ComplaintsforPalm Beach Imports, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  06/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a car online from Braman *** in ************************************. I live out of state in **. I was trading in my 2019 M5. My car arrived in ** to me on 5/29, Wednesday. The next day as I was looking over the car, I noticed a couple of issues in the interior of the car. The first issue was the Center AC Vent Louver, one of them was broke and loose. The second issue was the back of the armrest was hanging off the center armrest. The clip on the back of the arm rest was broke and bent. I immediately called the client advisor at Braman, who had sold me the car and explained what happened. When I explained what happened, he said to me I dont recall and dont know how they missed those issues, but lets see what the dealer says, as far as repairs go. The car was sold as is a " CERTIFED PREOWNED" car and still has remainder of the FACTORY WARRANTY, which is due to expire in may of 2025. I told him that I made an appointment for 6/4, at my local dealership. when I arrived at the dealership, I showed the service advisor, the issues and he noted it for the tech to look them over and advise. Two days later, I received a phone call from my service advisor, saying that all the regular maintenance was done but there was a problem with the replacement of the ac vent and back armrest. He said, that both parts looked to have been broken or abused, and we cant warranty the claim. The advisor went on saying that unfortunately, we cant warranty the parts, so I would have to pay out of pocket $3088. I immediately called the salesman at Braman and told him that had happened. He told me he would talk to upper management and see what they could do for me. He called my back and said that they are willing to send me a check for $1000, as a goodwill gesture. I declined the offer, since the total repairs out of pocket are $3088. I would like to have this resolved, since I didn't not cause the damages to my car and that the car was received in that condition.

  Business response

  07/18/2024

  The dealership has reached out to the customer to try and address the concern.  

  Customer response

  07/19/2024

  *******************************, the ** of preowned sales, called me on 7/18 and He left me a message. I returned his call and explained to him what my grievance's were, when I recieved car and he said he will get all the facts, pertaining to my issue(s) and get back to me on 7/19.

  Customer response

  07/19/2024

  FYI....********************************* (GM of Preowned) was supposed to call me back today, 7/19. As of now, I HAVE NOT received a call as promised. 

   

   

  Customer response

  07/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 21855141
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ********************************, GM or preowned sales, NEVER got back to me, as promised. He called me and left a message on 7/18, which I returned his call to discuss the issues with car. He told me that he would get back to me the next day(7/19)..as of 7/22, I have not received a phone call back and how to rectify this situation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********

  Business response

  07/22/2024

  We are advised that the customer had a personal representative that inspected the vehicle on behalf of the customer prior to the customer agreeing to purchase the vehicle and prior to delivering the vehicle to the customer.  Detailed pictures were taken of the vehicle and sent to the customer prior to his purchase.  None of the issues being raised by the customer has anything to do with the vehicle's certification designation.  Despite the vehicle being purchased "as Is", in the interest of good customer relations, the dealership made an offer to cover a portion of the issues being complained of by the customer.  The goodwill offer remains available to the customer.  

