On December 4, I inquired about the possibilities of purchasing a 2003 Mazda6 vehicle which was located at Lantern Motors in Fort Myers, Florida 33912 inventory lot. I was given an opportunity to test drive the 2003 Mazda. Vinny, who was the store manager, provided me and my husband the keys and we then proceeded to take the vehicle for a test run. While I was driving the vehicle, i suddenly realized the Battery Light on the Information Dash board come on. My husband soon asked, " WOW, WHAT IS THAT LIGHT ALL ABOUT?" I began to worry of the light that appeared and quickly ended the the test drive. I reported back to Lantern Motors and upon parking the 2003 Mazda6. I soon discovered another light which was the ABS light flash on the dash board. I proceeded to the the main office. While returning the keys, I mentioned and requested more information on the lights that were on the information dash board. Vinenct " Vinny" stated " Oh I changed all the required parts such as the alternator and placed a new battery and the lights refuses to deactivate." I then left with doubts from the statment I heard.
My husband and I went home and discussed the options of purchasing the car at Lantern Motors. Deciding on purchasing with a few requests and repairs, I contacted Lantern Motors and asked Vincent " VINNY" what was the required downpayment needed to purchase the car. He then stated that i must obtain a credit application to determine an accurate decision.
On December 10, I was approved and began to sign necessary documents in purchasing the Mazda6. Within a weeks of the purchase, I began to encounter many other issues with the 2003 Mazda6. On December 17, I noticed the ENGINE light flash and stay on on the information dash board. I was then concerned and notified the dealership and advised Vinny of the situation. He then stated that I should bring the car back to Lantern Motors to have it looked at by the in house MECHANIC. The Mechanic stated that no problems were showing up, so I do not need to worry about the light. Then he cleared the light with a HANDHELD DEVICE.
On December 20, while enroute to my residenc; the Battery, ABS, and the Engine light were all ACTIVATED ON THE DASH BOARD. I noticed the AT light flash on and the car immeidately stoped. I panicked as the car made a complete stop, and the ongoing traffic was at full speed behind me. The car immediately stopped and refused to accelerate. I then decided to place my emeregency lights on and remained in the car. I attempted to start the car again and it started, but within five minutes it repeated the same cycle.
I then contacted Vinny, panicking and explaining the events that took place. Vinny, then replied, "well, it's 6:45 pm and my Mechanic is not available so contact us tomorrow during normal business hours and make all attempts to bring the car, for evaluation and diagnosis."
On December 21, i contacted the Lender, United Credit Corp, and notified them of my concerns and problems that i have had with the vehicle. And all this occuring, less than 30 calendar days. The rep stated he would contact Lantern Motors with the concern on hand.
Vinny then contact me with a very attacking conversation stating that HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE LENDER COMPANY CONCERNING MY COMPLAINTS OF THE CAR! HE THEN STATED " I WISH I NEVER MADE THIS F*KING DEAL."
Vinny then requested i bring the car for repairs. On Wednesday, December 22, I brought the car back to Lantern Motors, and vinny was upset that i contacted and addressed my issues to the Lender.
Vinny then stated " well, we can't guarantee you lifetime repairs, but we can refer you to other mechanics for other occuring issues."
Upon taking the vehicle, The AT appeared on the dash Board and all the existing LIGHTS AND INDICATORS as well. And this was after he and his mechanic said everything had been repaired.
In Mid January I began to notice issues where the car is having difficulties shifting out of R, N, D, and P. The problems persisted for several days. On a Sunday Morning, in January I got into the car and placed the KEY in the ignition. The car started and soon after i proceeded to place the car in Reverse, the car made an unusal movment as if the engine was about to jump out of the car. I was in disbelief, so i contacted my husband, who was in the house and advised him to come down stairs to observed the actions of the car. We both noticed the at light is on and the car refuse to accerlerate, and move out of drive gear. I TOLD MY HUSBAND "WELL, since Vinny never believes me when i tell him about the problems i will VIDEO CAPTURE ALL THE ACITIVES." I HAVE A TOTAL OF THREE LIVE VIDEO OF THE CAR ISSUES.
I then contacted Lantern Motors Inc. On Monday, January 31. While remaining calm and trying to explain the issues with the car. Vinny then replied " it sound like, you have a transmission problem, and every car has and need repairs, well i have a guy that has a transmission shop in north fort myers that will look at the car for you at no cost." i then stated, "well how do you expect me to drive the car, when i can't even get the car to leave the housing community parking lot? Vinny then replied " well, why are you so upset it is just a $5,000 car and you just going to have to tow the car to north fort myers or when the car is drivable then call me and i will provide the information of my friend that is located in north fort myers. I am sick and tired of hearing about this problem."
I was extremely upset and immediately contacted the lender and explained all the details and events that took placed.
At this current time february 4, the 2003 mazda6 is not operable, nor drivable and has been out of commission as of january 31.
There have been several reviews from buyers who have had similar experiences with lantern Motors and management.
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