They say it's not what you do when everything is going well that counts--but what you do when…read morethings don't go as planned.
This is still an ongoing situation, but I'm hopeful that, in time, relationships can be repaired and we can move forward.
To start with the positive: Sam, the service manager, went out of his way to get me in for a state inspection. It wasn't urgent for them, but it was for me--especially after being reminded by Floyd County PD that driving with an expired inspection (mine had lapsed since August) wasn't acceptable. I called Priority because they've always taken great care of our Odyssey.
They got me in quickly and handled the inspection, oil change, front brakes, and tire rotation--excellent work as always. During that visit, they also identified two oil leaks and a couple of non-urgent issues we planned to address later.
Two weeks ago, however, the driver-side caliper seized, so we decided to fix everything at once. The repairs were completed, but on the drive home, I noticed oil leaking and smoke from it burning underneath the vehicle. By the time I got home, the leak was worse than before, and I had to add oil just to stabilize it.
I brought it back in the following week. They found that the oil pan had cracked around the bolts, with a piece broken off. Their initial solution was for us to pay for a full replacement. That led to a disagreement--emotions got high, tempers flared. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't my best moment, nor my wife's.
Eventually, we reached a resolution: they would replace the oil pan and complete the repair at no charge. However, we were also told not to bring our vehicles back.
That part didn't sit right with me.
I don't like burning bridges. As a former leader, I understand that management has to protect their team and stand by their technicians. From that standpoint, I respect the overall manager--they're doing exactly what a good manager should do.
When I picked up the truck, I spoke with Van and Sam. I apologized for my part in how things escalated. I also made it clear that we never questioned Logan's ability. Out of multiple repairs, one didn't go as planned--that happens. Even the best technicians miss sometimes. I've turned wrenches myself; I know no one is perfect.
My frustration came from expectations. Priority Honda has always operated at a high standard, and that's why I bring my vehicles there. When something didn't align with that standard, it stood out.
At the same time, I understand they're running a business. Costs are up everywhere, and margins are tight. No shop has unlimited flexibility to absorb unexpected issues.
What matters to me is this: Logan, Sam, and Van are solid professionals. They communicate well, they stand behind their work, and when something went wrong, they ultimately made it right. Every other repair they performed was done well--I'd trust my vehicle to make a cross-country trip based on their work.
What I struggle with is being told not to return.
I hope the conversation I had with Van and Sam opens the door to reconsider that. Because if we can't return for service, it naturally affects future business decisions--including purchasing our next vehicle, which we had planned to do through Priority.
I choose businesses based on relationships. When people are honest, stand by their word, and treat customers fairly, they earn my loyalty. Sam, Van, and Logan have earned that trust. If they recommend a repair, I believe them.
But relationships go both ways--and right now, that's uncertain.
My wife and I are combat veterans, and I served 22 years in the Navy. When we drive from Bent Mountain to Peter's Creek Road, that's not convenience--that's trust. Over 11 years, we've had consistently positive experiences. That matters.
Yes, there was a 10-minute stretch where emotions got the better of everyone. We own our part in that. But it doesn't erase over a decade of good interactions.
I apologized sincerely. I acknowledged their professionalism. I even asked that my confidence in Logan be passed along to him. What I hope for now is simple: that this can be seen as a bad moment--not the end of a long-standing relationship.
From what I was told, there may still be an opportunity for us to return for standard service, just not major repairs given the age of my truck. That seems like a reasonable middle ground.
So now, the ball is in their court.
In the meantime, I may have to look elsewhere--but I'd much rather not. I don't want to drive to Christiansburg for service when I've had a trusted shop closer to home.
Surely this isn't the end.
To be continued...