Car Connection Central

Our documentation is clear and disputes what MsSiewert has statedAgain, we need her permission to release the checks to 'the Revdex.com showing proof that she never paid for the warranty and in fact declined it due to financial constraintsThe total of $3,was all they could afford between their loan from Heights and their own moneyWe did our best to accommodate their limited resourcesWe discussed the warranty with her at length as well as the priceWhile she may have wanted it, she 'declined to pay for and purchase it.The timing chain was not bad when the vehicle was sold and continued to function properly up to the time of the engine failure which was unrelated to the timing chainIt was never mentioned at purchase, never mentioned at the time the engine was replaced, and never mentioned on her hand written list.We have since been made aware that the car was traded in to a local dealer and were told that she declared no issues, engine or otherwiseHer complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation resulted in verification that we did nothing incorrectly or improperlyWe will not be threatened, bullied or coerced into paying for something we did not do, and are confident that we will prevail in a lawsuit if she chooses to pursue that avenue[redacted]

Mr. [redacted] is correct in his assertion that there were two seatbelts in need of attention which we advised him of and agreed to correct. The first was minor and was handled quickly, but the rear center required more time to locate. We spoke with him several times to have him come in to ascertain...

the correct color, but he stated he did not have time to come in. We finally settled for a photo he emailed, as the correct trim code provided by Ford had been changed and had no specific color reference. After looking for the correct belt, we thought we had it and called him to have it installed. As it turned out, It was darker than the original, but was installed correctly and was fully functional. Regarding his other assertions, he did bring the truck in, on 5/9/16 to have the cigarette lighter replaced which we did at no charge. He also stated that the truck had a misfire. We ran a detailed diagnostic on the engine and found nothing. He was also provided a free loaner vehicle while his truck hid the computerized diagnostics performed. A warranty claim may only be submitted if there is a failure, point of failure and vetification. His truck met none of the required criteria for submission. WhEn told there was nothing showing up on the computer, he insisted the computer was wrong. He scheduled various follow up appointments but failed to show up for them. We then advised him to take it to 'I:he Ford dealer if he didn't believe the results of 'ur computer diagnostics. In spite of the fact that he has made disparaging remarks about a reputable business that has been in the same location for over 39 years, we are willing to replace the seatbelt with a lighter color. But we cannot repair a problem that doesn't appear to exist and diagnostics don't identify. We will not issue a refund, and he welcome to verify what we have stated with the warranty company which is completely independent from our organization. [redacted] Car Connection Central, llc

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.This statement from the Car Connection owner is factually wrong in several respects. First, we will, under oath, testify to the fact that [redacted] did indeed tell us that there was a timing chain issue with the car when we bought it, and that he would "work with us" if we chose to replace it. There were several people in the office that day that we are prepared to subpoena if necessary.Second, we will, under oath, testify to the fact that we never "threw down" our keys, loudly complaining about the car. Third, we will, under oath, testify to the fact that we were offered a warranty for $500, not $600, and I will, under oath, testify that I had a conversation on the phone agreeing to pay this and purchase the warranty. I have a witness to this who was in my office at the time, and the finance company will also attest to the fact that I did ask to purchase the warranty.I am also prepared to show that Car Connection showed state inspectors a receipt for the engine repair that had notations that did not match the receipt given me at the time of pickup.I am unafraid of a lawsuit and have also spoken with my own counsel. I am prepared to file a civil claim against this company. My biggest issue is that the warranty I requested was not ordered at the time the engine was ordered. Had it been, I would have been covered, and this would not have been an issue.
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
Regards,
[redacted]

Our documentation is clear and disputes what Ms. Siewert has stated. Again, we need her permission to release the checks to 'the Revdex.com showing proof that she never paid for the warranty and in fact declined it due to financial constraints. The total of $3,000.95 was all they could afford between their loan from Heights and their own money. We did our best to accommodate their limited resources. We discussed the warranty with her at length as well as the price. While she may have wanted it, she 'declined to pay for and purchase it.The timing chain was not bad when the vehicle was sold and continued to function properly up to the time of the engine failure which was unrelated to the timing chain. It was never mentioned at purchase, never mentioned at the time the engine was replaced, and never mentioned on her hand written list.We have since been made aware that the car was traded in to a local dealer and were told that she declared no issues, engine or otherwise. Her complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation resulted in verification that we did nothing incorrectly or improperly. We will not be threatened, bullied or coerced into paying for something we did not do, and are confident that we will prevail in a lawsuit if she chooses to pursue that avenue.[redacted]

