Equity Auto Center

between [redacted] and [redacted] my experience with equity was outstanding they worked with me to make sure I got the best deal on the vehicle that I was looking at and I walked out... I mean drove out a happy customer. Thank you all for your professionalism and outstanding customer service

Review: Finance company changed and reported 6 months of missing payments. Company never notified me of the change. Payments sent were to old company were not being cashed. On April 10th, my vehicle was repossessed from work property without prior notification (in person or certified - as state law requires). When I was finally able to contact the company representative, he hung up on me without providing me information on the vehicle - preventing me from obtaining the contents within the vehicle to include life sustaining medicine forcing me to receive emergency medical treatment over the weekend. It took four calendar days for me to locate the vehicle and when I was able to ascertain the reported location of the vehicle, it was not there, but I was provided with SOME of the belongings of the vehicle. During this transaction I explained the situation to the towing company who could not verify if the vehicle was in fact on their property and gave me a receipt with no fees accrued

After numerous phone calls, visits to the dealership over the course of five days, I learned the vehicle was at the dealership (which I suspect was there the whole time) and finally received a payoff amount. The amount was not descriptive and only included a lump sum, fees from the dealer and the towing company that already gave me a receipt stating that there were no fees and the vehicle was in fact at the dealership. Once given a payoff amount, I paid it without objection in certified funds within 10 minutes of receiving the quote. To this date, I still have not received the title and the MVD has verified that there has not been a request to release the lien.

Arizona Revised Statutes not followed:

*Consumer was not notified of intent to repossess - I didn't receive a certified letter, serving, phone call, e-mail, etc. of intent. The claim of my contact information not being accurate is false as it was required to make several payments over the phone and online. Likewise after the vehicle was repossessed I was never notified by mail or in person. I had to call the police to get details of the situation.

*Vehicle inventory was not provided within 48 hours. Even if the law is interpreted in business hours vs calendar hours, I was not given an inventory of the possessions in the vehicle nor the location causing me to seek emergency medical treatment due to denied access of the location, thus the belongings of the vehicle. in addition to, the vehicle sustained significant front end damage that cannot be disputed because of no inventory

*Financial obligation to retain the vehicle was not given within 48 hours. Despite numerous attempts to contact dealer, I was not provided the opportunity to pay off what was reportedly owed for 5 days, causing me to make alternate arrangements for transportation. In addition to, I loss work time trying to resolve this matter because the dealer/finance company refused the opportunity to resolve this in time frame that didn't conflict with my business hours.

*After paying the quoted payoff amount within 10 minutes of discussion without dispute, I was told I would receive the title within a "a few days". The MVD states that a lien holder has 15 days to submit a release. To date it's been 40 days and the MVD has not received a request from the dealer.Desired Settlement: I respectfully request a reimbursement of the misreported $350 fees from Camping Companies charged by Equity Auto Center, the title to the vehicle that was paid for in full. I would be willing to eat the cost of renting a vehicle and the medical expenses incurred by not having access to my belongings with an apology and/or acknowledgement that this was not handled properly. If not, a lawyer is already on retainer and there will be a civil matter pursued.

Business

Response:

This Letter is in response to a complaint filed by [redacted] Complaint# [redacted]. The Lein to Mr [redacted] vehicle has been released and will be sent to his address at [redacted]. The List of items and condition of vehicle is provided by Camping Companies to any customer. Camping Companies is a contractor for Equity Auto Center and any damage to the vehicle should be taken up with them do to the fact that they are the ones with the condition report at time of repo. There will not be any compensation provided to Mr [redacted] from Equity Auto Center. If he would like he may contact Camping Compaines about any damage he thinks they may have done. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention Equity Auto Center Considers this matter to be closed.

Review: I purchased a car on Sat, Sept 21. I told them that I was pre-approved through my credit union for the loan. The dealership has me complete back up loan paperwork so I could leave with the car. I returned on Mon, Sept 23 with a check from [redacted]. Also, the dealer cashed the check on Tue, Sept 24. A while later I received a statement from [redacted] stating that I owed them for my car loan with the first payment being due Nov 5. I contacted the dealer ([redacted]) to let them know that somehow the back up loan paperwork was sent to [redacted] in error and he assured me that they would take care of it. I waited a few days and didn't hear back so I began calling the dealer and couldn't get through. I began to really worry when I called multiple times on Tue, Oct 29 and the phone line just rang through to an answering machine that wouldn't let you leave a message. I asked my mom if she could try to call as well and she was able to get through the morning of Oct 30. She spoke to [redacted] who said she could provide proof that they paid off the vehicle loan with [redacted] - my mom told her that we would be down at the dealer around 11:30 am. When my mom and I arrived at the dealer, [redacted] was not in but had apparently left the paperwork with [redacted]. He provided us what looked like a letter to [redacted] along with the copy of the front of a check written from the dealer to [redacted] paying off the loan. This was supposedly done on Sept 30. Before leaving the dealer, we called [redacted] to ask them to confirm that they received the check and they hadn't. We asked what they would need from us to show that this loan had been paid. They informed us that we would need a copy of the front AND back of the check. We went back into the dealer and asked them to provide a copy of the back of the check - they refused to provide one. I asked to speak with a manager and they sent out a supposed sales manager to speak with us. He assured us that everything would clear by Mon, Nov 4 and stated that if it hadn't cleared by then they would issue a stop payment on the initial check and reissue a new check that we could walk into [redacted]. My mom asked them to do that then instead of waiting because this was their error and we wanted this taken care of now - especially for the fact that you can't get through to the dealer by phone. The sales manager again refused to do a stop payment stating that he couldn't because it was "processing". I used to work at a financial institution and know that they could issue a stop payment at anytime as long as the check hasn't cleared. Since Wed, my mom has called the dealer every day to follow up on getting this resolved for me and when she does get through the dealer continues to give her the run around. We asked them to return calls and yesterday left 4 messages with NOBODY returning ANY calls. I had the [redacted] follow up on the title paperwork too because I still hadn't received my plates (which I finally received last night in the mail). The credit union says that it states that [redacted] is the lienholder. So now the dealer has received payment for this car TWICE - once from [redacted] and once from [redacted] Fargo. But they will not ensure that the payoff for [redacted] is getting done and technically [redacted] states that I have a payment due TODAY - Nov 5Desired Settlement: I want proof from the dealer and [redacted] that this loan has been reversed or paid off and I want the dealer to do whatever they need to do to switch the title over to show [redacted] as the lienholder - IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center considers this complaint to be resolved as we cancelled Ms. [redacted] contract with [redacted] and have issued title to her credit union. Please contact us should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you, Equity Auto Center