  Customer response

  07/23/2024

   
  Complaint: 21855141
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  First of all, let me just start by saying that "the representative" I sent down is neither a mechanic or an independent contractor from a outside company, whose sole purpose is look for defects in/out the car. He was sent down to Braman, because he lives in ****, is friend of mine and worked with a salesman by the name of *******************. This individual recommended the dealership, so I asked him to go down and drive the car and make sure the car started, drove well, and there wasn't any type of damage to the outside of the vehicle...simply put it was in good condition for a preowned car. Thats it. He is not a Certified inspector of any sort. He did me a favor. Second, the pictures that were sent of the car, were of the car in general..not of the ** vent being broken(that the pic I sent) or the center arm rest popping off and being broken from the center back rest. All those pics are the ones I sent, after inspecting the car and I personally found those broken items. They were sent to the salesman, *******************. I made him aware of the issues right way and have ALL text messages, to both ******************* and ***********************(original salesperson) with all the pics sent. Third, if you look on the guidelines of buying " A Certified Preowned Car", you can see the CHECK LIST of everything has to be in working order, for example ** does work, but the louver was missing/and or broken. Is the the air flow working correctly in the car? When they did the *** check list, that *** provides, which I have a copy from ***, was the ** vent checked for proper air flow...didnt they see the vent was broken. The other item that was broken was the back of the arm rest...is was bent and wasn't attached to the center console; that driving around it would come pop off everytime you hit a bump??? Why was this checked? Its a part off the center console and its not working as intended. who ***'d the car??? Where is the list that everything was serviced before it left Braman. I can show you proof that ive bought a *** car in the past from a *** dealer and I received 2 pages of the *** ceritification, which checks everything in/out of the car before the client takes delivery. I can show you for proof. I NEVER received anything like that from Braman, showing me that everything passed the *** checklist inspection. Even the car fax doesn't say anything the car was sold as a Certified preowned car. Braman never did the *** inspection that's why. Even when I received the car, it FAILED NYS inspection, due to the fact the car was sitting and never driven. If the car was inspected then why would I have to drive it reset the sensors for 200 miles? ******* show me proof that the car was *** inspected, per the guidelines from ***. I never received this *** inspection list from Braman, detailing anything. I was told it was "***" vehicle and thats it! Check the carfax to see where it says the car was sold as a Certified preowned? The check list shows A to Z...brakes, if there good, tires, if there good, battery, etc...it must be done with every *** vehicle, as per ***. I will upload a sample of the *** check list and what is required, no problem; but wheres the one from Braman? It doesn't exist or else I would have gotten a copy and it would stated it on the carfax! Listen, this comes down to this..the service department, service manager, Preowned manager and the ** not doing their job, thats it! At the end of all this, who gets screwed, me, the customer out of $3088.00 in labor and parts. So, a "goodwill" gesture of $1000, after me sending you a all most perfect *** on trade, with NO issues, nothing broken or anything malfunctioning, paying for shipping of both cars, to and from *******, and mind you, if my trade would have an any issues, believe me, I bet Braman would deduct the monies from my trade in, NO DOUBT, because what can I do, my car is already in *******. Im not going to ship it back??? So my hands would be tied and I would have to deal with the final value...but thats the best you can do? Im sorry, but your gonna have to do better than that!

  ****I will upload an example of CERTIFIED PREOWNED CHECKLIST FROM *** for the file.

  ****A point to be made aware of, is that car still has a factory warranty good till 5/25.

  ****also the service manager did also speak to service advisor here in ** and was told the parts were broken and/or non fucntioning

  . 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  The dealership stands on its previous response.  Notwithstanding the qualifications of the customer's personal representative, the person visually inspected the vehicle on behalf of the customer prior to the customer agreeing to purchase the vehicle and prior to delivering the vehicle to the customer.  As previously indicated, none of the issues being raised by the customer have anything to do with the vehicle's certification designation.  We are advised that the vehicle is currently a *** certified vehicle which means it met all *** NA certification standards at the time of delivery.  In the interest of good customer relations, the dealership will keep the goodwill offer available to the customer to cover a portion of the issues being complained of.  

  Customer response

  08/14/2024

  okay...in the best interest, of both parties involved and due to the fact that the resolution I seek is not going to happen, which I understand from a business point of view, because im owner of business also, I will accept the dealership "goodwill offer"...but i would be much happier to put this issue to rest. The cost of repairs and labor was a total of $3088.00 and I know the dealership has offered $1000.00...to keep a good relationship for future, id like to ask if we can please meet in the middle and make it $1544.00, if possible and that will settle this case. Thats all I ask. I dont want to go back in fourth. Whether it was a mistake on my part or the dealerships part, im happy with the vehicle and I just want to settle this amicably. Whatever the outcome maybe, I will agree to close the case and update my reviews. Either way, If you agree to meet in the middle for the cost of repairs and parts, or not, I appreciate it and thank you in advance. Please send the check to me at your earliest convenience.

