Larry Hopkins Honda
17 reviews
Santa Clara, CA
"I had one of the best car buying experiences here, and I wasn't expecting it! I came here with my boyfriend looking to test drive the G37s…" read more »
23 Reviews for Larry Hopkins Honda
Mr Takada is awesome.
We walked in to look at the Civic LX because there's a leasing deal being offered by Honda America right now. Mr Takada gave us an even better deal. My brother and I had a lot of fun talking with him while we waited for my mom to wrap up details with the finance department.
Thanks fellow yelpers.
I ignored the whole staff and only dealt with Thomas Ho. No dicking around here. Under the AAA price, what more can you ask for. They even helped me learn how the LATCH system worked, our old car was old school. The only thing with Thomas is he has lots of repeats so he is always answering a call from a long term customer. That is a good thing in my book because I know he will take my call down the road. Funny to see two people waiting for him while every other sales person is scouting for a client.
Service guys were nice too. I will know more in a bit since there was a minor manufactures defect in the glass and I will get a shot to see how service is.
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Excellent service department. A bit disorganized when you get in to pay, but otherwise helpful, clean, and on-time. Had the vehicle ready waaaay before they promised.
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I just purchased my first car (I drove my dad's before) and it was a great experience.
I could not find the color of the specific model I wanted: a 2008 Honda Civic EX Coupe w/auto trans. and no navigation in the Royal Blue Pearl color. I called everywhere and got high quotes. Finally, I decided to call Steve Hopkins Honda in Fairfield, CA which is about 40 miles away from me. The manager I spoke to did not have my car but said he was going to check with his friend at Larry Hopkins Honda.
I got a call within the next two hours from Thomas Ho of Larry Hopkins Honda in Sunnyvale. Thomas told me they had the exact vehicle I wanted in stock. I couldn't believe it so I kept repeating what I wanted. Haha...Thomas was very professional and nice....not pushy like the other guys I dealt with at other Honda dealerships in the bay area.
I simply asked what his work schedule was and told him I would try to come by and take a look at the car. He said he'd hold it for me for two weeks. I had thought of purchasing it July 4th with the holiday specials and all but once I saw the car, I fell in love with it. I didn't even go to any other dealerships to look at theirs nor did I test drive them.
I went to Larry Hopkins Honda, met with Thomas and test drove the EX and the LX. I loved the EX but decided that I really didn't need all those features and really couldn't afford it so I bought the LX model. I went home a happy woman! =)
Thomas was really great in explaining everything I had concerns about. He did not push to have me get additional accessories or anything. There were two other customers waiting in line for him when he was handling my purchase. There were other salesman standing around. LoL....
I didn't even notice that I didn't have any floor mats until my mom pointed it out to me. I just assumed you had to purchase it at an additional cost. So I called Thomas and he said to check the car again and if there weren't any, to give him a call back and he'll get them for me. Maybe the dude that was doing the detailing forgot to put them back in?
If you are looking to buy a Honda....go see Thomas Ho at Larry Hopkins Honda in Sunnyvale! He even tells you why you shouldn't purchase certain Honda vehicles because of the price and the economy...nice, huh? =)
I went in recently and met with a very nice salesman, Ahmed or Akmed, and one of the managers, who may have been named Jason. I am interested in the Fit.
I specifically asked them a lot of questions about the 2009 fit, since it's clearly near the end of the model year. They both insisted that they knew nothing about it, and tried hard to sell me the 2008 that was on the lot. They said they did not know when it was coming, or what was on it.
I went home, and googled "Honda Fit". I ended up on the wikipedia page for it, which has a section dedicated to the 2009 Fit, which had apparently been presented in a big car show in NY recently. It said exactly when it was going to come out, and what had been done to it. It has also been available in Japan for over a year. I went to the web page for the trade show, where I was able to view photos of the 2009 Fit.
So, either these guys were lying to me, or they are so hopeless that they don't know a thing about their product. Either way, I'm not impressed.
