ComplaintsforApproved Auto of America

• Initial Complaint

  06/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  So I purchased the car February 27th at Approved Auto of America, and I test drove it everything was fine nothing seemed weird to me at the time. I had a second opinion which was my mom and she also test drove it herself, and she mentioned to the car salesman that the engine was smoking and they said that it was from the “wax” they put on it to clean it and I’m like ok and so I go to work the next morning and in the evening around 5 or 6 on the 28th of February I get stuck at the light, in the middle of traffic wit my baby in the car as well my battery light and engine oil light come on at the same time so I got my mom to come out and give me a jump, it didn’t work so I had to call roadside to get my car out the middle and I took it to them to get fixed it took them about 3 weeks cause they said it was the motor and I got it back mid March or close to the end of March and I had it all the way till May 9th and the same two lights came on before and it stopped in the middle of the expressway and I had a tow truck come and get it and they told me to take it to Kia to get fixed and now there saying my engine locked up but they’re gonna fix it with no charge, and my account manager that handles my Car Note kept bashing me about a payment even though my car is still in the shop and I’m like I’m not going to pay you if my car is in the shop and she has been basically ambushing me about repoing my car if I don’t make a payment to her with in a certain time and I felt like that wasn’t right and I feel like they should have did the right protocol in the first place as far as making sure the car was in great condition before putting it out for someone to buy it and I gave them $2500 for that car and when I first got it was told that I couldn’t get a refund, or get put into another car if something happened to the car within 24 hours. I just feel like anything they done wit me hasn’t been right nor fair.

  

  Business response

  07/08/2024

  As we stated in the first response, this customer should file a complaint against the Kia Dealership. We have no affiliation or control over how quickly they complete a recall repair. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car from approved auto not even two weeks I notice car was shaking when tryna pick up speed.So I took the car to menieke to get it inspected received two pages of things wrong I called approved they gave me a number and address to drop car off to because I purchased a warranty when I got the car long story short my car sat at that place for almost a week nothing got done so approved pick the car up they had they repair man look at it still no call to me on what’s going on with the car now I called just this Saturday to see if anything on the car they say the car is at another dealer getting looked at. I traded my car in and paid 500 hundred down didn’t even have the car two full weeks car been gone now for almost three weeks and still not repaired and they want payments that I can’t afford for having to get rides having to pay people to get back and fourth to work.

  

  Business response

  04/01/2024

  It looks like your vehicle is being fixed under warranty.  Many repair shops are backed up an unfortunately it can take some time to get them completed.  Please be advised that we have no affiliation with these outside shops, and no control over how quickly they complete a repair.

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I financed a 2011 ***** ***** on 2/29/2024 from Approved Auto, but immediately faced issues with acceleration and discovered discrepancies in mileage. *he car also showed signs of odometer *ampering and had numerous mechanical problems when *est driving *he car it showed no check engine light. Despite attempts *o address *he issues, including visits *o ********** and ******** **** ****, *he car remains unusable. I recorded conversations with *he finance company, revealing promises for a motor replacement dexters has *old me *hey shipped *he car with *hem with no explanation and haven’t heard anything from approved auto. I’m very dissatisfied with *he unprofessional behavior of staff, including early morning calls at 4am and inappropriate language. Both *he dealership and *he finance company seem unable or unwilling *o assist in resolving *he situation *hey keep *elling me *hings like “I’ve never heard of *hem doing *hat”, leaving me without a functioning vehicle and vehicle being in *heir possession despite financing it. I would like *o explain more but isn’t enough characters available *o explain.

  

  Business response

  03/14/2024

  We are sorry you had an issue with your car, but we feel *his complaint is unwarranted.  Our staff informed you right away *hat we would be fixing your vehicle for free, despite being purchased AS-IS.   Since *he car is being repaired free of charge, we respectfully ask *hat *his complaint be redacted. 

