ComplaintsforGrow Automotive LLC

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On May 31, 2023, I purchased a 2007 ******** E350 for $11,700 from *************************** at Grow Automotive, in September 2023 the car would not run, since then I have paid over $2000 to have the vehicle diagnosed or repaired and today the vehicle still is not working properly. I reached out to *************************** by phone and numerous emails about fixing the car or trading it in and he agreed to allow me to trade it in and then when I attempted to finalized the ****************** backed out. I am paying a car note for a vehicle that I have only drive for 3 months, which has been very hard on me and my family. Grow Automotive needs to sell vehicles that run more than 90days and *************************** needs to honor the deals that he makes with customers. I would appreciate it if Grow would pay to have the ******** fixed or allow me to trade it in and give me credit for the money, I have spent trying to get the ******** fixed.

  Business response

  07/29/2024

  ****** didnt tell us there was an issue with the car until 10 months later. We never said he couldnt trade the car in. ******* expectations were very unrealistic and it seems this complaint is based on that. Nothing changed with the offer at anytime. We are still willing to work with him 

  Customer response

  07/31/2024

  Complaint: 22040828
  
  I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because: I reached out to you after I attempted to get the car fixed and then I was instructed by my auto insurance company as well as the loan company for ****'s auto assistance and it was before 10 months.   On May 1, 2024, *************************** told me I could not trade the vehicle in, and Grow Auto could not help me, please the attached email between **** and I with his response highlighted. I am sure that I can pull other email communication between **** and I if needed, since purchasing the vehicle from Grow Automotive I have put over $2000 into getting the car fixed and it still is not operating in fact it is at a second automotive repair shop being diagnosed. I'm not sure my expectations from Grow Automotive are unrealistic, I expected to purchase a used vehicle and it to operate more than 4 months after purchasing it. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business response

  07/31/2024

  the car came with a 3 month, 3000 mile service policy. The customers admits he had an issue after 4 months. The next contact we had with ****** after purchase was 3/19/24 in which he submitted an online credit application. We did everything we could to get ****** into another car. Due to privacy laws I can not discuss any further details. 

  Customer response

  08/04/2024

  Complaint: 22040828
  
  I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because: I believe Grow Automotive should have sold me a car that ran longer that 4 months, however because the warranty had expired, I've attempted to pay to have the car fix and I just found out that the car needs a transmission and a control modular of which both are very costly in addition to the money I've already put into the car's repair.  Because the warranty had expired, I did try to get the car fixed without contacting Grow Automotive until my loan company and my auto insurance asked me to reach out to Grow Automotive in good faith of which I did.  I called Jack in January 2024, and I can pull phone records, if necessary, **** and I made an agreement for me to trade the car in as the attached email shows and then on May 1, 2024, Grow Automotive back out which is very unprofessional and unethical.   I am not asking for a handout or trying to get something for free, if **** told me he would allow me to trade the car in I believe he should honor that agreement.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On April 18, 2024, I purchased a 2010 ***** CRV truck at Grow Automotive, located at *****************************************************, the documents are attached below. I Received safety and emmissions inspection paperwork and was told that the title would be mailed out to me. While driving the car home, the check engine light came on, so I stopped by my local Auto Zone, the diagnostic report said it was the catalytic converter. When I informed the car lot of the issue, they said they had given me the passed inspection report with the vehicle and the catalytic converter is not covered on the warranty. I was advised to call and talk to the owner, however, he was out of the office. I went to the office and talked to the owner in the presence of his staff and customers, he said even though it wasn't covered, he would fix it since I had just bought the car. He advised me to take it to his mechanic, **** at ****************, since that's where the vehicle had been inspected, to have him confirm if it was the catalytic converter and he woud have it replaced. When I picked my vehicle back up from ****************, he said it needed a new catalytic converter. ****, as well as, myself spoke with the owner ***** (****) ********* on multiple occasions. He lied and said, he never said he would fix it. I paid a $2,500 deposit and I have made five payments of $107.95, the car is undriveable, I have not received the title within the legally agreed upon time limit and I have not been able to legally register the car, therefore, I am no longer financially bound by the purchase agreement.I have been embarrassed, suffered emotionally and financially, and I still have no car to drive. I would like my money refunded to me and any additional financial compensation I am legally privy to.Thank You,****

  Business response

  07/19/2024

  The vehicle ****************** Purchased underwent and passed a Missouri emission inspection on 4/2/24 and is valid for 120 days from that date (she attached the file with her complaint). If there was an issue with this at the time of emissions inspection it would not have passed. When she reported that the check engine light came on for the catalytic converter we informed her that emissions equipment is not covered under the comprehensive service policy that comes with the vehicle at time of purchase. This coverage is for drivability issues and ultimately is the most important thing when making sure a vehicle works well for our customers. Emissions equipment does not effect drivability of the vehicle. We had AM ***** look at the vehicle to see if there was anything that would be covered under the service policy as she had other complaints. The shop found no other issues and we never told her that we would replace the catalytic convert. We are unaware of any issue that would keep ***************** from driving the vehicle. 

