Fresh Start Motors

Review: I purchased this vehicle on September 6, 2012. The seller [redacted] at Fresh Start Motors lied about the condition of the vehicle. After selling the vehicle with a two year warranty to me, it wouldn't pass smog. He then had me come over the course of three months to his business to pour denatured alcohol into my gas tank to see if that would 'fix the problem.' I finally I said that enough was enough and he had to then replace the catalytic converters. He then had the repairman run the car to a smog place to have it clear smog because he knew the engine light was going to come on because of the fuel leaking. I then had that fixed. Recently my car overheated. I paid $700 to have the thermostat replaced and a hose. THen it overheated again and shot freon all over my engine. I was told that it was the waterpump. This was covered under the warranty and the repair was made. However while doing the repair, I received a call from the mechanic to come take pictures of the screws that were used in the timing chain. Sheet metal screws. My car is about to fall apart on me. The mechanic was forced to use the same screws because the warranty wouldnt cover this. Because it was something that the seller is responsible for according to the warranty people at [redacted] and the mechanic. The mechanic said that the vehicle would need to have the timing chain sent to a machine shop to be redrilled and then the correct screws can be used. I paid this car off in April of 2013. The pay off amount was more than $6,700. This problem with the timing chain could not be seen upon investigation of the vehicle before purchase, it could only be seen upon removal of the bad waterpump. I had this car also recently examined by a different mechanic other than the one that repaired the vehicle due to warranty limitations, and was told that the enitre engine needs to be replaced, which I also wouldn't have been able to notice unless I had it up on a rack in the air.Desired Settlement: Since I already have witnessed the bogus work this company's repairman does, and because of the ugly dispostion of [redacted] I would like to have my car repaired at a legitimate mechanic near my home and he pay for it Parts and Labor. Also I would need a car rental, that he would need to pay for as well. I cannot drive my car right now because I fear it will break down on me somewhere. The mechanic also assured me that it would indeed break down on me. I am only willing to drive it to the mechanic in my immediate area due to this problem, or Fresh Start Motors can pay for the TOW needed to tow it elsewhere. Bottom line is I do not want the business touching my vehicle. THis is a shady business, and [redacted], is a shady business man who treats woman like garbage and and is also racist using the N word. Yelling and screaming obscenities to customers who are desparate for a chance to get into a car. I also want to add that I am disabled and a full time student, so I cannot be without a vehicle. If this company is not willing to repair the vehicle I have been advised by a lawyer who is willing to represent me in this Lemon Law matter and I will be seeking more than the purchase price of the vehicle. I am offering Fresh Start Motors an opportunity to undo the wrong out of the kindness of my heart. The repair for the vehicle would be a lot less than the purchase price of the vehicle plus the money that I have put into it since the purchase.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com

4747 Viewridge Ave. 1$ 200

San Diego, CA 92123-1688

August 16, 2013

ID: [redacted]

Dear [redacted],

This letter is to serve as my response to a claim by [redacted] on 8/12/13. Miss [redacted] was

referred to us by her friend back in September. She was at a [redacted] dealership in Lake Elsinore and was

desperate to have a car, but the dealer could not help her. We went out of our way and arranged for

my bookkeeper to pick up Miss [redacted] at the dealership and bring her down to Fresh Start Motors in

Escondido where we would try to help her obtain a car.

Fresh Start Motors buys previous owned cars from [redacted] San Diego which is a very established and

reputable company. The car in question, 2002 Chrysler Sebring, was purchased on 8/10/12. We

detailed the car and changed the spark plugs and replaced the door handle. The car was sold on 9/6/12

to Miss [redacted]; and she purchased a warranty. She drove home in her car—a happy customer,

The car was brought in to be smogged. It was found to need new catalytic converters. Since Miss

[redacted] lived in Murrieta —a distance from Escondido —we arranged for a local company to install new

front & rear cats which Fresh Start Motors paid for on October 30, 2012. The car was smogged and

that’s the last we heard from Miss [redacted].

We are sorry to hear that Miss [redacted] has lost her job in Murrieta and is now disabled and living in Vista.

