ComplaintsforChampion Car Company

• Initial Complaint

  08/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Since the purchase of our vehicle in December of 2023, we have encountered multiple issues with the car that were not disclosed at the time of sale.Upon investigating these issues, we discovered that the car did not have any catalytic converters installed. This critical omission was not disclosed by the dealership, and as a result, we are unable to pass NC inspections and renew our tags. This is only one of the numerous problems we have faced.We promptly informed the dealership of all the issues. Instead of addressing the problems directly, they attempted to sell us a warranty, assuring us that it would cover all necessary repairs. However, since the warranty was not purchased at the time of the vehicle purchase, this assurance was void, and the warranty company did not cover the repairs. While the dealership did reimburse us for the warranty, they have not taken responsibility for the non-disclosure of the missing catalytic converters.The dealership claimed the vehicle passed their inspection, which is highly questionable since the car is missing a part required by state law. Additionally, since purchasing the car, we have had to replace the engine and the air conditioning system. Our mechanic confirmed that the engine was already cracked before our purchase, another issue that was not disclosed by the dealership.We seek the BBB's assistance in resolving this matter and ensuring that champion car company is held accountable for their failure to disclose critical information and the subsequent inconvenience and financial burden placed upon us.We are looking for a resolution to make us whole and for this not to happen to anyone else.

  

  Business response

  08/22/2024

  I would like to begin by advising that while in our ownership, the vehicle underwent and passed the ***** inspection on 10/20/2023 (See attached). Part of this inspection process includes an emissions check, which includes a catalytic converter inspection. This is in response to claims the car was not emissions compliant, which in fact it was while in our ownership. The DMV inspector conducted an investigation into the matter as well, and concluded there was no wrongdoing on our end. So, in short, the vehicle left our dealership emissions compliant and in good working order. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict mechanical failures after a vehicle has left our dealership. ******************** was offered a warranty at the time of purchase, covering any mechanical issues occurring after the vehicle left our dealership, which he declined. (See attached)
  
  
  

  Although there is no liability on our end, we did pursue different avenues to assist ********************, to include monetary assistance, as well as a network of vendors to assist him further and all were declined. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/29/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Purchased on: 8/23/23 Amount: $50,000 The vehicle was listed as having FSDC - Full Self Driving Capability ($10,000) as part of its installed features. This was not only reflected in the sales contract but also corroborated by the ad, the window sticker, verbal conversations with the salesperson, and written communications with multiple staff members at your dealership. I was specifically informed that these options would be transferred to me upon registering the Tesla under my name. However, after doing so and conducting a more comprehensive inspection, these options were not activated as promised. I subsequently reached out to ***** directly, who confirmed that this option was never installed on the vehicle at any point.No response from dealership after sending screenshots of what ***** said about the option never being on the car.This option is now cost $15,000 per Tesla.

  

  Business response

  09/03/2023

  Preventable steps taken;
  We pay a 3rd party reputable site, Monroney Labels, for vehicle window stickers on our vehicles. This company partners with ***************
  As advertised, the vehicle has the full self-driving (FSD) 3.0 computer installed and is capable of having full self-driving enabled. When the vehicle was advertised, test drove, and at the time of purchase, full self driving was never enabled. ***** is known for removing installed packages once the vehicle is traded to a dealership (including full self-driving), even if the previous customer has paid the full amount for this package. This means, after buying a Tesla from a dealer, the new customer has to enable FSD which is done by either repurchasing the full package for life or paying a monthly subscription of $99 or $199 depending on what is currently enabled. Please see link to from Tesla about eligibility and subscriptions. *************************************************************
  

  Attempts to resolve customer complaint;
  The first attempt we offered $199 to have the first months activation free to him. The offer was declined and he wanted compensation of $15,000. 
  On the second attempt knowing we were unable to meet his request, we offered to take the vehicle back. He declined stating he liked the car and doesnt want to return it. 
  One the next attempt we offered him $1,000. Once again declined.
  On the last attempt to resolve the issue we offered to take the vehicle back including compensation and shipping the vehicle back at our expense which was roughly $500 in total. I asked him if he would like to think about it for a day. Once again he declined and wanted to seek legal action.