I next called the General Manager for the other Honda dealer, the one on Stevens Creek, who told me all about the 2009 Fit, and gave me a recommendation on whether or not to wait for it, based on what I was looking for. I'll be buying my Fit from there.
BEWARE of Larry Hopkins Honda: Do NOT fill out the "Credit Application" form if you are not applying for credit even if the salespeople convince you that they will not run your credit. They are lying.
When we purchased our car, we were asked to fill out the credit application form. We were VERY hesitant to fill it out because we were not applying for credit (paid all in cash), but the finance manager kept telling us that we had to fill out the form so that they can have our contact information, and they reassured us OVER AND OVER AGAIN that they would not be running my credit.
Eventually I gave in (what could we do other than walk away? But most people will not walk away at that point since the negotiations have been completed and you are already in the final stages of purchase). I even wrote on the form below my signature "Not Applying for Credit".
But guess what? Upon checking my credit report, the inquiries section shows "Auto loan on behalf of LARRY HOPKINS HONDA" to be on my record for 2 years. Be very careful at Larry Hopkins, better still, avoid them. We had visited Stevens Creek Honda prior to going to Larry Hopkins, and they were super helpful...however they didn't have the car that we wanted on the lot and we couldn't wait to have it ordered.
Additionally the Larry Hopkins salespeople played the good cop/bad cop game with us while negotiating the price. They tried to confuse us with different numbers, with our salesperson Nasir telling us different things about what his manager said. We knew what we wanted and were ready for a patient wait, so that wasn't a problem. But if you're not into car salespeople games, this is not the place for you.
Love this place. Jerry Reynolds, the service advisor, is a doll and remembered me every time I pulled into the Service Center. I unfortunately don't live in the Bay anymore, but he treated me like family. He made sure I received the Family & Friends discount (10%) and always made me feel pampered. Paperwork was always ready to go when I needed it, and I never had to wait for anything. Love it!
Bait and switch.
The particular sales person I worked with was nice, but he kept beating around the bush. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's trying to negotiate beat around the bush, and wear me down. I knew exactly the car I wanted, but the sales person kept holding out on a price. When I gave him a price, he played the "taken aback" card. Give me a break. Either you can or you can't give me the price. Don't give me the maybe, ask my manager story. I already told him not to do that.
Anyway, I left the dealership, and he kept calling to have me come in. When I asked for a price, he was very vague. Finally, I told him the price I was able to get somewhere else, and he told me he could match that if I was willing to wait for him to get the car from another dealership. Please... the wait, the tactics, the added mileage... all to match the price? No thanks. I'd rather give my business to the salesperson who was more honest and straightforward even if he was able to beat the price. I value my time and respect much more.
I had a very good experience with their service department when I took my Accord in for a 30K maintenance. The service advisor Rob Alvarado did a very good job explaining to me what exacly will be done to the car and exactly how much it will cost, there was no selling, or pushing me to do anything more than I want to or need to.
They also provided a loaner car for free, which was really nice. The entire process was smooth and easy. This was totally different from my experience with Autowest Honda in Fremont or Anderson Honda in Palo Alto (which is where I got my Accord from). I'll definitely be back.
Taking one star away because dealers' prices are usually more expensive. The maintenance cost a total of $412 plus tax.
I never EVER thought buying a car, a hard to find car (a blue Honda Fit), would be easier than me trying to find a pair of cute shoes. Thomas Ho, the fleet manager at this place, is THE MAN. He is also one of their AAA representatives and gave me the straightup AAA pre-negotiated price which was only a couple of hundred above the printed MSRP price (about $3000 less than the sticker price). Their other AAA representative literally the next office to him in the same dealership would have sold me the SAME car for an additional $500.