See Attached

Car Connection Central, LLC categorically denies an the assertions made by the Siewerts. Due to the copious amounts of- specific allegations put forward In the complaint, it is impossible to address each item within the 7 day period provided by the Revdex.com. We will address them as soon as we have...

researched each Item and can provide a proper response. [redacted]car Connection Central, LLC

I live strictly on Social Security, looked for a car for six months and several weeks ago found a real gem at Car Connection (Schofield, WI). Buying used cars always involves some chance so before purchase drove it a mile down Grand Ave/Bus 51 to Firestone for a road test & 2nd opinion inspection which they charged < $25. The 2007 Nissan was super clean, in great condition, and exceptional value. Also rec'd excellent customer service by mgr. Larry [redacted] & his nephew despite the fact the place was crowded with customers and lookers. Everything (taxes, license plate transfer, insurance) was taken care of before I left the lot. Dealership fixed or replaced a few minor items, also accepted a trade of my old car.
My three kids living in distant states are grateful their 71 year old mother was looked after with such integrity and patience. Would and will buy there again
Adding to the value is the following policy Car Connection abides which my family had not found at other used car dealerships between a 150 mile radius:
"After inspection, detail and approval, every front line car is given a 3 month/3,000 mile warranty, one year of free oil changes, roadside assistance and lifetime code diagnostics".

Review: Total purchase price inclusive of fees, registration and sales tax: $4,493.17

Total spent on repairs since purchase: $4,251.18

Current Kelly Blue Book value of the vehicle as of today’s date: Between $3,317 and $4,072

Vehicle financed through: Heights Finance Corporation [redacted]

Vehicle refinanced to pay for newly installed engine, also through Heights Finance

VIN number: [redacted]

Initial warranty purchased at delivery: ASC Warranty Vehicle Protection Plan, 3-month or 3,000 miles

Details surrounding the complaint:

1. In mid-May, 2014, we began looking for a vehicle and test drove the 2003 Saab from Car Connection. After a satisfactory test drive, we arranged for financing and delivery of the vehicle. The process took about a week, during which time [redacted] at Car Connection was holding the vehicle and readying it for delivery.

2. On May 28, 2014 we signed loan papers, picked up the check at the finance company, and took the check to the dealership. At that time, [redacted] informed us that a “final check” of the car indicated an issue with the timing chain. He said there was some noise that indicated the timing chain would likely need to be replaced, and said he would give us a good price on replacing the chain when we decided to have the repair completed. We decided to go ahead with the purchase anyway. This was the dealership’s first opportunity to acknowledge that the motor in the car had a knock that would indicate to a repair technician that the motor was in trouble.

3. The window inspection sticker indicated that all systems of the car were tested and were in working order. This included all lights on the vehicle.

4. The same day we purchased the car, we realized that six lights were burned out: a headlamp, four lights encompassing the entire upper brake panel, and one tail light. We replaced the brake light and brake panel lights ourselves, but called Car Connection to have the headlamp replaced because the cost was high. They repaired the headlamp.

5. At the time the headlamp was repaired, I asked if they were sure the car was inspected since the checklist didn’t indicate anything wrong with the lights. [redacted] assured me the car was checked over, but said I should “expect” to spend some time in the shop because I was buying a Saab and they are “problem cars.”

6. Two days after buying the car, the check engine light came on. I took the car to Car Connection to have it inspected. I was told the associated engine codes indicated an emissions leak that was attributed to a loose gas cap. This was the second opportunity for the dealership’s mechanics to identify a major problem with the engine that could have been repaired under the purchased warranty.

7. The car was again taken to Car Connection in August just before the warranty expired to have an oil change and inspection. I mentioned that the car was running rough and again was told that the problem was “probably” the timing chain. This is the third failed opportunity for the dealership to identify the problem with the engine in time for a warrantied repair.

8. In October, I was driving south on I-39 when the car suddenly quit and wouldn’t start again. The car was towed to Car Connection by Joe Rader towing at a cost of $94.95. The mechanic said the alternator was bad but said nothing about a problem with the engine. The repair took nearly a week, and cost $538.

9. After picking up the car, I drove less than 10 miles and the car quit again and would not start. The oil light came on. The check engine light, curiously, never did. The next morning, I had the car towed to Car Connection and rode with the tow truck to the dealership.

