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Servicing Your Vehicle at the Dealership

There’s no getting around it. In addition to payments, insurance, and fuel, drivers must deal with the cost of maintenance and repairs. Naturally, we would all like to minimize those costs wherever possible. With that in mind, some customers are tempted to service their cars at independent shops rather than the dealership. The perception is that you’ll spend more at the dealership.

We suspect that, cost aside, most people would prefer to get their vehicle serviced the dealership. There’s good reason for that. A dealer can provide the knowledge and expertise that an independent shop often can’t match.  For example, Honda Canada regularly puts out online courses (two to four times a month) that our technicians must complete in within 30 days in order to remain in good standing at the dealership. Honda Canada also has a field office in Calgary that allows the technicians to participate in hands on training.

A dealership like T&T Honda also employs technicians that specialize in particular areas, such as diagnostics. Accurately assessing problems and providing the right fix is a money saver in the long run. Specialized Honda technical expertise is particularly important where safety is concerned. Take, for example, windshield replacement. Windshields of newer cars often house the detection equipment used in driver assist safety systems like Honda Sensing. Also, windshields form an important part of a modern vehicle’s structural integrity. As such, proper installation is crucial.

In addition to up to date Honda specific knowledge and expertise, dealerships are equipped with speciality tools mandated by the manufacturer, tools needed to keep up with advancing technology.  Not too long ago, T&T Honda had to invest in a new machine for programming keys, a must have now that pushbutton start has become the norm.

Dealerships often have the resources to offer other benefits. For example, most dealerships will have a large stock of replacement parts. With parts on hand, you’re less likely to have to leave your vehicle overnight or return for a second visit for the same repair. At T&T Honda we are also pleased to be able provide amenities like shuttle service, loaner cars, and complementary car washes (at least in normal times!)

Is there some cost involved in being able to take advantage all that a dealership has to offer? Some, yes but in reality most services are competitively priced. If you look closely we think you’ll find the cost of maintenance and repairs is actually very reasonable. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle is under the care of those who know it best.

Book your service today. 

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Vehicle Maintenance

At T&T Honda we encourage our customers to follow the Honda Canada’s recommended guidelines for regular maintenance. Though you may be tempted to save money and hassle by skipping some of those recommendations, regular maintenance will keep your car performing at its best and will actually save you money in the long run. 

Timely oil and filter changes are essential part of that regular maintenance.  Manufacturers used to recommend that oil and filter changes be changed after or a certain number of km or amount of time, whichever came first. However, most automakers now use something like Honda’s Maintenance Minder system. Drawing on input from a series of sensors, the Maintenance Minder analyzes a variety of operating conditions, in addition to kilometres accumulated, in order to estimate how much life your oil life has left (starting at 100% when new or right after an oil and filter change). A wrench symbol and the percentage of remaining oil life will be displayed on your instrument panel when oil life is calculated to be 15%. That’s that time to think about booking your next service. We don’t recommend going past 5%.

Now, at various points in your Honda’s life the Maintenance Minder will recommend other service items, usually bundled together with oil changes. When the car is relatively new that mostly involves alternating between the oil and filter changes and what used to be known as the B service. A B type service visit (or its equivalent) includes inspections of various systems as well as brake servicing and tire rotation (in addition to the oil and filter change). The unique driving style and circumstances of each owner underline the need for regular inspections of key systems, particularly when it comes to wear items like brakes and tires.

Further along in your Honda’s life the Maintenance Minder will recommend more comprehensive services such as replacing brake and transmission fluid. With some parts, like the timing belt, figuring out when they are due for replacement is not as clear cut as it is with tire and brake pads. Making that determination relies on knowing something about the conditions that the vehicle has been driven in. For vehicles driven under harsh conditions changing the timing belt at around 100,000 km is advisable. Cars living an easier life might be able to make it approximately 160,000 without requiring a timing belt change. On average, we suggest that 130,000 is a good time to change the belt. We also suggest replacing the water pump at the same time. Both the belt and the water pump are located close together and are not so easy to access. Dealing with them during the same visit will save you a significant number of labour dollars.

The service advisor can provide his or her best recommendations for what work is required and when if they get to know you and your car well. This why we encourage our service customers to choose a particular service advisor and keep that person as their regular advisor.

Whether you’re just in for an oil and filter change or something more comprehensive we will give your vehicle a complimentary multi-point inspection. We believe preventative maintenance is the way to go. The inspection can give you an idea of what is coming up so you plan and budget for that service work.

How about used cars? Honda Certified Used Vehicles are on the maintenance schedule as new cars; they’re just a little further on in that schedule. When we do certify qualifying vehicles we their maintenance up to date, as required, in accordance with that schedule. Records of regular maintenance will help to maximize your Honda’s value when it comes time to sell it or trade it in, particularly if that maintenance has been performed at a Honda dealership.

T&T Honda has a couple of ways to help you deal with cost of regular maintenance and even unexpected expensive repairs. First, there is our oil and filter offer. If you follow Honda Canada’s recommended maintenance schedule and have that work done here we will cover the cost of oil and filter changes. This offer is good for 250,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first. Second, should a large service bill come your way we have financing available, with zero percent for up to six months, OAC. We want to be sure your Honda is roadworthy before it leaves our lot.

It really does make sense in the long run to stick to the manufacturer’s service guidelines as closely as possible. Your Honda will be operating at its best and you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs and expense further on down the road. Think of it as a fitness and diet regimen for your Honda, an investment in your car’s long term health.

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Extended Warranties

Part of the new car purchase process typically involves deciding what options you want to equip your car with. They might include something cosmetic that enhances your vehicle’s appearance, like a spoiler. They might be more functional items like running boards or a heated steering wheel. They could also include applications designed to protect your investment, things such as 3M. Warranties, standard and extended, provide another type of protection, safeguarding your bank account from major hits due to unexpected vehicle repairs.