  Customer response

  03/19/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting *his response because:
  I am still without vehicle, finance lady *hat name starts with a * will not *ell me where *he vehicle is being sent. It’s about *o go on week 4 without *he vehicle in my possession since paid. *his is not *he experience I was expecting out of Approved Auto. I feel as if I was *aken advantage of by *he sales person. I just want *his problem solved I brought a paper stating *he issues and it just needed a few *hings swapped out. It seems as if you can’t find anyone *o do *he motor or do not want *o provide me with information which is weird. I just want my vehicle up and running and *his is *aking long as expected I haven’t even had *he car for one day since I financed. 
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

  

  Business response

  03/19/2024

  This car is being fixed for free.  Unfortunately we can't control how quickly *he outside shop completes *he repairs.  All we can do is pay for *hem.  You purchased *his vehicle as is, and we do not have *o fix it for you.  However we are *rying *o help you, please stop filing complaints and wait for *he vehicle *o he repaired 

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car from approved Auto September of 2023 I put 2000 down and I owed over 15,000 dollars to pay it off . My salesman gave me fake insurance to get the car. The car had issues in the first week and I made a complaint to them. I tried to find an issue and got it fixed. The problem continued. They deferred my payment for 6 weeks as I was paying 300 weekly. Thanksgiving day it did not turn over nor could any shops find the issue. I let approved auto know and they said they would not defer it again or be able to find the problem. I let them know I did not want the vehicle anymore due to not being able to transport to make money or make enough to fix and continue to pay. I gave them the car back but they’re saying that I will have to pay the 15k back. When they have the car and resold it. The cars they are selling are lemons. My father also bought a car 2 days after me from there he also had the same exact issue. His car ended up going out a month after mine. His car had extreme water damage in the interior. I am not the only person being scammed by approved auto. Please look into this company and shut them down. I don’t feel charges or fees should be paid on my end when I returned the car. The car was at the place of business and resold to do the same thing to the next person. Please look into them many people are being scammed for thousands. Making my bad credit worse than it is. They say all cars have warranty and then none do when you buy the car.

  

  Business response

  03/11/2024

  We are sorry to hear of your experience.  However there is a lot of blatantly false information within your complaint.  We do not sell insurance.   You provided us with proof of insurance (attached) at the time of sales, as is your responsibility to do so.  We have never advertised that every vehicle comes with a warranty.  We have warranties available for purchase, but you declined in the waiver of extended service contract (attached).  Also attached is the statement of understanding that you signed, explaining how used cars can and will require maintenance.  And that any repairs would be your responsibility.  Despite that, the finance company granted you payment deferments as you stated in lieu of a warranty.  You signed the additional documents attached, detailing that there are no refunds, and that you you thoroughly inspected and drove this vehicle.   You signed this form stating you were satisfied with your purchase, and will not in any circumstances expect Approved Auto to repair or maintain your vehicle.

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased the car in November 2023 and it has been having problems ever since I got it. The car shakes when driving it, the engine light came on and was blinking, the heat doesn’t work, I can’t open the drivers door from the inside, I have had to replace 6 spark plugs and 2 coils and now I have to pit a starter on. This is just The beginning of March 2024.

  

  Business response

  03/15/2024

  ** ***** purchased an AS-IS vehicle, and declined a service agreement. She has a copy of all her paperwork explaining in detail that she is responsible for any potential repairs.   We also have the paperwork she signed on file at the dealership if she would like to stop by our location.  Despite her purchasing this vehicle as-is, we paid over $1200 in free repairs, and granted her a payment deferment.  We feel this is above and beyond the requirements on our part. 

  Customer response

  03/25/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  They deferred 2 payments, which I greatly appreciated however there was not $1200 in free repairs. I paid for all the repairs. That is the only reason I reject the response. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

  

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  See attached documents. Customer signed six different forms detailing that they will be responsible for any and all repairs.  Further, they declined a service agreement and stated they were fully satisfied with their purchase, also attached. We consider this matter closed.

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I leased a car through this company. A drunk driver totaled my car out, I contacted the car lot and they started giving me the run around. Finally, I was able to speak with a customer service representative and they told me an insurance adjuster said the car couldn’t be fixed. They never let me speak to anyone or told me that they would be charging the car off instead saying the insurance company paid it off.