10. About a week after the car was taken to Car Connection, I finally received a call from the mechanic telling me that the engine was bad and needed to be replaced. He acknowledged that the repair would likely cost more than $2,500 or $3,000 but said [redacted], the manager, would find a used engine and come up with a quote. We asked that because the engine was being replaced, the fuel pump and timing chain also be replaced since the cost of those parts is minimal and labor is greatly reduced with an engine already removed. We had a verbal agreement for the shop to do so, and waited for a quote – for weeks.

11. I spoke with [redacted] several times over the course of the next two weeks as I waited for a final quote. Since I just bought the car in May and the engine problem obviously existed at the time of purchase, I asked what he would give me for the car in trade toward another one, in the interest of customer service. He said the car was “basically worthless” without an engine and there was nothing he could do. Salvage was not an option, because we financed the full cost of the vehicle, and salvage price was about $350 for the car. [redacted] also suggested that my husband should “find an engine himself” and they would install it for us; we declined.

12. After repeated phone calls, [redacted] finally called to say he found an engine for the car and offered several warranty options at different price levels. I said we would talk it over and I would call him back within a day.

13. I called back but [redacted] was unavailable. I spoke to the owner of the business, [redacted], and told him we would like to purchase the 12 month parts and labor warranty on the motor for $500, and to go ahead and fix the car for the quote of $3,500, which included that warranty. We refinanced a second car in order to pay for the repair.

14. Three weeks later, in late November, the car was finished. The invoice total was $3,458.23. The mechanic told me to report any oil leaks I noticed right away. The manager was not in when I picked up the car, and the only receipt I was given for the repair was not itemized or legible and did not include any information about the warranty. I was in a hurry, and drove home.

15. In February, the engine began to leak considerably. I called to have my oil changed and have the leak looked at. The oil change was performed, and the mechanic said that he couldn’t find the source of the leak but that it was possible that the engine was bad again. He said that according to his paperwork, there was only a 6-month parts warranty on the engine – not what I asked for – and that the repair would obviously cost a considerable amount since labor for an engine install is about $1,500 or more. I told him I bought a warranty and he said I would have to take it up with the manager. Upon pickup, [redacted] told me I should let him know if I had any more leak problems and they would “figure it out.”

16. On March 27, 2015, I took the car to Firestone to have the front suspension looked at, due to a creaking noise. The mechanic there called and told me I had massive oil leaks all over the engine, from top to bottom. I called Car Connection right away.

17. On March 30, 2015, I took the car to Car Connection to have the oil leaks looked at. Once in the shop, I requested copies of all service records related to the car from the time I purchased it to date. I was told that might be “difficult,” because they had a backlog of forms that had to be entered in the system. Another employee told me that the records might be in storage already and they might not be able to get them for me.

18. On March 30, 2015, a service representative told me that the crankshaft seal was leaking, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The service representative said the warranty covered the crankshaft seal, so they would “pick that up” for me, but the serpentine belt was not. Total cost: $150. When I picked up the car, Car Connection furnished me with an itemized receipt for the engine repair that I had never seen before. The fuel pump and timing chain were not listed as repaired or replaced. No other receipts for previous service work was made available to me, despite my requests. Also, the invoice clearly indicates it was written on 1/16/2015, two months after the work was performed.

19. On March 31, 2015, one day after the crankshaft seal was leaking, the engine began leaking again, this time worse than before.

20. On April 3, 2015, we again took the car to Car Connection to have the leak inspected. I was told there was now a problem with an O-ring, and they would need to order a part and fix it.

21. On April 10, 2015, I took the car in for a scheduled appointment to have the O-ring fixed. At the end of the day, the shop called and said they couldn’t find a part so I should come get the car and they would call me when they could find one.

22. On April 22, I took the car back to Car Connection for a scheduled appointment to have the O ring replaced. At the end of the day, I received a call that said it would be another day or two because they repaired the car but wanted to let the seal dry and put a few miles on it to ensure the leak was fixed.

23. On April 24, I was advised it would be another few days yet, but [redacted] said he could not elaborate on what was causing the holdup because he “might get in trouble.”

