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:06/26/2023

  Type:Billing 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 2001 Dodge Dakota for $4500 from this business in March of 2023. I was assured that this vehicle was in top shape and the business owner had been using this vehicle for over a year for personal use. Before agreeing to purchase I requested that the heat and A/C be fixed which he agreed to to. He stated the A/C was fixed (I have text messages to prove) but it was never fixed. There were also issue with odometer which I only found out after trying to trade-in and was only offered $500 due to A/C not working, exhaust issue and TMU (true mileage Unknown). When I contacted the business owner on June 26th, 2023 and tried to work out a resolution he was extremely rude and called me a liar and yelled at me like a maniac. He is completely unprofessional and should not be allowed to sell cars or even run a business as far as I am concerned. He is a con man that lied to me about the condition of the vehicle throughout the process.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/10/2023

  BBB Serving Greater Kansas City
  **** ** **** ******
  Kansas City, MO 64112
  
  Subject: Disputing Customer Complaint – Case ID: ********
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  I am writing in response to a customer complaint made by ***** ****** filed against our company, South KC Auto LLC. We value our customers and take their concerns seriously, which is why we are committed to addressing this matter promptly and providing a fair resolution.
  First and foremost, we apologize for any inconvenience or dissatisfaction that the customer has experienced. We strive to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, and it is disappointing to learn that we did not meet their expectations on this occasion.
  Originally ***** ****** was very satisfied with his purchase. Prior to purchasing the vehicle ***** thoroughly checked out the vehicle multiple times over a week’s span. Any issues that he asked to be repaired were made prior to any money being exchanged.
  Upon receiving the complaint notification, we thoroughly investigated the issue and have gathered pertinent details to address the customer's concerns effectively. Previously ***** had an issue with the fan control speed, the heat and a/c only worked on “high the” setting. I installed a new blower resistor, which is the piece that controls the speed. Freon was added to the vehicle, and it worked just fine on all settings (i.e Low-high). ***** took a road trip moving his son from Denver to New York. Upon return he came by the shop to tell me what an excellent vehicle it was and how happy he was with his purchase. He showed me quotes that he received from other shops for various repairs and upgrades he wanted to add to the 2001 vehicle. I informed him that I could purchase parts at discounted rates and give him an affordable rate labor. I made all the upgrades that he wanted and he was more than happy with my service.
  We firmly believe that our company has acted in accordance with the highest industry standards and has made every effort to address the customer's concerns. The vehicle was purchased AS-IS and we still try to make sure that we provide service within reason. ***** enjoyed this vehicle for over 3 months and took a cross country trip, any issues that he has with his purchase is not any result of services that we provided. The customer service provided demonstrates that we have fulfilled our obligations and commitments as per our established policies. 
  In light of the information provided, we kindly request that the Better Business Bureau re-evaluates the complaint and considers closing the case. We are confident that our actions and efforts have been both fair and appropriate, and we believe this dispute has been resolved in an amicable and satisfactory manner.
  Furthermore, we would like to assure you that we take all customer feedback seriously. We continuously use feedback to improve our products, services, and customer experience. The insights gained from this specific case will be used to strengthen our procedures and ensure a more effective service moving forward.
  Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that the Better Business Bureau will impartially assess our response and consider the evidence presented. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if there are any additional details required or if you need further clarification.
  We appreciate your assistance in resolving this dispute and restoring our company's reputation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ****** ***** ********
  South KC Auto LLC
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/12/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Assumed Answered]
  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  I was not satisfied with the vehicle from when I purchased it.  I took the vehicle in to see about getting tires replaced and then found out there were multiple issues reported with the front-end steering components such as tie rods and other components.  The business installed the components even though they stated some of them were not required.  I had asked for an estimate prior to any work being done which he never did but instead told me how much the total would be after the work was completed.  I do not know why he completed work which he stated didn't need to be completed.  If he had told me this information in advance then I would have told him NOT to do unnecessary work.  He went ahead and did it anyway, leaving me in a position of feeling like I should pay him for the work even though he deemed it unnecessary.  I made complaints about the vehicle condition from the beginning.  I didn't really get a chance to use the A/C (which was supposed to be fixed) until recently and noticed it wasn't working, and informed him as such.  He stated he did not agree to even fix the A/C although I had it in a text message and then he started yelling at me and calling me a liar.  When I tried to trade the vehicle in I found out there were issues with the odometer and it has most likely been rolled back, which makes it very difficult to sell.  I do NOT believe the seller was honest or in any way forthright with information, and felt he tried to hide the condition of the vehicle.  Additionally, when I asked him to help resolve the issues I had he was extremely rude.  I have never been yelled at or treated like this from a business owner in the past.  This individual is not honest and should not be allowed to sell cars.  I also told him I was willing to accept my money back as a resolution ($4500) even though I spent an additional $2,500 on it for tires, steering issues and also adding a hitch.  He never responded to this offer.
   Regards
  
  ***** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/18/2022

  Type:Product 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 vehicle from ******* at South KC Auto LLC for $4,000 in full, cash on 04/02/22. I haven't even had the car for a month and a half, began hearing loud noises near the rear end of the vehicle. As of last Friday, May 13th I discovered that the frame and underbody of the vehicle are very rusted away. He had an inspection for the vehicle which passed even with the rusty underbody of the vehicle. I took the car to another shop where they told me the rust had been painted over black. It should have never been sold to anyone knowing that it is that rusted and is not safe for anybody to drive/it cannot be driven on a cracked/rotting frame. I'm looking for a refund of vehicle, putting my family's lives in danger by driving a vehicle with a broken frame and do not have the money to buy another vehicle.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/01/2022

  We have received notification from the Better Business Bureau concerning ***** *** who purchased a vehicle on 4/2/2022. First and foremost, we apologize for any inconvenience in this matter.
  First, Mr. & Mrs. *** did not pay $4,000 in cash, the price of the vehicle was $2,900 and that is the amount I received. Prior to purchasing the 2006 Ford Escape, Mr. *** thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and was very satisfied but asked to bring his personal mechanic to thoroughly check out the vehicle. Mr. & Mrs. *** along with their mechanic approved the quality and sustainability of the vehicle, and they made the purchase based on their findings. In addition, we are a cash lot, and all vehicles are sold AS-IS without warranty. All of requirements under the vehicle Missouri vehicle safety inspection was completed prior to purchase. The vehicle was in drivable condition as their mechanic clearly stated when they purchased the vehicle.
  Mrs. *** contacted me a month and half later and she was heard a loud noise and took the vehicle to a mechanic. I explained to her although she purchased a cash, as-is vehicle without warranty, but I was more than willing to look at the car and evaluate what may or may not be wrong with the vehicle. Mrs. *** became very argumentative and combative. She was yelling and rude beyond measure. After cursing and threating my business she then hung up on me. I didn't hear anything from her or her husband until I received this notice from the Better Business Bureau.
  Here at South KC Auto, we sell quality used vehicles and conduct the necessary steps to ensure that each vehicle sold is compliant up and beyond Missouri Vehicle Inspection standards. The frame was not broken or rotted when she purchased the 2006 Ford Escape. Every precaution is made to ensure that a safe driving vehicle is sold with every sell. Please feel free to contact me @ ************.