On top of that, Thomas didn't even try to sell me a floormat extra. Nada. Have you ever heard of that? He didn't even bring up the word "options". Literally. He also let me put $5000 on my rewards credit card so I can get maximum air miles ;) (another guy told me normally they only let you charge $2500 coz of the credit card rates but since I'm with Thomas, they let me). And then as we were shaking goodbye he said when I hit 5000miles to call him and he will get me an oil change for free. ;)
We were just chatting a bit and he said, he has been in the business for almost 20 yrs and he knows this it the way to do business. He is like, why rip people off, they won't be happy and wno't come back. And he works with a lot of people in SF Chinatown (he lives in SF) so he knows that's the way to get their business. If you're fair, they'll come to you. He sells so many cars this way, he got into the office just to meet me and then he was going to take the afternoon off.
This is my first new car purchase, I mean, if not for Thomas I probably would have gotten bled since I knew exactly what car I wanted. Thanks to Thomas Ho and the AAA pre-negotiated price (WORTH joining just TO GET that price) I am a happy happy happy girl!!!
Go with Thomas Ho. You would not regret it. You would want to tell your entire family and social circle to get a Honda with him afterwards.
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There are some fun facts about this auto dealership
1) Larry is still alive and in his 90s
2) The "Samurai" of Honda who is on Fuji/ Japanese Television works here (used to be channel 26)
One of the smaller dealerships here in Silicon Valley but they are willing to negotiate. I just got a really good deal on a Honda Accord and I am happy. They are located near the 82 and 85 exits. They have a decent selection for such a small lot. The person who is in the finance office is not a douche bag and is friendly, explains everything and it is written in lame terms English. They respect you when you say no to the warranties and do not push any further. Their document fee is not 200 dollars (FYI it is 55 which is standard) and they do not slip in anything sneaky. What you get is what you get. They have a credit/loan program which can be around 5 something % if you have good credit...ask about it. If you want to cut the BS, you know what you want and are looking to buy come here.
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We recently bought a Honda Odyssey here and it was a pretty smooth transaction. Our salesman, Hassib Nuri, was very helpful. He's very knowledgeable and passionate about Hondas.
Honda has simplified the process of buying an Odyssey because there are certain trim lines (LX, EX, Touring, etc) and within each trim line, there are really no options. This means the sticker price for say, an EX, is the same at every dealer, and once you choose your colors, you just negotiate on price.
We bought from this dealer because they were willing to make the best deal and beat the other dealers.
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I LOVE Larry Hopkins Honda! I've purchased three Hondas from them and have always experienced top notch service whenever I've brought my cars in for service. No matter who I deal with, they make sure I understand what will be done to my car without talking down to me. Every staff member I've encountered is polite and treats my family and me with respect. They have given me loaner cars, complimentary service on minor repairs and have always made me want to do business with them again and again. When dropping off my car for service, I have taken advantage of the shuttle ride to work they offer and I've waited for the car without missing work. Bosses should love Larry Hopkins Honda because the place offers work spaces for use while waiting for your car. I plugged in my laptop and logged onto a secure wireless network using a code they supplied. I even phoned into a conference call from the place! Larry Hopkins Honda definitely understands they're dealing with a busy Silicon Valley breed!
First - the good news. I feel I got a great deal on the Honda Accord EX-L V-6 I purchased. Wish I could blame Larry Hopkins for this - but it was my own due diligence and internet shopping that got me the deal.
Now - the bad news. WOW! These guys are a hot stinking pile of mess.
I arrived at the dealership with an agreed upon price (via email) in hand. All I had to do was sign the papers, pay and go.
First, they INSISTED I complete a credit application - even though I was paying cash for the car. We went around and around on that one. I am embarrassed to admit I finally caved in the interest of getting out of there. I was left sitting in the Internet Sales Manager's office. This guy was nice enough but knew only the bare minimum about the vehicle and the process.
TWO HOURS later I expressed my dismay at how long I had been sitting....waiting. I had to demand the keys to my trade-in before I got anyone's attention.