Review: I bought the vehicle Nov 11th they forced me to get warranty on the car since you can not buy the car without warranty which I accepted and thought it was a good idea being that the car is a used car ,purchased warranty for $1500 , I detected the car had funny noises took it to firestone they said the car struts were licking went back to the deal and spoke to Toni the manager he said that that was covered by the warranty and gave me a brochure that shows everything covered buy the warranty bought. which I was okay with, He quoted call the warranty company on the 15th of Dec to confirm the details are in the system and file a complain to have it resolved ,Since the 15th Dec I have been calling the warranty company to confirm they still don't have my details up to date have gone severally to the dealer to complain and they keep on saying its the warranty company that have not uploaded my information I asked for the copy of the contract of the warranty I signed they refused to give me that ,In the contract I signed for the vehicle the warranty company name is Heritage called the finance company to see if they have details or warranty contract number there documents show Portfolio protection has the warranty company so 2 contracts with different details ,but what am pretty upset is I paid for warranty and am just getting a run aroundDesired Settlement: I would like this resolved them to give or send a copy of my contract and have my details with warranty company so that I repair my car my tires are won out and I cant replace them with bad struts since it will spoil the new tires if they don't want to submit my warrant details to the company cancel the warrant and exchange the car or repair the car

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Equity Auto center has looked into this matter and had taken the proper actions to resolve this matter with the customer. Please let us know if there is any further information you may need.

Consumer

Response:

I was called by a representative from the warranty company he even advised I take my car for check up and call him if I had any problem ,took the car to toyota to be fixed theyou told me they have to varsity with the warranty company so that they take the car ,after waiting for sometime Greg customer service representative from toyota avondale came and told me they cannot take the car since the warranty company will not pay any repairs since the dealership has not activated the warranty nor submitted any contract BT they have my details only it was very embarrassing but nothing to do ,so they have submitted my name only but warrant is not activated

Business

Response:

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention the customer has been called by the warranty company and has given them the appropriate information to have there vehicle fixed . Equity Auto Center Considers this matter resolved.

Review: I purchased a 2012 [redacted] Escape on Thursday April 3rd, 2014 from Equity Auto Center. During my test drive of the vehicle, the check engine light came on. While working with the salesman on price and paperwork the vehicle was taken to be cleaned and check engine light looked at. Before driving it off the lot the salesman said there was no issue with the check engine light, when I drove home the check engine light came on again. My wife took it to [redacted] two days later and four codes came up pertaining to engine, cam shaft, cams, and timing; also, a bolt was loose on the tie rod connecting the two front tires from a tire alignment that was done by Equity. I took it to an auto repair shop on Monday April 7th where were spent $300.00 on suggested maintenance, and also fixing the lose bolt. I was told that the codes were serious, but he was not a [redacted] certified dealer. We took the car to a [redacted] certified dealership today April 18 because the car dealer did not give us an administrative key to change vehicle settings (key codes in the driver door, settings/options in the dashboard). So I paid $270.00 for a new key and for it to be programmed, and maintenance (diagnostics test) to verify by a [redacted] company that the problems with the vehicle were still the same since the day we bought it. I discovered that over $1,000.00 in work/parts needs done to the car in order to fix the problems for the check engine light being on. I can provide documentation of everything. The codes at the [redacted] dealership are the same codes that [redacted] showed a day after purchase. I have a time and date print out of the codes from [redacted] as well. I was informed by all three places, [redacted] Dealership, [redacted], and the auto repair shop that the vehicle should not have been sold under its current condition. The mechanic at Equity Auto cleared the codes and allowed my family, and I to drive off the lot knowing the vehicle had mechanical issues. I do not feel that this mechanic should be allowed to work on any vehicles. This dealership is not selling cars up to par. To add to everything, I have found tools that have been left in the vehicle; they charged us for full vehicle registration whenever I told them we were transferring our tags from our old vehicle, plus I am military so I get a vehicle registration tax exemption; also, I do not understand how they can register this vehicle with the state of Arizona, it will not pass emissions with the check engine light on.Desired Settlement: I would like Equity Automotive, to admit the car was sold to me with repairs needed. I would like them to pay for any/all work that needs done to the car by a [redacted] Certified Specialist. I do not trust their mechanic, and I do not trust the dealership. I do feel that I was discriminated against. I feel that they thought the sale would be an easy sell because I was a military member in need of a car. They also knew I was getting an extended warranty on the car. I feel that they hoped I would not catch the repair needs until after their lemon law was up. I feel that they thought that they could get away selling me a car that was in need of repairs, without me knowing in time to have them fix it properly. I want my experience to be noted so that future customers can be warned. I would like my diagnostics test from both repair shops covered as well as all repairs needed. I can provide any/all documents needed to ensure that my claim is accurate. I do not expect to get money back from the maintenance that I have done on the car, but I would like at least reimbursement for the diagnostics tests. I can again, provide detailed billing of the charges.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in response to a complaint filed by [redacted]. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

