
Celeste of Brentwood , NY on June 1, 2010
I am writing in regard to a purchase made by my fiance's mother at Major World Auto Dealership, on April 17, 2010. At the time, she purchased a 2002 Ford Windstar with approximately 119,929 miles for the purchase price of $7,548.51 (after taxes). When purchasing the car, she was told that if there were any problems she could bring the car back to be repaired at no additional cost, within the month.
After a week had passed, the dashboard light registered a check engine signal, and she experienced trouble with her breaks, upon which she immediately called and was told to bring the car in. She brought the car in and they changed the breaks, and the check engine light was off. After another week had passed she again noticed lights, this time signaling problems with (1) traction control reading on dash, (2) ABS light, and (3) break light on dash. She called and spoke to a mechanic who asked if she had received a copy of the cars title. She informed him that she had not gained possession, and he said that she should not worry, but it was best to wait until the title came in, since she may opt to trade the car in for a more expensive, but better car.
Calling the New York State title certificate office, she was informed that the title to the car was in process and would take several weeks. On 5/19/2010, not wanting to risk losing her option to switch, she decided to bring the car in, but upon arrival was told that it was not their policy to exchange vehicles and the only option was to repair it. Additionally, as it was too late to do so then, she had to return the following Saturday. On Saturday 5/22/2010 she returned, but the lights were not on at the time. The mechanic informed her that all seemed well, and that he could not check the problem until the lights were again on.
Upon her request, he conducted an alignment check and re-aligned the car. She was advised to bring the car, if the lights went on again. That night, the lights went on, and she returned the following Monday 5/24/2010 and was told that she would have to leave the car overnight, in order for them to run a computer check. Returning the next day, she was informed that the problem was with a computer issue, and she would have to pay out of pocket- an additional $344.00 to repair the problem. When she inquired on why she was being made to pay when the problem existed a week after she purchased the vehicle she was told that this was their policy.
Assured that there was a misunderstanding, she asked me to call to confirm. I called the Major World number on the receipt many times, but no one picked up. I then called a number that was given to her and spoke to a representative, who transferred me to the repair department. Explaining my problem, he said he needed to transfer me to a manager, upon which the phone was disconnected. I attempted to call again, and again the same thing happened. I called again and explained that the phone kept disconnecting me, and he transferred me to another number that went straight to voice mail.
Remembering that she had the number of the person she was dealing with on her phone, we called him directly, and he told me that it was explained to her that any problems she had was on her, since the car had over 100,000 miles on it. He said that when cars are sold with such mileage, they are subject to an inspection, and as such the car left in perfect condition. I reiterated that this problem arouse days after her purchase, but he insisted they were no longer responsible, quoting New York's law for why the company was no longer responsible. I asked him that beyond the law was it not his company's responsibility to sell cars of quality that would last more than several weeks?
At this he said that this was risk that she took when buying a car with so many miles. I again asked if the company's reputation meant anything, and he said that it was not him, but New York law and that he was not seeing a profit from the repair, and in fact could charge $800. I told him that it did not seem reasonable that despite New York's lemon law, a person buys a vehicle and encounters problems within months and then be subjected to pay. He again said that this was a risk that she took. I asked to speak to his manager, and he replied he was the manager.
This seems to me an example of car dealership tactics that have tarnish its industry. Here a lady purchases a car, and is verbally given every assurance that any problem will be taken care of. Within a week, problems arise, and then the excuses appear. It seems to me that this organization does what it can to stay within the limits imposed by the lemon laws, while still taking advantage of those of weaker leverage. It seems only reasonable that a person buys a product, expecting the product to function properly for at least a year. Here the vehicle has been defected as of one week of purchase.
What is worst is that she was even willing to pay more for another car (switching for a car of equal value was not suggested), which to me seems absurd! How successful would American business be if products lasted less than a month, and consumers were told that their only option was to repair or replace out of pocket? It is not only the time and expense that is at stake, but a persons sense of dignity and confidence in American commerce, so essential to economic growth. It is such deceptive business practices that have contributed to our sadden economy.
It is my only hope that such practices can be addressed, so that consumers could buy with the confidence that after their purchases are made their retailers will have the pride, honor, and commitment to high standards of customer care to ensure their safety and satisfaction. This without the fear that their only response will be recitation of New York law, and/or money out of their pockets.