Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Auto Boutique's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Auto Boutique

  1800 Georgesville Square Dr Columbus, OH 43228-3695

  
• 

  Auto Boutique

  6700 Caine Rd. Columbus, OH 43235

  

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:02/26/2023

  Type:Customer Service 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.

  On 2/25/23, I called the businesses sales department regarding an 08 vehicle priced at $6500. On the phone I was given instructions about the “cash price” and was prepared with the calculated down payment provided by the phone sales rep. Upon arriving at the dealership, I was told that the cash price needed the FULL amount down, in addition to $1500, and was instructed to try to finance for a vehicle that was newer and $3k more than I originally planned to spend. While waiting for financing, my credit was ran by more than seven banks, only to be told by finance manager Pavel Portnoy that a cell phone bill would be needed to provide proof of residency. When told I don’t have a current bill as it’s a new provided, I was assured by the store manager John that ANY bill would suffice. Once provided with said bill, the information AGAIN changed to we would need BOTH. My concern is that I was given multiple, conflicting statements on what I would need, all for a vehicle I would have paid more than I had intended. At this time, more than anything I need a working vehicle, but my chances are even worse now due to the actions of this business. I have also lost wages as I was scheduled to work, but was kept for 6 hours to be given conflicting information.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/27/2023

  Hello Ms. ******, 

  Thank you so much for the feedback regarding your experience at Auto Boutique.  Please be advised that both you and your significant other submitted an application for financing.  Due to the multiple challenges on his and your credit files, we submitted your information to other lenders.  While we were able to negotiate, and obtain an approval for the 2 of you.  It was the LENDER, not Auto Boutique that required "proof of residency for both of you."  We communicated with the lender on your behalf, and again the LENDER, not Auto Boutique determined which stipulations that they would and wouldn't accept.  After being here for a couple of hours, and you refusing to provide the proper documentation to move forward with the lenders approval.  We even offered both of you an opportunity to test drive our vehicle to your home - to bring back something as simple as piece of junk mail, or any other mail that comes to your address with his name on it.  Again you simply refused, it was only then that your significant other reluctantly provided to us a greater than $500 past due cell phone bill.  We submitted the past due bill to the lender, at which point the LENDER, not auto Boutique rejected it.  This complaint is without merit against Auto Boutique, and should be dismissed accordingly.  As it was the LENDER, not Auto Boutique that stipulated that both of you provide to them, proof of residence.  Which unfortunately, can not be in the form of a greater than $500 past due bill from your previous cell phone provider.  Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  Have a phenomenal day.  

   

  Best Regards,

  *** ********

  GM

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/11/2023

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 19499803
  
  I am rejecting this response because: This does not mention the issue that the vehicle we were financing was not the original vehicle in question. I believe that the lenders are responsible for time spent, however when we had called an made arrangements for a completely different vehicle, one we were prepare to pay 50% cash for, only to be told that the way the sales department described the process was completely incorrect, and we would have to pay %100 percent down.

   

  Make no mistake. I understand how financing works, however the initial practice of advertising a vehicle then COMPLETELY changing your practices to sell a higher priced vehicle is enough to make one wonder if your goal is to a bait and switch.

   

  It also does not mention how my partner and I gave full disclosure when speaking to both you and your sales manager, both of whom continued to give conflicting information. Even when I asked to speak to you together, you two absconded alone and came back to again give us conflicting information.

   

  While I accept the financiers role in what documentation is needed, from the very beginning your businesses practices left little to be desired.