Mr. [redacted] stated himself that he had “suggested maintenance” done on the [redacted] Escape, not required maintenance. Equity can not reimburse Mr. [redacted] for any suggested maintenance. Mr. [redacted] was told that the vehicle was sold in its current condition with no free work promised and singed docs agreeing to this. The key he was given was the only key that came with his vehicle at the time of purchase and no other key was promised.

If Mr. [redacted] is not happy with his purchase, Equity would like to give him a full refund credit for the cost of his vehicle towards the purchase of another vehicle in our inventory. Please let us know if there is anything else you may need.

Thank You

Equity Auto Center

Review: I purchased a vehicle several months ago from Equity Auto Center. They knew I did not live in Arizona, but they titled the vehicle there which has caused major issues in trying to register my vehicle. Now that several months have passed I have misplaced the vehicle purchase receipt. I need a copy of this to get my vehicle registered. I cannot get anyone at this dealership to spend 2 minutes to get this faxed or emailed to me. Every singe time I call (if they answer) I get the run around. Somebody tells me they are going to get if off to me. Nobody ever follows through. I need this in order to register my vehicle.Desired Settlement: I need someone to actually take 2 minutes and get me a copy of my receipt

Business

Response:

To Whom it may concernThis is a response to a complaint filed by [redacted] regarding a copy of his purchase order. Equity has emailed Mr [redacted] a copy of his purchase order and declares this matter to be resolved. Thank you for bring this matter to our attention.

Review: We purchased a car October 28th. They were supposed to pay off the loan and have 30 days to do so. They give us the run around and lie every time we inquire about the loan. They told us it was sent on the 24th of November, then on the 30th of November. It has not been paid and we cant get resolution. Gateway one bank is the lien holder of the car and is about to send our account to collections.Desired Settlement: simple: pay off the loan as agreed

Business

Response:

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Equity Auto Center has looked into this matter and finds that the vehicle pay off was made to to [redacted] for a 2006 Ford Mustang check# 3208 has cleared our account and [redacted] stated that the account will show paid in full in two to three weeks. At this time Equity Auto Center considers this matter resolved.

Review: [redacted]l [redacted] April 29, 2014 [redacted].

Re: Equity Auto Center [redacted] ###-###-####

Dear Sir,

I am writing you regarding the above Dealerships policy of intentionally reporting false and defamatory credit information to credit bureaus. This policy is intended to create, for the customer, a lower than expected credit score, forcing the customer to return to the same dealership for additional purchases.

FACTS:

On November 30, 2012 I purchased a 2010 Charger from Equity. (see Exhibit A). Because of my credit score, I was forced to pay a higher interest rate. I traded in a 2007 Ford Mustang that had a payoff of approximately $8,000.00. I was promised by the salesman that if I made all my payments on time I would improve my credit score for my next purchase. I made all of my payments on a timely basis.

After a year I decided to purchase another vehicle. I checked a few dealerships but I was either turned down or offered a high interest amount. (They cited my credit score as the reason for the terms). On November 25, 2013 I subsequently returned to Equity and purchased another car. (2012 Mustang, see exhibit B). I traded in my Charger which had a payoff of approximately $12,000.00.

In January 2014 I received a phone call from [redacted] inquiring as to why I have not made the payments on the Charger for the past two months. When I told them that the car was sold back in November 2013, the bank claimed to have NO KNOWLEDGE of the sale.

Later that month I also received a copy of my credit report which showed I was late on my last two payments for the first car that I traded in to Equity back in 2012. (This was [redacted])

I immediately tried to call Equity. The plain simple fact is that Equity does not answer their phones. You can leave a message, but nobody ever responds. My father and I drove down to Equity and confronted the manager. We were told it was all a big misunderstanding, that in fact the cars were timely paid off through the bank’s commercial banker. This turned out to be a lie.

I asked them to contact the banks and have my credit report fixed. I was promised they would take care of it. This was also a lie.

We made repeated visits to the dealership and emailed numerous letters, nevertheless, months passed and nothing was done. In fact I continued to receive calls from [redacted].

On February 19th we returned to the dealership again and asked them to provide us with a letter explaining what happened. It was our intention to attach this letter as an exhibit to a self-help letter we drafted to the banks. (See exhibit C). Unfortunately, the letter provided by Equity did not accept responsibility for the late payments. We received a response from [redacted] asking for a more specific letter or phone call from Equity. (see exhibit D). While Equity promised to provide such letter, none was ever sent to [redacted]. Another lie!

