The Plotkin Group

I have some updated information on this complaint. After my mechanic for the reviewed the vehicle he told me it's apparent that the vehicle has been under water at some point. It was somewhat apparent due to rust that's on the inside of the cab of the vehicle. This should've been disclosed in the...

description as well.

There is no history listed on the attached CARFAX that shows the vehicle has any prior flood damage. We have no knowledge nor indication of this vehicle being in a flood. The vehicle shows to have spent it’s life in Oklahoma and is listed as a commercial vehicle. Having a truck with mud on the bottom or rust is a indication of a moist climate. These trucks are detailed prior to the auction. Part of the detail process would be utilizing an upholstery shampoo machine on carpets and seats. This does introduce moisture into the interior and can create a wet dirt smell.  We care about all of our customers and hope they have a great buying experience, however some buyers don’t take advantage of inspection opportunities and then are upset for their own decisions. Mr. Whiting wants us to reimburse or take back a vehicle that he knowingly purchased in “AS-IS“ condition. At no time has the customer given any proof of his mechanical or cost associated claims to the vehicle stating unsubstantiated claims and threats against our company. He has posted rants on multiple online sites with variations of his story and complaints. This is not the type of customer that we care to do business with.

While I understand that I was purchasing a vehicle that was sold "as is", it is an unfair and deceptive practice for a company to not disclose within the description of the vehicle when there is severe damage especially when a vehicle has been submerged in water. While WSM claims that you can go inspect the vehicle, I was purchasing online had no opportunity to inspect the vehicle. When you see that many of the other vehicles had disclosures on them and this one had none, it makes you believe that this one had no issues. The cracked axle I still would have expected them to notice and disclose in the description along with information regarding other issues but the biggest issue is failing to disclose something like flood damage to a vehicle. This would have been enough to make any customer not bid on the vehicle. Being in the car selling business, there was enough information they would have come across such as musty smell, rust on the interior of the cabin, and other signs that should have had them list the vehicle as flood damaged in the description. Even if we go on the assumption that WSM claims that they were not aware they were selling a flood damaged vehicle, this is a situation where, once made aware they had done so and not disclosed it, they should be willing to refund the money and go after whoever they contracted with to sell the vehicle that did not disclose it to them. At the end of the day, selling a flooded vehicle that is wrought with potential safety issues and problems is where I have the biggest issue and if anyone sells a flooded vehicle without disclosing it, they should have to make restitution. Simply claiming they were "not aware" and selling "as-is" should not be an excuse for pawning off these kinds of vehicles to the unsuspecting public without any disclosures of these items. I am therefore requesting a full refund for this vehicle.