El Norteno Auto Sales

Review: On November 15, 2014, I purchased a 2003 Jeep Liberty from Norteno Auto Sales. The vehicle had some mechanical, as well as, safety issues that needed to be repaired. The brakes were grinding and the front windshield was cracked. The salesman, [redacted], assured me that they would replace the windshield and fix/replace the brakes. I asked him for that in writing and he agreed.

When I was signing the paperwork, I asked again about the promise to fix agreement and he said that he personally guaranteed the work would be done because he was the person in charge there. A Temporary Registration Plate was issued that was good from November 15 through December 30, 2014.

Within the first week of me driving the vehicle, the brakes got worse so I called the car lot and asked if I could take the vehicle in for the repairs. [redacted] told me, at that point, that he would fix The vehicle after I make the first payment.

The vehicle was not drivable. When the payment became due, I was called. I told them that I would make a payment after I fixed the car because I could not pay for repairs and also the payment.I also told them that a friend had the vehicle and was trying to fix it but the lug nuts were stripped and he could not replace the brakes and now I would have to pay for new rotors and take the vehicle to a certified mechanic because of the serious safety problems.

I received several calls everyday for payment and even was threatened and harassed for the return of the vehicle. On Wednesday, December 17th, [redacted] came to my residence and informed me that he had cancelled the TRP and I or whoever had the vehicle could no longer drive the car and that I had until the end of the day to either return the vehicle or give him the address of where the vehicle was located. As far as I know, dealerships cannot cancel Temporary Registration Plates for nonpayment of a deferred payment.Desired Settlement: I am requesting a full $500.00 cash refund of the down payment that I paid when I purchased the vehicle. Once the authorized representative of the dealership agrees to issue me my cash refund, Immediately and at the same time as when I return the vehicle,I will return the vehicle to them. In addition, I request that the entire contract be considered void and that the dealership not try to collect any monies or sue me for any outstanding fees.

Review: On March 5, 2013 I purchased a 2006 Ford Taurus from this El Norteno Auto Sales and on March 15, 2013 the vehicle started giving me engine problems. I returned my car to the dealership so [redacted]'s mechanics could fix the problems and on 3 different occasions the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership to have the engine fixed. The serpentine belt has been replaced 3 different times by El Norteno's mechanics and my car finally broke down on May 22, 2013 due to the Air Conditioning compressor clutch locking up and breaking the serpentine belt completely. I tried calling [redacted] to have him fix the problem but he told me that he tried fixing the problem and it's my problem now. I explained to him that he sold me a broken car and he didn't fix the underlying problem the first time or the following 2 times it was returned to his shop, and he knew the vehicle had defects in it and still took my $4000 cash and my $800 trade-in car. I asked him to fix the problem, trade me into another car or give me all my money back. He hung up on me and hasn't returned my calls. I strongly believe he knew the car had engine problems and never fixed the engine the first time because he knew that the warranty would run out after 2 weeks from purchase or before 500 miles. I have paid $5400 to date, for a vehicle that doesn't work and my family of two little girls are now struggling in this Arizona heat. This is not fair how he treated me and I want justice.Desired Settlement: [redacted] is the owner of El Norteno Auto Sales and it is his responsibility to fix the vehicle he sold me because the repairs done to the vehicle caused additional damage. If he does not want to fix the vehicle then I want all my money back, $5400 cash.

Business

Response:

March 5, 2013, the customer purchased the vehicle putting $4000 down and a $800 trade in. On March 13, 2013, she called about problems with the vehicle. I asked her to bring it in. Our mechanic found a belt needing replaced and I replaced the battery as well for her.