ComplaintsforCentral A/S LLC

• Initial Complaint

  08/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a car from Central A/S a little over a month ago. I went back and forth with them many times to ensure that the vehicle would be safe to drive and tried to make sure that they were transparent with all of the car's issues. Within a days of driving the car the AC stopped working which I was okay with, then after just a few weeks of driving the car started to be extremely bouncy, I took it in to get looked at and realized the rear driver side tire was completely falling off due to rot and rust underneath the vehicle. I had taken this car for multiple pre-purchase inspections and no one had seen all of this rot because they covered all of it with bondo and paint to hide it. I talked to my sister who is a mechanic who told me that the wheels could have fallen off on the highway and killed me. I have multiple mechanics that will vouch for the condition of this vehicle and that it should have NEVER been sold in this condition in good faith. I need a car so I am picking it up today from the welder after paying thousands to try to make the vehicle at least drivable, but want to take some level of action to either get my money back or repair costs and report them because looking deeper I have seen hundreds of similar reports about this company.

  

  Business response

  08/05/2024

  Good Morning

  Mr. ***** had bought this car almost 3 months ago not a month ago. On June 21st he brought in the car for air condition issues and we fixed it for free with no charge as a courtesy although the car had no warranty.  Prior tp purchasing the car he had the car inspected 3 times by his own mechanic shop which we had no problem with. If there was Rust why isn't he upset at his own mechanic shop that did not see the problem. if they did not see it looking at the car 3 times then we did not see the rust issue if it does exist. As a good customer service and as a courtesy I have no problem refunding him the cost of repairs. Please bring in your receipts and we will issue a courtesy refund at any time for the cost of repairing. 

  Customer response

  08/05/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********. I have attached a picture of the Bondo and paint job done in an attempt to hide the rust and rot under the car. If it was just a matter of rust existing it would not be a problem, but my tire and rear camber arms were completely detached form the vehicle after a few weeks of light in town driving. It has just taken a while to get in to see a trustworthy mechanic and was then referred when he told me the extent of the repairs that needed to be done. Both mechanics have expressed how dangerous it was upon fixing the repair which required welding the foundation of the car back together just so that it will drive. I will accept reimbursement for the cost of this necessary repair as a fair resolution. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  04/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle from this dealer on 8/7/2023. Since I left the lot the check engine light has be coming on and off. I reported It to the service department 3 weeks after purchasing. I brought the vehicle in and the mechanic cleared the light and told me it should be fine it was just a misfire. The beginning of January the light came on and stayed on, the vehicle was shaking and turning on and off on random. I dropped the vehicle off on 1/11/2024 utilizing my warranty provided to me with the purchase of the vehicle. I received the vehicle back in six days and once I pulled off the lot the check engine light came back on and continued to shut off while driving more times than previously reported. I had the vehicle towed on 2/26/24 and my vehicle was kept for one month and a week. I was sent a text to pick it up on 3/30/2024. I couldn’t get a ride until 4/1/2024. I was able to use my warranty again so when I arrived I just paid my deductible and tax As soon as I pulled off the lot the check engine light was on again. I called the service department and returned the vehicle. The sales manager was no help at all told me that more codes were popping up and that they had to send it back to the mechanic who fixed it not the mechanic at the service department that I was under the impression who was fixing the vehicle in the first place. The manager stated they had to send it third party because they were not physically cable of doing the job. I found that out today as well. They also expect me to pay them again after they figure out the problem. I have all of the receipts present. I inquired about a loner car due to the inconvenience and was told they don’t provide that service and it’s my responsibility to have transportation to and from the dealership, she also suggested that I take the vehicle elsewhere but I reiterated that’s not possible due to my warranty requirements. The manager then proceeded to let me know there was nothing she could do for me.

  

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  although the van was sold as is, i instructed my service department NOT to charge the customer for the repairs as a good courtesy and good customer service.  

