Country Classic Cars LLC

My name is Scott Stout I am a 52 disabled individual on a fixed income. I wanted to purchase a reliable affordable vehicle and was looking for something “Nostalgic” after glancing at a few reviews and a couple conversations with the salespeople at Country Classic Cars I Purchased 1984 Chevy S10 for $6,000.00 plus $99.00 dealer fee & $650.00 shipping with an additional $400.00 for valve cover repair need upon receipt of vehicle only to discover an additional repairs needed are estimated in excess of $3,500.00.

Vehicle advertised as... "1984 Chevy S10 Extended cab, 4x4, well kept, nice body and paint, good interior, factory rubber mat, Durango package V6 auto, PS, PB, a/c, bed rails, bed liner, runs and drives good." in this AD

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1984/chevrolet/s10_pickup/101226963...⇄

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars-for-sale/1984-chevrolet-s10_pickup-...⇄ />
Steve the salesperson assured me the vehicle was sound with theses emails...
Country Classic Cars [email protected] via bounce.s4.exacttarget.com
Oct 31, 2019, 9:24 AM "This S10 is available. Nice survivor. Runs good for sure Interested. Steve."

Country Classic Cars [email protected] Nov 1, 2019, 9:23 AM
"I've driven it around here. It is a survivor and appears to had an easy life. If you know the S10 trucks you know they can last for a long long time. While this one isn’t perfect or show quality it really does present itself well. I use to be an S10 fan. I wouldn't mind having this one. I will give you a call later today. A lot to do this morning. Steve."

Ad and correspondence clearly indicate vehicle was in fully operable condition not a “restoration project”. However, when I received the truck it had no A/C as advertised, No 4x4 as advertised, Did not run or drive good as advertised (severe oil leak could not be driven without risk of engine damage) Also the heater does not work, the hoses have been disconnected and capped. The cab has a leak causing headliner to fall. The Parking/E brake does not function. The AD intentionally misleading not disclosing disconnected Heater and collapsing liner. I am attaching those photos and the photos showing the actual condition of the truck.

I spoke with Russ Noel owner of Country Classic cars and addressed the main issues. The engine, heat, 4x4 and a/c. In our conversation he stated
⦁ He advertised A/C and 4x4 but did not say they worked (Show intent to defraud)
⦁ He said that I should not have purchased from him if I could not do repairs to engine myself because of the expense of having a professional do it.
⦁ I offered to pay him what he paid for the truck to settle the matter and in a continued attempt to defraud me he claimed to pay $5,000.00 for the truck.
⦁ He denied knowledge of issues & inspecting truck when he purchased it or before he sold it to me.

I have transcript of those conversations available.

Upon further investigation I spoke with previous owner Wayne Masek who confirmed he disclosed Heat and A/C issue to Russ Noel at the time of their transaction and that he would have been aware of and able to disclose engine issues to future buyers since Country Classic Cars did an inspection of the vehicle prior to finalizing purchase. He also verified Russ Noel purchased for $2,200.00 not $5,000.00. I can also provide a transcript of that conversation. Additionally, & unfortunately in my searches I discovered this dealership has history of deceptive practices and at least one claim of previous complaint report to Illinois State Attorney General. I have included links to those resources. I want dealer to refund my money and pay for return shipping of vehicle.

This man deserves to be fined, loose his business license and even serve some jail time. This is a case of blatant fraud and before pursuing criminal charges I would simply like to resolve this amicably. I do not wish to keep the vehicle and cannot sell it for what I paid in to another individual good conscious in it’s present condition. I propose one of two options the first is for a full refund of purchase price $6,000.00 I will not seek restitution of $99.00 dealer fee, $650.00 shipping fee or $400.00 valve cover repair charge. (My loss $1,149.00) Country Classic Cars pays for return shipping ($650.00 Their loss) I am to be paid before pickup &/or delivery these same terms under which Country Classic Cars sold me the vehicle. The other option is (for sake of time and hassle) I would consider purchasing the vehicle for the price Mr. Noel paid, $2,200.00. That would mean he refunds me $3,800.00 he takes NO LOSS on the transaction I would in effect be at a loss of $1,149 PLUS the purchase price. Therefore, resolving the matter in a timely manner without any added legal fees or mutual unpleasantries. I could put the money towards repairs because the mechanic’s rate is $30.00 a day storage if he does the work the storage will be waived.

