I found a 99' 2-door Tahoe on Hare Auto's Ebay site. I have an 03' Z71, but I've always loved the 2-door Tahoe. I checked the dealer out - their Internet site, feedback, and customer testimonials; I was impressed. The vehicle only had 65,000 miles on it. The Ebay listing said, "Showroom Condition, " "Perfect, " "Surpassed our Expectations." Being the largest Chevy dealer in a state, I took them at their word. I also expected the condition to be true because of the higher price - $12,879.
My wife and I flew from Arkansas to pick it up. Two days after getting home, I was cleaning the interior and noticed rust on the inside (under the seats and the dash). I started looking under the vehicle, and it had major rust. It was not just surface rust as the dealership later claimed. The brake lines and fuel lines were almost rusted apart. I understand that the northern area is harder on a vehicle, but this vehicle was described as "Showroom Condition."
Four days later, I learned that the vehicle was sold to another person just days before I bought it. The buyer backed out when she found the rust. She point blank asked the salesman, Damon Smith, if it had rust, and he said no. She became aware of the rust from another bidder who had asked for pictures of the underneath of the vehicle. The pictures of the rust sent to her were taken by the salesman who had lied to her. The salesman forced her into leaving positive feedback to get her $500.00 deposit back.
The vehicle was listed on Ebay again without a change in the description, even though Hare Auto knew of the rust. I was contacted by both bidder and buyer after my transaction, and they told me their stories. I did get my money back, but my cost up to pick up the vehicle and back home was $885.00. The dealership would not refund that money even though I told them I would not have bought the vehicle if they had been honest and disclosed the rust as Ebay requires.
The salesman, Damon Smith and the owner, Courtney Cole, both lied several times. The other bidders and I have their emails and phone recordings. I would make sure you get a picture of any vehicle you buy from this dealership. She told me the rust was normal, even on an 07 model. Be very careful of this dealership. I can't believe a dealership with their reputation in their state would treat someone this way.
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