Currently my credit score negatively reflects late payments on both cars. All payments were made on a timely basis. That was our last attempt to work with Equity. It is our belief that this is their policy. After investigating Equity on the internet we discovered numerous other individuals who have experienced the same problem with them.

Equity has a legal obligation to pay off the vehicles they accept through trade-in. If they cannot afford to make the full payment, they should at least make the monthly payment. There is no valid excuse for their behavior,

There is no telling how many other customers have been damaged in the same way. Fact is, I am not looking for any financial gain, just a letter of responsibility from Equity so I can fix my credit report.

We respectfully request that you contact Equity, and hopefully get them to act responsibly.

Sincerely, [redacted] ###-###-####Desired Settlement: I want them to take responsibility for the late payments so I can get my credit report fixed!

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center

Glendale AZ 85301

To Whom It May Concern

This letter is in response to a

complaint filed by [redacted] ID # [redacted]. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Equity Auto Center has not reported anything negative on behalf of [redacted] to any [redacted]. Our customers are Offered interest rates based on what they qualify for and the customer is not obligated to accept those rates and may choose not to make a purchase. Equity Auto Center has made the pay off to [redacted] trade according to our policies and procedures and [redacted] was made aware it. At this time Equity feels that this matter to be closed.

Thank You

Equity

Auto Center

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]

Phoenix,

AZ 85083

May 22, 2014

Revdex.com

Reply to

Response

In Re: Equity Auto

Center

In reply to the response received from Equity Auto Sales, I submit the following:

Equity is playing semantics. They may not have reported the derogatory information directly to the credit bureau, but clearly they caused [redacted] and [redacted] to report late payments to

the [redacted] by their failure to timely payoff the vehicles. Policy and procedure aside, at no time did they ever disclose to me that it would take 2-4 months to pay off the vehicles. This is not the customary practice in the auto industry and it has damaged me greatly. A simple letter from Equity accepting responsibility for and explaining the reason for the delay in payoff is all that is needed to clear my name and payment record. I don’t understand why they refuse to draft such letter when they don’t deny the facts of my allegations.

The fact is we traded the first car in November 30 2012; Equity had a responsibility to contact [redacted]. However, they did not contact [redacted] or make any payments on the vehicle, including the required full payoff, until three (3) months later. Consequently, the bank reported two late payments against me on that vehicle.

The second car was traded in on November 25, 2013. Here again Equity failed to contact [redacted] Bank and notify them of the trade till almost 3 months later. Consequently, [redacted] reported this

as late payments against me as well.

I believe this is Equity’s Policy, but it is an unspoken policy. If they had disclosed this to me as their Policy I never would have patronized their business. This “Policy” has caused me great harm and should have been disclosed prior to execution of our agreements.

I am merely asking Equity to write a simply letter taking responsibility for the late payments.