Every new Honda purchased in Canada comes standard with two manufacturer’s warranties: comprehensive and powertrain. The comprehensive warranty is sometimes called bumper to bumper but this isn’t quite accurate. It does cover most vehicle components for manufacturer defect but not wear and tire items like tires, brake pads, and wiper blades. The comprehensive warranty is good for three years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first. It is paired with a powertrain warranty which covers the parts and systems which make your car go: the engine, transmission, and drive system.  The powertrain warranty expires after 5 years or 100,000 km, again, whichever comes first. Though these warranties accompany every new Honda sold in Canada, keep in mind that warranties will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

New Hondas also come with three years Honda Plus Roadside Assistance. Coverage is limited to the three year term but not by the number of km you put on your Honda. Honda Plus Roadside Assistance includes a wide range of services battery boosts, towing, emergency transportation, and much more. It’s a good idea to get familiar with Roadside Assistance coverage so that you don’t spend what you don’t need to, should you find yourself stranded. Roadside Assistance protects you anywhere in Canada or the USA. Also, it is attached to the vehicle, not the driver, so should a friend or family member be driving your Honda they also have access to these services.

Honda Certified Used Vehicles (HCUVs) carry whatever portion of the original new car warranty still remains but certification also increases the powertrain warranty to 7 years/160,000 km. You can upgrade the warranty on your HCUV to increase the comprehensive portion of the coverage under some conditions

It should be noted that warranties are not a substitute for regular maintenance. Warranties are intended to cover manufacturer defects. The expectation is that Honda owner/drivers will maintain their vehicles in accordance with Honda Canada’ recommendations. The cost of that service is also the customer’s responsibility. Neglect may invalidate a warranty.

Extended warranties operate just like the standard warranties but with longer terms and larger kilometre limits. Roadside assistance is matched to the length of the term rather than the number of kilometres, as it is with the standard warranty. The price of warranty will with model, term, and kilometres, maxing out at eight years and 200,000 km. For example, bumping up the comprehensive warranty on a Civic to 4 years/80,000 km currently costs $748 while extending the warranty to 8 years/200,000 km on a Pilot costs $3,902. There is also some degree of mixing and matching of term and kilometres available. For example, you can purchase 7 year warranties with kilometre limits that range from 130,000 to 200,000 km. This allows you to tailor your warranty to your particular circumstances.

Honda Canada generously allows you a 60 day cooling off period after following the purchase of your extended warranty. You can cancel during that period should you have second thoughts. Additionally, should your car be written off before the warranty expires you can be refunded a pro-rated portion of the cost. You will have to apply for that refund, though. We can walk you through that.

One of the reasons that Hondas are so popular is their well-earned reputation for reliability and durability.  However, they are mechanical devices and issues can crop up as the years and the km pile on. Extended warranties make the most sense for those Honda owners who tend to keep their vehicles for a long time or put on a lot km or both.

It’s like buying insurance. It’s all about assessing risk and how important it is to you to minimize that risk. Choosing the amount of extended warranty involves weighing the cost of that warranty against the projected cost of potential issues. Buying an extended warranty is buying extra peace of mind. The warranty is also transferrable so you also increase the resale value of your car.

If equipping your new car with an extended warranty sounds right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of financial managers know all the ins and outs of warranties and are here to help.

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Leasing a Vehicle

Many customers have never seriously considered leasing as an option. There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to leasing a vehicle. While leasing is not for everyone, about 40% of our new car customers actually do go this route. Let us shed some light on how Honda Canada leases work so that you can decide if this an option worth taking a closer look at.

Generally, there are there are three ways of paying for a car:

Cash (in the form of a certified cheque or bank draft)

Finance loan

Lease

Paying for a vehicle with cash, is of course, the most straightforward way but let’s face it; many of us if not most would be hard pressed to come up with all of the cash necessary to purchase a new vehicle. As such, the majority of purchasers choose some form of loan.

With financing you borrow the money to pay for the car. The interest is essentially the rent on the money that you are borrowing. You pay off the principal (the actual purchase price of the car) along with the interest or “rent” in installments over a pre-determined term. At the end of that term, the vehicle is yours. One of the main objections when it comes to leasing is that you don’t own the car at the end of the lease. However, even with finance loans, the vehicle is not truly yours until the very last payment is made.  

With a lease, the mechanism is essentially the same. You borrow money at a set interest rate for certain period of time. The money that you are borrowing in this case is the difference between the purchase price and the residual or projected value of the vehicle at the end of the lease.  Since you are not financing the whole purchase price you can expect the payments to be considerably smaller (depending on the interest rate and term length, of course) and that is probably the most compelling reason for leasing. Now, you can go some way to lowering a finance payment if long financing terms are available, say 7 or 8 years. However, typically, the interest rate rises with the length of the term. In pursuit of a low finance payment, you may end up paying a considerable chunk of interest over and above the actual purchase price.

When you come to the end of your lease, you have a few options. You can buy the vehicle outright for the residual value (money still owing) plus processing fee that Honda Canada charges (currently $418). You can pay cash or refinance the remaining amount. Also, you don’t have to wait until the end of the lease to buy out the car. You can purchase it in full at any point in the lease without penalty.

If you like you can sell the vehicle privately or to a dealership like ours or use it as a trade-in and you might even find yourself in the position to make a small profit. For example, if the residual value is $16,000 and the trade-in value or private selling price is $18,000 the $2,000 difference is yours to keep, or apply to the next purchase.  Honda Canada only requires that the money owing on the lease is covered one way or another.

