Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  09/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid over $20k for a 1980 *** that was represented to be a low mileage car in excellent condition for local driving by my wife. The car arrived with a meaningful oil leak (one quart of oil poured out upon pulling into the garage after delivery, and the cara barely ran. After taking it to a shop specializing in ******* cars, I learned all four cylinders failed a compression check requiring a rebuild. They also highlighted significant issues with the wiring, brakes, exhaust and fuel system. If that weren’t enough, they indicated the body had undergone significant (poorly executed) repairs contrary to how it was represented at purchase. They stated the vehicle mechanical condition was too poor to justify further work, and they suggested I buy something from the market to start from a better mechanical platform. The shop was not interested in working on the car I had purchased. Nothing I was told by Marc (owner of New England Classic Car Co) was true and pictures were misleading. I have ended up with a car that has no value beyond scrap. I sent a couple of messages to the company, but I never received a response to my complaints. There are many similar complaints online about this business, and I would like to help others be aware of their business practice. I had mentally moved on from this situation, but when I was shopping for a replacement *** for my wife, I came across many online ads where this company is trying sell the same “story” that I had roped me into the purchase.

  Business response

  09/07/2022

  As we have not had an opportunity to inspect the car, I can only speculate as to what is wrong with this customer's car.

   

  First of all, having been in business for near 49 years, I wonder who would believe that 'we' run a business designed to squeeze customers out of their hard earned dollars and use 42 year old $20,000 to achieve our nefarious goals.   I mean, of course, horrible poor running, rusty, dreadful cars.  And as we typically sell over 100 of 'similar cars,' I am guessing that (if this had any reality), we would have lines of irate customers banging at our doors.   Or is it that we reserve our 'good' cars for local customers and do our best to sell our junk to those at a distance.  A bit hard to believe.

  But I suggest the following, all of which I have seen countless times.

  First, for someone who knows nothing about dealing in older cars, there are some perfectly plausible answers to the obvious questions.  Rust?  HUGE difference between surface rust (as in a piece of unpainted metal left outside in the rain, next morning looks dreadfully rusty.  And 'rust perforation' which is, well, a rusty car.   Very confusing to those who can't see the difference and a wonderful accusation to make without some form of evidence.

  Some of our buyers and I suspect this one is includes, honestly believe that their purchase is a sporty, stylish, 'classic' car with dead reliable Mazda ***** internals.  And are shocked when they find something go wrong.  Because from their limited experience, 'a car is a car.'  Whether it be a ******, a *******, a ***, or a *****.  Get in, turn the key, roll down the window or put down the top, and have fun.

  But that is not the case.  Or as I laughingly tell customers, BEFORE you complain, *****, moan, threaten, or cry, preface every sentence with the following....'In my forty two year old car......'  And my response will be 'see, you answered it yourself.'   

  Although I have no idea as to what is (or is not) wrong with this car, allow me to present a hypothesis (all of which I have seen over the years):  while being transported, the transporter has to stop and shift cars.  He unloads this *** in a parking lot, temperatures are hovering over 100 degrees, lets the car idle, and idle, and idle.   Electric fan is not turned on and the car overheats, barely makes it back on the trailer and is delivered with a 'cooked' engine and warped cylinder head.  Have seen this.  Or DESPITE our warnings, when the transport driver loads or re-loads the car, leaves it in gear and the gentle rocking back and forth during its 1,500 mile ride....damages the gearbox.  Again, have seen this.

  Well, lets say the car arrives in okay condition (and let me add that this car was sold months and months ago and have never heard a peep from this customer, not be e mail, not be letter, not by phone).  And the proud new owner goes for a drive, being unaware that this car is a FORTY TWO YEAR OLD CAR.  And NOT a ******** and NOT a *******, and NOT ***.  But rather a somewhat fragile old car.   And in his drive, oh, maybe in 100+ degree weather, fiddles with unknown controls, doesn't hit the switch for the electric cooling fans, cooks the engine, blows the head gasket, warps the cylinder head, and his service shop tells him his 'baby' is dead or dying.  Who else to blame?