  Regards,
  
  **** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/18/2022

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 my car October 4, 2022 A day after purchasing the car I had a check engine light on , a tire pressure light on stating my sensors don’t work my camshaft, as well with the brakes squeaking needed to be fixed I contacted them and they said to find some where around here and they will pay for the expenses, 2 days in I drive 10 miles away from home and I break down on the side of the road with a baby in my car the car had ZERO coolant in it was bone dry called and received an operator didn’t get a call back till the day after they said they pay me back for what I fixed I’m still having the same issues I called for 6 days and keep getting told they’ll call back with a follow up , I finally got a hold of someone the other day 10/17/2022 and he stated they’ll fix it and give me a lender till it’s done, now no one is answering my calls or text to resolve the issue and I asked if I could bring it today 10/18/2022.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2022

  Ms ******

  
  We are truly sorry for the issues you are having, we know that you had an issue after buying the vehicle and since you live an hour away from our location and did not want to make the drive back here so we asked if you could take the vehicle to a local shop for the issue to be resolved, you agreed to this solution and then we heard nothing back, we asked you to provide an invoice for the repair, we still do not know if you had the work completed.

  We even offered to exchange the vehicle for a different car, but we were unable to obtain an approval for you.

  In your statement you indicated that you had the vehicle repaired and still having the same issue. If you had the vehicle repaired, we will pay for that repair as we said we would, we will need the invoice as I stated before. If another company worked on the vehicle to perform a repair and it is doing the same thing, you need to contact the dealership that did the repair to have them fix the vehicle correctly as you paid them to fix the vehicle. I am not interested in going behind another repair facility to try and fix what ever they have or have not done, they will have the best familiarity with the vehicle.
  

  We have made several attempts to contact you to assist with this matter, however you do not return calls and are unresponsive. Once we did reach you we setup a loaner and even made arrangements to pick your car up to not inconvenience you and you never let us know when we could make the arrangements? The next thing I hear is this complaint.
  

  Ms. ******, please take your vehicle to a repair facility of your choice, provide us an estimate for the repair cost before any work has been completed and I will see what the issue is and decide on whether we will be able to cover the expense or assist in the expense. I will cover the cost for the inspection regardless of the cost of the repair or what we decide to do.
  

  Due to your persistent lack of responsiveness, we will no longer provide you a loaner vehicle and you need to take your vehicle elsewhere for the repairs.
  
  Thank You,
  ****** ********

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/07/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  Well that’s very much untrue about you guys contacting me about providing services it took several phone calls and being told that I’ll receive a call back to get a response out of you guys , matter of fact you guys have my car now because I drove the car up to you with almost nearly zero coolant in it. My 30days hasn’t been yet up and you guys are terrible at feedback and there very much proof that I have that it took me several attempts text and calls to get a response , have my car done by tomorrow and I’ll bring the loaner back. 
  I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/17/2022

  Thank You, Let me know if there is anything additional that you need.

   

  *** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/18/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 purchase this vehicle in September, 2021. To provided me a Carfax detail which had not mentioned that this car was accidental. I was finding a problem in this whole entire year in a car. I am getting a engine sound which is not safe to drive. They told me this car in the $13,000 + fees. Automatic provided me the Smart Auto Care warranty for $3,500. They never helped me to fix anything. It was a fraud company as well. I am getting trouble. By the time of purchase that warranty, Auto boutique associates told me that if you pay if you close this warranty within a 3 years, you will get your whole refund back. Just because they never provided me any services, I tried to cancel the warranty. And now they deny to refund. They're so they're not even picking up calls. They are selling the auction car. One of my other car was burned in the middle of the road. This is my second car which has engine sound. Now I'm scared to try this car as well. They are playing with the people for money.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2022

  Ms *******,
  
  We are sorry to hear that the vehicle you purchased is having issues.
  

  I will do my best to address each of your concerns…

  
  No accident on Carfax or Not shown a Carfax: Carfax is not a legal entity they are a for profit business the same as us or Walmart. There business is to generate a profit, I am not disputing anything the Carfax may or may not have in their file regarding your vehicle. I can not speak for them in regard to what they report or do not report. We provide every customer a Carfax and even have them free on our website so that customer which choose to use Carfax as a source of information when making a purchase decision, can do so for free. We also have you sign separate paperwork disclosing that the vehicle has been in an accident, which you signed, we also give every customer an opportunity to have a 3rd party inspection completed which you declined to do as well.
  