  

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  Apologies but the nature of this complaint doesn't make any sense. First, we don't lease vehicles.   Second, if you're car was wrecked, that would be between you and the insurance company. We sell vehicles, but would have nothing to do with your wreck. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  January 10 we went to approved Auto of America. We test drove a 2006 jeep liberty had the engine check light scanned and it said that the fuel pump was bad. They proceeded to tell me that it was OK and that it was good to go and now, it is bad the heater core is bad in it. The front suspension is bad in it. I’ve had to buy a new tire we have paid almost $1500 into this vehicle and they will not fix nothing on it they knew of the ongoing problems

  

  Business response

  01/29/2024

  We are sorry you had repairs on your vehicle.  We do everything we can to avoid that when we prepare our cars for sale. However, required maintenance is always a possibility on used cars, and was explained in the paperwork you signed (attached).  You had a chance to get a service agreement on your car, but declined. You signed a "we-owe" stating there is nothing promised on the vehicle.  The statement of understanding you signed, describes in detail that your vehicle could need repairs at any time, and that you are responsible for those repairs. Also attached is the no refunds or exchanges form you signed as part of your paperwork.   Please contact your account manager to review your options regarding payments while you complete repairs.

• Initial Complaint

  01/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This place is a scam honestly, The first day I got my car.. the check engine light came one. I went to one of the employees and he said “ take it to a mechanic “. We did. They don’t even offer repairs or anything and expect you to pay them. Are these people even human? My car has so many lights on and I almost lost my life driving on the highway on my way to work! The car just stopped driving in the middle of the road! And they told me there’s nothing they can do about it! I have bills to pay! How am I suppose to pay my bills if the transportation isn’t even working and they want me to pay my payments? This place doesn’t even help with you anything! And want you to suffer! I wish I would’ve listen to my wife when she told me to not go there and go somewhere else! Idk how they’re still in business! They’re totally scam and everyone is complaining about them. Please read the reviews before purchasing anything from here. I told them to come get their car. I’m done. I’ll be warning others and letting them know to read the Reviews before purchasing from this place. They’re mean rude people! My car doesn’t even turn on and they keep calling my phone every week for payments. When you call them and let them know about the problems you’re having, they’ll literally became so rude and mean to you. All they care about is money and this place needs to be shut down!

  

  Business response

  01/02/2024

  We are sorry you had issues with your vehicle. However, you purchased this car over a year ago.   As outlined on the paperwork when you bought the car, repairs can happy at any time with used vehicles.   And that you are responsible for any repairs.   Please contact your account manager for options on payment deferment while you are getting the car repaired. 

• Initial Complaint

  07/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  There is a referral program in place for this business. I referred someone to purchase a vehicle for an award amount of $200. My accountant told me that I could credit this amount to my loan that I am currently making payments on this payment has still not been applied after three weeks account manager is being very janky now asking me again who I referred after telling me I was in the system two weeks ago . Ultimately I am owed $200 on my vehicle payment that still has not been applied after three weeks of waiting on referral payment.

  

  Business response

  07/14/2023

  This account was credited the $200 on 7/13.  Confirmation was mailed to *** ***** address, because the last time she was at the business she verbally abused our employees and damaged company property.

  Customer response

  07/17/2023

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have never damaged property. I didn’t receive the $200! That has nothing to do with referral bonus that was false advertisement saying you’d receive payment same day or following week. I had to jump through hoops to receive my payment finally.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

• Initial Complaint

  04/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Since I've bought the car I've had nothing but issues and they refuse to do anything for me .

  

  Business response

  04/04/2023

  This customer has only brought one minor issue to our attention in the 10 months she has owned her vehicle. She was given a deferment on her payment for a $400 repair she paid for.  We have not heard anything else from her.  If she has additional issues, she should call ************ and ask for the manager.  The manager at that time can address her concerns. 

*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. ↩