Leased vehicles are usually particularly desirable additions to our used car inventory. They are one “owner” vehicles and because they are scheduled to be returned to the manufacturer they are usually well taken care of cars with detailed service histories and without excessive km. This is all the better if the leased vehicle started at T&T Honda and was serviced here.

In the end, very few leased vehicles are simply returned to Honda Canada, about 2% in our experience. What if you should decide to return your car when your lease is up? What are your obligations? Can you simply turn over the vehicle and the keys and walk away? Actually, yes, as long as you have stayed under the allotted km and your car has only experienced normal wear and tear. Most Honda Canada leases allow for 24,000 km/year or 96,000 km in total. There is a charge of 12 cent for every km over 96,000. Items that exceed normal wear and tear might include a cracked windshield, worn tires, and big dents. You can address these yourself before returning the vehicle or pay Honda Canada for the necessary fixes, as determined by their assessors.

Though lease returns to Honda Canada are rare there are some circumstances where they make a lot of sense. For example, you might be involved in accident that warrants expensive repairs. That could push the trade-in or market value below that of the residual. However, as long as the repairs are done to Honda Canada’s standards you will not be penalized when returning the vehicle.

Given the variety of end of lease choices that are available, T&T Honda makes a point of reaching out customers about a year before the lease is over to help guide them to the decision that makes the most sense given their particular circumstances.

So, what sort of customer does a lease appeal most to? The lower payment makes vehicles at a certain price point more available to those on a tighter budget. The car is also under warranty for the duration of most leases. Many value the peace of mind that that brings. If you enjoy driving newer cars more often, cars that come equipped with latest infotainment and safety then a lease might be right for you too. Though you can pre-purchase extra km at a discount, those who expect to put on a lot of km should probably steer clear of leases.

As always, we are here to help guide you to the purchase option that makes the most sense for you, given your priorities and unique circumstances.

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Windshield Chip: why it’s important to get it fixed right away

For drivers in Alberta getting a chip in your windshield is almost as certain as setting sun. We seem to particularly vulnerable to windshield damage here. The chinooks may be partly responsible. The gravel laid down for traction is freed from the ice as temps rise and turns into potential projectiles. In any event, your windshield is likely to require repair or replacement during the life of your vehicle, possibly more than once. As such, you might be tempted to ignore the odd chip, in order to save yourself some hassle and some money.  That’s understandable but we recommend that you get chips dealt with as soon as you’re aware of them.

Chips have the potential to become cracks and replacing a windshield is considerably more expensive than fixing a chip. You can expect to pay around $25 to deal with a chip versus hundreds of dollars to install a new windshield. Additionally, even a relatively small blemish or crack in your windshield can result in a hefty fine. Windshield damage is not just a matter of cosmetics.

A damaged windshield has the potential to significantly compromise your safety. Your vision can be seriously impaired depending on the size and position of the damage and on light conditions. Airbag function can also be affected. The airbag may not perform properly without the support offered by an intact windshield. The potential for ejection from the vehicle is also increased. Rollover protection is another consideration. The windshield is an important part of roof support and structural integrity. Additionally, many late model vehicles have camera embedded in the windshield, a crucial component of driver assist safety suites. An intact and unobscured windshield is essential in order for these safety systems to operate properly.

So, when all is said and done, it just make sense to get that chip fixed as soon as you see it. You’ll save money in the long run and you’ll have the peace of mind from knowing that your car’s safety hasn’t been compromised.

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Questions to Ask When Buying a New Vehicle

Buying a new car is a major purchase, usually the biggest purchase that you make aside from your home. So, it only makes to go slow and ask a few key questions.

What can I expect to pay in interest? This can vary wildly. Manufacturers will offer a wide range of interest rates that will often change throughout the model year of a particular vehicle. They can even vary with trim level and how popular a vehicle is. However, the general rule of thumb is that the longer the finance term is the higher the interest rate is. As such, if you can shoulder a high monthly payment you’ll probably end up paying less for your car when all is said and done. Long term financing with a higher interest rate may fit more easily into your monthly budget but you’ll pay more for the vehicle in total.

Are there other charges that I might not have thought of?

Purchasing a new vehicle will involve some other charges. Some dealers will add administrative or documentation fees. This is not the case at T&T Honda. As a “no-fee” dealer we only charge what we are required to by regulatory bodies. These include environmental levies for air conditioning and tires, $100 and $20, respectively. The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) also requires a fee of $6.25. Of course, there is no escaping the General Sales Tax (GST) of five percent.

How far is the nearest dealership/service centre from my home or work?

For those of us living in major urban centers and surrounding communities, access to parts and service for our new vehicle probably isn’t a concern. However, you may live and work in a remote area or rural setting but still want to service your vehicle at a dealership for that brand (which we recommend whenever possible). In that case, it would be smart to scout out where your nearest dealership is.

Is a test drive necessary?

Strictly speaking, no, but we strongly encourage you to take any vehicle that you are seriously considering on a test drive. As mentioned, a vehicle is big financial commitment, and something you’ll be living with for a long time. You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes of even your favorite brand without trying them on, would you? We value Honda customers’ loyalty and we share their confidence in our products but vehicles do evolve and it’s important to find a car that is good fit you today.

Given current public health concerns, we have changed our test drive protocol. Salespeople used to accompany customers on the drive but we now send customers out on their own after providing them with a rundown of key controls and suggesting a route that reveals the vehicle’s strengths and personality. Of course, we thoroughly sanitize our test drive units between uses.

Does this vehicle make me happy? A test drive is crucial for answering this question. A vehicle might meet all of your needs, objectively, and fit your budget comfortably but ideally it should also please you on an emotional level. Again, you’ll be spending many km together and laying out a significant amount of money. The best car purchase is one that takes both practical needs and driving pleasure into consideration. Should you find that your heart and your budget are at odds, you may want to consider options such as leasing or purchasing a lightly used car.

