This is the type of car lot that gives rise to all of the jokes that exist in connection with used car dealers.in late February I purchased a used 1992 Olds Toronado from this dealer. The car had been serviced by Holland Automotive and the salesman represented the prior owner of the car was a personal friend of the dealership's owner. Clearly, they had knowledge of the car's condition; but, if not, you would think they would have taken a look at it (mechanically) before putting the car for sale on their lot. I was new in town at the time and needed a second car. Based on the representations made by the salesman and what I was able to see for myself (it was daylight) I purchased the car. With tax and tags the total outlay was around $2,500.
The car, since the point of sale has taken to date somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,000 in repairs (from multiple repair shops and a GM dealer). There was a broken engine mount, the dash lights didn't work (which I could not see in the daylight), fluids in the car were dirty, a window repair they said would take $100 to repair, in fact, took about $400 to repair. Additionally, the car had hose issues, brake issues, multiple sensor issues, A/C issues - even the Emergency Brake was broken. On top of everything else, it took the dealership weeks to produce the registration and tag for the car.
The owner, Dave Holland, acts as though all of this is fine. He says that if a car from his lot (sold "as-is") falls into three pieces on its way off the lot, then you (the buyer) own the three pieces, and he has no responsibility at all. He is also obnoxious and insincere, but that's another kind of complaint altogether. He doesn't speak at all to the moral responsibility to his customers and his responsibility to the local community. My impression is, and has been for months, that he could care less about his customers, and that once he has his hands on the money, that's when his responsibilities are discharged. His staff lied about facts concerning the transaction prior to its closing, and repeatedly lied about getting the plate and registration to me on the dates and times promised.
I have complained to both the State of Tennessee, and the local Better Business Bureau for what good that will do.in his final communication to the State he advised the "Consumer Protection Specialist" that "I will not waste anymore time on this". I actually have a copy of the document as provided to me by the State. Can you imagine the arrogance of this man? The State suggested I consult an attorney and that I had limited time to sue under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, but the Better Business Bureau's response conflicts with the State's.
In any event, if I were a potential customer of Holland Automotive or Car Rental Plus I'd stay as far away from their lot as possible. You could very well be in the same situation I am in - in for six to seven thousand dollars, a business owner who could care less, and a salesman who fails to disclose material facts about the vehicles on the lot before a sale. This is a bad bunch at Holland Automotive!
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