24. On Tuesday, April 28, [redacted] called to say the car was ready to be picked up. He said the car was fixed and that I should come back in a month just to have the seal checked to be sure everything was okay. Curiously, I noticed that no miles had been put on the odometer since I dropped it off, and the car was covered in a thick layer of dust as though it had been sitting in the same spot for days. One hour after I drove the car home, there was a puddle of oil under the car. The car continues to leak in the exact same spot. Additionally, now the brights won’t work on the car, and the car’s warning system no longer issues a message that the battery on the key fob needs replacing or that a rear light is out, which causes me to wonder if the warning system has been disabled.

25. As it stands now, I cannot sell the car in the condition it is in, and I cannot drive it. My job as a reporter is contingent upon having adequate transportation; without it, I risk losing my employment. I cannot afford to buy a new car after spending more than $8,000 on this vehicle in the past 11 months

26. We allege:

a. The car was never inspected before delivery and was not delivered in the condition the window sticker indicated.

b. The dealership was negligent because they did not disclose known engine issues and tried to disguise the issue as a timing chain problem.

c. The dealership was negligent because they did not identify engine issues on several occasions when a safety check would have alerted them to a possible problem.

d. The dealership knowingly sold a car they knew or should have known was defective, resulting in repair costs of $4,241.18.

e. The dealership refused to offer compensation or a trade for the defective vehicle.

f. The dealership did not purchase a warranty with the engine, though it was requested and paid for by us, the consumer.

g. The dealership has repeatedly failed to fix the vehicle, despite having multiple opportunities to do so.Desired Settlement: a. The dealership can take ownership of the Saab, which has an estimated Kelly Blue Book resale price of between $3,317 and $4,072 as of today’s date, in exchange for a one-time refund of $7247.68. This amount reflects the median value of the Saab, calculated to $3,694.50, plus $3,553.18, the amount spent on engine-related repairs for the vehicle. This amount does not include the serpentine belt, alternator, tires, or maintenance charges not associated with the faulty engine, and does not reflect time lost from work or finance charges paid on the vehicle loan.

b. The dealership can take ownership of the Saab in exchange for a car of our choice on their lot priced at $7,247.68 or below, including tax, title and registration, subject to inspection by an outside inspector.

c. The dealership can reimburse repair costs with a one-time payment of $3,553.18 and we retain possession of the Saab.

Business

Response:

Car Connection Central, LLC categorically denies an the assertions made by the Siewerts. Due to the copious amounts of- specific allegations put forward In the complaint,

Review: I bought a 2003 Volkswagen jetta gl from them about 2 months Ago I am 18 almost 19 buying my first car. I was assured that I would be 100% satisfied with the car and I was for a bit. The first week temp attire gauge and thermostat went out. Ok big deal right? They fixed it. The next week my water pump goes out they bring it in and replace it we'll they did a timing job right away to well I was happy at that moment but then 2 weeks later my engine starts misfiring and I brought it in and they didn't offer to fix it through warrenty or anything they just told me if it wasn't doing it it should be fine. We'll ok another week later my speedometer goes out along with my odometer and my gas gauge is all goofy. I take it in and they tell me my ignition was shorting out and the warrenty won't cover that and also my speedometer sensor was broke and I would need a new one. I started getting upset at this point and now a couple weeks ago the exhaust broke at the engine not to much of a big deal we'll then last week my transmission was locking up I had just had it I told them I wanted to take it back and I was told by Jim that they'd look and find a price we'll then all of the sudden he tells me they can't take my vehicle because I drove it without a working odometer so I couldn't return it and while on the phone he just hung up on me that was it I was pissed I went to car connection tonight and told them everything and I told them I wanted a refund I have had this car for a little over 2 months paid over 5000$ for this car and half the stuff doesn't work and he told me he "simply would not do it" and wen I asked why he said "because I have been told that you have beat the hell out of that car" and told me that that was the end couldn't give me anymore reasons than that and I stormed out pissed because I have a car where half of it doesn't work I got screwed out of alloy of money and still have to pay for a boat load of repairs not to mention I felt like I was just being thrown out of the store and being taken advantage ofDesired Settlement: I want a full refund

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted] purchased a 2003 VW Jetta on August 13,2013 for $4,995 plus tax, fees and registration. The car was very clean and in excellent condition. All necessary inspections were done on the vehicle including exhaust and brakes. The car was verified by Auto check as being a one-owner car with only 87,432 miles on it. It was sold with a 3 month/3,000 mile power train warranty which was included in the price at no additional charge. Mr. [redacted] was offered additional warranty which would have expanded both coverage and monetary limit for anywhere from 3 months/3.000 miles to 48 months/48,000 miles which he declined.