How’s the warranty? All new vehicles are sold with some sort of manufacturer’s warranty but not all warranties are created equal. As such it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terms of the warranty in the context of the sort of driving that you’ll be doing. Your new Honda comes with standard with two main warranties. The first is the comprehensive warranty, good for 60,000 km or three years, whichever comes first. Some refer to it as the bumper to bumper warranty but this is misleading. Most parts are covered for manufacturer defect but certain wear and tear items such as tires and brake pads are excluded. The comprehensive warranty is paired with a five year/100,000 km powertrain warranty, which includes most of the components and systems that keep your vehicle moving, primarily the engine and transmission. Of course, extended warranties are available. If you are a high km driver and/or tend to keep your vehicle for a long time purchasing additional coverage can go a long way to providing peace of mind.

Do your research, ask questions, and have fun! Buying a new car is big deal for most people and it can be a bit intimidating. However, customers have access to wider range of information and purchasing tools that they ever have before. Take advantage of those resources and take your time. Our sales team is one of those resources. “Steering You Straight” is something that we take seriously. We welcome your questions and are here to guide you through the process at your pace.

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Selling Your Vehicle to a Dealership

When it comes time to part with your vehicle the two most obvious options are either to sell it privately or sell it to a dealership. Now, when you are selling your car privately the common understanding is that you will get a higher price than you would if you traded it in at a dealership or simply sold it them independent of another purchase. While that might generally be true, there are several advantages to doing business with a dealership.

Safety is an important consideration. As a private seller you are likely to have to deal with a variety of potential buyers of unknown character, up close and in person. Our current COVID situation adds another layer of concern. Aside from the increased risks of exposure to COVID, there is the hassle of sanitizing your car between test drives.

Reduced hassle might be the most compelling reason to sell your car to dealership. It is almost always the quickest, simplest, and most convenient route to go and usually worth the few extra dollars you might get from a private sale. You are usually dealing with one person who both appraises your car and makes you an offer, most often the used car manager. One top of that, the dealership will take care of the paperwork for you, relieving you of yet another hassle. A private sale can take a long time. At the dealership, it is not uncommon for the whole process to take just a couple of days.

You need to do a bit of research to help you price your car realistically when selling it privately and it’s a good idea to do the same before bringing your car to the dealership. There are many online resources that can provide you with an estimated value. From the dealership’s perspective this will be about the same should you be trading your vehicle in or selling it on its own. However, in the latter case we, the dealer, can afford to be a little choosier, in deciding if your vehicle is something we need and want on our lot. Of course, we welcome a wide variety of vehicles including vehicles of other makes.

What other homework is recommended? Do you need to spend a lot of time and money repairing and detailing your car? Generally, no. If your car is really dirty you might to give it a good clean to make a favourable first impression, but our appraisers are trained to look past surface dirt. Also, some normal wear and tear is something that can reasonably be expected. As for repairs, they are something that we can address at a significantly lower cost than most customers so it makes sense to leave those to us.

Is it a good idea to bring a Honda to a Honda dealership in particular? Yes. We are especially knowledgeable about Hondas and are therefore able to offer the best value. Your Honda may be a candidate for our Certified Used Vehicle (CUV) program. CUVs are late model Hondas that pass a stringent inspection process, which may prompt us to perform some repairs or upgrades, which allows us to give those vehicles an extended warranty. Because CUVs represent a special value we are able to give you a bit more for your used Honda than we can for vehicles which don’t quite reach that standard.

Generally speaking, just how do we assign value to a vehicle? There are a variety of factors. Age and mileage are obviously important. The level of equipment is also key: luxury features, convenience items, infotainment tech, and safety apparatus. Some optional add-ons can also increase the value of your car, things such as 3M and a remote starter. However, heavily customized cars, particularly those with particularly unusual cosmetic modifications, can be harder to sell and subsequently bring in less value.

Maintenance history is another big factor in determining value. Service records that demonstrate that a car was well cared for put potential buyers at ease and make for an easier sell. Even if you haven’t serviced your vehicle with us or another Honda dealer, bring us whatever service paperwork you have; the more info the better. One owner and accident free vehicles can also bring in a higher price. We plug all the information we can into some sophisticated software which is constantly scanning the market to show us what comparable vehicles are currently going for. After all, it is what people are willing to pay that will ultimately determine the selling price.

Do you need to make an appointment to get your vehicle appraised? No, but it is highly recommended. We value your time and we want to be sure that the process is as efficient and thorough as possible. If you are looking to get out of your vehicle and leaning towards selling it privately, we would still encourage you to give the dealership an opportunity. We’ll give you a solid number that you can rely on and that we will honor for a reasonable period of time, usually 7 to 14 days. Because market conditions are ever shifting we will need to reassess the situation every couple of weeks.

All in all, there is a lot to be said for selling your car to a dealership: efficiency, safety, and a minimum of hassle. You can get the process started here. We look forward to hearing from you!

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2021 Honda Odyssey Review

The 2021 Honda Odyssey Is Here!

Yes, that’s right, the 2021 Honda Odyssey is now available at T&T Honda. Learn more about it below and book your test drive today.

https://youtu.be/_KSvpSHisMM

Click here to view our current inventory of the 2021 Honda Odyssey.

For more information and an overview of the latest updates, features and trims of the 2021 Honda Odyssey, why not listen to our podcast below with the GM of T&T Honda Calgary. Alternatively, you can watch the YouTube video or read the transcript below.

https://youtu.be/eX_iLHRu9Xs

Transcript of T&T Honda Podcast Episode 3: 2021 Honda Odyssey Review

Emma: Welcome to the T&T Honda podcast. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle servicing and maintaining your current vehicle or following the latest trends in the auto industry, T&T Honda is steering you straight. Thanks for listening. And let’s get on with the show. Today we’re talking about the Honda Odyssey. Navroz, when is the Honda Odyssey going to be available, the 2021 model?