  We told ***************** as we tell all of our customers in the metro area WE DO NOT MAIL TITLES. Customers must come in to the office to sign off receipt of title in person. She signed a notice of delayed title (she attached with her complaint) at time of purchase on 4/18/24 and we informed her that her vehicle title has been available for pick up since 4/22/24 in multiple communications. There is nothing we have done to hinder this vehicle from being driven or registered. All of our contractual obligations have been met. we would be happy to try to help her get the converter replaced a reduced price if she would like to reach out to us.

  Customer response

  07/24/2024

  Complaint: 21880583
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I was not notified that the title was at the office until Monday, June 17th, when I spoke with the owner about the car and inquired about title  I visited the office multiple times and made weekly payments in person between April and June. I was never informed that the title was at the office between those dates.

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

  Business response

  07/25/2024

  ***************** came to the dealership on several occasions after purchase. The title was available on every visit after her date of purchase. She was made aware that the title was available for pick up the Monday after her purchase. We still have the title available. She has never requested it nor have we withheld it. ****************** does not answer our calls or emails. she only calls or emails us. She may bring the vehicle by the dealership to see what else we can do for her.

• Initial Complaint

  08/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  08/11/2023 I went to Grow Automotive and test drove a 2002 Buick Regal. I asked what the price was. He wrote down on a piece of paper $6995 and with their paper work fees it came out to be $7300.00 and then on 08/18/2023 at 2pm I went back to purchase the vehicle at that price and I was informed that that was not the price. They thought that I was lying about the price. They pulled the paper work that showed the price of $6995 and the owner said that he could not honor that price. So, I called the BBB and I spoke to a lady and she told me to get the paper that showed the original price. I returned to the business and asked for a copy of the original price and I was told to leave the business. I left the business and called the BBB to file a compliant. There were three people present who witnessed the original price of the vehicle. I would like to purchase the vehicle for the original price that they gave me.

  Business response

  08/19/2023

  ** ***** has been into our establishment on many occasions to look at vehicles. On every occasion has made us a low offer on the vehicle he was looking at. Every time, my staff has stated that our cars are priced at a no hassle market price. 

  He came into look at the Buick he is speaking of before it was ready for sale or priced to market. My staff member priced it to him as is with no warranty when it was still being prepared for sale at $6995. If he wanted to buy it for that price he should have done it that day. ** *****, came back after the car was ready for sale fully serviced, detailed and with a warranty, online clearly priced at $8520. Our prices change sometimes on a daily basis depending on the fluctuation in the market. ** ***** acted irrationally, made a scene, and mentioned something about broken windows. Because of this action we ask that he will not return to our dealership. We refuse to sell him this car or any car at any price.

  Customer response

  08/24/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: No one told me any of this. They are lying.  I did not act irrationally.  I simply requested paperwork and they refused. They did not do anything but move the car to a different location and raised the price by 1600 dollars.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  12/29/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car from Grow Automotive but they didn't tell me it had a blown head gasket and a short in the blinker system. Now the car is overheating and all I can do is to keep putting antifreeze in it to keep it running. With a partially blown head gasket I took it to my mechanic on Tuesday and they found the head gasket to be partially blown, I had to replace the thermostat and that cost me almost $400 and to replace the head gasket is going to cost me almost as much as it costs to buy and engine and I don't have that kind of money. The guy I spoke with would not even speak with me to come to any type resolution.

  Business response

  12/29/2022

  This vehicle was an AS/IS trade in from our trade pen with body damage and doors that didn't open. That was made very clear to Mr **** at time of sale and he signed several forms stating as such. A 3rd party shop did the state inspections and emissions test so his issue may be with them in regards to the turn signals. Although we were unaware of these issues, We made no promises to the quality of the vehicle or that it wouldn't need repairs, we even state the issues with the vehicle we knew of on our website description. It is unfortunate that the car needs a motor but Mr ***** expectations for a $1675 car may be unrealistic. To get a reliable car these days you must spend much more than that. That being said we did not mislead our falsely promise anything in this transaction. In a show of good faith, We would be happy to take the vehicle on trade and offer Mr. **** one of our frontline vehicles that are fully serviced that come with a warranty at a small discount. Our cars are market priced and we do not discount them so this is a very special offer good for the next 14 days only. We would be happy to offer any supporting supporting documents at your request

• Initial Complaint

  11/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was going to buy a $57,000 2023 Dodge Promaster 3500 from them. When I went into the dealership they said they would be getting a van in shortly. They sent me a bill of sale and I told them I wanted the van and they agreed to me about the purchase. Two weeks ago they told me the van was coming in that week. I proceeded to contact ******* ****** ***** for loan and got insurance on the car. This dealership confirmed all of this with the bank and insurance companies. I didn't hear anything for a couple days so I called about it and they said they didn't know what was going on. They told me they are waiting for the other dealership that had the vehicle update them. I still did not hear anything so I reached out to that dealership directly. I got a call today from them backing off on the deal because they said they are claiming I compromised their business by contacting the other dealership. How can they cancel a deal when we agreed to it and I have a bill of sale?

