Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/04/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  03/28/2025 Sold me an un-serviced vehicle after lying and say they did do it owner of business drove the vehicle for a week refused to fix the problem and sold me the car anyway I drove 6 hours to pick the vehicle up on 03/28/2025 friday... The vehicle has been in the ***** store where i live now every since I got it home business refused to reach out and solve the problem every time I call I get hung up on or told no manager is there my bill at the ***** store to get my car back is $1000.00 and I dont even know if the issue will be fixed Reading the reviews to this business after the sale I knew a mistake has been made but we need to bring awareness to this issue. ive been in the car business all of my life. Places like this should NOT be able to keep scamming people out of there hard earned money looking for a good car and if an issue does come up with in 30 days of sale they should want to help!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  The owner did drive the vehicle for a week and had no issues with he vehicle. All of our vehicles are sold as is with no dealer warranty. We do offer a 3rd party warranty option for purchase which was offered when the customer purchased. We will not be offering a discount or money back on the purchase. We can not determine what will happen to a vehicle once driven off of our lot, that is why we offer an extended warranty for purchase. We apologize for your issue with the vehicle. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/21/2025

   
  Complaint: 23160093
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  30 minutes into my 6 hour drive back home there was a problem after realizing i immediately called the dealer and the experience went from great to a complete nightmare. So i notified them and for the OWNER to have driven the car for an entire week before sale and not notice a shutter in the transmission is a complete lie. Why was the vehicle sold like that why didnt you just fix the problem? Why is conducting good business a hard thing to do? Since this experience i have contacted multiple people that know this owner (*****) I have heard he is nothing but a *****. For someone thats been in the business for years I didnt think Id ever have a problem with a dealership such as this. That receipt I have attached to this is just ONE of the service bills I have made to the car. The other bill is another $845 dollars. From having the transmission flushed and re programmed from *****. This problem is not resolved and I will continue to fight against this unethical business. This is just my first step !! 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/23/2025

  Again, we apologize for the issue with your car. While at our lot there was not an issue with the vehicle. We sell close to 100 cars a month, used cars have a chance of developing issues just like a brand new car can. you of course will be able to find customers that are not happy when you sell such volume. I think our business speaks for itself with the number of repeat customers and referrals we get from our previous customers.  Unfortunately, there is nothing further to discuss. Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/01/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I bought a car from Cherokee Auto on January 24, on January 28 I contacted them for the check engine light. They attempted to fix it but the same problem always came back every time. They did not try to fix it again, she asked me to bring the car back and do a voluntary repossession. Ive spent my own money over $1000 in this car and is willing to give the car back and just get my down payment money back and also the money from all I have put into this car .

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2025

  We are sorry that the vehicle that you purchased had issues. Unfortunately, all vehicles are sold As Is with no dealer warranty. Extended warranties are offered for an additional purchase. The vehicle became a buy back from the finance company do to the payment not being made. We had to buy the car back, we will not be giving you your down payment back due to the money spent on having to purchase the car back and taxes to the state were already paid and perfected. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2025

   
  Complaint: 23148489
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Zaquavia *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/17/2025

  I responded before in confusion. You purchased your vehicle from Cherokee Auto Sales ****************, **. We are not connected to them. We are located in *******, **. Sorry for the confusion but you will need to find the correct dealership and make your complaint there.  Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/17/2025

   
  Complaint: 23148489
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Thats a lie. Ive spoken to *******,Ga, and they are the same. Ive spoken to the same people, so you are lying about that part. You know that I have spoken to you, I can also provide all the proof of texts and phone calls where Ive spoken to *** who runs the dealership. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Zaquavia *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/03/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I bought a 2014 ***** cruze from them on April 10, 2024. from the initial visit they seemed nice, got me in a car and all. They have me take the car to emissions the next day (when the DEALERSHIP is supposed to do it before a car is sold ESPECIALLY if it's in a clean air county), and have a pick up payment a few weeks later. But here's where the trouble starts.... a week later (April 15, 2024), the cars fan revvs loud, and the check engine light comes on. so I take the car back to get looked at. they say it's the catalytic converter. a few days later they say it's ready. But don't give me ANY documentation of what's wrong with it, and how they fixed it. had asked for a receipt when I got there, then asked via email and asked over the phone when I made the pick up payment. oh and by the way, a pick up payment is legal if it's included in the sales contract AND the first page of the loan declaration. in my case, it WAS NOT, had paid an extra $500 for nothing (auto fraud people ... look it up). they withheld sending in my registration until after i paid the $500 (called the tag office to inquire of my tag in the beginning of May) 31 days after me buying the car. they only paid the title fee, makes me wonder what did they do with the tag fee. i had to go pay that myself. and when i called the dealership to question it... no answer. Cars been in the shop multiple because the issues got worse. and Cherokee Auto Sales DID NOT fix the problems on the car (the mechanics at the shop my car is at now pulled up the Carfax report and there is no evidence of the dealership fixing the issues). And finally the transmission is bad. So it's sitting in my driveway. Had been trying to reach out about getting the down payment back (my mom's and mine) AND the $20 tag fee, and no answer. So yeah, whatever you do... run the other way. do not buy. a car from these people.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2025