Navroz: They’ve actually started to land already. We’ve received our first shipment. We’ve got a couple already, so it’s pretty cool.

Emma: Nice. So they’re already sitting on the lot ready for some test driving?

Navroz: You bet, we’ve just prepared one for a test drive, so we are ready to roll.

2021 Honda Odyssey Test Drive Model

Emma: Oh, fantastic. And what trim level do you have at the lot right now?

Navroz: The one that we’ve got designated as a test drive unit is the top model. It’s called The Touring Edition. So that basically comes with every single feature of the Odyssey can possibly have, and then some.

Emma: Excellent. What sort of features are there? So if we’re looking at the high-end touring model, what features can we enjoy?

Navroz: This 2021 Odyssey basically has all the goodness that the 2020 had, but they’ve added some all-new features. There’s something called a rear seat reminder. So this is for those very, very busy parents that maybe have so much on the go that they forget to check the back seats and leave the kids behind.

Emma: I’m not going to lie. I was that kid once. I have been left in the back seat.

Navroz: It’s happened, and old people think it’s funny, but it’s happened. This just basically reminds you to check the rear seats on your way out of the car. Another really cool feature is that traffic sign recognition. So with the new technology available, the van can actually let you know the speed limit of the road that you’re driving on and so on and so forth. It can keep you on track, so you’re not getting too many tickets and so on. Another really cool feature is the second row now offers a nearly flat-folding capability, which wasn’t there before. So that makes it even more usable without having to take the seats out of the van. There’s always being a big, heavy focus on the driver in any Honda product, including the Odyssey. But this time, the passenger gets a little treat in that they also receive lumbar support. The lumbar support is basically to help the sides of your back. So if the driver is being really sporty and taking some curves, you get to be planted in your seats. So that’s pretty cool.

2021 Honda Odyssey Performance

Emma: With that in mind, how sporty is the Odyssey? It’s a family vehicle, but it’s got some kick.

Navroz: It does have some kick. It’s got almost 300 horsepower. So for a car of that caliber, it’s super comfortable, but when you need to go, it goes.

Emma: Fantastic.

2021 Honda Odyssey Features

Navroz: Yes. The other really neat thing that I think gets overlooked is it has is storage. Right now, in the second-row seatbacks, there are additional pockets available. So you can put your phone, you can put the kids’ iPad, all those kinds of things are there. So, more nooks and crannies to put stuff in, which is always handy, especially in the family holler.

Emma: Navroz: Nice. Does it have any of those TV screens or anything for the kids in the back, or is it just bring your own iPad?

Navroz: In the touring model, it does come with a rear entertainment system, is what Honda calls it, and yes, that is available in the touring model as well as a couple of others. But of course, yes, there is always the capability of bringing your own devices. In fact, there is an HDMI plugin where if, for example, you want to bring your PlayStation or whatever. You can plug it in and play games and watch on the screen that’s in the vehicle. So, really cool stuff. It’ll keep the kids entertained. And I think a few parents as well.

2021 Honda Odyssey Seating Capacity

Emma: Yes. How many kids can you pack into the back of an Odyssey?

Navroz: Comfortably, five. Uncomfortably, you could probably do 10, but I don’t think that’s legal.

Emma: Awesome. So what is it that van drivers love and prefer with the Odyssey over other minivans?

Navroz: A lot of the talk when it comes to minivans is basically, okay, well, I don’t want that minivan because I prefer a larger SUV. So, there seems to be a lot of comparison and cross-shopping between those two. Because there’s a bit of a stigma to the vans. But when you look at the overall usability of the van configuration versus an SUV configuration you have so much more room in the van, when it comes to people when it comes to stuff that you’re carrying or, a combination of both. In my mind, unless you get into the massive, massive SUVs, you’re looking at sacrificing one for the other, either you’ve got a really tiny third row, which is not comfortable. You wouldn’t want to put anybody that you really like back there, or you fold down the rear seats, but then you’ve only got five people that you can carry. And then that’s how you get cargo in the backseat. So you have to sacrifice one for the other. Whereas in the van you get everything. So yes, you can carry a family around, you can carry all their stuff. So I think, for people who do have the requirements of more people, and more stuff. The van seems to be the best configuration from a practicality standpoint.

Click on the link to view our current inventory of the 2021 Honda Odyssey

  2021 Honda Odyssey Trim Levels

Emma: So how many different trim levels are available for the 2021 Odyssey?

Navroz: There are four. So there’s the EX, with the rear entertainment system. So basically, the EX is your entry-level Odyssey, which comes amazingly well equipped. It has things like aluminum wheels. It’s got a fancy stereo system, of course, anti-lock brakes and cameras galore and so on and so forth. It’s also got the full set of Honda sensing features, which is Honda’s safety measures. So I won’t get into all those details, but there’s a whole host of safety features. And of course, this is something that Honda has done for many, many, many years is not only do they build amazing vehicles. It’s always with a safety-first type of attitude. No matter if you get the lowest stream level or the highest one, they don’t sacrifice on the safety levels. Even more important, in a family-type vehicle like the Odyssey.

Navroz: So that was the EX rear entertainment system. Then you get up into the two leather models. So basically, you get leather trans seats on the inside and a few other neat things. And that comes in two flavors. So you can get the leather, either with the navigation system or you can get the leather with the rear entertainment system. So basically, depending on how you use it. So obviously the one with the rear entertainment system, good for families with the younger kids. The Navi is more for those people who tend to use this vehicle for traveling and want the in-built factory navigation system. And then the very top model, the touring that we referenced before, has all of that stuff. It’s got the navigation and the rear entertainment, as well as a higher power stereo system, all of the new features.

