On November 15 of I drove from Provo to Bountiful to check out a "sweet deal" on a used Van. My current car was a 1994 Toyota Corolla, and I was in the market to upsize, and for something newer, since I had been told that the Corolla wouldn't last much longer.
I wasn't too impressed with the vans they had to offer, but I am a single female, who was there alone.
I was pressured into a 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager, which the salesman claimed ownership to one of his own. He said this van is "awesome", gets great gas mileage, has no problems, passed their 60 point safety inspection, and was in wonderful condition. I test drove the fan, and was quite impressed with it. However, other than changing the oil or a tire, I have no clue when it comes to vehicles. The pressure was on to withold their promise to "buy a car in less than an hour". I had three different salesmen doing paperwork, explaining things to me, asking me to sign here, sign there... It was very intimidating.
When I left the dealership-from my understanding, I was paying $9000 including taxes and licensing, as well as a 2 year warranty. I was assured that this warranty was BUMPER TO BUMPER.
Although I was flustered, I felt ok about my purchase.
8 days later, the driver side window drops down into the door. Conveniently, that was the day of our first huge snowstorm. I called Menlove, explained what had happened, and asked what I needed to do. They said that I needed to take it back up to Bountiful for them to "look" at it, then they can give me an estimate. I said "No, there is no way I'm driving to Bountiful in a blizzard with two young kids and no window." I talked to the service manager, Colbi Hirst, who said I could take it into a Dodge dealership here in Provo. (Its about and hour and fifteen minute drive from Provo to Bountiful). I asked her if the warranty covers it, she said of course.
So, I drop my van off at Brent Brown here in Provo, who claims that it will be about $57 to fix the window. They will have it done that day.
I get a call a few hours later, saying my van was ready to go, an the total was $380, which Menlove has declined payment on. I argue about the warranty, which they then inform me that Menlove said I didn't have a warranty. Back on the phone I get with Colbi, who says that she will pay for it, she needs an estimate. I tell her that the van is done, (yes, without my permission). We argue for a bit, until I mention bringing the van back and getting my Corolla. She then says that she will pay. And she did. Yay.
Two weeks later, my transmission goes out. I had it towed to Auto Performance on University Avenue in Provo. (These guys are AWESOME! I recommend them to anyone!) Mike, the manager, listens to my story, then decides before he even looks at the van that he better call Colbi. She tells him that she will authorize him to FLUSH the transmission, but nothing more.
I was like "WHAT? The damn thing won't even start!" So I go home and get her on the phone, and demand she replace the transmission, or trade out another vehicle. She refuses both, so I ask to speak to her manager. Conveniently, he wasn't there. For 3 days, I was without a car, while trying to get ahold of someone. And conveniently, they won't do rental cars. Hmmm. So here I am, a single mom, stuck with no car because I was ripped off by Menlove.
I finally get a hold of the manager, who was very kind to me and said that he would get everything taken care of. He does-a week later. I pick up my Van, having to pay half of the $3000 it cost to replace my transmission. When I questioned why I had to pay half, I was told "Because that is what's authorized." Merry Christmas to me.
By this time, it has almost been a month and my temporary registration sticker is getting close to expiration. I call to inquire about my license plates, and was told they were mailed to me the week before. Another week goes by. I call again. Oh sorry, I was told. They were still there, and they promise to mail them out immediately.
Another week goes by, and my temporary expires. I call again. They have no clue where they are. I should have received them. I'm nervous about getting pulled over at this point, but the receptionist assures me that if I get a ticket, Menlove will pay for it. She said she was going to report my plates as "lost" and will be mailing me a new temporary sticker while I wait for new plates. Another week goes by, no sticker. I call again. She has no clue what I'm talking about. Says she'll look into it, and call me back. No call.
Next day, I call again. Said it was mailed last week. Another week goes by, still no sticker. And now, here it is January 26. The van was purchased on November 15. Still no license plates. I call each and every week. They inform me that they have been mailed. I drove up there last weekend. They told me the same thing-as well as that they couldn't give me another sticker because they had already mailed one? I am amazed at how this dealership treats its customers. I have never had such a headache from buying a car before.
I will NEVER, EVER go through Menlove again. I tell everyone I know how horrible they are, and about the dirty deal I got. If you are searching for a new or used car, I STRONGLY recommend you go elsewhere.
Margie
Provo, Utah
U.S.A.
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