ComplaintsforSunset Auto Center

• Initial Complaint

  07/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Sunset Auto Center on June 1, 2023. Had problems from day one. After engine warmed up, oil pressure gauge would drop to zero when idling Returned Jeep to dealer, problem solved. Going home engine temperature rose to dangerous levels while traveling up Highway 70 grade. Returned Jeep to dealer. Thermostat and housing were replaced. These repairs were listed on the ****** report that I received, as well as a water pump replacement. ****** reported these repairs performed at Sunset Auto Center in October 2022. Replacements had not been performed.Car temperature was still rising on an uphill grade. Returned Jeep to dealer. Water pump and radiator were replaced. Temperature fluctuations were still occurring when traveling uphill. Returned to dealer. Sunset Auto Center owner, **** ********* told me such fluctuations were normal. I told him that I planned to use the Jeep as a tow behind my RV and most use would be in mountainous settings. I doubted that the Jeep would make it to Cloudcroft NM (elevation 8676). After personally testing the Jeep, Mr. ********* assured me that the Jeep could make it to Cloudcroft. Drove the Jeep to Cloudcroft on July 2, 2023. Jeep did make it up the mountain without issue. On the way home, however the Jeep lost forward power near the summit of St. Augustine pass and the temperature spiked to the red line (260 degrees) . I was able to coast down the hill to home. Opened the hood and the engine was squealing and had a rattling noise inside. Called Sunset Auto on Monday talked to the service manager, *******, and suggested a tow. He said it was better than driving the Jeep, would send their truck. Called Wednesday and spoke to *******, He said he could not authorize the tow and repair. Only Mr. ********* could. He would check and call me later. No call back. I called one week later. Same story. no call back. Like other Repairs this should be covered by New Mexico Lemon Law. I request a repair or refund

  Business response

  08/02/2023

  The matter has been resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to buy a truck with them And the truck was having problems with the battery cables they were all loose when I told them I didn’t wanted to make the deal no more because the truck was in bad shape they said they will only going to refund me $1300 when I have $1500 down payment they haven’t refunded me my money at all I’m 62yr old without a car because of them not refunding my money at all please help me get my money back they don’t wanna refund me back when I never took any vehicle from them at all.

  Business response

  04/02/2023

  To my understanding, this issue was rectified with the customer already. 
  Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  12/29/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My daughter and son I law were having trouble getting a vehicle financed. I had done business with sunset before they helped me finance a vehicle with alow down payment, but ended up returning the vehicle to them after it broke down on me several times. I left in good standing with the business. I told my daughter to go try them out so they could help her. They ended up needing me to sign the vehicle in my name because this was the only way they could get a car. Sunset contacted me asked of I was ok leasing the vehicle for my daughter in my name and I agreed. This was in November of 2022. I signed paperwork and my daughter got the car. Fast forward a couple of weeks, I personally am in need of vehicle. I got to sunset and check out a Chevy Tahoe. They were willing to leasethe vehicle for me and were asking for $1500 down. I did not have the whole $1500 I had $750. This was 12/13/22. They stated could leave the $750 to hold the Tahoe for me and I would give them the rest of the down payment the following week when I got paid. When I tried to go back with the rest of the down I was told the owner did not want to do a deal on the Tahoe until my daughter 1. Gave the monthly payment that was 3 days past due at the time and 2. Until they saw the car because my son in law stated to them it was leaking oil. I told them that wasn't fair and asked door my money back this was 12/20/22. They stated Luke the owner was out of town and would not return until Tuesday 12/27/22 and he was the only person who could return my money. On 12/27/22 I called the office to get my money back as they told me to. They then tell me my down payment was applied to my daughter's car payment ($532) because she had not yet made the payment. When I asked if they would be returning the balance to me ($218) they stated they had applied it to the principal balance of the car. This is extremely unfair and a bad business practice. I would like my money back in full or have the mo ey applied towards the monthly payment

  Business response

  01/31/2023

  I was unaware of the customer concern until notice of this complaint. We are working on rectifying this issue with the customer. Once resolved, I will have the customer amend their complaint. 
  
  Thank you, ****.

• Initial Complaint

  12/15/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased the motorcycle in good faith come to find out motorcycle has many defects which dealership didn't make me aware of!

  Business response

  01/07/2022

  **** ******* 12/31/2021
  **** ******* **
  *** ******* ** ***** 
  
  Hello ****, 
   
  I am responding to your customer complaint which was placed through the Better Business Bureau around December 3rd. I do recall you coming in and expressing you had some misgivings about your purchase, so I will respond. Since the time you placed this complaint, you have retrieved your vehicle, so this is really only a formality for your sake, and because a response ought to be given in matters of complaint. 
  
  I simply want to remind you of the excitement you had when you were looking to purchase the vehicle. You came in many times and discussed the vehicle with Bryant, and were trying to find a place to store it to keep its existence unknown for a while. At that time and the time of your contract signing, you had been informed that it needed new tires and a tune-up, which would cost approximately.$500 to have done altogether. We were selling the bike for $7000, but sold it to you outright for $6000. We saved you double the cost of the future repairs. 
  
  After you purchased the Sportster, we allowed you to store it in our gallery for nearly a month and a half, free of charge, while you got in touch with a friend who was going to store it for you. During that time you came in more than once to admire your purchase, 
  
  It wasn't until December that you began expressing remorse, and you mentioned that you were hard up financially. It is perfectly understandable to want to reverse a large purchase during harder times, but unfortunately, the time for returns ends 48 hours after purchase. In the month leading up to your concern about a return, you had given us no cause to believe that you were unhappy with your vehicle. 
  
  We sincerely hope you will be able to enjoy your new motorcycle now that you have It at home, and that you have a great new year full of promise and new adventures. 
  
  Respectfully, 
  
  Jacquelyn R**** 
  Sunset Auto Center 

*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. ↩