Anonymous
map-marker Warsaw, Virginia

Car Review

Dont waste your time with these guys... Brokon headlight anf graphics on car... And they pretty much said "Take it or leave it".......

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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Jeff R Jos

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Raleigh, North Carolina

Illegal Sales Pratices

I'm a recent victim of what would be the used car lemon law, unfortunately after thorough research the lemon law only applies to new vehicles. I'm writing you this letter with the hope that something can be done to help protect consumers like me in the future, as what I've undergone in the last less than 30 days would be a tough pill for anyone to swallow.

On Thursday July 21, 2011, I purchased a 2002 Saab 93 convertible from Prestige Auto Brokers in Raleigh, NC. The car looked beautiful and during the test drive ran fine. I tested the convertible top, the air conditioning was cold and everything seemed to be in order. The car was sold as is. (those are the words that protect them, & leave me all alone in this nightmare) 

 

On Tuesday July 26, the convertible top stopped working and by this time there were noises coming from the engine. I scheduled an appointment with Hendrick Saab in Cary to have them look at the car. They could not schedule an appointment until Thursday August 4. During the interim of me waiting for my August 4th appt., the air conditioning went out and on Tuesday August 2, 2 days before my scheduled appt., the serpentine belt blew and I had to have the car towed to Saab at a cost of $79.00. Once at Saab it was determined that not only the serpentine belt and pulley needed to be replaced, but a new compressor and clutch was needed for the air conditioning system. It was also determined that to fix the convertible top, it would cost $4800 as not one, but all 4 hydraulics needed to be replaced.

 

The whole reason I bought the car was to enjoy a convertible top. It cost $1850.00 to fix the air conditioning and serpentine belt. I picked the car up on Tues. August 9. On Friday August 12, I once again had to have the car towed to Saab as the coolant leaked out and the car would not start. It has now been determined that either the head gasket or the entire engine head will have to be replaced. The towing cost me an additional $59.00 and the minimum to fix the problem is $1500 if it is the head gasket and $3000-**** if it's the head.

 

The dealership obviously knew what they were doing to temporarily mask the mechanical appearance, & temporary functionality of the vehicle. Not only is that my opinion, but also that of Dan Miller from Miller Automotive who has worked on cars for over 20 years, but also that of Saab Cary who think sabotage on at least some of these mechanical issues is a no brainer. The dealership made no mention of any defects or possible defects. I paid $6200.00 for the vehicle, but in addition have already incurred out of pocket expenses of over $2000. It's going to cost me at least another $575.00 just to determine if it's the head gasket, or head at which point I'm looking at the minimum of $1500, & at the high-end of $5000 which means best case scenario if there is one: I would of paid $3500 on a vehicle I paid $6200 for, & was told it was in perfect operating condition with no known problems, & worst case scenario $7000 for a vehicle I paid $6200 for which at that point where do I decide to cut my losses.

This is a very embarrassing position to be in, I would of written sooner, but like with most victims I feel ashamed of myself for the now nightmare situation I've gotten myself into, I from all accounts thought I did everything right to protect myself from this kind of thing happening, I did my research on this out-fit before engaging in a transaction, & the BBB had them rated at an A- which I thought was good enough to move forward with my purchase.

There must be some kind of protection for consumers to protect them against this kind of deception and fraud. What if anything can you recommend,

 

Please advise, 

Jeff Rutter

6300 Chadford Dr., Apt 1804

Raleigh, NC 27612

561-441-****

Car Dealer Contact Info:

Owners:

John Herlacher

Richard E Herlacher

Business Address & Info.

SOSID: 0742225

Prestige Auto Brokers, LLC.

5716 Louisburg Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616

919.872.4557 O.

919.247.7124 C.

919.790.5803 F.

Saab Dealership

101 Team Hendrick Way, Cary  

919.380.6000

919.380.6079

Miller Mobile

919.971.7393

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Loss:
$10000
9 comments
Guest

Do not buy cars from them. My son bought a truck has lots of problems with it.

Over charged for it. Now I find out they showed us a fake carfax. The carfax they showed us was clean. Several places we have taken the truck to told us it has been in several accidents.

the frame was bent when one place showed us.

Another place just said this truck is a mess. When I had spoken to one person their on the phone he was rude, would not recommend any one buying from them.

Guest

Excellent and professional. Responded quickly and had all the answers!

Guest

I have tried to remove the review I made previously about Prestige Auto Brokers. I take back everything negative that I said.

After taking the vehicle for a second opinion we were told that the head gasket was not blown and the vehicle was in good condition for its age.

Prestige Auto accepted my apology but now I want to remove this review but don’t see any option to do this. I have even tried to get in touch with the company that runs the site with out any luck.

Guest

BE WARNED....SHADY SALES PRACTICES, NO DISCLOSURE OF MAJOR MECHANICAL ISSUES.

I purchased a vehicle from Prestige Auto Brokers, LLC in Raleigh, NC on 4/4/2014. The vehicle was purchased "As Is" but key information about the vehicle was not disclosed on the damaged disclosure statement.

After taking it to an Auto garage on 4/9/2014, I learnt that the vehicle had a salvaged engine and a blown head gasket along with other issues totaling more that 5K. I have reached out to to the owners to resolve this amicably but they are not interested.

They will be hearing from lawyer next. I realize I bought the vehicle "As Is" but there is an Implied warranty where I expect the vehicle to run without an issue.

Guest

Had great dealings with them, had a unnoticed problem with a car I bought and the warranty company didn't want to cover it, and I got with john and he helped big time with my repairs. As far as racist I never seen that, he treated me like anyone would with money in there hand.

Guest

Best dealership around! Got a great price on my 1998 Maxima and its been great.

Guest

Worst dealership

Guest

got a cashier's check from my bank for 40k went to lot to purchase a corvette older gentleman basically acted as though I was not the right color to purchase that vehicle so from this point I think he doesn't deserve the business of those he doesn't respect

Guest

Why didnt you spend a couple of hundred bucks and take it to mechanic, Saab or someone else, and get it looked at before you bought it? Thats always a rule on used cars.

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