Finally I am escorted into the finance guys office. What a piece of work this guy is! He proceeds to tell me that the delay was due to the rush of folks (you could hear crickets - it was 4pm on a Thursday afternoon). When I called him on that, he said it was because I did not have the title for my trade-in in hand. Whatever. He begins completing the paperwork - all the while bragging about how long he has been selling Hondas - even going so far as to show me some superbowl-type ring he has received for customer service. I also get to hear WAY to much information about his divorce. I notice something odd.....according to the paperwork he has completed and asked me to sign he has sold my trade-in back to me. I point this out - he gives lame excuse #475 for the day and back we go to square one. We get through that and he asks if I am going to pay for the car in full now or when I pick it up after the accessories have been added. Seeing how well things have gone so far I offer to pay $4K now and the remainder when I collect the car. He begins to complete the bill of sale and I notice he is completing the paperwork to reflect that the car is being financed until the next week when I pick it up. It is being financed for the time when they have the car. The first mistake I chalk up to a whoopsie, the second seemed intentional and dirty. At long last we get that all completed and the finance guy is walking me to my car where he proceeds to ask me out to dinner. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. Of course I decline, he then opens the door of my trade-in for me (a 10 year old Honda Accord I loved dearly) and proceeds to point out all the deficiencies in my trade-in which he feels resulted in my low trade in value. IT WAS A 10 YEAR OLD CAR. Ugh. I drive home fuming.
I wish it ended there. Of course the car is ready a day later than they promised. That happens. When I arrive there is some kind of glue stuff on the front grill. I ask them to remove the glue and during that process they scratch the grill enough to where it will need to be replaced - they generously offered to repair the damage they caused. In all honesty, I have not taken them up on that offer because I never want to go back. Next, I drive off of the lot and realize that they had just handed me the keys - that I had not paid for the remainder of the car - oh the temptation - but I went back.
So now I have the car and it is great. All I needed was the title, registration, and plates to show up.
Predictably, all had the wrong address on them. Additionally the title showed the car as having 29,476 miles on it rather that the 15 it should have.
Now I have to spend my time to go to the DMV to correct their error.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh - what a frustrating process. I always thought the haggling was the worst part of buying a car.
Never purchased here, but probably the most hassle free test driving experience I've had.
The dealer gave me a test drive.
He DID NOT SAY A WORD during the test drive. That was awesome! Usually the dealer will not shut up and you can't enjoy the car. I believe he even sat in the backseat.
The sales rep did not push at all. He just asked what other cars I'm comparing to and to test drive all cars and come back if I decide on the Honda. Usually a sales rep tries to close you in but it was not like that here.
This is a good place to buy a car...at least...if you buy it from THOMAS HO. Unlike many hard sales reps, Thomas is a stand up guy. He'll give you a great price and stick by it.
He's been there a very long time and is the internet/fleet manager. He'll give you a good price on the car and your trade in...although I recommend that you do your research before you get there. If they don't have what you want, they'll find it and bring it to you...as long as it's a Honda. ;-)
I got mine for a $1000 less than edmunds.com TMV AND that includes the Honda Music Link for my iPod.
I know Honda should have included that in their redesign...maybe they will in the 2008 remodel.
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Their service is like any other dealer, marked up prices.
Last time I came over they charged me $400 to change a starter. The reason I did this cause I was too lazy to do it myself.
I helped my wife buy a 2005 Accord here last Fall. Although the inventory wasn't especially huge, the buying experience was non-stressful and relatively quick. Because of the research I'd done, I had a pretty good idea of a fair price and also the fair trade-in value of her Civic, which we all agreed upon. The car had to be sent to the dealership, and it got there the same day. Our sales guy was REALLY good about explaining the instrument panel, lights, etc. By far, it was my best experience buying a car, and I would recommend it to anybody in the South Bay looking for a Honda.
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I am having a horrible experience with the Parts Department. It seems like they are extremely unorganized or untrained to properly handle customer service. Is there no manager or someone to instruct their people over there?
