Question: My new Honda Accord has a bad vibration at idle. Should I have it checked out in case it was wrecked prior to my buying it?

November 26, 2005

Hi Tony

I bought a new 2006 Honda Accord on 11/4/05. After 30 minutes into driving my new car out of the dealer, I felt some vibration from the bottom seat cushion and the floor of the car when the car was at idle with the transmission in "D."

I took the car in to the car dealer the next day, but the dealer told me to come back on the following Monday because it was a weekend and they had no proper tech to look at my issues. Since then I've taken my car in three time without any luck with them fixing my problem!

I'm writing this email to you because I've read this page from your website: http://www.insidercarsecrets.com/wrecked_new_car.html . So my question is should I get my car inspected too for a previous wreck before the car was sold to me as "brand new," and if so how do I choose a right body shop to take it to?

Any response to my "NIGHTMARE" would be very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Yong

Answer:

Hi Yong,

Sorry to hear about the problem with your new car. Now, I wouldn't go jumping to any conclusions that the car was wrecked. While it is indeed possible, it's a very rare occurrence for a new car to have been wrecked.

If you are feeling a vibration at idle in Drive it sounds to me like the motor is simply idling rough or the motor attaching mounts might be loose or defective. If your dealer can't find the problem take it to another Honda dealer. Your factory warranty should be honored at all Honda dealerships. Perhaps a fresh perspective on the problem will turn something up.

If you want to have the car inspected just to put your mind at ease try to find a reputable, professional body shop. Perhaps someone you know can recommend one. Just don't take it to a little "back ally" shop. Find a body shop that does business professionally and one that keeps a professional appearance. An inspection of this type will be at your own expense.

If the car checks out OK and the dealer still hasn't fixed the problem call Honda. Your owner's manual should have a phone number to their service representative. Get them involved in the problem. Tell them the dealer has failed to remedy the problem and you want it fixed. They do not want dissatisfied customers, and I'm sure they will work with you to resolve the problem.

One more thing Yong, go to the dealer and test drive another car like yours and make sure they don't all do what you are complaining about. If another '06 Accord does the same thing you may not have a problem at all! However, I'm sure that Honda Accords don't idle rough, so chances are there is some problem there. If another Accord idles smooth insist that the service dept. rep ride with you in both cars so you can point out the difference.

Good luck and let me know how it works out...

All my very best...

Tony Iorio