These guys are doing everything they can to give used car dealers a bad name.
We called on a vehicle we saw listed on craigslist as well as Autotrader. Because the dealership is 3 hours from our home we asked several questions about specifics on the vehicle condition. We asked for information regarding tire wear and were told there was better than 80% tread (found less than 50%). We were told the vehicle was in good running condition with no problems (when we arrived the check engine light was on). We had an appointment to see the vehicle and drove three hours but they had not even done basic cleaning, there was actually still garbage in it.
Because we had driven three hours we took the vehicle for a test drive anyway. It seemed to drive okay so we went to a local auto center to have them check the code. We were told that the O2 sensor and knock sensor were probably bad. While this was being checked the battery went dead and the vehicle had to be jump started so we could get back to the dealership.
When we got back to the dealership we told the manager what had happened, he seemed completely unphased. He told us that those sensors come on all the time because the vehicles are just sitting on the lot and that the pressure washing that they do can make them come on when there is no problem. He immediately began searching on the internet for the cost of these sensors and told us the O2 sensor would only cost around $25 and the knock sensor would only cost $10. He also told us these were very easy to replace and we would be able to take care of it ourselves. He failed to mention that these are essential for ensuring that a vehicle will pass DEQ emissions testing and that it would adversly affect the environment and the vehicle.
When we took the vehicle to a mechanic (one we know is honest) we were told that the parts alone would cost almost $400. The parts were not something that just anyone would have the tools or ability to replace themselves.
When we purchased the vehicle we were also told that they would mail us the second key and keyless entry remote because it was locked in the safe. It took 3 phone calls over several weeks to finally be told by the owner that there wasn't a second key or remote. The owner promised to purchase one on the internet and send it to us, but I still have not seen it.
These guys are rude and will tell you nothing but lies in order to make the deal happen. I am ashamed to say that we fell for their tactics. I am angry that we were told so many lies. I do not usually condone government envolvment in these matters, but there should be a law against what these people are doing.
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