  Engine Sound: Ms. ****** you purchased a vehicle with 98,193 miles on it at the time of purchase, you have owned the vehicle for over a year, as a dealership I can not be held responsible a year after your purchase for noises coming from the motor, each vehicle and driver is uniquely different, some cars will last for over 300, 000 miles, some vehicles will never have a issue and will need nothing except maintenance, some vehicle will break often and some will have problems occasionally. The only difference with each of these vehicles is the “Driver or Owner”, we have no control of how you drive, accelerate, cold start takeoffs, terrain, etc.
  While we do regret that your vehicle is making noise, sometimes that is simply, part of vehicle ownership.
  

  Cancellation: While I can not speak to the individual conversation you may have had with a finance manager over a year ago, I can tell you that, I would assume that the service contract that you signed has a clause explaining the cancellation process and how the refunds works, our employees all know that the warranties are pro-rated and share that information with the customer. While I was not part of the specific conversation, this behavior would be completely inconsistent with their training and in support of this position, I have not had a single cancellation or refund in over two years that any customer has made a similar allegation, however what we do know for sure is that your service contract states that refunds are on a pro-rata basis as well as any research that a person may complete online all say the same thing.
  

  Service contract not paying for repair: I do not work for the service contract company, your policy list the coverages, if they are not covering something listed, please let us know and we will assist you in any way possible. The only claim that we are able to see was for a leak on an oil fill tube, that is not a covered item.
  

  Misc.: I know nothing about a vehicle you owned burning in the middle of the road, that sounds horrible, and I hope everyone was alright. Being scared is not a reason to seek a refund.
  We are always happy to take vehicles on trade or even buy them, we guarantee to give you a great value, in fact you can check us against Car Max and if we do not give you more than they do we will write you a check for $250.

  We answer the phones, I have a 17 person BDC department that answers every call, please verify you are calling Auto Boutique at ************. Ms. ******, I do not see that we have done anything wrong in the transaction you made over a year ago, you have had usage of the vehicle for over a year and have had very few issues even though the vehicle had 98k miles on it.

  We cannot honor a refund.

   

  ****** ********

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/26/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.
  Regards,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/09/2022

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 my car from Autoboutique in Columbus Ohio on June 26, 2022 and I received all copies of sales receipts of the signed documents. None of my documents show a percentage or price I would have to pay in sales taxes. It says 0.00% on my documents. Auto boutique is now reaching out a month later saying I have to pay them 1,257.26 for sales tax due to them paying it for me and that they won’t release my title to Florida, the state I live in, to get my vehicles tag until I pay them back the money. I understand I must pay sales taxes, however it should have been included on my documents showing a percentage or price I would have to pay. Because it was not included I put a higher price down on my down payment. Though if the sales tax they are requesting now was included in documentation I would have put it towards the sales tax . I am currently a college student and cannot give that amount right now as they are asking for it before this Friday 8/12/22. Should the amount of sales tax been included in the documents of all the other fees when I signed them the day I purchased my vehicle? And can they legally hold my title until I pay them back the sales tax ?

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/10/2022

  Ms. *****,

   

  We are truly sorry that there was an error made on Florida being a reciprocal state for the collection of sales tax, when the error was noticed our finance person had multiple text conversation on how the balance would be handled, and your mother agreed to pay the tax rather than redoing the approval and paperwork. I understand that a mistake happened however sales tax must be paid by a consumer when making a purchase, mistakes do happen and for that we are truly sorry, but the mistake does not mean that the tax was not owed; the consumer must still pay the tax on the transaction.

  Your mother has paid the sales tax (as she said she would) the title work and state paperwork is now moving forward, you will receive your paperwork soon to register your new car, we again apologise that the mistake happened and that it happened to you.

   

  We hope you enjoy your new car.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/18/2022

  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.