   

  Thank you,

   

  Paolo Vista

  Customer response

  08/14/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. We have agreed to meet half-way on the costs of repair and im very satisfied with the resolution. Thank you *********************************. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********

• Initial Complaint

  03/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have brought my *** (bought from their dealership) in because of a drivetrain malfunction. I received a large invoice to pay for repairs totaling approximately $5000. I pay for repairs and car light comes on again for the same issue. The do another inspection and they come up with $1000 more of repairs. All of this with no end in sight. They do not correctly fix the problem you go to see them about. Instead they try to have you pay for any/all collateral issues. But not the core issue of the problem.

  Business response

  04/12/2024

  We are advised that the new issue being complained of is completely unrelated to the first repair.

  Customer response

  04/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 21492066
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The issues described are absolutely related - they are weeks apart. The complaint always relayed by consumer was the drivetrain malfunction. The consumer has paid again for repairs - albeit at a much more discounted rate previously quoted by **** The issue is resolved as of now - pending no further issues with the drivetrain. Total cost spent has been approximately $5,500.00. The car is a 2016 *** X5 with ****** miles on it and financed as new back in 2016 with the same dealership.

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

  Business response

  04/25/2024

  The dealership explained to the consumer that the two problems experienced by the customer are unrelated.  The first visit the problem related to a failed O2 sensor.  The second visit was related to a misfire on cylinder number 5. Should the customer desire to have the second issue corrected, she should contact the dealership and make an appointment.  

• Initial Complaint

  01/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My name is ************************* and I called several times regarding my ******** Beach tire protection. I called for several days and left voice messages. Finally, today I spoke to a representative that answered the phone and threatened me and told me the only way to get my money back is to meet her face to face at the dealership (Verbal threat from an Shamaia employee). I did speak to *** who said he would call and I never received a call back regarding the disrespect and unprofessionalism I receieved from Shamaia. As a result, I asked for a courtesy phone call and a refund and no one has since called back. I called on 1/31/24 at approximately 2:57. I called several times after that trying to speak to someone else and she said I CANNOT speak to anyone not even a manager without seeing her first at the dealership (threatening words) to say to a client. Why would I put myself in a hostile environment?This is a deplorable and unprofessional for anyone to have to be treated in such a manner to get their money back.

  Business response

  02/09/2024

  I spoke with ************** at length regarding her issues and let her know that as consideration thereof we are Fed X today a Check for the Full amount of $1,229 for her Tire and Wheel Warranty Cancellation. As she was only due a portion thereof; she was very appreciative and satisfied with the actions taken as an amiable resolution to this matter. I believe we are now back in her Good Graces to the extent that she will respond and retract her complaint with the Better Business Bureau as a completely resolution to this Complaint Matter. She and her Family has purchased a number of vehicles from us between Motorcars and Jupiter so the are Valued Customers of Braman Motorcars. Matter is Resolved and should be Closed with BBB.
  
  Thank You

  *********************, Finance Director Braman Motorcars/Jupiter

  Customer response

  02/10/2024

  ****************** called me on behalf of *** ********** on Friday and was more than fair. At this time, I wish to drop the BBB complaint ********.

   

  Thank you again ******************, I hope we can continue doing business in the future. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased a Porsche Taycan that had known problems that is considered a lemon. My car was put into the shop 5 days after purchase and was there for nearly 2 months. shortly after getting it back after it was suppose to be fixed, I broke down in an intersection and had to tow it at my expense. The dealer has lied numerous times about the problem being fixed and it was not which risked my life as I broke down in an intersection. Since these problems have reoccured and they know what has happened, they have ignored me. I am writing this to prevent this from happening to someone else. I have been treated as a second class citizen.

  Business response

  02/08/2024

  We are advised that the vehicle has been to the dealership service department on more than one occasion to address problems with the electrical system.  Each time the vehicle was in service, the dealership diagnosed the problem and it was corrected under the Porsche warranty.  If the customer believes the vehicle is a lemon, he should address that issue with Porsche ***.

  Customer response

  02/08/2024

  They have ignored me since January 18th and have refused to service my vehicle.  I have been in touch with PCNA and since then their service department has ignored every phone call with attempting to reach them.  I have phone call records and text messages with proof.  Also emails and recorded phone calls with Porsche Corporate of exactly what I am stating.  This needs to be addressed. 