  We are very sorry that you are having problems with your vehicle. The title was processed through our ETR system on 5/11/2024 which is within the 45 days that the state of Georgia grants for applying for the title and registration. I personally do the titles and registration, I did accidentally not process it as tag and title, which you were charged by us for the tag. We had just changed over to processing tag and title and not just title only. I had spoke with you back in June and told you that you would just need to come by and get a check for the $25 for my mistake. On 4/10/2024 we did a purge valve on the vehicle, hence on why the emissions had not been completed yet. It had to go through a drive cycle and you said you would take it for emissions the next day. You took it to the emissions company that we have an account with, you did not have to pay for the emissions. Unfortunately, we do not know the future of used or even brand new cars. If the Catalytic converter was an issue when you took it for emissions, the car would not have passed. A week later on 4/17, we replaced a catalytic converter and also an abs sensor. The only refund we are offering you will be for the $25 for processing your title incorrectly. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/06/2025

   
  Complaint: 22765905
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Again the vehicle you sold me SHOULD HAVE NOT been sold to me without you as the dealership taking it to get emissions. Also, the extra $500 you had me pay on May 2, 2024 SHOULD NOT have been made. The only way that pick up payment would be legal is if it was on the bill and sale AND on the first page of the loan declaration. Which it WAS NOT. So please refund the $1000, or further action will be taken place.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2025

  You will be refunded the $25 for the mistake on the tag and title. Thank you. Please have a great day. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/06/2025

   
  Complaint: 22765905
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  First of all, the car should NEVER have been sold to me without YOU the dealer taking it to get emissions done before I ever purchased it. Since how Cherokee County is a clean air county AND *********** where I reside is as well. Also, the extra $500 pick up payment that was made is actually considered auto fraud. According to consumer law, the only way the pick up payment is legal is if it was included on the bill of sale AND the first page of the loan declaration. Where it is not. Actually, there are 2 different bill of sales one showing, and one not, and it also it is NOT on the first page of my loan declaration. Also, it says here that I paid $2500 down when I actually paid $1500. Attached is copies of the bill of sale, the loan declaration, and a few things about the dealer responsibility when it comes to emissions. So, with that, please refund the $1000 that I put out, the $500 my mother put out (to help me get the car off the lot) and the $20 tag fee. Or I will be seeking further legal action. Thank you.
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/03/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I financed a car through CAS on Nov 24 2024. I was approved for financing, provided insurance for the vehicle and paid a $1000 down payment. We signed all the necessary documents including a bill of sale, retail installment agreement, a pick-up notice and an Arbitration Agreement. I was issued a temporary tag and was told my first payment would be on Dec 24th and I left the store. I did not hear from them again until Dec 2nd when they told me that if I did not come in and sign the form "with the car" that they would use "other resources to get the car". I was totally blindsided by this, I asked if I was going to lose the car? I asked what paperwork did they forget to have me sign? I asked if I was in trouble? They would not answer ANY of my questions and just kept asking me exactly when I was going to be there. They told me that both the finance Manager and the Owner were expecting me to be there. The sales girl told me that she needed my help to fix an error that she made and that the managers made a mistake too. I was at the hospital with my daughter and told them I would not be able to make it in but would come in tomorrow to sign whatever. The girl then told me she tried to resolve this peacefully and it was out of her hands and she would no longer be speaking to me. At this point I have no clue what has happened, what the error was or why I could possibly lose the car over it...At 11:15pm on Dec 2nd my car was repossessed. There was no notice, no late payments, no one answered my questions, I had no clue what was going on. Today, Dec 3rd, after renting a car to get to work, I called CAS and *** the finance Manager answered, I gave her my name and she at first acted like she knew nothing about a repossession then she said my car was taken back because I failed to disclose an arrest to her and that was considered lying on an application so they took the car. There is no possibility to redeem the car and I would not get my $1000 down payment back.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/03/2025