  Purchased 2017 Chevy impala on 4/23/22. @ the price of 18,660.59 @ Auto Boutique in Columbus, OH. The vehicle is now sitting at a shop needing the computer replaced. I just paid 171.00 to have towed and now have to pay to have towed again out of pocket. I already missed a day of work and now may miss the rest the week due to no transportation. I want my vehicle fixed or another vehicle given to me. I am about to have to pay a car note of 461.00 and I have no car. They did not disclose any issues that would have let me aware that I would be dealing with this already.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/19/2022

  Ms. ******,

   

  We are so sorry that you have an issue with your vehicle, I looked at your file and see that you purchased a service contract

  the service contract may cover whatever issues you are having, the vehicle was purchased as-is two months ago, we have no way of

  knowing or have the ability to predict future repairs.

  What I can say for-sure is that complaining online or on the BBB website about the issue without working with us first to see if we could help is not the way to get

  un-owed assistance.

   

  We will permit your complaint serve as your payment and assistance.

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/29/2022

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 17584290
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2022

  Type:Service or Repair 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 2017 Toyota Corolla LE from Auto Boutique, Columbus, OH on 09/25/21. The salesperson who assisted me with this purchase was Jordan G. Before purchasing this vehicle, I noticed a crack on the windshield that I addressed to the car salesperson. I asked if the windshield would be replaced before purchase, and the salesperson assured me multiple times that it would either be fully replaced or repaired. I picked up the car the next day and the sales person assured me the crack in the windshield was filled in and I should have no issues with it. There was no noticeable difference in the crack but he assured me it was filled in. Months later the crack spreads across the windshield and is on the verge on shattering, indicating the initial crack was never filled in like the salesperson assured me. The windshield needs to be fully replaced and the dealership has refused to take responsibility for their dishonesty and costs, even though the issue would have never risen had they filled in the crack initially when I purchased the vehicle. I am filing a complaint for the unethical practice and dishonesty of this car dealership, and requesting the dealership to take responsibility for the cost to replace the windshield.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2022

  Ms. **********,

   

  Let me say first that we are sorry to hear that you are having issues with your purchase, your vehicle was purchased nine months ago in September you purchased the vehicle on an as-is basis and the work that we said would be completed (filling a chip or crack) was completed, the fact that it has been nine months is an indication that the work was done correctly, a small rock or temperature changes can affect the rate of spread of a crack.

  We are not responsible for damage that has happened on a vehicle nine month's after purchase, and as the as-is agreement which you signed states that we are not liable for any and all future repairs, if there were a concern regarding the quality of the repair you would have needed to address it within a reasonable period of time after your purchase (not nine months).

   

  Unfortunately we are not going to be able to assist you with this concern, we would be happy to refer you to the company we utilize for windshields and offer you our dealer cost for the replacement.

   

  Thank You,

  Rob T

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/24/2022

  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.

  Approaching 1 year after my vehicle purchase, I learned the real reason why there was such a hassle to get my title. Purchased the vehicle 6/27/21, after having to file a complaint with the Ohio DMV I finally received the title around mid September 2021. The following is the chronological order of service: *Purchased 6/27/21, had to schedule service on 6/30/21. Service A notification came on said was 5100 miles over due. Next availability was 7/9/21. During the interim I went back to the dealership to address the notification, the technician reiterated the engine was new & service was already done, the notification needed a reset. Vehicle went to Germain Mercedes Benz Easton 7/9/21 - 7/20/21, the service A still needed to be done and tech discovered under body panels were missing and needed to be replaced they protected the bottom of the engine ect.,. I spent $1,957.00 *9/7/21 - 9/22/21 the vehicle went back to Germain Mercedes Benz Easton for #3 glow plug service, service was covered by a extended warranty I purchased *10/21/21 - 11/18/21 serviced at Germain Mercedes Benz Easton for #1 glow plug and steering rack issue that surfaced out of nowhere I paid $250 deductible *1/13/22 - 1/17/22 scheduled 12/2/21 serviced at Germain Mercedes Benz Easton for #2 & #5 glow plugs, power supply voltage, and service A. Paid $311 *3/4/22 scheduled service glow plug sensor came on yet again, appointment wasn't until 4/12/22 10AM. 3/14/22 vehicle stopped, has been at Germain Mercedes Benz Easton since. 5/23/22 Tech concluded the engine needs to be replaced. Also stated they suggested a new engine 6/20/20 I understand vehicle sold “as is” but the “as is” has turned out to not be what they disclosed. Major issue, vehicle disclosed to have a new built engine, after service/maintenance at Germain Mercedes Benz Easton tech concluded the vehicle needs a new engine. Identified engine was pieced together by junk yard parts, chalk writings/part numbers confirmed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/01/2022