Sincerely,

ON 12AUG15, MY GIRLFRIEND, [redacted], PUT AN ONLINE APPLICATION WITH EQUITY AUTO CENTER ON A 14 FORD MUSTANG. ON 13AUG15, AT APPROX. 11AM, SHE CALLED TO SEE IF THEY HAD RECIEVED HER APPLICATION. SHE WAS TOLD BY A FEMALE SALES PERSON THAT THE FINANCE MANAGER HASNT BEEN IN YET AND SHE WILL BE CALLED BY HIM WHEN HE RECIEVES THE APP. AT 12PM, I CALLED THEM AND ASKED TO ASK TO THE FINANCE MANAGER WHO WAS WORKING, THE FEMALE SALES PERSON SAID SHE COULD HELP ME AND I SAID I WAS CALLING REGARDING [redacted]S [redacted]'S APPLICATION WONDERING IF SHE HAD BEEN APPROVED. THE FEMALE SALESPERSON THEN TOLD ME THAT HER F.I. MANAGER SAID HE COULD GET HER DONE. I ASKED IF SHE HAD AN ACTUAL APPROVAL, BECAUSE [redacted] WAS 50 MILES AWAY AT WORK AND DIDNT WANT TO DRIVE OUT IF SHE WASNT APPROVED. THE F.S.P. THEN SAID THAT SHE WAS 100% SURE THAT [redacted] WAS APPROVED. I THEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE F.I. MANAGER AGAIN AND SHE SAID HE WAS BUSY. I THEN CALLED [redacted] AND SAID I CALLED AND TALKED TO THEM AND SHE SAID SHE WAS 100% APPROVED. I TOLD [redacted] TO CALL THEM AROUND 130PM TO CONFIRM AN APPT AND TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER TO GO OVER HER APPROVAL. AT 130PM, [redacted] CALLED AND SPOKE WITH THE F.S.P. AGAIN, SHE SET THE APPT AND HUNG UP. SHE THEN CALLED ME AND I ASKED IF SHE GOT THE APPT SET BUT FORGOT TO GET THE INITIAL APPROVAL. SHE ASKED IF I WOULD CALL. AROUND 2PM I CALLED TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER AND WAS TOLD AGAIN THAT THE MANAGERS WERE BUSY. I TOLD THE F.S.P. THAT [redacted] HAD CALLED AND SET AN APPT FOR 630PM AND I NEEDED TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER ABOUT THE APPROVAL. SHE SAID THAT SHE COULDNT GO OVER THE APPLICATION BECAUSE IT WASNT SUBMITTED YET. I ASKED HER HOW SHE KNEW THAT THERE WAS AN APPROVAL IF IT WASNT SUBMITTED. SHE THEN SAID THAT THEY COULDNT SUBMIT IT WITHOUT [redacted]'S SIGNATURE. I THEN ASKED, IF SHE DID AN ONLINE APPLICATION AND ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED IT, THEN WHY CANT THEY SUBMIT IT. SHE THEN TOLD ME THAT [redacted] HAD TO SIGN A PAPER COPY FIRST. BUYING VEHICLES IN THE PAST AS WELL AS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY, I SAID I KNEW THEY COULD GET A PRE-APPROVAL WITHOUT HER ACTUAL WRITTEN SIGNATURE. SHE THEN TOLD ME THAT IS THEIR PROCESS. INSTEAD OF PERSISTING I AGREED KNOWING SHE IS A SALESPERSON AND DOESNT HAVE THE ACTUAL INFORMATION I NEED, I ENDED THE CONVERSATION. I THEN CALLED [redacted] AND TOLD HER TO GO TO THE APPT AND GET HER VEHICLE APPRAISED. I TOLD HER TO GO OVER HER INITIAL APPROVAL AND THEN WAIT FOR ME TO GET OFF WORK TO GO OVER ACTUAL NUMBERS. SHE SHOWED UP TO HER APPT AT 630PM, SHE WAS ASKED WHAT SHE WAS THERE TO SEE AND SHE SAID THE 14 MUSTANG. THE SALESPERSON TOOK HER TO THE CAR AND SAID "THIS ONE" AND SHE SAID YES. HE THEN TOOK HER INSIDE TO GO OVER NUMBERS. THEY TOLD HER IF SHE WAS TRADING IN THAT THEN SHE COULDNT GET THE MUSTANG. IN REGARDS TO HER TRADE. SHE THEN CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT SHE WASNT ACTUALLY APPROVED. I HAD LEFT WORK EARLY TO GO OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GO OVER NUMBERS BASED ON WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME AND NO FOLLOW UP THROUGHOUT THE DAY FROM THE MANAGEMENT. I TRIED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP 3 DIFFERENT TIMES ON MY DRIVE FROM WORK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH TAKES 45 MINUTES TO GET THERE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP I MET WITH MY GIRLFRIEND. I ASKED HER TO INTRODUCE ME TO HER SALES PERSON. WHEN I MET WITH THE SALES PERSON, I ASKED DIRECTLY FOR A MANAGER. I MET WITH A MANAGER, WHOS NAME I CANT REMEMBER, WHO LISTENED TO MY CONCERNS WITH THE WAY THE PROCESS OF THE SALE WENT. HE LISTENED AND JUST AS I WAS FINISHING UP, ANOTHER MANAGER APPROACHED AND INTERJECTED. HE ASKED FOR A MOMENT ALONE WITH MYSELF AND MY GIRLFRIEND. I THEN TOLD HIM THAT I HAD JUST EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO HIS PREVIOUS MANAGER AND THAT HE COULD FILL HIM IN. HE THEN ASKED WHAT THE ISSUE WAS, I EXPLAINED AGAIN IN SHORT DETAIL, AND TOLD HIM WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR IN THE TRADE, THAT WE NEEDED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET HER APPROVAL THAT WAS GARUNTEED TO US. MY GIRLFRIENDS CAR IS AND 1998 CAMRY WITH HIGH MILES. DEFINETLY A WHOLESALE CAR, BUT I WAS LOOKING TO NEGOTIATE AND GET A FAIR DEAL. UNDERSTANDABLY, EQUITY AUTO SALES HAS FAIR PRICES BECAUSE THEY ARE BUYING AND SELLING RENTAL AUCTION CARS. I UNDERSTOOD GOING IN THERE THAT WE WERENT GOING TO BE RECEIVING ALOT FOR HER TRADE. AS WELL AS SHE HAD UP TO 1000.00 ADDITIONAL DOWN. WE SAID SHE WAS LOOKING AT TRADE ONLY, AGAIN WANTING TO DO THE LEAST AMOUNT DOWN AS POSSIBLE. AT THIS POINT THE MANAGER THEN SAID WELL HOW DO WE NEED TO PROCEED. AND I TOLD HIM THAT WE NEEDED 2K FOR HER TRADE AND SHE HAD 500.00 DOWN, TOTAL OF 2500.00. THEN THAT HE NEEDED TO WORK SOME MONEY FROM HIS END TO FIT WITHIN A CALL THAT SHE WOULD QUALIFY FOR. AGAIN, KNOWING SHE HAD CHALLENGED CREDIT THAT SHE HAS BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO REBUILD, THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO FALL WITHIN 12-15K FOR A CAR. THE MUSTANG WAS LISTED AT 13999. WITH ADDITIONAL TAX, TITLE, LICENSE THAT WOULD BE ROUGHLY 16500 OUT THE DOOR. WITH HER TRADE AND AND AN ADDITION 500-1000 DOWN SHE WOULD HOPEFULLY BE QUALIFIED. THE MANAGER THEN TOLD ME THAT NOT ONLY WOULD THAT NOT WORK BUT WE LIED ON OUR CREDIT APPLICATION. THAT WE HAD PUT 4K DOWN AND NOTHING FOR A TRADE IN VALUE. WHICH I KNEW WASNT TRUE BECAUSE I HELPED HER WITH HER APPLICATION AND PUT 0 DOWN AND 4000 FOR THE TRADE. AGAIN, PLANNING ON SETTLING AT 2K FOR THE CAR AS TRADE. SO THE MANAGER CALLED ME A LIAR AS WELL TO MY FACE. HE THEN SAID, "WELL WHY DONT YOU JUST CO-SIGN FOR HER". REALLY IRRITATED AT THIS POINT I SAID NO. I STUCK MY HAND OUT AND SAID THANK YOU, SHOOK THE MANAGERS HAND AND LEFT.

