Elite Auto Center

Review: I recently (01/17/2016) purchased a 2009 Toyota RAV4 from Elite Auto Center [redacted]. Prior to sale, they provided me with a copy of the [redacted] for the vehicle, which showed no prior accidents. I also inquired with one of the owners if the car had ever been in an accident, to which they responded not to their knowledge (did not definitively state that it had not been in an accident). However, my dispute is with the fact that after I purchased the vehicle, I subsequently found out (from an auto detailer and several body shops) that the car had been fully repainted (not to original factory standards, with many imperfections) & had been in a significant accident (with body shops verifying that the front passenger door & the front passenger fender had been replaced). It is my contention that the dealer either was aware or should have been aware of this fact. I base this on the following readily observable flaws with the car: a) Car had been fully repainted (quickly identified by all professionals I took the car to), b) a significant dent on the front passengers side inner door frame, c) some misaligned body panels, d)overspray from repaint evident inside door frames and on some rubber moldings, e)a few loose moldings on the car in the area it was previously hit, f) and the front passenger door & front fender lack the original factory metal I.D tags, which show they are replacement parts. Since I paid toward the upper range of retail [redacted] value for this car (based on proper criteria), I would have expected more from this dealership. The fact that the car has been involved in a significant previous accident & has been repainted (not to original factory standards), devalues the car in the future as both a private party sale or a trade in. Although the car was sold 'as is', this does not excuse the dealer from in my opinion misrepresenting the vehicle (they, being owners and or employees, either knew or should have know accident history from the car's observable flaws).Desired Settlement: I request a credit back of $2,000 to reflect the devaluation of the vehicle due it's now discovered prior accident history and lack of original factory paint. This figure is conservatively based on what I have read on various automobile related web sites, utilizing varied formulas to estimate the loss in value upon resale of a vehicle, due to having a prior accident history. I also cannot be certain that the vehicle will not incur added maintenance/repair costs due to the prior incident.

Business

Response:

This office is in receipt of you letter dated February 3, 2016, wherein you have received a complaint from consumer, [redacted]. Please note that our client, Elite Auto Center continues to receive idle threats form Mr. [redacted] relative to his concerns about the purchasing of his vehicle. As a result, this office has sent Mr. [redacted] a detailed letter about the position with which our client, Elite Auto Center of [redacted], has taken. At this time, it is our contention that this dealership has followed every rule of law and has complied with each and every standard as forth by its governing bodies. It should be noted prior to taking possession of the vehicle in question, Mr. [redacted] not only was allowed to take the vehicle to his own expert mechanic which we facilitated, Mr. [redacted] also signed off on each and every document acknowledging that the vehicle was acceptable; to which he was agreement with the terms. It’s very important to note, Mr. [redacted] had originally been very adamant about his ability to bring this vehicle back for a full refund; which our client denied. Our client’s denial was not only based on the merits of Mr. [redacted]’s reasoning, but more importantly on the legality of doing such a thing. As a result of our client’s denial, Mr. [redacted] has made numerous disparaging remarks on social media against our client, remarks that have been very inflammatory in nature. Now, in another attempt to recoup money he has contacted the Revdex.com to remedy his outlandish request. Clearly, Mr. [redacted]’ allegations are exactly that; allegations. Mr. [redacted] sought this vehicle, drove it on one day, came back several days later and requested that it be taken to and cleared by his mechanic; which it was. Finally, after his mechanics detailed observation and approval of tits workmanship;; Mr. [redacted] signed all required documentation accepting the terms of the agreement, and left happy. In closing, I am really not clear as to what changed in Mr. [redacted]’s life that made him want to return this vehicle, that decision is unfortunate and his own. However, this agreement was solidified when he signed all of the appropriate documentation concluding this deal. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Very truly yours,[redacted]