  Business response

  12/12/2022

  We had a brand new van that we had ordered in back in December '21 coming in. We told Mr. ***** that it would be in shortly but we really don't know when. He began to call us nearly everyday. We could only give him the information we were told from the the Ram dealer we were purchasing it from. We never took a deposit, and told him that we would call him when it came in. A few weeks back the dealer called us to say the van should be in within a week. As usual, Mr ***** called asking if the "imaginary van was in yet" insinuating that we had lied about the vehicle. Although I was apprehensive about doing so, I told him what the dealer had told me. **** took it upon himself to establish insurance and a loan on the vehicle against our advise. At his request, we sent an unsigned bill of sale to his credit union. The vehicle did not show up when we were told and actually it has still not shown up. ****, verbally assaulted one of my employees when it did not show up when expected. He said he "didnt want it anymore." A few weeks later he went into the dealer we were getting the van from. He made such a scene at that dealership he was physically thrown out. When this was brought to my attention, I decided we would do business with Mr. *****. We will not have our relationships with other dealers compromised by potential customers. We nor the franchise dealer have any control over delivery of vehicles. Its unfortunate it has come to this, we wanted Mr ***** to have the vehicle as bad he did. Since Covid production and transportation of inventory is an ongoing problem around the world. Again, we never signed an agreement or took a deposit from Mr. *****. He decided to insure and establish a loan on the vehicle against our advisement.

  Business response

  12/12/2022

  We had a brand new van that we had ordered in back in December '21 coming in. We told *** ***** that it would be in shortly but we really don't know when. He began to call us nearly everyday. We could only give him the information we were told from the the Ram dealer we were purchasing it from. We never took a deposit, and told him that we would call him when it came in. A few weeks back the dealer called us to say the van should be in within a week. As usual, ** ***** called asking if the "imaginary van was in yet" insinuating that we had lied about the vehicle. Although I was apprehensive about doing so, I told him what the dealer had told me. **** took it upon himself to establish insurance and a loan on the vehicle against our advise. At his request, we sent an unsigned bill of sale to his credit union. The vehicle did not show up when we were told and actually it has still not shown up. ***** verbally assaulted one of my employees when it did not show up when expected. He said he "didnt want it anymore." A few weeks later he went into the dealer we were getting the van from. He made such a scene at that dealership he was physically thrown out. When this was brought to my attention, I decided we would not do business with *** *****. We will not have our relationships with other dealers compromised by potential customers. We nor the franchise dealer have any control over delivery of vehicles. Its unfortunate it has come to this, we wanted ** ***** to have the vehicle as bad he did. Since Covid production and transportation of inventory is an ongoing problem around the world. Again, we never signed an agreement or took a deposit from *** *****. He decided to insure and establish a loan on the vehicle against our advisement.

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car in November, 2021. Fourteen days after I purchased it the transmission slipped. Before Christmas, I told them it wasn't right. They pick it up and kept it for 3 weeks. They said nothing was wrong with it. I picked it up and little things started to go wrong with it. Now it has became worse. I feel they kept my car so it can exhaust my warranty. I fell they knew the transmission was going out.

  Business response

  05/17/2022

  ******,

  we had our transmission shop look at the vehicle extensively and driving it for weeks. We do not hold vehicles to “exhaust” warranties. The warranty is for complete catastrophic failure. Our transmission shop could not find an issue at all not even a slip although this is going above and beyond our warranty. If you are continuing to have issues I would recommend reaching out to us again. We have never heard another word from you again since the vehicle was returned to you. We would expect that if their were continued issued prior to a customer reaching out to the bbb.  

  Business response

  05/18/2022

  This is a second complaint from the same person in 24 hours. In my last response I told them to call me. We received a one star google review with no explanation. My response as it always is is to contact me to resolve the issue. A woman called me back and said she left the 1 star review with no explanation and said she didn’t need to explain herself it pertained to this complaint. She was screaming the whole time then the phone call disconnected. I called back there was no answer. She called me back and said they were going to deal with the car on her own and didn’t want help getting it fixed. By me calling her back she considered it harassment and not to call her again. If she would have let me get a a word in I would have told her we would be happy to help with the repairs. We tried to make it right the first time but could not find an issue. The transmission shop drove the car for several weeks with no issue. At this point I guess the issue is resolved because they said they are handling it themselves and if we call them that is harassment. ****** if we do ****** if we don’t.  

*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. ↩