MCMB Inc

To whom it may concern;    I am writing to about case ID # [redacted].  This vehicle was sold in July 3rd, 2010.  It had a clean [redacted] and had a 72 point inspection through our shop, which my mechanics test drive every vehicle we put on my lot for sale.  Since [redacted]...

[redacted] purchased this 2001 [redacted] from Shannon Auto Sales we have never heard one complaint from him about said vehicle.  He has owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and looking at looking at the [redacted] today, its been inspected all these years and AGAIN...I've never heard a word about anything until he trades it in.   We don't feel that we owe [redacted]  anything after 4.5 years of personnel ownership and not having any opportunity to look at the problem.   Shannon Auto Sales has been in business for over 30 years with a great rating in Revdex.com and all on-line rating services, we strive to have such ratings and bend over backwards for our customers when confronted with situations that come up.Thank you,Michael H[redacted]

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
 
  I appreciate Mr. H[redacted] acknowledging my complaint and responding to the Revdex.com.  Whether Shannon Auto Sales pays me the amount of money requested is of secondary importance to my being able to advise him about the rusted condition of this vehicle that I purchased from one of his locations.  If the vehicle passed their 72 point inspection perhaps it should have had a 73 point inspection with the 73rd point being an inspection for rust compromise of the vehicle's suspension, steering, brakes and frame.  I've attached photos that I took of the rusted area about a week before trading in this vehicle.  As far as the timing of my complaint I was not aware of how extensive the rust was until I took these photos; one can see how much "caked' rust is present on many of the front end, steering and brake components.  What is especially concerning to me is a long crack in the metal to the left of the shock absorber and above the steering component (first photo).  I would wonder how this vehicle passed VA inspection with this crack in the metal in that area; this rusted condition is not something that occurred during my ownership of this truck and to me is not "normal" for this type vehicle with its' age and present mileage.  Unfortunately I spent about $4,500.00 in mechanical repairs intending to keep this vehicle for several more years, however when I recently became aware of the tremendous amount of rust I decided that this vehicle would not be roadworthy as the rust was not only cosmetic but affecting the integrity and safety of the vehicle.  At no point in my ownership was this vehicle parked in standing water; a [redacted] report might not indicate a rusted condition such as was present on this vehicle.  I fully believe that the technicians who inspected this vehicle prior to my purchase should have been aware of this rust and communicated this to the management at Shannon Auto Sales.
  I am certain that this massive amount of rust did not develop during my ownership of this vehicle but instead was due to the vehicle being parked in standing water so that it could not dry out.  My opinion is that the rust on this vehicle should have made it unworthy of being retailed to the public but instead it should have been sold to a wholesaler or individual "for parts only." As I noted in my complaint I share responsibility for this unsatisfactory purchase in that I should have done due diligence before my purchase.  Obviously if I had known about this rusted condition I would never have purchased this truck.  
  I initiated this complaint to make sure that Mr. H[redacted] was made aware of my dissatisfaction with this vehicle and perhaps have his technicians do a more thorough job of inspecting used vehicles before offering them for sale to the public.
[redacted]
[redacted] VA