• Initial Complaint

  04/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Financed a car with this dealership. They sold me the car with a bunch of issues, some of which should have been done before selling the car. I asked them to make the repairs and they agreed, but once my appt came, they cancelled on me and are giving me the run around for 3+ weeks to reschedule. I brought the car to ********, they performed a full diagnostic and brought all of these issues to my attention. They informed me the car really isn’t safe to drive and they believe it shouldn’t have passed emissions. I believe they falsified the emissions and their inspection report. My car is leaking oil and transmission oil and the car shouldn’t have been passed because of that. There is water leaking in the floor of the passenger side which is causing electrical problems with the cars computer and my car shut off on me while driving. I don’t feel safe driving this vehicle that I am paying for for the next 5 years.

  

  Business response

  04/01/2024

  Greetings, customer called us a few days after taking delivery of the car about an oil leak. we had the part ordered and its sitting here. I looked at the report by ******** and of course nothing major on that report. we did have 3 employees out in our service department which unfortunately had to push all our appointments back. I instructed our service to call the customer and bring her in ASAP for the repairs. the new car dealership always want to sell jobs and recommend services to make money. as far as emission we took it to an independent emission station licensed by ** *** and it passed with no problem. although the car was sold as is we are willing to take care of the issues at no charge.

  Customer response

  04/05/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: No one contacted me about rescheduling until after I submitted my complaint to the BBB. I already had the oil pan replaced because I could no longer wait. I was unable to drive the car because of the amount of oil that was leaking out and I didn’t want to risk blowing the engine. I have children and a job so I couldn’t wait for whenever you guys decided to make the repairs. Even if it’s sold as is, the car should be at least drivable and it wasn’t. And what report from ******** was looked at? Because how would you even have access to a report from a whole different dealership? I paid $300 for ******** to perform a full inspection of the vehicle where multiple issues were found ( the actual report is attached below). 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  

  Business response

  04/05/2024

  We never denied the customer service. We had an appointment for her but I agree we pushed her appointment due to staff illness in our service dept. but never told her we were not gonna fix it. the car had no warranty but we informed her that we are doing it as a courtesy and good customer service. per ** *** regulation the repairs has to be done at our facility. but I'm open to help her out with the repair bill as much as we can. New car dealers want to bring her 2012 ******** to a new car standards and want to sell repair jobs as they are in business to make money with repairs. Please understand that her car was sold AS IS 

  We are still also open for her to come in and address any issues she has with her car

• Initial Complaint

  01/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car that was a lemon from day one. When I called to speak to the manager he kept speaking over me. He was only willing to hear what I had to say after pointing out to him that he wasn’t listening. When I told him that I was gonna file a complaint he said he had nothing to worry about. He also told me that if I filed the complaint he would not touch my car. This conversation did not end well. I would not recommend anyone but a car from this place.

  

  Business response

  01/19/2024

  ******* *********** bought 2017 ****** ***** ** 10/24/2023. she towed her car to us on January 3rd which was over the 60 days warranty period. without an appointment and demanded we look at right away which we were very busy and could not. she also did not give us authorization for diagnostics. she towed it out the car after that. We explained that she has a service contract and could go anywhere to fix the car since the 60 days had passed already. she is welcome to bring it back for repairs if she likes to make an appointment.  

  Customer response

  01/22/2024

  I called several times to bring my car in every time they would tell me that they couldn’t check my car because they were too busy. When I towed my car to them they told me that they would not be able to even check my car for another week. So I towed my car somewhere to be repaired. At this time ai only had this car for two months and had to replace the alternator and the car still stuts off when I try driving it. The manager also told me that if I reported him to the Bbb that he would not repair my car.