  
  Following our conversation, the *** paperwork was processed which was held in case he accepted the offer to return the vehicle.
  At this point we've exhausted all options to which the customer has refused and there's nothing further that we can offer.
  
  

  
  

  Customer response

  09/05/2023

  I asked multiple times to speak to the owner *********************** and received no response, and finally emailed him stating that I would like the advertised **** option installed or a check for the cost of the installed option at that time which was $15,000 (It is now $12,000 as of 9/1/23.) I was not contacted back by him until after the BBB & NCDOJ complaints were submitted. ***** also stated since I submitted the BBB / NCDOJ complaints that "there is all the money that you would have gotten from me" since those would take up his time and would cost him money. Also when speaking with ***** the first time I advised him about what ***** said about the vehicle never having the **** and that his 3rd party window sticker could not be trusted. ***** then stated that he was screwed by where he purchased the vehicle from originally and said that he purchased the vehicle for X amount based on what was advertised to them which also included that the Full Self-Driving Capability package was installed. He stated that he would have to figure out what money he could get out of them and said for me not to worry about it because that is his problem, not mine, and that he would take care of our dispute.
  
  Days later, ***** ridiculously offered me $1,000 for a missing $10k+ option that was advertised/stated multiple times/places to be on the vehicle. He also offered for me to return the vehicle but I advised him I would but I would want compensation for the time and money I now have in the vehicle such as replacing the spoiler, charging port, etc. I did advise ***** I would seek legal options if we did not come to an agreement.
  
  As of 9/5/23 I did offer ***** to come pick up the vehicle and that I would return it without wanting any extra compensation (just the check I paid for the vehicle) to resolve this dispute. This will be my last offer for resolution before I hire an attorney.
  
  This business has been negligent, dishonest, and unethical throughout this entire process.

  

  Business response

  09/11/2023

  Upon my research I found that the vehicle (2021 Tesla ******************** was in fact equipped with the full self drive feature. Furthermore I explained to ****************** that like Sirius XM radio on many vehicles this vehicle was equipped with the option of Full Self Drive but required a month to month subscription per Tesla of $199 per month. It is in fact equipped but requires a fee to turn on the feature. The $12,000 that ****************** is referencing is to purchase Full Self Drive for a one time fee not the month to month subscription. Upon gathering this information I notified ****************** that there was nothing that proved any wrong doing on our part and advertised the vehicle correctly per *****. I did however offer for him to return the vehicle again for a third time which he declined. I then offered to pay for nearly a year of service to which he also declined. So I lastly offered to return the vehicle, refund return costs such as transportation fees, loss of time and interest accrued during the time amounting well over the $50,000 he originally spent and ****************** once again declined. At that point we processed the tag work and paid the sales tax to the *********************** to register the vehicle as ****************** had stated multiple times returning the vehicle was not an option. After all of this transpired ****************** then decided he would in fact like to return the vehicle with the transportation fees and loss of time check which was no longer an option. I offered ****************** many opportunities for resolution even though there was no evidence of wrongdoing and he continuously declined all remedies, constantly asking for $10,000. As a final offer we will accept the vehicle back and pay off the loan in its entirety if received back by 9/15/2023 but we will not incur transportation fees nor will we provide any other funds. Upon removal of reviews, signed paperwork prohibiting slander of Champion Car Company and return of the vehicle, a check will be issued.
  

  Customer response

  09/13/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have accepted the offer mentioned in the previous BBB response and have successfully returned the vehicle today. I am satisfied with this resolution and would like to close out this complaint.

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  03/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car from Champion stating that it had a clean car fax, never been in an accident and had been inspected. I purchased the car under the impression that it was as represented. Upon receipt and inspection of the vehicle it has major damage needing over $4,000 in repairs. I have tried to contact the dealership with no success at this point ..

  

  Business response

  04/10/2023

  We have been in contact with him and came to an agreed resolution. Everything will be complete next week for Mr. *******************

*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. ↩