  Anyone who has read our ads sees that we do our best to represent our cars....provide the results of a compression test, bring the car up to operating temperature and quote the oil pressure (when hot) check for smoke cold (at start up) and hot.  Something we could easily avoid and, like most private sellers and dealers.  Does this customer really think we have the deceit to make this up?   Wouldn't be easier to simply write, as do most sellers 'cars runs real good and doesn't seen to have any problems.'  In face, in so many ads, it seems as if the seller has received advice from his lawyer to commit to as little as possible.

  This customer is in *****.  And this has been the hottest year on record (in fact, i just saw that is hit a record of 116 degrees in *********** **).  I guess we will never known if this car was improperly driven and used by this owner.   Or, as someone who really knows cars, 'how long does it take for an unknowing driver to damage his forty two year old car?'   I think the answer from most people I now, 'uh, two minutes?   Less?'

  Right now, reading the hysteria in his complaint, having not seen the car, knowing that he lives in a very hot environment, being quite aware of how an inexpert owner can easily damage his car, oh, I mean, his FORTY TWO YEAR OLD car......its all a bit hard to take and I am quite suspicious as to  his goal in all of this.  Gosh, in all of the years of buying cars, some of which were purposely far less than represented, what is the point of using such miserable anger.   Or, as I am sure his psychotherapist has already told him, 'get over it.'

  Now, I haven't mentioned (yet) an other situation entirely possible.  Eight years ago, I purchased (for my own use) a lovely ** *********** convertible from a woman in *******.  She told me 'her shop' advised her that the floors were rotten.  So, the price wasn't very high (or, I am sure in this complaining customer's mind, ALL I buy is rusted junky cars, for myself and for resale).  But I wasn't worried as we had a fabricator working for us who was expert in redoing ******* 356 floors (and most of them are rusty).  Got the car in, he removed the carpets, put in on a lift, jumped up and down on the floors and his assessment?  Were fine.  The shop was hoping for a nice juicy job.  Which the car didn't need.

  And now, eight years later, still love the car.  

  This doesn't happen?   Gee, when we first began business in **, a local workshop 'advised us' to do ** inspections with 'an ice pick.'  When I asked what we meant, he simply said 'just poke a few holes in the customer's car's muffler and fail it.  Now, does the reader of this response really think this is an isolated means of boosting a shop's income?   Can't remember the number of exposes have seen on TV shows about repair shops informing customers as to how bad their car is and how much work it NEEDS.  

  So, we have a complaint from someone on a FORTY TWO year old, (in world of 55 million dollar Ferraris, 20 million dollar pre war *****, even 100,000 dollar E types and 600,000 dollar Speedsters) $20,000 car, we did out best to cheat up with a poor running, rusty car.   And why bother?  Isn't a bit like forging $1 bills?  Same effort and costs at $20 or $100 bills....buy why bother?

  It just doesn't add up.  And too much of a mean, hysterical, public complaint to not question the basis of all of this.  Didn't this guy's parents tell him its easier to catch the bumblebee with honey, rather than with vinegar?

  Either he damaged the car due to improper use, the transport company damaged the car, or maybe he is just disappointed in his acquisition and realizes he should have purchased a nice *****?  Faultlessly reliable, fun to drive, but yes, on a typical road, you see your car's sister or brother at every intersection.  Or, in closing, 'these cars aren't for everyone, some like it, some loathe it, it really isn't for everyone.  And, unlike a modern car, NOT an appliance.

  New England Classics.

   

   

   

   

  Customer response

  09/08/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Response from the business is comical.   He didn’t respond to my previous emails, and the car barely ran when it arrived.   It dropped 1/2 a quart of oil after I pulled into the garage.   I drove the car about a mile from the drop off point to my house.  That is as far as I was able to drive it.   I took it to a car shop in ****** specializing in ******* cars by trailer where the failed compression tests and other problems misrepresented were revealed.  I paid +$23k for this car which for a 1980 *** is a full/fair price for something driveable in good condition.   This car was far from that condition.   I have subsequently purchased another *** for $15k in solid mechanical and good cosmetic condition which as been a great, driveable car for my wife.