Fresh Start Motors takes pride in striving to keep our customers happy. Fresh Start Motors provides an

exceptional level of customer service throughout the car buying process. Customer contact is

maintained after the car has been purchased which creates customer loyalty and brings in repeat and

referral business. We have sold over 1,000 cars in the past 4 years and see many returning customers

when they are looking for another car for themselves, their family or friends.

Thank you for the opportunity to state the facts in regards to this complaint.

Sincerely,

President

Review: Before my purchase, I was informed by the salesman that the only vehicle I could qualify for had a down payment of $1000. I was told to put $500 down and they'll work with me regarding the remaining balance. I was told with $500 he'll get me in a car. I went back with $500. While doing the paperwork, I was told I'd need a cosigner and the down payment was $1250. I told him my mom will co sign with me. When I saw the car they're selling to me, I hesitated. I told him that it was not practical because I care for my 87 year old mother and it seemed too high for her. I also commented to him that the vehicle looked beat up and asked if they had the Car fax. He kind laughed and said "well, your lucky were getting you into a vehicle". I was reality checked. I humbled myself and accepted what I was offered because I really needed a vehicle and they knew that. Verbally, I was told if it doesn't work out, bring it back and we'll see what they can do. Within the contract, it states that I put down $1250.00 and any parts/repairs will be covered and performed by the dealer within the first 30 days. The dealer replaced the power steering pump/pick line, bottom gasket and the starter on the vehicle within the first 3 weeks. After I took the vehicle, I soon realized there were many problems with it. I went back with a list of major malfunctioning items I believed needed to be addressed.

The list of items were:

Seat belt in back passenger side seat not working,

Transmission felt like it was slipping,

Vehicle was dripping oil,

The check engine light was on and would not go off,

The tires looked very old and cracking,

Brakes need to be checked,

Passenger Side window not open/closing properly,

2 large cracks in the windshield,

Back tail lights and bulbs need to be replaced.

I was then told that no more repairs on the vehicle until I paid the remaining down payment. I said that not fair. The 30 days will expire soon and the car still needs repairs. They turned me away and were not willing to do anything.

Then, In my driveway, I had the ignition still in the on position, as I was rolling up the passenger side window (the defective one) and it stopped working, again. So, I got out on drivers side and reentered drivers side back door so I could manually assist the passenger side window up and once it was up I got out of the car same way I entered. The sliding back door quickly closed. And there I was, locked out of the car with the keys in the on position in the car. I called the dealer and asked if they had additional keys or if they could get me in. I was told no that I needed to call AAA or something. I was very upset because the main cause of this event was due to that window not being fixed. So my mom called and the owner and he sent his mechanic to unlock the car. Afterwards, I brought up the fact that the car should not have automatically locked all doors while the ignition was in an on position and I was told to return the vehicle. So, when I actually went to return the vehicle, I was told nope, its your vehicle you bought it. Later I found out that they changed their mind because the finance company cut them a check for the car. It was no longer their obligation. It was between the finance company and us.

I had the car for 5 months. Within the first 90 days, I bought new tires, had the brakes replaced, replaced the thermostat, lower radiator hose, back tail lights and bulbs. The check engine light was still on and it was still leaking. Long story short, on 3-9-2014 the vehicle caught fire on the freeway while driving. Car was on fire. Engulfed in flames as the fire department used a chain saw to cut into the motor to stop the fire.

I was told by the non profit legal organization that was assisting me with mediation that, I am now liable for the balance owed. I owe the finance company, because when I signed the contract I stated I would have insurance. I asked what about the dealership? They did not keep their end of the bargain and that is why I'm in this position. I was told it doesn't matter.Desired Settlement: Since they did not respond to the first written complaint, I'd like the dealership to respond to these accusations and hear what they have to say. They should remedy this 100% by assisting me with compensation or the equivalent of my investments in the car that was not even sell-able. I feel that they preyed on me and my elderly mother and did us wrong in every way. I have spent every cent I had to maintain that vehicle and it just kept on getting worse. I have 2 children and my elderly mom. Once again, I not only have no vehicle, but no financial resources to work with.