  The paperwork that was to be signed was the reassignment paperwork in which she was informed about from the day she purchased the vehicle. We fought with her for weeks with her refusing to sign the reassignments along with not bringing the car back. She hid the vehicle so we finally were able to get the vehicle back by repoing it. We will not be giving a refund and would like to counter for our repossession fees for the vehicle. Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/02/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a used 2018 **** Escape from Cherokee Auto Sales on 9/9/2024. The total cost of the vehicle was $10,285.04. The car was presented with no issues and that the previous owner was a rental car agency. After driving the car for about 100 miles the engine wouldn't start and a message on the screen displayed "Engine Failure". The next day I tried starting the car and it started. The engine light was on and so I took it to a **** dealership in ****************** on 9/26/2024. I called the dealership for an update on 10/1/2024 and the agent informed me that the engine needed to be replaced due to the coolant leaking in the cylinders. I contacted Cherokee Auto Sales on 10/1/2024 and 10/2/2024 regarding this issue, however, I have not heard back from them yet.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2024

  All vehicles sold at Cherokee Auto Sales. The vehicle as far as we knew did not have issues when we sold it. It had current emissions and no engine light. You can bring the vehicle in to us for us to check it out and give you a price for an engine. We spoke to your wife who purchased the vehicle and she didn't seem to know what you are talking about. We also gave you a call today and left a message. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 22368978
  
  First, my wife doesn't know how to explain what the issue is with the car.  Not that she didn't know what you were talking about. 

  Second, I see a lot of complaints about engine lights coming on after "passing" emissions with cars from your lot.  I would like to know who your emissions testing partner is so I can inquire about his ethical practices.  I should have done more research on Cherokee Auto Sales.  Your online presence says it all.

  Third, I don't trust Cherokee Auto Sales to fix anything and no doubt I would be scammed out of even more money if I paid you to try and replace the engine.  Besides the car doesn't run anymore so there is no way to get it there.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/31/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I FINANCED A 2013 ACURA TSX FROM CHEROKEE AUTO ON 10/21/2023. I DROVE THE *** FROM ******** TO *********, AND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS ALMOST FLAT DUE TO THE **** THAT ******** AUTO SALES HAD PUT A PLUG INTO THE SIDE WALL OF THE ***** NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER (LESS THAN 200 MILES) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE *** HAD ITS CATALLITIC CONVERTERS REMOVED AND COULD NOT PASS EMISSIONS. THE SECOND IT TURNED COLD THERE WAS A TERRIBLE RATTLE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS CRUNK AND THAT NOISE WAS THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/01/2024

  Unfortunately, we are not sure what ******** Auto Sales is, but we do not plug tires if you are actually referring to Cherokee Auto Sales. The vehicle you purchased passed emissions on August 10, 2023. If there were not any Catalytic Converters IT WOULD NOT HAVE PASSED EMISSIONS!! We did not remove any parts off of your vehicle. Thank you but we will not be able to refund any money. Enjoy your day. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/01/2024

   
  Complaint: 21075400
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/12/2024

  The vehicle did not have the catalytic convertors removed. It had emissions done and passed a couple of weeks before you purchased the vehicle and passed. Also, speaking to the bank that you returned your vehicle to we were told that there is not anything wrong with the vehicle. It is just waiting for legal to be resold, again with no issues. Thanks have a great day.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 21075400
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Cherokee auto obviously lies and not just to me they are crooks, that car never passed emissions it's impossible they lie constantly. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/28/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My son, *************************, bought his first car from this dealer in September of this year. He is 19 years old and had worked a full year to save up for his down payment of $2,000. When it came time for him to get his emissions test, it failed because the engine light was on. He took the car back to the dealer and it has been there for over 3 weeks. We have been calling repeatedly. We have been hung up on, left on hold, just horrible customer service. I have spoken with the manager *** several times and was told they were down to only one mechanic. My son has had to take Uber to work which is so expensive that he has missed many days and will lose his job if he misses any more. He is charged $70 for just one way! He also has to keep up the car note and insurance. Today *** tells me that there is a wiring issue and they don't know how long it will take them to repair it. At this point, we are at a loss for what to do as my son cannot afford to keep taking Uber to and from work. We need help ASAP.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/26/2024

