light is on, go get a code reader and see what results---the CGR (emissions related) system is a weak link with this model, and a new hose/sensor usually resolves it---if not, next most likely culprit is bad wires/distributor cap---engine needs good spark from a standstill even more than at 2,3,4,000rpm, and the factory wires are junk---easy check is to get car in very dark surroundings (so, night-time is best), and then throw blanket over whole front end and run car---you will SEE sparks jumping if this is the problem---new wires/cap/rotor usually does it---hopefully it's not a bad distributor as they run over $500 at best---ouch----always check air filter when ANYTHING goes wrong---make sure it's not clogged, etc. You're welcome to get me at : lifeofreilly@hawaii.rr.com if you can't resolve---I'm on my 3rd Millenia and love these models----good cars!! Mike Reilly, Kaneohe, HI

see last post---was intended for you--Mike In Kaneohe, HI

If you have determined that the EGR system is actually OK, then try the following: 1) Replace air filter--K&N hi-perf filter runs about $65 and is worth it- 2) double check battery posts/connections---clean/replace as necessary- NO check engine light should BLINK and that may indicate a screwed up computer---very expensive!! Last resort- Since you have the supercharged model, it's possible that you have too much boost---as nice as it is, the boost just uses up more gas and, let's be realistic here, it's not going to walk away from a BMW M3 or Porsche, so turn the boost down and see if that clears the indicator----you know that you can turn the light off by simply disconnecting the battery, right? (have to reset all your stereo channels--bummer) BUT IF YOU CLEAN UP THE BATTERY POSTS WHILE YOUR AT IT, IT'S WORTH THE EFFORT-- code reader may be also worth the $300----good luck and aloha, Mike in Kaneohe

Howzit from Hawaii, Wanted to give some info for those of us who live in Paradise and have only a limited amount of dealership to bargain with. Saw a thread about someone receiving $600 under invoice from Airport Marina in LA. Emailed them and asked them to match. The internet department accepted and matched that price. Bought the EX-L Silver Pearl Metallic for $27,658 + $45 doc. fee. OTD $27,703 Now comes the trucking and shipping. Pasha Hawaii arranges for a trucking company for $120 to inspect and truck the van to the docks (to avoid paying CA 8% tax). Shipping cost was $900 to Oahu. They were excellent. Due to the holidays my van didn't get onto the ship the day it was suppose to be loaded. They graciously offered to provide me with a rental until it did arrive. They didn't have to according to their contract. They are not tied to a specific delivery date. Picked up the van at Aloha Auto Auction on Ahua St. with only 18 miles on the odometer. Breakdown on cost to buy from LA: $27,658.00 Airport Marina Honda 45.00 Doc fees 120.00 trucking/inspection 900.00 shipping to Oahu 236.70 vehicle registration/plates 15.00 safety check 1,108.12 4% state tax [B]$30,082.82 Grand Total [/B] Prices quotes I received here on Oahu: Pflueger Honda $32,500 OTD Windward Honda $32,645 OTD Tony Honda $33,840 OTD Costco pricing $100 off of MSRP As you can see I probably saved $2500 and probably will end up spending it on accessories and extended warranty form Erika. Would do it again. Lots of email and phone calls but it was worth it. Luv my new van!!!!!!! Mahalo (Thank You in Hawaiian) for all the help I've received from this forum!!!!