ComplaintsforSouthern Trust Auto Group, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  06/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased the minivan on 5/11/24 but it did not arrive until 5/24/24. This complaint is founded in false advertisement. The van came off the transfer truck with the engine light on and the door locks not working, truck driver stated he drove it off the lot that way.As you can see in the text messages, ***** ?, owner of the dealership, was not interested in reimbursing me for fixing the issues: car lock actuator, engine light issues-engine oxygen sensors, and a new battery. The total being $1483, what I am asking to be refunded. They had stated in their inspection and from the carfax report that the van no issues.***** had stated that he would be willing to "help" pay if I would stop with idle threats. I have not heard anything from him so moved froward with filing the complaint.

  

  Business response

  07/08/2024

  The customer purchased this vehicle sight unseen, voluntarily forgoing the opportunity to view or test drive the vehicle, or even have it inspected by a third party prior to having it shipped. The vehicle has a clean CarFax and was reconditioned and inspected prior to its sale. As noted on the customer's own purchase documentation, the vehicle was purchased AS-IS (page 6) which states the buyer will bear the entire expense of repairing or correcting any defects that presently exist and/or may occur in the vehicle unless the salesperson promises in writing at the time of sale to correct such defects. In addition, the WE OWE form (page 11) indicates "Nothing promised, nothing due, nothing implied" i.e. there were no additional promises made other than transport of the vehicle. In addition, the customer declined purchase of an extended warranty to cover any unforeseen issues (page 9).

  As clearly stated on these forms, we are under no obligation to assist with repairs with an AS-IS purchase. However, as documented in the customers screen shot of text thread, if the customer would have contacted the dealership regarding the issues with the vehicle immediately upon delivery, we would have been willing to assist in finding a solution. It would have given us the opportunity to explore options for diagnosis and repair. But instead the customer made a unilateral decision to have these issues diagnosed and repaired independently and then expected that we would provide reimbursement regardless of the expense. It is unfortunate that the choice was made without an attempt to work collaboratively toward a solution. 

  Finally, in addressing the transport, we help provide this service as a convenience to our customers, but we do not promise delivery dates since the work is not provided directly by our dealership. In this particular situation, securing a transporter that would pick up one unit traveling 1500 miles on a less commonly traveled route was a difficult task. It simply took us longer than anticipated to find a transporter.

  It is unfortunate that this situation could not have been resolved in a more constructive manner.

   

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