Review: On the 23rd of August 2013, I purchased a 2004 Lexus RX 330 from Shannon Auto Sales via [redacted] (a subsidiary of Mainheim Auction located in Elkridge MD) for $8,800 plus other sales costs. I later found out that one of the "2 remote keys" was broken in two pieces and the dealer was aware of it, but he failed to disclose the condition of the key. When I found the vehicle, I was very sure I read the "Seller's disclosure" and/or comments thoroughly (which I reasonably believed to be credit worthy). Having being manipulated to belief the inaccurate disclosure, I went ahead to purchase the vehicle. For the records, I do have a print out of the advertisement in question. In his comments, the dealer went as far as mentioning that there were "multiple chips" on the hood of the vehicle, but he hid that which seem to be more crucial. When I went to the auction where the dealer had delivered the vehicle (upon the online transaction), I was shocked to find out that one of the remote keys that came with the vehicle had broken in two pieces with a piece of white tape around one piece. I immediately alerted the staff of [redacted] auction in Elkridge Maryland. The Auction staff (one [redacted]) also double-checked the advertisement on their website and she confirmed that the seller failed to mention anything about the broken key. At that time, [redacted] promised to contact the dealer and "get back to me". I contacted the on-site auction locksmith who said that the cost of cutting another set of key would be $500.00. When asked if there is any possible repair that could be done, the locksmith stated that from his experience, he would not recommend any repair to the key because it is computerized. I wrote to the seller through the auction, demanding that he rectify the problem by cutting a new set of keys for me. I maintained that indeed the seller has the burden of disclosure and that of transparency in any given advertisement, otherwise the advert is fraudulent in characteristic. I also argued that Shannon auto sales could either issue me a credit that equals the cost of cutting a new set of keys, or have the key made themselves for me. I gave the seller a "five business day" ultimatum or otherwise issue me a complete refund (I have copy of letter). Even the "[redacted]" witnessed that indeed the key was broken and that Shannon Auto sales failed to mention anything about the condition of the key in the advert. I contacted the auction once the 5 day elapsed, only to be told that one [redacted] with Shannon auto sales wouldn't comply with their recommendation that he amend the issue of the key. He unilaterally decided neither to issue a refund for the sales or cut a "master key" as proclaimed in his advert. In conclusion, this seller has obviously violated the Revdex.com transparency requirement, his behavior is fraudulent and the overall characteristics of the sales is deceptive. It is important that I have 2 (undamaged) sets of keys because I plan to export the vehicle overseas where I operate a dealership. The culture/impression in the country where the car would be sold is that it isn't a good idea for anyone to purchase a vehicle that is sophisticated in this caliber, without first ensuring that the car has two undamaged keys. The keys are computerized and can only be made here in the US. Moreover, we cannot guarantee the possibility of losing a key during the process of shipping the vehicle. For all these reasons, I am appealing to you to hold Shannon Auto Sales to your standards, and order them to either make a new key available to me or reimburse me for the cost of the key. While I am unaware whether or not Shannon Auto Sales is Revdex.com accredited, the Seller has nonchalantly violated the Revdex.com code of business practices (Revdex.com accreditation standard) items #2, 3 (a) (b) & 4.Desired Settlement: Either replacement or refund check

Business

Response:

**. [redacted]:

This vehicle was sold through a "Dealer Only" Website called ove.com which is facillitated by [redacted] Auctions. Once the vehicle is accepted by the auction as in described condition, any after arbitration period is handled by ove.com. You can buy the plastic case that this gentlemen is describing can be found on "[redacted]" for $8.98 [redacted] who is the on-site manager for ove.com is more than willing to speak with you concerning this matter which will clear our company from any wrong doing or misleading description of this vehicle and the sale. Her number is ###-###-#### - email - [redacted] Please let me know what else we may be able to do in rectifying this situation [redacted]###-###-####[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

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Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Please find in the attachment, a copy of the correspondence which I sent to [redacted], the [redacted] manager and a picture of the broken key. In response to the dealer's explanation, let me first say that I am having a hard time making any sense out of what he wrote because it is as if he writes as he speaks. For the record, I do have a copy of the advertisement in question, wherein the dealer said nothing about the key's condition. Furthermore, let me also say what I know about the so-called plastic cover. One [redacted] at the auction did say something about the plastic cover. Initially, she told me that the dealer said I needed to buy a plastic cover and put the key in it.When I realized that the whole idea of telling me about the plastic cover was to lure me into accepting a $10.00 check from them, I told them to "take the chance of buying the cover if they want".The dealer was only interested in giving me a "shut up money" believing that once I accept the check, the case would die like that. All I asked for is either a satisfactory repair, or replacement! Bear in mind that even the so-called cover is not designed to hold the key together, it is neither an adhesive nor a mechanism in such capacity. Honestly, I didn't tell them not to buy whatever they wanted to buy, all I insisted on is that I wasn't buying it. I also told them that am very skeptical about their idea and I wasn't going to accept the $10 from them because once I accept anything from them, I cannot come back and say that it didn't work. Bottom line is: if I can afford a $9,000 plus vehicle, then $10 wouldn't be my problem.

Review: I purchased a used 2001 [redacted] Quad Cab from Shannon Auto Sales in 2010. I found the vehicle on their lot and was allowed to test drive it. The outer appearance of the vehicle seemed o.k. and it drove acceptably. When I returned from the test drive I expressed my interest in purchasing it and after negotiating the price I purchased this vehicle and paid in full with my personal check. At the time of purchase I was provided with a clean [redacted] report which did not show any accidents, total loss or flood damage. After a period ownership the vehicle began to have mechanical breakdowns and each time I had it professionally repaired as I intended to keep it for many more years. On at least two occasions the repair shop I'd been using mentioned the fact that the vehicle had rust on the front end areas but did not elaborate on how severe the rust actually was. In the past year the breakdowns became more frequent and I considered selling or trading the vehicle.

