Sterling McCall Honda Kingwood Sterling McCall Automotive Group Deceptive Trade Internet

In August of 2009, my wife and I purchased a 2006 Honda S-2000 from Sterling McCall Used cars Kingwood Texas.  The vehicle was advertised on the web as "Certified Pre-Owned.  Yet when we arrived at the dealership, the vehicle had a AS-IS  sticker in the window.  We were assured by the sales staff and sales manager that the vehicle was "Honda Certified".  

According to Honda of North Americas web site, this meant that the vehicle had gone through a meticulous inspection and reconditioning process.  A 150 Point Honda Certification Checklist covers all mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the vehicle.  

After actually driving the vehicle beyond the 5 minute road test I took at the dealership it was apparent that the car had numerous deficiencies.  Peeling paint, dirty air filter, pitted headlamp, transmission binding etc.  We were not able to locate the owners and warranty manuals, extra keys and remote were not provided to us.

Closer inspection of the Honda web site 150 Point Check list made us aware that these items were due at time of delivery. They were checked off on the 150 point list we found in the glove box, as as were all the mechanical and cosmetic issues in question.  began to suspect the vehicle was never actually certified to Honda standards.  

I contacted Honda Customer Service about my vehicle issues.  It took over a month and constant phone calls on my behalf for them to respond.  Customer Service initially told me they had no control over a franchised dealer.  My attempt to solve this issue with the G.M. of Sterling McCall Group led to more lies and cover up.  Several months later Customer Service agreed to have the vehicle Re-Certified at another Houston Honda dealer.  That never happened despite having my car in that shop for six days.  Under the direction of a Customer Service Manager, they did supply me with an extra key and remote, and replaced the headlamps and repaired the A/C.  

A reoccurring response from Honda of North America was that it was my responsibility to inspect the vehicle prior to purchase.  This which I continue to argue defeats the entire purpose of buying a Honda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

Bottom line is Sterling McCall sold me a AS-IS vehicle and fabricated a Certified inspection list to pass this vehicle off as "Honda Certified".  I was able to find a Internet listing for my vehicle that listed the car AS-IS. 

My recourse, none other than seek legal assistance under breach of contract or Texas deceptive trade laws.  I have only 1000 miles on this car and what should have been worry free has been nothing but a stress filled experience.  I will be doing my best to hold Sterling McCall accountable for there actions.  I have started a web page outlining this issue in detail with actual correspondence from Sterling McCall that is so incriminating it defies logic the arrogant SOB G.M. of McCall Group was dumb enough to send it to me.  Buyer Beware of this fraudulent dealership!