• Initial Complaint

  12/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am filing this complaint to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding my recent experience at your dealership. I visited the dealership with the intention of purchasing a 2023 Rolls *************************** . During my visit, I was asked to provide a 10% down payment for the vehicle, a requirement I promptly met as I had the neccessary funds readily available. Subsequently, the dealership ran my credit , yet I never received a follow up call regarding the status of my credit application - whether it was approved or denied. Notably, I did not receive an adverse action letter as required by law.Regrettably, my disappointment extends beyond the lack of communication. I recently received a call from a represenative at the dealership requesting that I cease expressing my dissatisfaction with my experience. This incident raises serious concerns as it suggests an attempt to suppress my legitimate concerns and dissatisfaction. Moreover, I cannot ignore the disturbing implication of discrimination in my interactions with your dealership. I strongly believe that I have been discriminated against based on my race during the credit application process . Such discriminatory practices are unethical and illegal as they vioalate fundamental consumer right. Despite these significant issues , the dealership has failed to provide me with an explanation for the apparent reluctance to conduct business with me. Haven't received a call to rectify this matter. I assert that my consumer rights have been violated, and I have been unjustly denied credit. I urge the dealership to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, provide a detailed for the actions taken and take corrective measures to rectify the situation promptly. I believe that a fair and equitable resolution is not only in my best interest but also for maintaining the integrity of you dealerships reputation.I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and anticipate a timely and satisfactory resolution.

  Business response

  12/13/2023

  The dealership has previously reached out to the consumer to discuss this complaint.  The dealership explained that the dealership does not make credit decisions.  The dealership sends credit applications to third party lenders who make their own credit determination.  The consumer was provided with contact information for Rolls *************** Services so he could discuss his concern directly with the lender.  

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I brought my vehicle to the dealership to have their service department examine it to determine why it seemed that water was leaking into the vehicle. I paid a premium on this particular vehicle because it was certified preowned and therefore under warranty. The dealer refused to even check the vehicle unless I paid them nearly $600. The vehicle was free of any water and perfectly clean when I brought it in. They took a video of the vehicle that verifies this and I have timestamp the photographs as well. I am a 100% disabled veteran and had recently undergone surgery and due to my medical obligations. I was not able to pick up the vehicle for several weeks. When I did the vehicle looked like it does in the photograph that I attached. That is a photograph that the dealer took. The car was so overwhelmed by mold that no one at the dealership would even get inside the vehicle. The vehicle is likely a total loss. Because the damage occurred, while in the possession of the dealership, the dealership should be responsible for replacing the vehicle, not just repairing it. Should the dealership not want to replace it then they are the ones who should be required to file an insurance claim. The car is being financed through Porsche financial, and I have already informed their legal representation. They may take possession of the car at any time.

  Business response

  12/13/2023

  The dealership has reached out to the consumer to provide assistance with this issue.  We have been advised that the consumer is addressing this concern with Porsche Financial Services.  

• Initial Complaint

  11/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Simply put I need a phone call to ensure I sending personal information (especially my SS# via email) to a person with whom I am doing business with. In this case, I spoke with ***************************** about picking up the car and nothing was said about anything being needed. Considering I have never purchased a car prior to now via virtual and phone communications. It was ******************* --til now. I am taken a back bit --in that ***** easily communicated with consistently during this transaction but, now it is unheard to talk on the phone. I assume unbeknownst to her. I have spoken with ********************* and received everything I needed. (He took some time but, I am fine with that.) As a matter fact, it was ***** to me as well given via email Yes, I spoke with him 10.30.23. ***** said, I will tell ***** to call you. This person ****** whom sent me an email from a gmail account was asking for my SS# --I have no idea whom she is (as it was NOT coming from a business domain.)What baffles me is that ---When I was doing the transaction for the purchase I sent my credit card info in two separate emails to accommodate the request to pay the balance not covered on my check. ***** stated, "We dont accept random numbers and you need to purchase via the link portal." In hindsight I can appreciate that --- It is more secure and there is no doubt about what you are paying and the transaction has Porsche logo. ---So why now I need to send some random person whom I have no idea whom she is my personal information SS# for what --I still dont understand why or what she needs ---I do not send my SS# via email Just like Porsche does not take random numbers for a transaction. Though ****** asked ***** to call me in the email --I have yet to receive a call. I understand my owners manual is here but I have not received as ***** has it ---I explained the tags are nearly invisible and if you could send one more visible. Not received just like the owners manual. Several times I asked for call

