Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  10/18/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  March 1, 2022---I purchased a used Dodge Journey 2015, with ******* miles on it. VIN # *****************/Title # ***************. It now has *******. I only drive locally to shop, and go to the ********* Veterans Clinic.I paid the owner--************************** a total of $5,667.80. the car.Verbal Business Commitment _willingness and ability to do repairs (which I was willing to pay for) My Complaint; I bought the car on March 1, 2022--by March 10,2022 the check engine light was on. When I went to put gas in the car, I discovered that the car did not have a gas cap. He said that some cars did not have gas caps. On inspection, he saw that the car was supposed to have one. He just shrugged his shoulders, so I bought a new gas cap at Auto Zone.Before the end of March 2022, I was having problems with the car, such as: deceleration, stalling, vibrating, shaking, difficulty starting, and not starting. I discovered various scanner codes:--P0300 series Multiply Cylinder Misfires --P000A, P0016, P0017, Camshaft/Crankshaft misalignment **************** claims that he changed the camshaft sensor, the spark plugs, the oil. There was some improvement, but not for long. The car has been back and forth in and out of his shop since March. Sometimes for weeks at a time. He has now had the car for over two months, since late July. On October 11th, he said that he changed the engine computer; and might try changing the timing chain, although earlier claimed to have checked the chain and phasers and found no problems. I tried to start the car, it made noise, and it would not start. I asked him if he would provide a replacement, or refund. He jumped up yelling and cursing at me, stating that I should get a wrecker and get the__ car off his lot. He never called to get approval. I am a 75-year-old disabled ******* Vet, have been walking miles to shop, renting taxis and U-Hauls to get to appointments at VA clinics and the VA ******** in *******. Rentals at a cost of over $1,500.

  Customer response

  11/21/2022

   
  Complaint: 18240808
  
  I am rejecting this response because: **************** has had the car for over 4 months. He cannot say that his proposal would result in a safe and reliable car. It only shifts the cost of this "maybe approach" onto me. I recognize that diagnostics can be difficult, but my research shows mechanics using computer diagnostic tools to pin down the problem to a near certainty before doing any work; stating that they would not charge a customer without having fixed the problem. **************** states that he changed a camshaft sensor and only charged me $15.00 dollars, but he fails to mention that I later gave him a $60.00 tip to cover labor cost. I support small local businesses and have always been generous when satisfied with their work. I never expected **************** to work for free. I did expect a win/win relationship--I buy the car and he gets a long-term customer with good references. In the ****** months, he never called me--as I have repeatedly requested. Instead, he responds with indifference and an angry outburst suggestive of a violent attack. After over a 4 month wait, I no longer have confidence in his ability and willingness to repair the car. Therefore, my solution is a full refund, or a replacement of my choice, that I can have fully checked by another mechanic. I regret this situation, but after over 4 months and an angry outburst. This is my position--I am the one who should be angry, but I just want a safe and reliable car. Lastly, the driver's seat is soiled, the paint shows cracks, and I am sure the insects have found a new home. **************** has moved the car toward the back of his lot--I guess to make room for his weekly new arrivals.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

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