Salem Select Auto Center

I bought a Jeep through Salem Select and had a wonderful experience. [redacted] kept me happy and informed throughout the entire process. They are great people at Salem Select and do business the right way. They are up front and honest about their vehicles and prices. I would definitely buy with Salem Select again. I cannot say enough about how well my experience with [redacted] and Salem Select went.

Review: We were new to the area and seeking a first car for my college-bound daughter. The car we purchased from Mark at Salem Select was described by him as having a rebuilt engine with only 79,000 miles on it. It is a 1998 Honda Civic 2DR. I understand that we purchased a used car and that Mark is not legally liable for any problems beyond the extended 3-month warranty. I just want it known that it is likely that the engine is not in fact rebuilt but is the original engine. There have been escalating expenses associated with multiple problems in the past few months, and our mechanic advises us that the engine appears to be breaking down, piece by piece. My daughter is still paying the car loan off, and debts associated with repairs continue to climb, so I cannot recommend that anyone do business at Salem Select. I should have required proof of the rebuilt engine, or better yet, purchased from another establishment. I have made these statements known to Mark via phone today.Desired Settlement: As stated above, I don't believe I have any legal right to any settlement; I just wanted the experience on the record. I tried to put a review on the Salem Select website but it did not allow me to save the message.

Consumer

Response:

I would like to clarify the service issues with this vehicle. We contacted Mark the first month with request to have the passenger side window fixed; the driver's side automatic button did not operate when trying to close the passenger side window. At the same time, we asked that the driver's side window be fixed; it had some sticky residue covering the window every time it was put up or down. The issue with the passenger front window was never fixed; the issue with the driver's side front window took two attempts, first by using electrical tape on the lower part of the window that just fell off, and then by scraping the sticky residue off. We had to replace the alternator when the car broke down on a road trip in October 2012 . Cost was $239.23. We purchased AAA coverage for the car specifically because it had a tendency to stall and shut down for no apparent reason. We had to replace the windshield wiper motor in May 2013. Cost $253.17. We had to replace the side mirror when it fell off, Aug 2013. Cost $117.36. The car exhibits multiple symptoms, including knocking at the bottom of the engine and grinding on turns; our mechanic advises that we either purchase a rebuilt or low-mileage engine or sell the car. The third option is to treat each symptom in hopes of making the car serviceable again, putting more money into a car whose loan is still being paid monthly. We were relying on this car to transport my daughter for work and college, for at least 5 years. It is a disappointment and additional financial burden that we cannot afford.I would like proof that the vehicle had a rebuilt motor, or I would like $1500 to cover the cost of replacing the engine using our mechanic's services and resources. Thank you.

Business

Response:

Enclosed is a copy of receipt requested for Ms. [redacted] on USED engine purchased from & installed by [redacted] and [redacted] Garage for Salem Select. She is welcome to call and confirm this with them. Ms. [redacted] had a 90 day power train warranty through AUL Warranties INC. that she exercised on7-19-12 paid for $589.38 for repairs that included timing belt, crank shaft seal, cam seal, oil pan gasket, new drain plug, and new v-belts (fan belts). AU paid for all of this less than $100.00 deductible. After this Salem Select never received any complaints of any kind until 9/23/13 14 months after first repair and a year and four months after sale. For the record Salem Select had the alternator, side mirror and wiper motor in stock and would have been glad to donate to her for repairs had we been asked as a good will gesture. The buyers guide andbill of sale read specifically that Salem Select was not responsible for any percentage of parts or labor for repairs in connection with this sale and she read and signed these documents and was given copies of these. When I spoke with her on 9/23/13 per her phone call I asked her why she had never called me on any of these matters in the past 14 months when she had problems, as I could have preformed any and or all repairs as a good will gesture at my discretion to which she had no real reply other than "A lot of little thing just added up." I am sorry for her repair troubles but I can not help rectify matter which are not brought to my attention at the time of the problem. We try to help any of our customers who have issues after the sale. I keep a extensive amount of spare vehicles for parts for just this very reason for sometimes despite our best intentions used vehicles have problems. And my rating with the Revdex.com and constant striving to keep ourcustomers happy reflect that. And once again Ms. [redacted] has filed a complaint with the Revdex.com after calling me on 9/23/l3 to voice her dismay but not give me the opportunity to assist. Salem Select will not be paying the $1500.00 requested by Ms. [redacted], 16 months after chance during this time to rectify, her issues. Sincerely, Mark A. WickhamOwner Salem Select Auto Center

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and consider the issue closed. Regards,[redacted]