MY BIGGEST FRUSTRATION IS NOT THAT SHE WASNT APPROVED BUT THAT AN APRROVAL WAS 100% GUARUNTEED TO ME ON THE PHONE. I THEN TRIED TO CONFIRM WITH A MANAGER NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND NOT ONE FOLLOW-UP CALLED WAS MADE. THE UNPROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE FROM THE STAFF, NOT ALL, BUT THE MAJORITY WAS OFF PUTTING. I HAVE TO SAY, I AM EXTREMLEY IRRITATED WITH THE SALES PROCESS, THE MANAGEMENT, AND THE DEALERSHIPS CUSTOMER SERVICE AS A WHOLE. THANK YOU EQUITY AUTO SALES FOR SHOWING ME THE WORST DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD!

Review: I bought a 2005 [redacted] from this dealership about two weeks ago. I had barely had it a week, when I noticed it started having some major problems while driving the vehicle down the road. I come to later find out that my Racking Pinion, A Arm Bushing's, and my driver side wheel bearing are all completely bad. All of those parts especially the racking pinion if it were to break, or snap on me while driving down the road could cause a very serious car accident or, end up putting me into the wall of a freeway. I have ended up putting about a thousand dollars into just parts with this truck, only to find out that my torsion bar is probably going to need to be replaced soon. I have been trying for a week to get ahold of this dealership Equity Auto Center to ask them why they did not fix or tell me that these parts were all extremely bad condition. They keep telling me some guy named [redacted] is going to call me back but everyday I call he somehow seems to be on his day off.Desired Settlement: I would like to either be refunded the money I have spent into fixing this very serious problem with this truck, or I would like my 2004 [redacted] back that I traded into for this truck.

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in response to a complaint filed by [redacted] ID # [redacted]. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Equity Auto Center advised Mr. [redacted] that do to the miles on this vehicle at time of purchased, this vehicle would be sold AS IS to this Mr. [redacted] agreed. The Customer decided to do maintained work on the vehicle at his own expense. The dealer does offer an implied warranty that covers engine and transmission 50% parts and labor, 15days or 500 miles. At this time Equity feels that the implied warranty does not apply to these repairs.

Thank You

Equity Auto Center

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I purchased the vehicle and less then a week later these items surfaced as a major problem that should of been identified in a thorough inspection of the vehicle prior to being sold. If the vehicle was properly inspected I should of been advised what the quote " As is" conditions were not lied to about how it was in excellent condition.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center Understand that the customer is not satisfied with the purchase and may return the vehicle for a full refund credit towards the purchase of any other vehicle on our lot. Equity Auto Center tries to ensure the customers are happy and there is no misunderstanding. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused our customer, Thank you

This dealership is horrible. First of all they paid off our trade in late so we received late notices on it. Then, our plates were about three weeks late resulting in us driving around town with expired plates. They would never answer the phone when we called to inquire. Lastly, we received a notice from [redacted] Financial stating that we needed to bring our plates and registration back in as someone typed in the wrong month for our expiration. When I tried to call Equity to ask them to help us fix the problem, of course they did not answer the phone. We will never use this dealership again nor recommend it to anyone.

Review: I bought car at equity auto center [redacted], they forgot to take downpayment,at that time, I have not given them downpayment, they wanted pay over the phone I was not comfortable, with that so thing were prolonged,I had talked with them informing them that a payment would be made this friday if s problem inform me they never did call me back, so I thought everything was fine, then today I woke up and car was gone, when I called them up, they said they new nothing about that and to call the police and report it, Iam sure they have the car due to the fact of the down-payment, they will not tell me where the car is location of the car is. that is against the law,but they will not tell me.nor will they give me a number to call, they said look it up on the internet they can not tell me a number and that this call was being recorded. DONT know what to do Please help meDesired Settlement: want my car back, will pay down payment not and issue, want to know location of my car,,,, also had money in car

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern: This Letter is in response to a complaint filed by [redacted]. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Upon review Equity found the following. Mrs. [redacted] did not fulfill with her contractual obligation and giver Equity her $2,000 down payment. Do to this the deal was not completed. After several failed attempts at collecting the down payment the deal was terminated. Mrs. [redacted] may come in and reapply for alone at any time. Please let us know if there is any further information you may need. At this time Equity Auto Center considers this complaint to be resolved. Equity Auto Center[redacted]

This place has horrible service when promised that that would payoff your loan in relation to a trade.

I've been asking them for details towards my previous vehicle; however, they stall and tell me they will call me back. But they call back quickly if it's regarding a payment.

I'm not content with the experience, especially towards those who actively serve in the U.S. Military.