   

  

  Business response

  01/23/2024

  customer car does NOT qualify for a warranty since her car's age is under 2018. Customer towed the car in and demanded it will be fixed the same day. we are a busy and professional shop that goes only by appointments. Alternator is not a safety issue and is part of maintenance of the car. customer did not want to wait and towed it out which I'm sure we could have given her a great discount. Sorry she feels that way but its not fair to start on her car while other customers had appointments. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  We purchased a used car for our son on 9/18, picked it up from the dealer on the 9/23, after their safety inspection. The check engine light came on the first day, and the trunk would not open. We called immediately and the earliest they could get the car in to fix it was 10/6. They kept the car until 10/11. The trunk still would not open (we found the release lever scotch taped together), and the check engine light was STILL on. We called and they scheduled us to bring it back in on 10/23. Well, the car completely died on 10/19, leaving my son stranded. We had to have the car towed to the shop. They kept it until 10/23. They did fix the trunk and the engine light was off. Well, the car broke down again this morning (10/25), once again leaving my son stranded. This time it starts, but won’t shift gears, staying in neutral. I called the shop and they said this is a different problem, and we have had the car for over 30 days, so we would have to pay. Well, the car has been in their possession for 9 of those days, but they don’t care. They said there is no warranty and it was an ‘as is’ sale. So we either pay this shop, who have been unreliable with the repairs thus far, or bring it to another shop. We essentially bought an undrivable car

  Customer response

  10/26/2023

  The company reached out and offered to pay for the repairs needed if we agree to take down the complaint/review. This matter is settled between us. Could you close the complaint as being resolved. Thank you 

  ***** *******

  

  Business response

  10/26/2023

  Greetings, the car (2006 ***** ******) was purchased on 9/23/23 AS IS, customer had an issue with the check engine light few days after and we changed the Knock sensor at no charge we also fixed the trunk at no charge. few days later the starter went and we fixed it for free out of good customer service. The car had passed ** emissions prior to selling it which proves that the check engine light was NOT on. also obviously the starter was in good order. two days ago the customer said the car stated that the shifter was not working and stuck we asked him to bring back but they choose to repair it somewhere else. they came today and again out of good customer service we paid them back what they spent on fixing it. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Went to business in March was told the car had third row seating put 2500 down on the car. Left the business and while on the highway with my 2 year old son the car started shake and the check engine light came on called company they told me to bring car back I brought it back the next day and they kept the car for about a week said car was misfiring brought car back again at the end of March they said they fixed the car then a month or two later light came on again so I called company and was told I would have to pay 200 just to diagnose the problem I asked why when I just got the car and had issues with it since day 1 the man said it's a used car and they break I said well it's new to me and shouldn't break. I finally had the funds to take car to be looked at and was told it needs a new engine upon looking at the receipt to see if it is the same issues happening with the car it says car needs a new engine nor me or my husband was told that the car needed a new engine otherwise I would have never bought it because now I am stuck with a 9000 loan and a car that needs a new engine

  

  Business response

  02/28/2023

  Sorry but we don't have you as ever buying a car from us.

  Can you send the VIN and the name of purchaser please

   

  Customer response

  02/28/2023

  ****** ** ******* ****** *****************

  

  Business response

  02/28/2023

  Ms. **** bought this car on 02/26/2022 a year ago. the car was sold AS IS. after driving it almost 400 miles check engine light came on. customer brought it in and we changed the O ring for the fuel injector ( parts were not available at that time and took few days to get them). Customer picked up the car with no issues and NO charge.

  customer also has extended warranty that was purchased at the time of sale which she can use based on the issue she is having. I have no problem checking the car at no charge if the customer would like. with her warranty she should be able to go anywhere to fix the car

  Customer response

  02/28/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was told I had to pay 200 just to diagnose the problem the light came on a week or two after it "was fixed" and I called to bring it back and was told I had to pay 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  

  Business response

  03/01/2023

  Again I said you can bring it for us to check it at no charge. that does not mean will fix it for free but I'm sure we can help out with the cost. we are extremely busy but I can get you in for diagnostics at no charge 

  Customer response

  03/01/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the day I drove the car off your lot the check engine light came on then after you fixed it it came on again why would I pay you to fix it when you knew it needed a new engine when you sold it to me and when you supposedly fixed it when it was back firing you should be paying to fix it 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to buy a car and was asked to put a refundable deposit down to hold the car. I decided I wasn't going to purchase the car because I didn't like the financing terms they offered me. It has now been over 20 days since then, and I still haven't received that refundable deposit back. I have tried calling them and I either get a voicemail that never gets responded to, or I get ahold of someone that just gives me the run around telling me to wait even longer.