  Business response

  11/17/2023

  We are advised that the dealership has reached out to the customer and this matter is now resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased my Porsche from this dealership in October 2022. 2023 Porsche Cayenne from ***********************************. Exceptional service up to this point with everyone at this location. **** is a great consultant, professional and knowledgeable. I got into an accident and came into the dealership service department to get a list of approved vendors that can work on my vehicle. I asked ***, a service advisor other than fantastic finishes, who are approved certified vendors that can fix me vehicle. He said this is the only vendor that can what? In all of *******? Yes. Thats not true. So I went to **** to get a list of approved vendors and he emailed it to me. What type of service are we providing here? The whole time *** was on his computer watching car races instead of helping a loyal Porsche company.

  Business response

  03/07/2023

  We have been advised by the customer that this matter is now resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  12/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I would like to seek a refund as I was lied to by *********************** the ***** I went in a few days before my lease was set to expire. Unfortunately, I was set up with ****, he told me they charge a $2003 predelivery service charge non waive-able as I clearly stated I didn't want to purchase this. From there I went to finance department and when he told me about the fee as well that I had to pay it non waive-able I believed them. Knowing I had to sign numerous of documents when you purchase a lease I signed everything. How they get you now so you can't review what you signed was this add it on a thumb drive so they no longer print the paperwork unless you request it. Huge mistake on my part, had I requested I would have not have signed the first page on the pre delivery charge. It's optional and it's illegal if it's not in your lease agreement you do not have to pay it. But the manager, *********************** and the finance guys were very adamant that I pay it because if I didn't I wouldn't be able to purchase my lease. SCUM BAGS here at *** Braman West Palm Beach. I am sure all the dealerships have some sort of scam on the inside. I would like a refund of the $2003

  Business response

  01/11/2023

  We are advised that the matter is being resolved to the customer's satisfaction. 

  Customer response

  01/11/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to **** spoke with *** this morning and they went ahead refunded me.  Thank you
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  12/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased a 2021 Cadillac Escalade over the phone which was delivered by the salesman Dec 6th. My first drive was Dec 7th and service oil and stabletrac messages were displayed on vehicles dash. I made appointment with local *** service dealer for Dec 12th. I took vehicle in on 12th and they contacted me later in the day saying there was damage to the undercarriage and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Pictures of damage were also provided. I called and forwarded this information to the salesman at Braman Motorcars (Palm Beach Imports) Dec 12th. He was upset and said he would not have sold an unsafe vehicle and wouldnt have driven it 1.5 hours to deliver to me. He also said they knew the vehicle had been in an accident but was shown mild and cosmetic and in the Carfax. Supposedly they had inspected. I wasnt aware of the accident or Carfax. I did see in the stack of documents I had to sign there was a Carfax report. Braman Motorcars had requested the *** facility that issued the report to provide an estimate for repair. The *** facility would not repair due to complexity of damage and not even knowing if it could be repaired until well into repair. This was 12/14. Braman Motorcars didnt contact me. I reached to salesman about status. He replied they were trying to move vehicle somewhere else for repair. I replied I didnt want that vehicle, had contacted a consumer advocating group for local legal representation and the next step was social media. No response from the dealer. I went to the *** facility I had taken the vehicle to. Braman Motorcars had taken my vehicle. They did so without my knowledge or authorization. I dont know where the vehicle is.

  Business response

  01/11/2023

  We are advised that the matter has been resolved to the customers satisfaction. 

*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. ↩