Navroz: And it’s just an amazing, amazing vehicle. So I think it’s going to be a really nice one for anybody who wants something that is still comfortable, as well as can have all the capabilities for a larger family. I used to drive an Odyssey way back in the day when the kids were young. And I still think back to those days, even though I was- get the kids to school or their activities or whatever. So most of the time, you’re in there by yourself, but it was still a super comfortable car, and there are days where I miss it.

Emma: That is key. You get the kids to where they go to go, but you still got to drive around yourself. So you want to be comfortable. You want to enjoy your drive.

Navroz: Yes. And the one neat thing about the Odyssey as well is just the visibility of the van. I know people talk about SUV’s because they’re a little bit taller, a little bit higher. You get a better sense of the road. The van pretty decent when it comes to that it. It isn’t a little bit higher than your normal sedan, you know, and it’s about the same height as a mid-sized SUV. So you do still get an amazing sense of where you are on the road, and it’s so easy to drive and so comfortable to drive. So yes, I think it’s a really, really good vehicle.

Emma: What year was the Odyssey initially released?

Navroz: Oh, you’re going to test me now. In1996, but I’m sure the listeners will correct me if I’m wrong.

Emma: So, as you heard at the time of recording, the 2021 Honda Odyssey is on the lot at T&T Honda. If you want to go for a test drive, visit T&T Honda.com for more information, and we hope you find your perfect vehicle. Thank you for listening to today’s episode of the T&T Honda podcast. We’ll be back with lots more for you very soon. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please feel free to like, share, and of course, subscribe to keep up to date with everything that’s going on. In the meantime, check out tandthonda.com. And we’ll be back with another episode very soon.

Click on the link to view our current inventory of the 2021 Honda Odyssey

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Hybrids

Hybrid Hondas

What exactly is a hybrid? Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor (or motors) with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Sometimes the motor and the engine work independently and sometimes they work together. The battery pack that powers the motor is charged by the gas engine and by regenerative braking. Note: this battery pack is different from the auxiliary battery used to start the ICE and power various accessories. With plug-in hybrid vehicles (like Honda’s Clarity) you can charge the battery pack via an electrical outlet as well. Most hybrids are not of the plug-in variety though they are becoming increasingly available. The electric motor is used on its own when pulling away from a stop and for short distances at low speeds. Hybrids also employ start-stop systems. When the vehicle comes to a stop the gas engine is switched off and is started again when the accelerator is pressed. Stop-start systems are spreading to gas engine only cars as well.

What advantages are there in driving a hybrid vehicle? These mostly come down to burning less fuel since the gas engine is used less often. That saves money and is more environmentally friendly. The ICEs used in hybrid vehicles are often unique to the hybrid models in a given manufacturer’s line up, smaller and engineered or modified for maximum fuel economy. They may be less powerful than engines in ICE only cars however that deficit can be made up, at least in part, with the contribution of the electric motor. Electric motors are good at producing torque, the twist force that gets a vehicle moving, and all of that torque that it produces is available from the start. That allows for brisk acceleration at low speeds. Since the electric motor is used most in stop and go traffic and at lower speeds the greatest fuel economy benefits are realized with city driving.

Do hybrid vehicles come with any disadvantages? Well, the purchase cost of hybrids is typically higher than that of their comparably equipped gasoline engine only counterparts. Rebates may be available from your provincial government and from the federal government, depending on the specific model. Regular maintenance costs are about the same since. Regenerative braking systems can extend the life of the brake pads so there can be some small savings there. Of greater concern is the cost of repairs associated with hybrid specific components, particularly the battery pack. Real life experience with high km hybrid taxis suggests that battery packs are actually quite robust and long lasting but there is still the high cost of replacing the pack eventually.

Canada’s climate highlights a particular vulnerability of hybrid vehicles. Batteries discharge more quickly as temperatures drop and as a result the gas engine will be used more of the time, potentially reducing a hybrid’s fuel economy advantage during our long winters.

Is a Honda hybrid vehicle right for you? This really depends on your driving habits. If your daily commute is short and most of your trips are quick then you’ll spend more time running on electricity alone. The more time spent in this mode the greater the savings. As such, hybrids appeal to taxi drivers who typically put a lot of city km on their vehicles and hang onto them for a long time. If you have a longer commute and want to take your vehicle on longer trips regularly then driving a hybrid makes less sense, economically, as it can take quite a while for the fuel savings to make up for the extra cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Of course, high gas prices can always change that equation. Does resale value help compensate for higher initial purchase cost? That can be hard to pin down since hybrids still sell in small numbers in Canada but are growing in popularity.

Of course, hybrid vehicles are a fine choice for those who place a high priority on reducing their carbon footprint. Driving a hybrid can make significant contribution to that effort. Interestingly, choosing between the regular and hybrid version of a particular model may become thing of the past before too long. The latest generations of some vehicles are in fact only being offered with hybrid powertrains. Honda’s goal is to electrify (use electric motors to power their vehicles in whole or in part) two-thirds of its fleet by 2030.

Currently (no pun intended), Honda Canada has three hybrid vehicles for you to choose from. Honda’s entry level hybrid is the Insight. Entry level doesn’t mean a penalty box. The Insight is based on the award winning Civic. Here’s what Car and Driver has to say: “[The Insight] shares many components with the popular Honda Civic sedan, and delivers a similarly pleasant driving experience and roomy, practical interior. [Its] minimal price premium over the Civic and superb fuel economy make it a smart buy.” Next up is the Accord Hybrid. It brings all of the usual Accord goodness to the table in addition to stellar fuel economy. This from U.S. News: “[The] Honda Accord Hybrid is a great car. It stands out in our hybrid and electric car rankings because of its large trunk, smooth ride, and stellar fuel economy estimates.” Finally, we have the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The Clarity has an all-electric range of up to 76 km and its battery can be charged using a standard household outlet. Edmunds praises the Clarity’s smooth and quite ride and comfy, well-appointed cabin.