My Name is Scott Stout I am a 52 disabled individual on a fixed income. I wanted to purchase a reliable affordable vehicle and was looking for something “Nostalgic” after glancing at a few reviews and a couple conversations with the salespeople at Country Classic Cars I Purchased 1984 Chevy S10 for $6,000.00 plus $99.00 dealer fee & $650.00 shipping fee plus $400.00 in repairs need upon receipt of vehicle only to discover additional undisclosed repairs are needed and estimated in excess of $3,500.00. Also since it is not safe to be driven the truck is sitting at a mechanics shop awaiting repairs at the storage rate of $30.00 a day.

Vehicle advertised as... "1984 Chevy S10 Extended cab, 4x4, well kept, nice body and paint, good interior, factory rubber mat, Durango package V6 auto, PS, PB, a/c, bed rails, bed liner, runs and drives good." in this AD

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1984/chevrolet/s10_pickup/101226963...⇄

They have recently deleted their AD and Social Media site in efforrt to hide evidence of consumer complaints.

Steve the salesperson assured me the vehicle was sound with theses emails...

Country Classic Cars [email protected] via bounce.s4.exacttarget.com
Oct 31, 2019, 9:24 AM "This S10 is available. Nice survivor. Runs good for sure Interested. Steve."

Country Classic Cars [email protected] Nov 1, 2019, 9:23 AM
"I've driven it around here. It is a survivor and appears to had an easy life. If you know the S10 trucks you know they can last for a long long time. While this one isn’t perfect or show quality it really does present itself well. I use to be an S10 fan. I wouldn't mind having this one. I will give you a call later today. A lot to do this morning. Steve."

Ad and correspondence clearly indicate vehicle was in fully operable condition not a “restoration project”. However when I received the truck it had no A/C as advertised, No 4x4 as advertised, Did not run or drive good as advertised (severe oil leak could not be driven without risk of engine damage) Also the heater does not work, the hoses have been disconnected and capped, The Parking/E brake does not work, The cab has a leak causing headliner to fall. The AD is intentionally misleading not disclosing disconnected Heater, inoperable 4x4 or A/C and collapsing liner.

Verbal estimates from local mechanics match these. Mechanics would not put in writing without commitment for service.

Rear Main Seal $1,000.00
https://autoservicecosts.com/rear-main-seal-replacement-cost/

Heater Core $800.00
https://autoservicecosts.com/rear-main-seal-replacement-cost/

Air Conditioning $1,500.00
https://autoservicecosts.com/ac-compressor-replacement-cost/

Valve Cover Gasket $400.00 (ALREADY PAID FOR)
https://autoservicecosts.com/valve-cover-gasket-cost/

4 Wheel Drive TBD hourly labor rate $129.00 plus parts.

Emergency brake inoperable TBD hourly labor rate $129.00 plus parts.
https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/auto-repair-labor-rates-explained

Storage fees $30.00 day (24 Days and counting) $720.00

I spoke with Russ Noel owner of Country Classic cars and addressed the main issues. The engine, heat, 4x4 and a/c. In our conversation he stated
⦁ He advertised A/C and 4x4 but did not say they worked (Show intent to defraud)
⦁ that I should not have purchased from him if I could not do repairs to engine myself because of the expense of having a professional do it.
⦁ He told me he didn't look at the car upon purchase original seller informed me he did.
⦁ I offered to pay him what he paid for the vehicle so he wouldn’t loose any money on the transaction and in further effort to defraud me he lied about the original purchase price. (He Stated $5,00.00 actual amount$2,200.00)
⦁ He denied inspect truck when he purchased it and before he sold it so how could he advertise features if he did not know if they were functioning and again the previous owner stated it was inspected before deal was finalized

I have transcript of those conversations available.

Upon further investigation I spoke with previous owner Wayne Masek who informed me he sold the truck for $2,200.00 and disclosed Heat and A/C issue to Russ Noel at the time of their transaction He also said Russ would have been aware and able to disclose engine issues to future buyers since Country Classic Cars did an inspection of the vehicle prior to finalizing purchase. I can also provide a transcript of that conversation. Additionally, & unfortunately in my searches discovered this dealership has history of deceptive practice. And a pattern of sending photos and videos of cars not discloing serious mechanicle defects hidden to the naked eye. I have included links to those resources.

