AVOID BASANT MOTORS AND SHOP ELSEWHERE…read more
We purchased a 2018 Black Nissan Pathfinder (VIN 5N1DR2MMXJC667699) from Basant Motors, only to discover it had a blown engine. Do not buy this vehicle as it is still on the lot. Dealers have a legal responsibility to disclose major system failures (engine, transmission, A/C, electrical, etc.), but Basant failed to do so.
The issues began immediately and weeks later we found out the vehicle required a completely new engine.
Lack of transparency: Either Basant didn't inspect the vehicle properly or knowingly sold it with significant issues. There were yellow markings, on several of the engine parts, suggesting prior repairs. The sales rep told us this is what they do as part of the vehicle inspection. Yet no other vehicles had these markings. A third-party mechanic explained to us that this is an industry trick when they reassemble the engine to engine it is reassembled properly.
Refusal to refund: When we requested a refund, Basant refused. After lengthy discussions, they offered to find us a replacement vehicle at a "significant discount" but repeatedly tried upselling us on luxury options well beyond our budget.
Delay tactics: Over two months, they made excuses, had us come in to view vehicles that weren't on the lot, and delayed resolution. When they finally claimed the Pathfinder was repaired, they failed to provide details about the replacement engine's origin. This lack of transparency destroyed our confidence in their workmanship.
We consulted a lawyer, but since Basant Motors had repaired the engine, we no longer had legal grounds to pursue a case. It felt like they deliberately delayed and made excuses to prevent us from purchasing a different vehicle until the repairs were completed. In the end, we chose to buy a a different vehicle from them because they refused to provide any details about the replacement engine in the Pathfinder or give us a refund.
Things I learnt the hard way:
1. Always get a third-party mechanic inspection before purchasing.
2. Confirm details like the number of key fobs and perform a full walk-around inspection before finalizing the price.
3. Insist on viewing car comps and Carfax reports during negotiations. Insist that they turn their monitors so you can see what they are viewing. We purchased our own car fax histories and what we were being told did not align with our reports.
4. Avoid purchasing their extended warranty, particularly if it's through Assurant. Many independent and smaller mechanics won't accept work covered by extended warranties because these companies rarely pay out. In our case, none of the repair shops, including major dealerships in Maple Ridge, Langley, or the Tri-Cities, had even heard of Assurant. This effectively means the warranty is only usable at Basant Motors, and even then, Assurant often refuses to cover the work--leaving you to pay for repairs out of pocket.
5. Carfax reports only provide the total cost of repairs on a vehicle without detailing the specific work done, making it challenging to make an informed decision.
6. Basant increased vehicle prices right before showing them to us. Using cargurus.ca we were able check price histories, view their changes and easily view cost comparisons.
7. Vehicles on their lot often seem overpriced compared to similar listings. You'll notice price drops after 128 days, which may help with negotiation if you're still considering them.
Bottom Line - Basant Motors' practices are misleading, and their customer service leaves much to be desired. Protect yourself by shopping at a franchise dealership that follows guidelines set by the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC. Trustworthy dealers value their customers and are transparent about vehicle history and repairs. Instead, consider visiting Sam next door at Applewood.