There you have it: three excellent choices for those thinking green. Keep your eye on Honda going forward for more electrified additions to the Honda family. In the meantime, check out this blog post for ways to maximize your fuel economy, whatever you may be driving.

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Getting Unstuck in the Snow

Think Ahead

Be prepared! Make sure that you are properly dressed in the event that you do get stuck. Ensure your cell phone has a good charge before you head out. There should be a small shovel and some sort of traction material in your trunk. Equip your car with winter tires. (That might even save you from getting stuck in the first place.)

Clear the Snow

First thing: remove any snow that may be blocking your tailpipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Clear a path a few feet in front of AND behind the drive wheels.

Clear as much snow from underneath the vehicle as you can. If your car is hung on the snow it will be that much more difficult to get unstuck.

Increase Traction

Distribute gritty material such as sand, rock salt or even kitty litter in front of and behind the tire. Traction mats, cardboard, or your floor mats (turned upside down) can sometimes help too.

Straighten your Wheels

This will maximize your traction and make the car easier to push should you require and get that sort of help.

Avoid Spinning the Tires

Easy does it! A light touch is the order of the day. If you spin your tires you’ll just dig yourself a deeper hole and you could potentially damage your tires. Turn off the radio and turn down the heater fan speed and even stuck your head out the window if necessary so that you can hear whether or not you’re spinning your tires.

Rock Your Vehicle

Creep forward until you start to encounter wheel spin, braking before you roll back. Put the car into reverse and repeat the procedure in the opposite direction. Make sure that your car is stationary before switching between forward and reverse gears. (You can even hold the transmission in neutral briefly.) Otherwise, you may damage your transmission, which is usually a costly repair. The idea is to slowly and incrementally create a path with enough traction that will allow you to develop some momentum.  

Use Your Transmission Effectively

If you have all wheel or four wheel drive and you can lock the system into using all four drive wheels make sure that setting is engaged. For vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions (including CVTs and dual clutch automatics) shift into low gear when attempting to move forward. Your wheels will be less likely to spin. With manuals, use second gear. This will slow the engine down.

Release Some Air From Your (Drive) Tires

If you let some air out of your tires they will spread out a bit more and increase the surface area between them and the road. Again, caution is the word of the day. This is probably a last resort and it’s important that you refill your tires to the recommend pressure before going any distance. Underinflated tires are dangerous, especially at speed.

Call for Help!

This might be the first thing you should do depending on your situation. If you are exposed to heavy traffic or located in such a way as to be surprise to passing motorists, it might be best call for professional help, and get yourself out of the way. Make yourself and your car as visible as possible to avoid further mishap.

If it is safe to do so, you might want to call on some friends (like your passengers!) to help push you out. Make sure that your helpers have enough traction to help push. Again, safety first!

Of course, you’ll want to avoid getting stuck in the first place if at all possible. That means adapting to what the winter brings: modifying your driving style and making sure that your vehicle is equipped with the proper rubber. Check out what we have on offer for winter tires and winter wheel and tire packages. Do you have a winter set ready to go? Don’t get caught in the rush – book your service today.

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Honda Announces Changes to Vehicle Lineup

The Honda Accord Manual Transmission, Honda Fit and Civic 2 door are all discontinued.

Calgary, Alberta, July 27,2020 : Honda has recently announced immediate changes to the current vehicle lineup with affects taking place immediately for 3 of the companies’ popular models.

The Honda Fit will be discontinued, despite the release of a new model, but it won’t be available in Canada. Honda will increase production of the related HR-V subcompact crossover as a result, and anyone looking for an entry-level Honda once Fit supply runs out, you’ll have to look towards the Civic

The Honda Accord will no longer be available with 6 speed manual transmission. Previously available as a package on the sport trim level, the production of this feature is now discontinued due to lack of interest. An updated Accord is coming for the 2021 model year, with new styling and features. Honda will share more info in a few months.

The Honda Civic Coupe will no longer be in production with the 2020 year model being the last available. A new-generation Civic will arrive for 2022, debuting in the spring of next year.  Slow sales are the reason for dropping this body style: while the current, tenth-generation Civic coupe made up around 16 percent of sales when it debuted in 2016, it now represents just 6 percent of the mix, and it is now time to change things up to be able to provide the designs and styles currently in demand by consumers

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[amandasmith979]

Is the Honda Fit a good car for highschool students?

Honda’s cheerful wee Fit, the smallest member of the 2020 Honda family (at least on these shores) is just that – a great fit for many high school students. Its unique combination of attributes are best suited to the frugal teenager whose priorities are fuel efficiency, functionality, and fun.

The Fit is the least expensive model in Honda’s lineup but that doesn’t mean bare bones transportation.  Every 2020 Fit is equipped with Bluetooth, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a USB port. Most trim levels come with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two USB ports, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, Wi-Fi tethering, text message function, air conditioning, and heated front seats. You can load up your Fit with luxuries like leather, navigation and satellite radio if you’re so inclined. Connectivity and comfort are covered.

Safety is another plus. All generations of Fits have earned excellent scores in crash tests. The current Fit is also available with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of driver assist technologies like collision mitigation braking and lane keep assist. It should be noted that Honda Sensing is only available on Fits with the CVTs (continuously variable transmissions, i.e.  automatics) so those considering a manual transmission will have to weigh the engagement that comes with shifting for yourself against that extra layer of safety. Higher trim levels, Sport and up, are all equipped with a CVT.