  

  Business response

  11/17/2022

  Good morning 

  we at Central never keep a deposit if the sale did not occur. This is the first i hear of this customer asking for a refund. Please let the customer know to stop by anytime to collect the deposit.

  as long as he or she has a proof of deposit will refund it right away. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I put a deposit on a vehicle on 10/15/22 I spoke with sales about what needed to be fixed on the vehicle after I test drove it, He informed me that this was fine and we could come back on 10/19/22 and test drive it again I did this and I informed them of other issues and they agreed to repair them that day after we registered it registering it took longer so I contacted the dealer and we agreed I would bring it in the next morning 10/20/22 for the necessary repairs. I arrived home ( hr away) and decided to show my mother the new vehicle when I arrived the car stalled the throttle and battery light flashed along with a beeping from the dash, this happened 2x this clearly indicated a problem I reached out to the dealer and he arranged for a tow truck to come in the morning at 6am. That same day I notified them of the issue and what I thought it may be due to a previous experience and sent a detailed letter of the repairs asking for them to be done and got a response of will do. I then returned on 10/24/22 to pick up the vehicle and was informed that it was all set but there was a computer part that was purchased and would take some time to come in and he didn't want to keep the vehicle longer. I asked for the computer results for the throttle and did not get it we proceeded to leave and drove back home we were about 17mins from home and we stopped to get food when leaving to go home upon starting the vehicle stalled and the same sound and lights flashed on the dash. I contacted them to let them know the same thing happened again and would like my money back that I told them of what the issue is and it wasn't repaired at all I asked them about a tow was told I had to get it to them and how to get my money back he told me just because I tell him the issue it doesn't mean that he has to repair it that he has to see it for himself and it didn't happen to him not taken seriously and to contact the owner for my money. Someone took over the phone and agreed to tow it.

  

  Business response

  10/26/2022

  Could not duplicate the issue the customer is complaining about. She said that the car did not start for her twice. We paid twice for her to tow the car to us over $850 in tow charges and never charged her. Both tomes we towed the car it started right away. We now know the car computer is malfunctioning when driving long distance. Part is on order

  We never denied her service, we even drove to her house to check her car. When the part comes in will install at no cost to her

  Customer response

  10/28/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Sabrina Scaife

  First I would like to state that no one from the dealership has been to my home. The tow of the vehicle took place at my mother in-laws and the ******* in ****** ** both times I hade to leave the vehicle an find my way home. I did not receive the paper work for the 2nd repairs informing me what was done when asked I was told they would be email never heard that in my life and still waiting I was also told I would be good to drive it without the computer part fixed yet if you were aware it couldn’t go long distances (which you were because the part was already ordered and had you drove it long distance like I suggested the first time) I also kept track of the mileage put on the vehicle. I have a recording of the incident occurring and also have a witness when it was towed the 1st time it happened to him. When I went to get my money back I was met with immediate condescending answers and complete disregard I was ganged up on by the mechanics and owner when I asked why I wasn’t taken seriously about what the issue could be I was told if it doesn’t happen for them then they can’t just take my word for it. I was not taken seriously. At the end of our conversation you confirmed you would give me a refund when I received the title that was the final agreement when I left. I’ve driven it for about 2hrs since I purchased the vehicle the rest of the time it’s been in their hands and still remains in their lot I do not trust anyone from this dealership there has been to many issues to soon and to many I just like my money back so I can put this nightmare behind me. It’s going on a week an two days I have yet to make it to my residents with it which in its own is just crazy  
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/23/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had financed this vehicle on 8/23/2022, and I have only gotten to drive the vehicle for about 2 weeks total. The car flooded when it rained after just a few days of driving it and I took it there for service and they kept it for about a week promising me the problem would be fixed. I was told to pick the vehicle up on 9/15/2022 and they left the rainwater in the car and mold had grown on the seats. I gave them more time to fix the problem and picked up the car on 9/20/2022 and it seemed okay. It rained on the night of 9/21/2022 and the car is flooded again. Another problem with the car is the ignition switch falls out! My warranty ends on 9/23/2022 but my problem still isn't fixed. If needed I can provided proof but if the problem is not resolved via repair, exchange for a working vehicle or refund I will take legal action.