  As it relates to the attempts to insult my knowledge of antique cars, in addition to the new ***, I own 5 other cars from the 60s and 70s in various stages from classic driver in solid shape to mint full restorations.  I also own 8 antique motorcycles all in excellent shape many of which were restored by myself.  I am very informed on buying, owning and maintaining classic cars and motorcycles.

  I am more than happy to buy a car needing work, but that it is not how this car was represented.   It was represented as a car in fantastic condition ready to be a driveable car for my wife.  Nothing could be further from the truth.   There are MANY online complaints regarding with similar stories of a car’s condition being significantly over-represented.  

  If this business/person was interested in helping with the situation, he could have easily responded to my emails.   Instead, the first and only response has been in relation to my BBB complaint.   My primary purpose of writing this complaint is to make other potential buyers aware of the misrepresentation risks in buying a car from this business.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** ******

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In Jan 2022 i negotiated the purchase of an *** ******* ***** 1961 *** **** for this dealership. It was delivered on Feb 7th 2022. But the dealer did not provide title information & I have not been able to title my car in the state of *****. It has now been 3 months since I purchased the car & I still cannot drive my car legally. Additionally, there are numerous mechanical issues that the dealer promised would not be an issue.

  Business response

  04/19/2022

  As for the sale of the mentioned 1961 ***, we acquired the vehicle from a licensed ************* dealer and, when the new owner attempted to register the car in *****, it was found that the paperwork THEY provided to us was deficient.   As we were working through a title and registration company, the owner is working to rectify the situation and, in fact, we just sent her a check for $1,000 to facilitate her activities.  We have been in constant contact with her and she assures us the process is well underhand.  It is unfortunate but quite common for paperwork from one State not to be accepted in another, ESPECIALLY with 61 year old cars.

  As for the comments on 'mechanical issues' with a 61 year old car, the only way we can respond is 'hey fella, join the club.'   IT IS A SIXTY ONE YEAR OLD CAR and any buyer has to understand that issues arise.   Suddenly and with no warning.  His car was thoroughly tested by our staff prior to transport and we suspect any issues are probably minor.  For example, this buyer sent us a complaint that the car did not have a heater which he found out was supplied by the last owner.  Not only did/does the car have a heater but I had to send him photos of his OWN CAR showing the heater installed.  Clearly, he is unaware of a car's heater assembly and, to me, shows his desire to complain about most anything.  

  First, the paperwork is underhand and being taken care of by a title professional.   Second, the owner has demonstrated ignorance of his own car. And third of all, I am guessing his expectations are inconsistent with someone purchasing a sixty one year old classic ******* sports car.   OR as I often tell my customers:  when everything is working and you are happily driving through the back roads, 'we' are saints, heroes, the best of the best.  And a second later, when something suddenly fails, in some owner's mind, we are creeps, thieves, con men, and liars.  But it just isn't that simple.  The car he bought was NOT a completely restored car (that might have cost three times the price he paid) but looked and ran fine.  As for now, this very second, one can only speculate as to the issues it and  he are suffering.  But it is all part of the process of owning and using (and occasionally suffering) a sixty one year old car (much like my own identical 1961 white *** which does, at times, have its own issues).

   

  Marc

  Customer response

  04/27/2022

  I am just seeing Mr E**** response to you & my complaint. He has NOT responded to the complaint other than to not address ANY OF THE ISSUES 

   

  1) he knew the paperwork was faulty before the sale was complete. 

   

  2) he told me that it had a REBUILT engine. Clearly, it does not. 

   

  3) IT HAS BEEN SINCE FEBRUARY & I STILL DO NOT HAVE A TITLE. 

   

  Business response

  05/08/2022

  Our response:

   

  We purchased the car from a licensed dealer in ** and were given paperwork that we presumed conformed to the MVD of the ************ of **************  As a licensed dealer in **, we provided that paperwork to the new owner.