  Mr. ********
  
  It is truly regretful when anyone is having vehicle issues and we are truly sorry that you are having issues with your vehicle.

  As you and I discussed, the title issue had nothing to do with and was in no way associated with the repairs of your vehicle, the vehicle was purchase by Auto Boutique from the auction and the seller was not able to provide the title in a timely fashion, this is why the title was delayed, we had a discussion with you about us not providing the title and informed you that Ohio law allows for the return of a vehicle if we (dealership) cannot provide the title within 40 days and you chose to keep the vehicle until the title came in and the vehicle was subsequently registered. 

  There were no junk parts put on the vehicle, the engine block would have been a used block, because the vehicle was not being purchased new, the other parts were all new parts from Germain Mercedes and Crown Mercedes. The vehicle came to us with the motor taken apart and needed an engine block on or around 03/17/2021 we installed a used block in the vehicle and reassembled the remaining motor parts, we also installed brake wear sensors, a fuel filter, repaired an injector, replaced gaskets on a/c unit and replaced a hose, replaced fuel rails, and replaced a DPF Filter this work was all completed before you purchased the vehicle on 06/27/2021.

  You and I discussed receipts or documentation and as I explained we did not retain paperwork from the items we purchased, the items we installed become an expense that is billed to the vehicle, the vehicle was sold on an as-is basis so there is no need for us to retain specific invoices since there is never an option for us to return the parts.

  We have made every attempt to assist you and have participated in a good-will manner, regretfully I do not know what additionally we can do to assist you?

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/30/2022

  ne correction of details, if not a new built engine, then newly serviced
  ect. Which was disclosed when I went back to the dealership within 3 days.
  
  Attached are the buyer's documents and the carfax they provided at the time
  of purchase. It is all coming full circle to why it took them greater than
  40 days to produce a title. The carfax was provided 6/27/21 by Auto
  Boutique, the mileage reporting stopped 5/20/20 and there are no service
  records after 6/20/20. The 6/20/20 service records are one of the
  previously provided docs. When I questioned the time lapse Auto Boutique
  stated it was prior to them owning the vehicle. That may be the case, yet
  no docs for the engine service they did.
  
  Best Regards,
  ******

  Attachments:

  • Retail installment Sale Contract.pdf
  • Buyers Order.pdf
  • CarFax provided by Auto Boutique.pdf

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2022

  Mr. ********
  
  As I mentioned previously, we do find it regretful that you are having issues with your vehicle, we do symphonize with the position the vehicle has seemingly put you in, with that being said; we are not to blame for the issues with your vehicle or any vehicle, we sell pre-owned vehicles. I am not meaning to sound condescending in my statement, there are certain facts that are not refutable.

  
  The first item I would like to address is that each of your complaints state that the work, repairs, maintenance being performed over the last year is through Germain not Auto Boutique, if Germain is not honoring or allowing your service contract to cover the vehicle or if the service contract coverage is not providing coverage due to opinions made by Germain, information provided by Germain, previous work performed by Germain or the item is simply not covered under the terms of the service contract has nothing to do with Auto Boutique, we are the selling dealership, since your entire complaint is in regards to repairs it sounds like you are having issues with the servicing dealership which is Germain not Auto Boutique.