  

  Business response

  10/25/2022

  Good afternoon

  We received the customer complaint about water going in after diagnosis we could not duplicate the issue. The customer called and we setup appointment to take a look but he was a no show we rescheduled him for another time but did not show up again. the car was sold was  AS IS  but we offer our customers a courtesy 30 days if anything goes wrong with their new car. we have no problem to schedule him again. and take care of this issue at no cost

• Initial Complaint

  04/29/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought a vehicle in July 21 that was led to believe was in perfect condition and found out the dealership never even inspected it. I have them a chance to fix it which they failed at and now they owe me over $10,000 in reimbursement

  

  Business response

  05/12/2022

  Greetings

  
  Ms ***** purchased the vehicle from our dealership on July 29th 2021. At that time Ms. ***** was aware that the vehicle had some issues. She had a mechanic with her and negotiated an AS IS purchase. We were asking $9,995.00 and she negotiated the price to $7,729.00 because of the minor issues.
  On August 19th 2021 she filed a complaint with the *** claiming that she had some issues with the vehicle and she spent $669.50 in repairs. Kevin from the *** contacted us and asked to see what we can do for her. We refunded her $669.50 that she spent and brought the vehicle over to inspect. She had a list where most of the issues were minor including a leaf in the engine compartment and engine has sand on it. We offered to buy the car back and refund her all her money but she refused.
  

  We addressed all her issues free of charge. After a while she contacted the *** and said she doesn't like how we fixed her muffler and wanted to take it to a different repair shop which we agreed to pay for, as a good customer service. Ms ***** never produced a bill for the muffler repair and the *** closed the case. We have a letter from *** saying case is closed
  

  2 weeks ago she contacted *** again asking for $13,000, we again asked for paid receipts from her but she could NOT produce. *** agreed with us that she is not being reasonable in her request.
  Ms. ***** had driven the car for over 10,000 miles since she bought the car and now she is asking for $25,000.00
  

  At this point we don't even know if she still has the car or whether she sold it or not.
  We at Central AS llc have no problem helping out the customer but she has to be realistic.
  Thank you and have a great day
  
  ll us why here...

  Customer response

  05/12/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  these people are delusional. Let’s break down their response:
  
  “Ms ***** purchased the vehicle from our dealership on July 29th 2021. At that time Ms. ***** was aware that the vehicle had some issues. She had a mechanic with her and negotiated an AS IS purchase.”
  
  
  I had no one with me, especially not a mechanic. The car had known issues going into gear and I was told it was going to be looked at before delivery. Just because it’s marked “As Is” you can’t sell an unsafe vehicle.
  
  
  
  
  “We were asking $9,995.00 and she negotiated the price to $7,729.00 because of the minor issues.”
  
  
  I negotiated the price down because that’s what you do at car dealerships. $9594 was also the list price, not $9,995. They don’t even know what they’re listening their vehicles at correctly. 
  
  
  “On August 19th 2021 she filed a complaint with the *** claiming that she had some issues with the vehicle and she spent $669.50 in repairs. Kevin from the *** contacted us and asked to see what we can do for her. We refunded her $669.50 that she spent and brought the vehicle over to inspect.”
  
