Am researching Honda certified used cars. One of the inspection points says they check and inspect the A/C condenser for leaks and road hazard damage. I have found a 03 Element with almost 40K on it and the condenser is really dinged up all over with road hazard damage - dings bugs small pebbles in it etc.. Since this is a Certified vehicle should the condenser have been replaced as part of their certification process?
Honda's web site for Certified vehicles says the Certification Inspection process includes mechanical and appearance inspection. Reconditioning process includes up-to-date scheduled maintenance services.
In addition, dealer technicians recondition any component that does not meet our standards, or replace it with Genuine Honda parts. Item # 49 on inspection list says A/C condenser, corrosion, road hazard damage is checked.
I know it has road damage as indicated by extensive denting. Should I request they replace condenser? I know if it gets hit in a weak point in the future they would claim road hazard damage and refuse to pay. How should I handle this? When I showed damage to service mgr he sd it was normal. Should I say - ya its normal for an 03 but since it's a certified unit being sold by your dealership it should be replaced as its part of the Certification Inspection and it was overlooked. Am I just being blown off? Any suggestion would be a help.