Country Classic Cars has a long history of Burning Consumers. Several people have sued or filed complaints with Attorney General. They have recently deleted their social media profile in attempts to hide the evidence against them posted by customers who have been scammed. I Have contacted the Illinois Attorney General, NY Attorney General and will be opening a case with FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Country Classic Cars has a long history of Burning Consumers. Several people have sued or filed complaints with Attorney General. They have recently deleted their social media profile in attempts to hide the evidence against them posted by customers who have been scammed. I Have contacted the Illinois Attorney General, NY Attorney General and will be opening a case with FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Initial Business Response / [redacted] (1000, 11, 2015/08/28) */ RE: [redacted] , Jeep Cherokee, Case # XXXXXXX To Whom It May Concern" I originally mailed our response to [redacted] StLouis, and just received it back from U.SMail yesterdayI mailed it to your Broadway address last nightI got both these addresses from the internet and because I'm somewhat concerned about my response getting to you in time I am also emailing the same response with attachments: All the salesmen here were very surprised to get this complaintWe felt it was a very solid vehicle in need of minor repairs, improvements at the buyer's discretionAlso, given the fact that this is the FIRST we heard that he is dissatisfied He complains the hood won't openWe would agree the hood latch might need adjusting because we did have to pull it twice to get it openHowever, it definitely does open As to oil leaking all over, the engine was relatively clean [redacted] absolutely recalls telling him he couldn't tell if there were any oil leaks under the car or not as it was sitting in rocks Mr [redacted] asked [redacted] if anything under the hood looked new [redacted] replied the master cylinder appeared to be newer, also the solenoid appeared newerHe most definitely did not say the master cylinder is brand newThe brakes worked well hereThe brake fluid level was good when [redacted] checked the dluid and it was not necessary to add fluid We have no idea if the Jeep has ever been wreckedNothing on the title indicated that to us, nor did it appear to have been wreckedWe have no way of knowing if this year old vehicle has been wrecked We had NO problems with the transmission, nor did the engine ever cut out & die on usIt ran great here [redacted] started it up, held the phone to it so Mr [redacted] could listen to itIt ran well As to the catalytic converter and muffler, [redacted] distinctly remembers telling Mr [redacted] that the catalytic converter was rusty, he couldn't see the muffler from where he was layingMr [redacted] assured him that was OK as he planned to put new exhaust on it so it would pass emission tests where he lived [redacted] told him he thought there was a spare tireHe told Mr [redacted] if there was no spare he would look around here for oneHe did warn Mr [redacted] that we don't keep many spares around here [redacted] tried to find on but couldn't find one that would fitAT NO TIME did [redacted] promise him a spare tire, and certainly not times [redacted] has been with us for over yearsHe is very dependable and truthfulHis work ethics are beyond reproachDoes he go to church? I can't answer thatThat is ***'s business only [redacted] took the phone out to the jeep and went around it or times, trying to tell the buyer fairly about the good and badHe laid on the ground trying to accommodate the questions from the buyerEveryone here feels that overall it is a pretty good JeepMost of the older Jeeps you see are in much worse shapeIt is years old I would like to say that we RESENT the insults and the threats to do the "legal and internet stuff." We sell abut cars per yearWe're happy that our customers rarely complainOur Buyer's Agreement clearly states AS IS in bold lettersThere was never any implication of a guaranteeWe do not take back AS IS sold vehiclesWe can'tWe are confident in the decency of our salesmenWe strive to have happy customersClearly Mr [redacted] doesn't like the JeepHowever the complaints are minor an could be expected in a year old vehicleIt was not misrepresented in any wayHe did not buy a new car, it is an old AS IS vehicle Attached are several pictures of the Jeep we sold [redacted] thru [redacted] our Buyer's Agreement and a few adds(Revdex.com.pdf above) giving you some idea of what these Jeeps sell for if in excellent conditionWe couldn't find a but did find a for $27,900.00, a for $34,000.00, and a for $38, If I can be of further help please callThanks, [redacted] ***

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2015/07/31) */
We are answering the above complaint filed by [redacted] on the 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 she purchased from us Jan. 9, 2015 for $11,500.
Mrs. [redacted] was here at our business. She test drove the 1972 Ford Mustang more than once. Several...

