I attempted to buy a vehicle from Elite Motors. After negotiating terms, the final agreement between the dealer and myself was, $6880 out the door(taxes& tags included), with a three month/ 3000 mile warranty. After attempting to test drive the vehicle (immediately after inspection) the vehicle would not start due to the battery needing charged. I also noted the rear tires on the vehicle had extremely low tread depth. Once the dealer jumped the vehicle, stating " it just needs to run for about 30 mins"
I took it for a test drive. The brakes on the vehicle made me extremely uneasy. While pressing the brake pedal, the front end of the vehicle starting vibrating as if the brake rotors were worn or damaged. I immediately brought the vehicle back and expressed my concerns about the brakes and tires, while noting my confusion that the vehicle had just gone through an "Official state inspection" and these issues were not addressed. The dealer agreed to repair the vehicle and have it ready for us the following day.
I returned to the lot the following day. It appeared that all items in question had been repaired. Now I'm ready to sign paperwork. The buyers guide was presented to us, which initially appeared to be the same buyers guide we originally agreed upon, however looking at it thoroughly, I noticed the box, As is No Warranty was now checked. I brought it to the attention of the sales associate and she stated " there is a warranty, but let me check with the owner".
The sales associate consulted with the owner and stated the owner is no longer going to warranty the car due to the money already put into the car for brakes and other repairs". After expressing my disappointment to the sales associate about changing the terms of our agreement without informing me and removing the warranty due to repairs made to the vehicle for safety reasons, the owner decides to talk with me.
He stated "my sales associate should have told you that I decided not to warranty the vehicle". I stated that those were not the terms agreed on and I would not buy the vehicle without a warranty. He asked for more money for a warranty, I disagreed, took my check and walked out.
Elite Motors attempted to deceive a consumer and influence a purchasing decision through misrepresentation of an advertised warranty and altering paperwork prior to signing without informing the consumer. Now had I been an inexperienced buyer, I would have ended up with an unsafe vehicle without a warranty. I believe they have a buddy system with a state inspector and they are possibly altering terms and paperwork, prior to signing, without notification of the consumer. Clear case of bait and switch and false advertising!
Wasted paperwork and manhours considering the loan was already prepared and the check made to Elite Motors from Navy Federal Credit Union. Wasted time and gas money making three trips from Norfolk to Virginia beach to the dealership.