  
  Regarding your title, you continually bring up the delay in receiving your title after your purchase and attempt to somehow tie the delay to your vehicle repairs? The title process has nothing to do with repairs here or at any dealership. Ohio law protects consumers, if an Ohio dealership does not provide a title to a consumer allowing them to register and drive their vehicle legally within 40 days the consumer is afforded the right to return the vehicle and be made “whole” by the selling dealership, if a title is not received within the 40 days a consumer can choose to return the vehicle or keep the vehicle and wait for the title. You chose to retain the vehicle until you received the title and then took further affirmative action stating that your desire was to retain the vehicle, when you registered the vehicle into your name and perfecting the lien from your lender on the vehicles title.

  
  The vehicle was purchased as-is, please do not mis-understand this statement (as-is) as is does not mean that a dealership has no responsibility, because we do, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our dealership makes sure that every vehicle undergoes a safety inspection, we check brakes, rotors, tires, wheels, wiper blades, seat belts, etc. We do our best to ensure that a vehicle that we are selling is safe for our customer to operate on the Ohio roadways. We then further offer to every customer the opportunity to have a vehicle privately inspected, we try to ensure that (other than the 30 day implied warranty) consumers understand the meaning of “AS-IS”, we have a signed buyers guide explain that the vehicle is being purchased “AS-IS”, we then obtain various other signatures and initials in an effort to let customers know that any break-downs, failures, etc. will become the purchasers responsibility after they decide to purchase the vehicle, all of these signatures and initials are done in an effort to let our consumers know that there is not a single dealership, repair facility, or mechanic that has technology available to determine the future performance or reliability of a vehicle. We do provide service contract coverages to help protect consumers against this definitive; unknown. The decision to cover or not cover specific repairs are at the sole discretion of the service contract provider, if you do not feel that the service contract is providing you with the desired coverage you are able to cancel a service contract at any time that the policy is in force and receive a pro-rated refund.

  
  Carfax, you have brought up Carfax several times, let’s make sure we are on the same page… Carfax is not a legal or government entity, they are a for profit company that obtains maintenance and repair information from many sources, car fax even states that they should not be relied upon for purchasing decisions, they are another source available to the public to utilize when gathering information on whether they should purchase a vehicle. We provided you with the car fax at the time of purchase which provides you with the same information provided to us and as you were able to see, the car fax did not display any information which would cause major alarm to you or us, we provide the car fax to every customer on every purchase as an additional source of information and to be utilized for informational purposes.

  
  This is from the Car Fax website:
  “The CARFAX database is the most comprehensive vehicle history database in North America, containing more than 26 billion records. Records included in each CARFAX Report reveal important information about a car’s history, such as an odometer reading, existence of a branded title such as a salvage/junk title, or past registration as a fleet vehicle. A CARFAX Report may not include every event in a vehicle’s history, but will include the data that is reported to CARFAX for a specific vehicle identification number (VIN).
  Before you buy a used car, we recommend that you get a CARFAX Report, take a test drive, and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic”.
  “However, we do not have all accidents as many have never been reported or may only have been reported to a source to which CARFAX does not have access. We recommend that any car be inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to purchase to make sure the vehicle is functioning properly and check for signs of unreported damage”.
  
  As you can see above, Car Fax openly admits on their site and disclosures that they do not get all the vehicles information nor do they have access to every servicing system and they as do we, suggest an independent inspection. Our servicing software is not tied to any Carfax affiliated source nor are we required to provide information to a third- party for- profit company, so Carfax will not have information on any vehicles that we purchase and complete services to ensure their safety.
  
  The fact that you have owned and driven the vehicle without safety issues shows that we completed our business objective to ensure vehicles are safe, we cannot and do not have the ability to predict future events, certainly not a year later.
  