  Information of the condition of the car and our advertised representations were based on 1/ what we were told by the last owner, 2/ our own opinions, and 3/ our testing and examination of the car.   as much as buyers think a dealer has X Ray vision and can see inside of mechanicals, all we can do (and did on this specific car) is perform technical investigations such as a compression test, ck oil pressure at operating temperature, speak with past owners, and convey this to a prospective buyer.  Beyond that, EVEN IF WE DID A REBUILD two months ago, a disassembly would STILL show it was not 'factory fresh.'   

  THE CAR BEING DISCUSSED IS OVER SIXTY YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   And this buyer seems to have the expectations that it is beautiful, collectable, old classic with 2020 Miata underpinnings.   IT IS OLD on the outside and OLD on the inside and subject to untold issues from the day it was acquired by him.   

  A title and registration service we use is well on the way to getting the paperwork situation straightened out and, so far, we have spent over $2,000 to make sure these issues are properly and promptly taken care of.

  What else can we possibly add?   Alas, we have fifty individual States and licensing bureaus and, in our forty eight years of being a license dealer, have seen many irregularities in transferring ownership.  But, in the end, it all works out, the company we have authorized and paid to handle all of this has been on constant contact with the new owner, and soon, it will all be taken care of.

  All of this is complaints from someone who is not familiar with the realities of buying and owning an ancient car.

  Marc

   

   

   

   

  Customer response

  05/09/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: As Marc was clearly aware of the paperwork problems 8 months ago. Prior to him purchasing the CAR --- BUT HE SITLL PURCHASED THE CAR. I have emails from Marc & he claims it has clear title & I would have no problem titling the car in ***** -- this was a fraudulent statement by Marc. He also promised to send the paperwork with the car--- I NEVER RECEIVED THE PAPERWORK. Clearly, he never had the paprerwork. Marc sold the vehicle to me with a statement that the car has a rebuilt engine. I have had an expert look at the vehicle & clearly it does not have a rebuilt engine. I believe that Marc has committed fraud as I paid a premium for a car that had a clear title & a rebuilt engine --- clearly this are both fraudulent statements. Furthermore, 1) reading Marc's response he clearly is more concerned with blaming everyone else for his problems and takes ABSOLUTLY no responsibility for his own errors & misrepresentations about the product. 2) I freely admit that this is the first antique car that I have purchased -- this is not an excuse to take advantage of a customer. Nor is it an excuse to make false statement or disparage me or others. What Marc fails to mention in his attempt to slander me is that i told him my family had rebuilt an ***. So i am well aware of the issues and problems an MG & an antique car can have. The problems with this vehicle go WAY BEYOND normal problems - for example -- a major oil leak, carbonators that need to be replaced or rebuilt. Marc claimed the car came with a roof --- not that I would have to have it installed, bad starter etc --- 3) When I asked Marc about the compression on the car he advised that the car basically had a new REBUILT ENGINE. I have had the vehicle looked at by expert & he will testify that this was not a rebuilt engine. In fact I have talked to one of Marc's employees & he will testify that Marc knew there was an issue with the engine. 4) on Marc having to spend $2000 to title the vehicle --- HOW IS THIS MY ISSUE??? Marc knew when he purchased the car, over 8 months ago, that there was paperwork issues. Marc CHOOSE to ignore this & sold the vehicle anyways. Understand that I have emails & Marc promises me that the vehicle has a clear TITLE & paperwork that would be accepted by the State of ***** (Marc cannot say he is ignorant to ***** title rules as he has been sued for a very similar reason). It is now over 4 months & I still have not title & I have basically an expensive paperweight.. Thus, Marc has MISSREPRESENTED or outright deceived me & others on this FACT along. BECAUSE OF MARC's malfeasance I am facing serious fines & penalities as ***** requires that I title the car within 30 days of receipt of the car. Marc's response is to readjust the bill of sale to provide a new date of sale --- HOW IS THIS NOT FRAUD???? 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ******

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