people accompanying her, we believe to be her family members, Dad, brother helped her look it over. Some even rode with her. She had ample time to inspect the car. We never high pressure anyone to purchase. The overall condition and high desirability are 2 of the factors that determined the very fair purchase price of $11,500.00. Enclosed is a picture of this very car she now owns. Also enclosed are 3 other pictures of 1972 Mustangs for sale. One is in tip top shape, advertised for $69,996.00. One is probably a little less pristine condition as it is priced at $27,990.00 and the Mustang in very poor condition with missing parts is $5,000.00. Mrs. [redacted] got a loan through [redacted] & Co. This bank sent an appraiser here to inspect the car. They make sure the vehicle is worth the purchase price before loaning the money. This further supports our fair sale price.
This car is 43 years old. It appears Mrs. [redacted] was giving it a good overall tune-up and that is always a good idea for a car this old. Her mechanic listed other items that he felt needed repairs or improvements. These suggestions are one mechanic's opinion. These repairs may be necessary or they may be a matter of choice to increase the value of this car. It is to benefit of repair businesses to make repairs. It is an old car. We were unaware of the problems she is complaining about. If it was perfect, the price would have been at least $70,000.00. The car was sold AS IS. Our buyer's agreement (copy enclosed) clearly states in bold capital letters that it is sold as is/no warranty. It is also our policy to make it very clear verbally that all our vehicles are sold AS IS. That means the buyer assumes any cost for improvements or repairs. Our vehicles are antiques or classics. They will have or develop different issues due to old age. We cannot anticipate problems and therefore do not ever guarantee any vehicle regardless of price. Furthermore her husband drove it before loading when he picked it up for her Jan. 14, 2015 and this is the first we have heard of these complaints.
We are not happy she is dissatisfied but cannot guarantee anything on a car this old. We do not pay for repairs on an AS IS car. She had ample time to inspect; an appraiser verified it was a fair price. If you need anything further please let me know.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 11, 2015/08/28) */
RE: [redacted], 1983 Jeep Cherokee, Case # XXXXXXX

To Whom It May Concern"

I originally mailed our response to [redacted] St. Louis, and just received it back from U.S. Mail yesterday. I mailed it to your Broadway...

address last night. I got both these addresses from the internet and because I'm somewhat concerned about my response getting to you in time I am also emailing the same response with attachments:

All the salesmen here were very surprised to get this complaint. We felt it was a very solid vehicle in need of minor repairs, improvements at the buyer's discretion. Also, given the fact that this is the FIRST we heard that he is dissatisfied.

He complains the hood won't open. We would agree the hood latch might need adjusting because we did have to pull it twice to get it open. However, it definitely does open.

As to oil leaking all over, the engine was relatively clean. [redacted] absolutely recalls telling him he couldn't tell if there were any oil leaks under the car or not as it was sitting in rocks.

Mr. [redacted] asked [redacted] if anything under the hood looked new. [redacted] replied the master cylinder appeared to be newer, also the solenoid appeared newer. He most definitely did not say the master cylinder is brand new. The brakes worked well here. The brake fluid level was good when [redacted] checked the dluid and it was not necessary to add fluid.

We have no idea if the Jeep has ever been wrecked. Nothing on the title indicated that to us, nor did it appear to have been wrecked. We have no way of knowing if this 32 year old vehicle has been wrecked.

We had NO problems with the transmission, nor did the engine ever cut out & die on us. It ran great here. [redacted] started it up, held the phone to it so Mr. [redacted] could listen to it. It ran well.

As to the catalytic converter and muffler, [redacted] distinctly remembers telling Mr. [redacted] that the catalytic converter was rusty, he couldn't see the muffler from where he was laying. Mr. [redacted] assured him that was OK as he planned to put new exhaust on it so it would pass emission tests where he lived.

[redacted] told him he thought there was a spare tire. He told Mr. [redacted] if there was no spare he would look around here for one. He did warn Mr. [redacted] that we don't keep many spares around here. [redacted] tried to find on but couldn't find one that would fit. AT NO TIME did [redacted] promise him a spare tire, and certainly not 3 times.

[redacted] has been with us for over 8 years. He is very dependable and truthful. His work ethics are beyond reproach. Does he go to church? I can't answer that. That is [redacted]'s business only. [redacted] took the phone out to the jeep and went around it 4 or 5 times, trying to tell the buyer fairly about the good and bad. He laid on the ground trying to accommodate the questions from the buyer. Everyone here feels that overall it is a pretty good Jeep. Most of the older Jeeps you see are in much worse shape. It is 32 years old.

I would like to say that we RESENT the insults and the threats to do the "legal and internet stuff." We sell abut 350 cars per year. We're happy that our customers rarely complain. Our Buyer's Agreement clearly states AS IS in bold letters. There was never any implication of a guarantee. We do not take back AS IS sold vehicles. We can't. We are confident in the decency of our salesmen. We strive to have happy customers. Clearly Mr. [redacted] doesn't like the Jeep. However the complaints are minor an could be expected in a 32 year old vehicle. It was not misrepresented in any way. He did not buy a new car, it is an old AS IS vehicle.

Attached are several pictures of the 1983 Jeep we sold [redacted] thru [redacted] our Buyer's Agreement and a few adds(Revdex.com.pdf above) giving you some idea of what these Jeeps sell for if in excellent condition. We couldn't find a 1983 but did find a 1985 for $27,900.00, a 1979 for $34,000.00, and a 1984 for $38,000.00.

If I can be of further help please call. Thanks, [redacted]