ComplaintsforWausau Auto

• Initial Complaint

  08/16/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 5/21/19, I purchased a 2018 ***** Equinox from Wausau Auto in Wausau, WI. I gave them a down payment of $3,000 and financed $17,951.17. When the staff told me that the car note would be, $499.00, I declined the sale, told them that I couldn't afford it and started to leave. The staff then told me that he knew the price was high, but this is what I could do. He said that I should make at least 4 payments and refinance the car loan to get a lower rate through a company that they use. After the fourth payment, I contacted the company and they said that they don't know why Wausau Auto keeps sending people their way because they don't do those kinds of loans. I tried to give the car back and the staff was rude, inconsiderate and said, "Oh well, you brought the car, we don't want it". The car's battery wouldn't hold a charge, needed to be replaced, the A/C & tires needed to be replaced. The staff used misleading information for the sale of this car, wouldn't take it back or correct it.

  Business response

  08/19/2021

  Customer purchased and financed a vehicle, accepting the payments, terms, and financing, at the time of sale.  

  Customer response

  08/20/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I do not agree with this response, due to the fact that the sale was made based on false information to alleviate the financial obligation from this sale. Staff purposely mislead me to believe that it was possible to refinance with a company that they honestly didnt use a month after the warranty was up. I declined the purchase several times until their staff informed me about this great refinancing company that would refinance this high auto loan for me after making 4 payments. This information was proven to be false and trapped me into an unaffordable auto loan. All the documents that ask if this purchase would cause financial hardship were signed BASED ON the information given from your staff to help me make this auto purchase affordable at an upcoming later date. Your company used unethical work practices, misleading consumers, and used trickery to get me to purchase this vehicle. Your response did not include the unprofessional conduct of your staff either.
  

  The vehicle also had major issues, such as needing a battery replacement to operate the vehicle. It wouldnt hold a charge and either kept cutting off on me while in traffic or wouldnt start after being shut off. Either take the vehicle back, without destroying my credit or give me a full refund if my deposit, and all costs to fix the vehicle, and lower my auto loan principal balance. If none of these options are acceptable to your company, I will take further legal action and ask for the maximum compensation allowed by the state of *********.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************

  Business response

  09/16/2021

  Customer came to the dealership, with intentions of buying a vehicle. They reviewed the loan documents prior to purchasing, (Payments, interest rates, etc.) and then executed the paperwork, to complete the sale.

  
  

  Re-financing is common in the U.S, people have the choice / freedom to attempt, with any lender, to re-finance at any time. The dealership does not, nor imply that they re-finance loans. This is generally applied for at a credit union, of an individuals choice. Not at the selling dealer.   

  
  

  Customer response

  09/16/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [Please type your response here.] Thank you for getting back to me regarding this issue, however, your response is one of the biggest problems I’ve had regarding the sale for my vehicle. You stated what should have taken place around this sale, you mentioned the fact that refinancing is not something discussed at the dealership; however, in my case, it did and that’s exactly why I filed this claim. Your staff did not operate according to your policy and offered me the option of refinancing through a company they claimed would be able to do it and gave me a business card for the company. This conversation took place as a last ditch effort to get me to agree to the sale of my car. The fact that I looked over, read and signed the agreement is irrelevant due to the fact I’m not arguing that price was too high; my issue is I was mislead with false information to lock me into a sale that would never have taken place if I knew that I wouldn’t be able to refinance my auto loan through the company I was referred to by your staff after the 4th payment like your staff stated. I tried to bring the car back and was mistreated as a consumer and your staff laughed at me realizing that I’ve been bamboozled by your dishonest staff and company. I want this issue resolved and your staff and company  held accountable for preying on consumers in need.

  
  
  Regards,
  
  *** ******

• Initial Complaint

  08/09/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased this vehicle in feb 2019 and not more then 1 year later I had to replace the whole engine as it went bad and left me stranded on the side of the road. Vehicle was only 2 years old. I have had multiple problems with the oil and leaks and brakes.

  Business response

  08/19/2021

  Vehicle purchased 2 1/2 years ago. Warranty expired. 

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