  We provided work on the mustang in question. The part that we had to replace was on backorder so we had to wait for the part to fix it. We kept the customer updated on the progress and had the vehicle finished as soon as we possibly could. The customer has had the vehicle back for several months. Thank you.
  *********************************************** Manager
  Cherokee Auto Sales
  6508 HWY 92
  *******, ** 30102
  ************
  ******************************************
  www.cherokeeauto.com
     
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/16/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 11/02/23 I purchased a 2013 *************. Thirty miles from the dealership. It began running rough and the check engine light came on. The dealership kept the vehicle for two days for repairs but when I got it back the problem returned after a few days. It is an existing emissions issue and was an illegal sale in the Metro Atlanta area. I have attempted to have them repair the vehicle properly, even offered to share the cost but have not received a response. Repairs estimates from a local mechanic are $500 to $1500 based on the extent of the damage found. Sales such as this indicate a willingness to patch up a vehicle in order to complete the sale. Failure to make good on issues that clearly existed prior to the sale indicate management endorse the practice. As Is does not apply to intentional fraud and emissions issues. Vehicles maintain a history of engine codes and can be used to prove when an issue occurred and if it existed prior to a sale based on the mileage a vehicle had at the time of the sale.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/04/2023

  The Jeep you purchased had emissions completed on 8/23/23. The vehicle went through inspection and passed emissions. All of our vehicles are sold as is. It is not to cover anything. They are used vehicles and unfortunately anything can happen. This is why we offer 3rd party warranties. We are sorry that you are unsatisfied. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 20883015
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
    Obviously with the check engine light coming on about thirty miles from the dealership, there was an existing emissions issue.  Obviously now, this repair will fall on me as soon as I can afford it. However if the scan of the vehicles computer establishes that the issue did in fact exist prior to the sale, I will seek reimbursement through legal channels. Emissions tests can be altered to get a desired result and emissions issues do not fall under an as is stipulation. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/13/2023

  You can not trick an emissions test. We use an outside company for emissions. It has nothing to do with our company. Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/01/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  1 month ago we bought a vehicle from CAS and purchased the warranty and when we finally had a chance to take it in the dealership need more info we tried calling emailing no response from email and on the phone they answer they put us on hold and hang up I just want to get this car fixed under this warranty I paid for. Its seems like after they get your money they cut you off and try to avoid communication

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/02/2023

  If you purchased a third party warranty through us then it would be through a company Endurance. We are short handed at the moment with some new employees who are training. If you were put on hold and forgot about, I apologize. Please contact us again, after 12 when we have a ****** staff available. Sorry for your inconvenience. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/06/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had an extremely disappointing experience with Cherokee car dealership. They fraudulently sold me a car with a severe accident history and approved my loan without disclosing this crucial information. Days later, they asked me to return the car because the bank refused to finance a vehicle with such a history.Not only did they fail to reimburse me for the expenses and fixes I had already paid for the car, but they also unhelpfully directed me to pursue the issue with the auction company they purchased the car from. This lack of accountability is unacceptable.The staff, particularly the manager ***, were exceptionally rude and seemed more interested in meeting their quotas than ensuring customer satisfaction. ****************** is a place where dishonesty prevails, and they operate as if they are out to scam customers. I strongly advise against purchasing a car from them.Please be cautious and avoid Cherokee Auto Sales at all costs to save yourself from the frustrating and unpleasant experience I endured.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/14/2023

  Unfortunately, the total loss was not disclosed to our company when we purchased the vehicle from auction. We were informed by the bank that they were showing an insurance loss on the vehicle, we did our research and found that the information was correct and that we needed to get the vehicle back from you. We apologize but we unfortunately can not disclose something to you that was not announced to us. We arbitrated the car and it was returned to the auction. There is nothing further that we could do. We gave you the option to move the down payment to a different vehicle and you chose not to. We are sorry that you are not happy but we did all that we could do. Thank you.