Clever and efficient packaging is a long standing Honda characteristic and the Fit really shines in this area. The footprint is small, making for a vehicle that is easy to park and garage, but interior space is very generous, and supremely versatile. The gas tank sits under the front seats instead of hanging out at the rear. This allows for deep and flexible cargo area when combined with the Fit’s signature Magic Seats. Flip the rear seat cushions up for tall items like potted plants. Flip both rear seatbacks forward and you can get most bikes in without removing a wheel. Fold both the front and rear right seat backs forward and you can accommodate a couple of surfboards and still have room for a passenger. A band student with a tuba or a member of the school hockey team would be well served by the Fit.

Passengers are not forgotten. Assigning lanky friends to the roomy rear seats is not akin to giving them detention though putting a third in the middle is a bit of a squeeze.  Placing the gas tank in the middle of the car does make for a slightly unusual seating position so try before you buy.

Fuel economy is typically one of the main motivators for shopping in the subcompact market. High schoolers on a tight budget won’t be disappointed. Depending on trim level and transmission the Fit sips as little as 7.0 litres of fuel for every 100 km in the city and 5.9 litres for every 100 highway km. The smooth CVT is a bit more efficient than the manual, particularly in the city, if not quite as much fun.

It’s in the city where the Fit’s fun factor is at its highest. Nimble handling is the order of the day and the 128 hp (130 in manual equipped Fits) direct injected 1.3 litre provides plenty of scoot in an urban setting. The Fit is less successful as a highway warrior. You can get up to 100 km/hr from a stop in under 10 seconds but passing might require a bit of planning. Though the current Fit is more substantial and refined than earlier versions the ride can get a bit jittery over rough roads. Having said that, after reaching cruising speed the Fit feels pretty solid despite its tall profile and light weight.

There is more to the Fit’s value proposition than generous levels of standard equipment, roomy interior, and excellent fuel economy. Students taking their Fit with them to college can also take comfort in the Fit’s stellar reputation for long term reliability.

Like other models in the Honda family, the Fit is a great all-rounder with a little magic and good dose of fun thrown into the mix. The Fit is mostly like to appeal to the budget conscious teen who requires a vehicle with maximum cargo flexibility and who also places a high value on driving pleasure.

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[amandasmith979]

Why Should I Buy A Honda Civic Type R?

In a market filled with enough choices to keep you awake for days it’s a comforting feeling when a vehicle like the Honda Civic Type R comes along that can really grab your attention so fully that its almost as if the car itself is saying look no further my friend.

The Honda Civic Type R is no doubt a shining example of exactly that situation with its sleek design and beautiful interior but we’ll get to that, first lets start under the hood.

The Honda Civic Type R comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that’s rated at 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Type R comes standard with a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the front wheels through its helical limited-slip differential. The suspension setup is superb and makes taking turns and winding roads a breeze, and is controlled by three-mode adaptive dampers and multi piston units from Brembo handle the braking.

What does all this mean? It means the Honda Civic Type R won’t just get you where you’re going….you’ll have fun getting there.

The Civic Type R has  a beautiful appearance at a glance. Ever piece of the exterior is designed with a strategic purpose in mind. The body itself was designed to increase the cars fluidity which would reduce friction and increase speed. The hood scoop was designed to cool the engine faster while driving at higher speeds. Since this car was designed for speed an underbody spoiler kit was installed which provides more airflow to the rear which provides maximum downforce and grip which allows for maximum stabilization when driving at high speeds. Even the wing spoiler helps to create even more downforce. All put together they help to make the Honda Civic Type R truly an extremely fun car to hit the road in.

The exterior of the Type R  is sleek and smooth, and with its added splitter and spoiler this car even looks fast and with its standard 20 inch wheels and LED headlights it truly makes the Honda Civic Type R a thing of beauty to look at.

The Type R also comes equipped with the latest Honda sensing active safety tech so you can be sure that not only will you get where you need to be but that you’ll get there safely too.

The interior of the Honda Civic Type R gives the driver as much of a feeling of speed when sitting in it as the exterior does to look at it. Equally as smooth, the interior boasts beautifully soft curves, a 7.0 in touchscreen fills the dashboard and sharp looking but comfortable bucket seats fill out the front while the rear has comfortable seats with ample space and leg room that goes far beyond the offerings of its competitors. The ergonomics inside the Type R have everything flowing and falling into hand easily.

The Civic Type R also comes with three different driving modes to choose from while driving. Comfort and Sport mode are great for every day driving but it’s the +R mode that truly sets this hot hatch apart from its competition, and is where the fun begins.

Honda has added a plethora of features to the 2020 Civic Type R as well. Adaptive cruise control and emergency braking come standard now, along with automatic high beams and adaptive lane control. Another cool feature added is a smartphone based performance data recorder that taps iPhones and Android devices. It will measure your driving performance and track room for improvement.

The Type R also comes stock with an 8 speaker sound system equipped with Bluetooth as well as DAB radio so you can be sure that the music never stops.

The boot has ample space to transport all of life’s necessary things with the rear seats folding down completely flush to open up even more space in this although sporty but also practical hot hatch.

Straight to the point the Honda Civic Type R is the best performing front wheel drive car. Nothing will stop or corner with the same consistency and confidence.

But yet another great reason why you should Buy a Honda Civic Type R is their ability to retain their value. The Honda Civic Type R still remains the most desirable hot hatch on the market today to own.

In closing, the Honda Civic Type R is a vehicle that is purely exciting and fun to drive while maintaining functionality for the every day driver. This is why the Honda Civic Type R leads the pack in the hot hatch category every year.

Click here to find your next new Honda Civic Type R from the original and first Calgary Honda Dealership.

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