  
  I had a whole list of issues that was a mix of major and minor and I was told before I could go any further I had to give the dealer a chance to correct it. The vehicle was not safe to drive. I had invested the $669.50 before we all realized how much was wrong with this vehicle. Central A/S never inspected the vehicle before or after the sale and never wanted too. They said after they wished they inspected this. I have this all recorded. 
  
  
  
  
  “She had a list where most of the issues were minor including a leaf in the engine compartment and engine has sand on it. We offered to buy the car back and refund her all her money but she refused.”
  
  
  The only time they offered to buy my car back was The last week of April After I had put all of the money into it to fix it after they failed too. I had called the dealership on October 18, 2021 and asked both Eva and Billy to buy the car back before any further work was done. They both said no and I have it recorded. 
  
  
  
  
  “We addressed all her issues free of charge. After a while she contacted the *** and said she doesn't like how we fixed her muffler and wanted to take it to a different repair shop which we agreed to pay for, as a good customer service. Ms ***** never produced a bill for the muffler repair and the *** closed the case. We have a letter from *** saying case is closed
  2 weeks ago she contacted *** again asking for $13,000, we again asked for paid receipts from her but she could NOT produce. *** agreed with us that she is not being reasonable in her request.”
  
  
  Again, filing a complaint with the *** I had to give the dealer a chance to fix it which they failed to do so. Billy and Kasha admitted that the car was never looked out before it was sold so there should be no reason why I would be charged for it anyway. This is recorded. I didn’t like how  my muffler was fixed because you didn’t fix it. You claim you welded it, yet there’s this putty like substance on it which is probably JB Weld and it still doesn’t cover what needed to be fixed, so what’s the point? I still have it in case anyone wants to inspect it. *** closed the case because Kevin the first investigator was lazy and didn’t want to put any time or effort into this. He is since retired; I’m sure that makes perfect sense now. I have been in contact with the *** the entire time; not after awhile. I had to wait for ALL repairs to be done before we approached with a final number. I made it very clear right away my dissatisfaction with how Central handled fixing things. They said they were done with it and weren’t there to build me a new car. This is recorded. Since Central had the car, it has been through a series of repair shops going in and out, waiting for parts and diagnosing issues. The final repair was done in April and that’s when I told the *** I was ready to get what I was fully owed.  Billy told me not to talk to the dealership anymore back in Oct and to go through the *** for communication. The dealership asked for a breakdown of the $13,000 which I provided to them. If they wanted bills, they should’ve asked for bills; just another excuse to get out of paying. I have them all and I have nothing to hide. The *** does not for a minute agree that I’m not being reasonable; in fact, this is now being looked over by their legal team on top of all the other complaints I have filed since they refuse to pay me. 
  
  
  
  “Ms. ***** had driven the car for over 10,000 miles since she bought the car and now she is asking for $25,000.00
  At this point we don't even know if she still has the car or whether she sold it or not.
  We at Central AS llc have no problem helping out the customer but she has to be realistic.“
  
  
  I have had the vehicle for almost a year. 10,000 in that time period is not out of the ordinary especially when it’s back and forth to repair shops. I’m not sure where the dealership is getting $25,000 from but they do owe me at least $13,018.01. They claim they have no problem helping out customers, yet here we are. They are aware I still have the vehicle and to make that claim is ridiculous. Even if I didn’t, why does that matter? I still invested my money into it as it couldn’t be sold as it was. Unlike them, I’m an ethical person.  If they don’t believe me, I can drive it up to the dealership to pick up the check they owe me. 
  
  
  These people continue to be full of excuses. I have all bills and recordings of all interactions. These crooks need to give me my money back instead of taking continued vacations out of the country!I’m not afraid of court because I WILL win. I just want to show the judge all the exhaustive efforts I have put in before we have to waste their time. 
  

  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