Story: I went in to purchase a part for my 2000 Honda. They did not have this part, so the guy told me he'd order it. Yes, given that the car is 7 years old, it'd be nice if they had that common part. The guy told me that it should be here the next day. Well, the next day I called and it wasn't there. The following day I called again, and this Honda guy told me that it was on back order and it wouldn't be in soon. What the hell? Why wasn't this information available 2 days ago? and if a lot were sold and it was moved into the back-order category, why didn't they have 1 already at the dealership if it was high in demand? One full week later, I called again. This new guy looked me up by my last name, but still had to ask me what part I was looking for. Is it not listed on the computer? He puts me on hold and goes to "look in the back." 2 minutes later he returns and asks me for my number, so he can further look and call me back. I don't know what's going on over there, but i am steaming! I hope this steers others away to another dealership next time they order a part.
I've purchased 5 Hondas from Hopkins Honda so far.
As someone else said, ask for Thomas Ho. He's a no bs, cut the chase kind of guy.
I've had nothing but great experiences with the service people as well too. I do most of the maintenance myself, but whenever I need parts, the guys over there are always on the ball.
Highly recommended Honda dealership.
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BEWARE! 1) They verbally offered me the "contract cancellation option" that allows for returning the car for $2,500. The contract should be $250, + $500 restocking fee (with the $250 refundable if you actually return the car). See http://www.dmv.ca.gov/...
I need to check with the Attorney General if there were any violations with the $2,500 verbal offer. When I asked for the contract in writing, he said, "most people don't want to pay the fee as it's too much money and they do not sign." This is why car dealerships have such a bad name. There is a REASON that the contract cancellation option exists. Explicitly for Larry Hopkins Honda.
2) They kept trying to get me to fill out a loan agreement (I was paying cash) and told me that the loan agreement was, "legally required" for the DMV. I told them, "no way, I'm not filling that out" and they said, "we need this legally for the DMV, just fill out your address, it is how we tell the DMV we sold the car". Uhm, isn't that what the Bill of Sale and Title transfer paperwork do? They tried no less than 4 times to get me to fill out "just my address" as this was "legally required". Lie. Loan paperwork is not required for the DMV. 3) I believe they inflated the license fee in order to maximize profit. The license fee was over 100% of the quoted price on the 4 square sheet. A "documentation fee" appeared on the final sales contract. I asked 3 times if the price included any documentation or processing fees and 3 x was told no. The "books" added up, that is, the final price on the quote equaled the price on the final bill of sale, however the inflation of the license fee mysteriously equaled the addtional "processing fee" charges. I was told, "oh, the license fee was not broken out on the quote" (almost in unison by the finance/paperwork person and the sales rep). I say they deliberately lied about the license fee. 4) They were jerky.
Look, I am not a hard-ball negotiator, I usually buy new through my credit union, so they made off with good money. The whole ordeal left me wanting to take a shower to get the "Larry Hopkins Honda Experience" off of me. The floor/lot salesperson was nice, and ultimately was the reason they did NOT lose this deal.
Stay away unless you are a seasoned a-hole, bring them to bare bones cost, and don't mind wading through the slime.
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Honda sent me mail saying my Fit needs a warranty-covered safety fix. So I called these guys to schedule that.
First I was put on hold. No problem with that; I understand that people are busy at times. Then I explained to the person on the phone what I needed. She put me on hold again and came back and asked me to repeat what I needed.
Then she said she needed to transer me to someone else. That person answered I an explained what I needed yet again. He paused for 2 seconds and hung up on me without saying anything.
So I called them, was put on hold, explained what I needed 3 times, then was hung up on. Why would I give them my business? They may be the closest dealer to my house, but they are not the only one in the area. I'm going somewhere else.
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I purchased a Honda Odyssey through internet manager. It was great. The price is pre-negotiate on the phone. It was very smooth.
After a couple of weeks, I discover a couple of minor cosmetic defect son the Van. Took it back, and they fixed it for free without any questions asked. It is a small dealer so the service is great.
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