Review: I found a car for sale at Equity Auto Center's website on 10/21/2013. This car was in the inventory portion of the website. It was a 2012 Silver Chevrolet Cruze, listed for $10,999. I contacted the dealer and spoke to a sales manager by the name of [redacted]. He informed me that the car I was inquiring about had already been sold, but he had more Chevrolet Cruze's on order and should arrive any day. From 10/21/2013-11/04/2013 I was in contact with [redacted] to see if the cars had arrived. While waiting for the vehicles to arrive I found my own financing so I didn't have to rely on the dealer to find it for me. I got an auto loan through a company called [redacted]. I had spoken with [redacted] about my financing and [redacted], the sales manager, assured me that they used this lender and there would not be any hassle. Finally after three weeks of waiting for these cars they had arrived on 11/4/2013. I live approximately 180 miles away (4 hour drive) from the dealer, so I had to plan my trip accordingly. This is why I stayed in contact with [redacted] so much over the three weeks of waiting for the cars, I couldn't just drive down the street to the dealer. I had to plan my trip. I spoke with [redacted] the morning of 11/04/2013 and told him that I would arrive at his dealership around 6pm. He said that he would not be there, but other salesmen know that I am coming and will all be glad to assist me. I arrived at Equity Auto Center right at 6pm and no one had known that I was coming to look at Chevrolet Cruzes's that they had just got in. In fact I was told at first that I could not view the cars yet because they have no been processed nor detailed. I told the salesman who was denying me sight of these cars that I was told by [redacted], his manager, that these cars would be ready for me to view. I said "I didn't drive 4 hours to NOT look at these cars". He said I could look at them and took me to the very back part of the lot, there were no lights and was almost pitch black. I asked for him to bring the vehicles around to the front of the lot because I couldn't see a thing. It took this salesmen 30 minutes to locate keys to a shed where the keys for the vehicles were placed. When he brought a car around front the salesman and I took it for a test drive. When we arrived back to the dealership we went inside to discuss the price of the car and financing. After being sat at a table I was handed off to the "supervisor on duty", his name was [redacted]. I agreed with [redacted] on the price of the car I had test drove, which was $12,999. I handed [redacted] my paperwork for my financing through [redacted]. He looked at it just quick enough to set it back on the table and said "we don't accept this lender". I disagreed with him stating "your boss, [redacted], told me that you do", " I wouldn't have wasted 10 hours of my day (4 driving there, 2 on the lot and 4 driving home) if you weren't going to accept my financing. This is why I prepared ahead of time and asked your boss all of the questions that I needed to know before making this trip." [redacted] replied with, "well...let me ask my finance guy, but I'm pretty sure we don't". [redacted] left the room, but came back instantly with a "no, we don't take that financing". I asked to speak with his finance person and when I was able to, he told me the same thing. I asked if sales managers have knowledge of which lenders the dealership finances through and both said yes. I was told under false pretense that they accept this financing. [redacted], the SALES MANAGER had lied to me from the start of my car search! This is completely against all business ethics. Another issue I have is the FINAL, "out the door" PRICE of the vehicles. The car price I looked at was $12,999. Which I agreed to. What I didn't agree to was the $3,800 in tax/title/license that was put on at the end of the vehicle. My last car I purchased was almost the same price of this car and the tax/title/license was only $700. I said that this figure was too high, there is no way that tax is 30% of the car price. I was informed by [redacted] that in the $3,800 were the dealer's "fee's". No wonder the price of the car was a "deal". Equity Auto gets you on the lot with the great prices of their cars, then try to lie about dealer fees into the tax of the car! I couldn't believe this! I wonder how many other people have fallen for this fraud? If this is a part of their everyday business, this should be against the law. Thank you for your time. -[redacted]Desired Settlement: I would like to receive a letter regarding why? Why the lies? Why the fraud? I would also like to know what can be done to stop business practices like these, because they are completely unethical.

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center apologizes for any miss understanding Mr.

[redacted] may have had with our company. All of our fees are disclosed on our

website which include dealer DOC fee, tint, state, city and county sales tax in

order not to run into these types of issues. As for the financing Equity Auto

Center has many major lenders that offer financing to our customers unfortunately

[redacted] only lends to Franchise Dealers and Equity Auto Center is an Independent

Dealer. [redacted]’s paperwork clearly states that and if Mr. [redacted] had any

questions about that he should have followed up with them in regards to his

financing.

Review: I purchased a vehicle on 12/6/2013 from Equity Auto Center. I was forced into buying an Gap Insurance Policy that I did not need or want stating that the financing would not be approved otherwise. After I read the Document for the Gap insurance policy I found out I did not have to purchase Gap insurance to get financing. I was mislead so on 12/27/2013 I went back to the dealer to cancel the Gap Insurance.The Finance manager ([redacted]) Stated I had to write out a statement in my own hand writing stating that I want to cancel. [redacted] and myself signed it. On 1/6/2014 I called the Gap insurance Company they stated they have not received any applications for coverage to call back in a couple of weeks. I contacted them again on 1/28/2014 they stated again that they have yet to receive the application from Equity Auto. I contacted Equity Auto and they stated that the lady that deals with cancellations quit. [redacted] the other finance manager stated he deals with cancellations. I was told by him I would receive a check by the end of February then I contacted him by the end of February he postpones it to March 5. I called him today he stated he would call me back no return call. When I call the dealership they don't answer the phone 90% of the time. Its very difficult to reach anyone there. I am getting nothing but the runaround. I have traded in the vehicle I purchased from them and still have not yet received the refund for the Gap. Please help me with this issue.Desired Settlement: I want a full refund for the $795.00 for the Gap insurance cancellation I should have received months ago.

