June 20, I purchased a used 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT from Lee Auto Mall in Westbrook, Maine. I have had several mechanical and safety issues with this vehicle - new tie rod and tires, replaced O2 sensor, cylinder misfires, loss of engine oil, bad gas mileage, constant AC issues, radiator issues, electrical problems, and emission parts being replaced. I had been into the service department approximately every 2 months with an issue or concern for first 13 months since purchase. I have not returned to the Lee service department since July/ August.
I had purchased an extended warranty with Lee, and it was not until the manufacturer's warranty was expired that the service department acknowledged the radiator and AC issues I had been complaining about since my purchase. I recently brought the van to another service center for what I thought was another cylinder misfire, and it was brought to my attention that an emissions part was gunked open, pushing engine fumes into the passenger area of the vehicle, and it was suggested that this valve was undergoing this gunk process for some time to be that severe, and should not have passed inspection - Lee service issued the inspection sticker June. I had complained to the Lee service department during several visits that I could smell gas and fumes within the passenger cabin area and was told there was nothing wrong, as was their usual reply to my concerns.
I still experience electrical issues - the turn signal will sometimes be the opposite of what I select (I switch up to point a right turn, and the left signal comes on instead). The AC still does not work at all. It is unknown why I cannot hold fluid in the overflow tank for the radiator.
I have visited Lee a few times to talk to them about this vehicle and the issues I have had, and they tried to sell me another vehicle with no real concern for the vehicle they had already sold me.
I recently visited Jolly John dealership in Saco and because of the previous damages and mechanical issues with this vehicle from the first owner, which I was not made aware of at time of purchase at Lee (or listed on the Buyer's Guide window sticker), I received a very low trade-in offer. The salesman at Jolly John provided me with the actual CarFax report for this vehicle for explanation of the low offer - during the purchase process at Lee, the salesman handed me a CarFax report for a different vehicle, and I was not aware of this until after I made my purchase and the 5 day return period had expired.
The salesman at Jolly John suggested I contact the State of Maine regarding my vehicle and treatment with both the sales and service departments at Lee Auto Mall. I have in my possession all service records and sales documentation, including the Buyer's Guide window sticker. I do not have the original CarFax report given to me by the Lee salesman at time of purchase - when I went in and brought this to the attention of Lee sales manager, he walked off with the report to "investigate" and did not return it.
My van was in an accident with the first owner, had major mechanical work done as stated by the true CarFax report. Lee has yet to report anything to CarFax concerning all the repairs they have done.
I am waiting to hear back from the Investigations department with the State of Maine's Attorney General's Office.
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