I had recently advertised the vehicle on [redacted] for its' average trade in value and several people asked me to e-mail them photos of the rust. I then took several pictures of the front end and suspension areas and was shocked by the amount and severity of the rust. The rust was present on the steering box, brake dust shields, brake calipers, all of the other steering parts, the control arms and the shock absorber assemblies. The most severely rusted area appeared to be where one of the shock absorbers bolts to the frame; the metal shock absorber support can be seen to be flaking apart. After seeing the tremendous amount of rust on my vehicle I decided not to sell it but instead trade it to another used car dealer.

I recently traded this vehicle and was offered near salvage value; I'm certain this was due to the rusted condition of the front end and suspension as the rest of the vehicle was mechanically o.k. In looking at the rust I would believe that at some point before I purchased it this vehicle had been parked in water; after purchasing it I drove it frequently and it was never subject to being parked in water. I cannot know whether the salesperson or sales manager at Shannon Auto Sales was aware of the rust on this vehicle but their Virginia inspection technician must have seen it. As a consumer I find it difficult to understand how the vehicle passed VA inspection with so much rust on its' suspension, frame and steering parts.

My belief is that this vehicle's condition should have excluded it from being sold retail; with the rusted condition it should have been sold for either salvage or for its' parts. I do not hold Shannon Auto Sales responsible for the many mechanical breakdowns that I experienced with this vehicle but do consider that the rust that was present on this vehicle made it unworthy of being sold to a consumer. I understand that I did not do my due diligence when purchasing this vehicle and should have had it mechanically inspected by an independent shop prior to my purchase.

I can e-mail my recent photos of the rust to any interested party if so requested. I am seeking reimbursement for the difference between what my current trade in value would have been if this rust was not present.Desired Settlement: I am seeking a refund of $3,500.00 which is the depreciation of this vehicle due to the tremendous amount of rust on front end mechanical parts.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern; I am writing to about case ID # [redacted]. This vehicle was sold in July 3rd, 2010. It had a clean [redacted] and had a 72 point inspection through our shop, which my mechanics test drive every vehicle we put on my lot for sale. Since [redacted] purchased this 2001 [redacted] from Shannon Auto Sales we have never heard one complaint from him about said vehicle. He has owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and looking at looking at the [redacted] today, its been inspected all these years and AGAIN...I've never heard a word about anything until he trades it in. We don't feel that we owe [redacted] anything after 4.5 years of personnel ownership and not having any opportunity to look at the problem. Shannon Auto Sales has been in business for over 30 years with a great rating in Revdex.com and all on-line rating services, we strive to have such ratings and bend over backwards for our customers when confronted with situations that come up.Thank you,Michael H[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

I appreciate Mr. H[redacted] acknowledging my complaint and responding to the Revdex.com. Whether Shannon Auto Sales pays me the amount of money requested is of secondary importance to my being able to advise him about the rusted condition of this vehicle that I purchased from one of his locations. If the vehicle passed their 72 point inspection perhaps it should have had a 73 point inspection with the 73rd point being an inspection for rust compromise of the vehicle's suspension, steering, brakes and frame. I've attached photos that I took of the rusted area about a week before trading in this vehicle. As far as the timing of my complaint I was not aware of how extensive the rust was until I took these photos; one can see how much "caked' rust is present on many of the front end, steering and brake components. What is especially concerning to me is a long crack in the metal to the left of the shock absorber and above the steering component (first photo). I would wonder how this vehicle passed VA inspection with this crack in the metal in that area; this rusted condition is not something that occurred during my ownership of this truck and to me is not "normal" for this type vehicle with its' age and present mileage. Unfortunately I spent about $4,500.00 in mechanical repairs intending to keep this vehicle for several more years, however when I recently became aware of the tremendous amount of rust I decided that this vehicle would not be roadworthy as the rust was not only cosmetic but affecting the integrity and safety of the vehicle. At no point in my ownership was this vehicle parked in standing water; a [redacted] report might not indicate a rusted condition such as was present on this vehicle. I fully believe that the technicians who inspected this vehicle prior to my purchase should have been aware of this rust and communicated this to the management at Shannon Auto Sales.