Business

Response:

To Whom It may concern.

This is a responce to a complaint filed by [redacted]. Mr [redacted] was contacted by the Dealer and was told that he could pick up a check for a full refund for his Gap on 3/05/2014. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention please let us know if there is anything else you may need. Equity Auto Center considered this matter to be resolved.

Thank You

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait until for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

I received my refund on my Gap Insurance Policy 3/7/2014. You can Pull the Complaint.

DO NOT buy from here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone that works here is terrible! Bad customer service. Won't lower prices even though they sell [redacted] up cars with issues. I ended up buying a car from them... which I extremely regret. The passenger side mirror was broken (and they wouldn’t lower the price). Also, the tire-pressure sensor was broken- the car keeps alerting me that the tire pressure is low... but the tire pressure is fine. The shady people of Equity Auto told me that “all these problems would be covered by the [redacted] warranty and I can take my car to any [redacted] dealership and they would fix it for free”. But when I called [redacted], they said that none of this is covered and that Equity Auto should have serviced the car and fixed those problems before they sold it to me! THESE PEOPLE ARE LIARS! DO NOT TRUST THEM! They also lied on ALL the paperwork I had to sign about how many miles the car actually had (it actually had 1,000 more miles than were documenting). When purchasing the car, the one thing that I requested is that they fill up the car (I JUST PURCHASED!) with a full tank of gas. They said, "we don't do that here." I hate everyone that works here. They ignore your phone calls. They just want to rip you off and make a quick deal. AND THEY ARE NOT FRIENDLY OR NICE AT ALL! Now I have a car that I am making super high payments on... that is not even in good condition. DO NOT buy from here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have good deals. I have bought two cars from them in the past 5 years. I have had no problems. I have been very happy with the cars.

purchased vehicle from this location. they where really helpful when taking me through the whole car buying experience. I don't buy a car everyday so I had a lot of questions which they took their time with and answered every single one. really pleased at the professionalism when it came to helping me and my family out.

Review: This dealership is a scam doing fraud lieing to every customer who walks in the reviews on their site says it all . I traded my vehicle in with them 2 months ago and they have yet to pay my trade in off I keep getting harassed from my previous bank for the money . Dealership don't andwer calls or emails from no one you have to go down to get answers . They lie so much .all sales men are in their early 20s they do not know what their doing . The bank has reported 2 late payments to my credit angencie now and I haven't had the car for two months . The car I traded for is a 2013 Chevy camaro they jack the price up when I bought it it was listed for 18,000 and wLked out pay 24000 . Two weeks of having the car my check engine oil light went on took it to get checked no oil at all a month later my trainsmission slipped took it to Chevy no transmission oil at all! It's not fair this company gets away scamming innocent hard working customers. I will meet tomorrow with news channel 3 so they can go in their dealership and try to solve my issue they laughed at me when I went down angry about my pay off . They told me they paid it off and never did,,Desired Settlement: Please look into this dealer ship read their reviews there is 2 other people who have been waiting over 2 months and their trade ins have not been paid off and now it's on their credit

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern, This letter is in response to a complaint filed by [redacted] Complaint#[redacted] Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Equity Auto Center has reviewed this matter and found the following. A check for the payoff, check# 3422 was sent to [redacted] Bank and has cleared our account. Equity contacted lender and was informed that it could take 3 to 4 weeks for payment to post to account. At this time Equity considers this matter to be resolved. Please let us know if there is any further information you may need.

Review: I was charged $316.00 for registration ([redacted]) fees. When I commented that this seemed high I was told it was an estimate & to call them if the actual turned out to be lower & they would rfd me the difference. This was on october 7th. Thirty days later I went to [redacted] to find out how much my fees were going to be & was told $204.89. I asked why the dealer had not been able to estimate closer & was told they shd have had the exact amt - they use the same system as [redacted].

I received my plate on 11/20/13 showing the total fees of $204.89. That same day I went to Equity Auto &spoke with a young lady who said "let me see if your check is here". She came back & said they only do cks on the end of the month & to come back on Nov 29. I asked for the name of someone I could call before coming in onthe 29th & was given [redacted], (602) [redacted]. I called him on 11/29 & he said the A/P person was not in, he couldn't check for my check & her boss was not in to speak to. He said to call back on monday to confirm that my check was ready to pick up. I called today & the ck is not ready. He said to call back on friday 12/6. I am getting the run around from these people who have had my money for 2 months, after overcharging me, and have not made good on their commitment to have it ready by end of November. I have no faith that the ck will be done any time soon, or that it will be the correct amt. I also have other issues with this dealer involving a charge of $599 for tinted windows (every car they sell has this charge altho I believe they already had the window tint since they only sell cars which are previous rental cars) plus a tire which was unsafe as told to me by [redacted]. I will take these issues up separately once I get this registration issue settled.Desired Settlement: At the present time, I want the rfd of the intentional overcharge for the registration, which is $113.

Business

Response:

Equity Auto Center issued a check to Mrs. [redacted] on 12/05/2013 as promised in conversation of 12/03/2013. Equity Auto Center has called Mrs. [redacted] several times to pick up check and she has not done so. Please advise on what to do next. Thank you, Equity Auto Center.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

[redacted], I left u a voice mail a little bit ago but want to follow up. I wasn't able to respond with an attachment to your last email, thus my call.