  We have participated monetarily on a good-will basis assisting you with some of the expenses which occurred shortly after your purchase, this was done in an effort to assist you in a time of need, however the selling of a vehicle in no way obligates us or any dealer to maintain, restore or to pay for the upkeep or repairs of vehicles that we sell.
  
  Sir, you have owned the vehicle for over a year, you have driven thousands of miles, you were afforded an opportunity to have the vehicle independently inspected, and you declined to do so, you were provided an opportunity to return the vehicle when the title was not received within 40 days and you declined to return the vehicle and perfected the registration into your name, the repairs and maintenance responsibilities are not our responsibility or obligation, we do hope for the best for you during your continued ownership of this vehicle.

  RT

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/19/2022

  I am rejecting this response because: 
  You absolutely are meaning to sound condescending otherwise you would have sought a different way to articulate yourself.  What it boils down to is this, you’re on the record stating auto boutique performed service on the engine.  The “as is” notion was an ambiguous statement that the engine was a new build.  That was told to me on 6/30/21 when I came back three days after the purchase because a service notice came on.  Ironically that’s not in your system either along with *** ******** stating they do not have any documentation of the service they performed.  To sum it all up, your withheld information is the root cause of the chain of events. I have service coverage for the ACV of the vehicle, but the repairs are north of that.
  
  I scheduled my first appointment with Germain after I went back to auto boutique, and they told me the notification just needed a reset.  In conclusion of my appointment 7/14/21 the vehicle needed the service, under body panels were missing due to previous engine work, and my inquiry about the brakes squeaking was concluded that good, conditioned brakes were on the vehicle, but they weren’t certified parts.  The vehicle was driven less than 500 miles at this point or so we thought.
  
  I mention the title because that is where the rapport between you and I began.  It is the origin of where the slope began with things being said but not done by you on behalf of auto boutique.  A testament to why I had to file the first complaint 8/13/21.
  
  I understand the term as-is, in coalition with no warranty but there’s no accountability being held to the fact that I was not made aware of service that was done on one of the most important parts of the vehicle.  Please provide documentation where I was offered and declined a private inspection.  Also please show where the as-is no warranty buyers guide discloses that auto boutique performed service on the vehicle and what the possible major defects could be regarding that service that was performed.
  
  Yes, I reference the Carfax that auto boutique provided, because it supports the fact that the service you state was done is not listed, reported, or documented anywhere.  The gesture is not for reliability, but to support facts that stand. 
  
  Yes, it is now a year, I was informed 5/23/22 of the bigger engine issue from the vehicle being at a certified Mercedes Benz service center since 3/14/22 to present day.  To sound condescending, things are being presented to refute your quote un-quote facts which are simply mere subjective allegations.  It technically has not been a year because I didn’t get the title (which symbolizes ownership) until September 2021.
  
  In the grand scheme of things, important information was not disclosed.  This intel is a pertinent piece of the puzzle for mechanics to gather the true understanding of the service history of the vehicle.  After several service appointments over the course of the last year This issue was identified from certified Mercedes Benz mechanics that were executing plausible maintenance and started to notice chalk labeling and markings on parts of the engine.  These identifiers provided without reasonable doubt verdict that service was done by a non-certified Mercedes Benz mechanic(s) and that the parts used were not certified Mercedes parts.  Again, none of this disclosed at purchase nor is it documented.  The scrutiny is because certified Mercedes Benz Mechanics don’t want to attempt service on the vehicle without having a source of truth to know the service history regarding the engine.  That’s where liability and accountability factors in.
  
  So, no I haven’t owned the vehicle for over a year, and please provide documentation where I was offered and declined a private inspection.  Also, provide receipt of monetary good-will basis assistance I was granted for assistance in my time of need.  Oh and another thing that was mentioned to me by 3rd party consultation, the mileage listed at the time of sale on the buyer's order and the LAW 553-OH-e 9/17 sales contract are different.  This conflicts with your as-is rebuttal
  
  ****** D. ******** Jr.

  The bold statements are the call-outs for the business to provide documentation for and address!