I usually don't write negative reviews on a business, but I have to be forthcoming about my experience with Bristol Auto Mall in Levittown PA, and their loan financing company United Auto Credit, which will be a separate review. As a decent human being, I believe I owe it to the public to share my experience with seniors, people who may not have good credit,and those who are desperate to own a vehicle. For the record, I am a person over 60 with good credit. This review is to encourage, or should I say, warn you to put the brakes on (no pun intended) before you buy a used vehicle, or sign a contract with Bristol Auto Mall. Make an informed decision. It took me a while to get to the point of writing this review because I wanted to make sure I had all the facts, and my anger and disappointment was under control. I was hoping this business had integrity,(one of the salesmen had the audacity to pray I made the right decision, Imagine that!!! Unfortunately, I made the wrong decision to purchase a used vehicle from Bristol Auto Mall. This review serves as an educational tool. There is no way I can write everything here. Consider this a "consumer beware.'The dealership will probably write a counter review as they have done on numerous reviews with complaints ( and there are many, RED FLAGS). I recently noticed an uptick in 'good' reviews, but strongly doubt if they're valid, and if they are, it was probably written before the customer discovered problems with their purchase. I was asked to right a good review. Thank God I refused. . My fight for consumer protection rights is far from over. This experience has really made me want to advocate for unsuspecting customers.
Here are a few highlights:
Vehicle purchase date 10/3/2024
Year, make, model: 2016 Chrysler 200
Reported Mileage: 145,000 (suspected odometer tampering fraud) under review
Inspection Stickers: passed through 10/2025 (with all the issues the car has the vehicle may not be passable by DMV standards. Possible State violations. Checking with the DMV and state regulations.
Check Engine Light On: 10/5/2024
Check engine light pops off and on
Bristol Auto Mall advises since it is not a steady light it's nothing Thanks Carlos for your honesty (I'm being facetious here)
Chrysler Dealership cannot find sensor codes for warning lights ,may have been disabled by Bristol Auto Mall. Under investigation.
Recall: Catalytic converter per Carfax (always ask for a copy of this report and review it thoroughly. DO NOT let the salesperson rush you, or brush over this, ask questions, READ, then ask more questions) Take someone with you who will be a second pair of eyes. Wait a day or two or more before deciding. Look at other dealerships
Recall repaired on 10/9/2024 by Chrysler Dealership free of charge due to manufacturer recall. They completed a Multi-point inspection finding multiple issues that were clearly evident.
They had to know about the pre-existing issues beyond the recall. Thus pushing you to buy a warranty and GAP insurance. As soon as the mechanic looked under car he immediately saw the problems. This may be a failure to disclose known problems violation. Although used car dealers say "as is" in their sales paperwork, telling customers there are NO problems when they are aware can be legally considered an express warranty. Seeking legal assistance on this.
Chrysler dealership completes an oil change on 10/19. Car transmissions slips, mechanic states there are issues with it.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU HAVEA PROBLEM?. Contact the State Attorney General Office of Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau. Contact an auto fraud attorney, contact the DMV. Contact the Trade Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Be vigilant and watch for unauthorized towing as a means of retaliation. Be careful with your continued online access to make payments. Watch for payment lockouts, account deactivation resulting in missed payments, repossession and/or major hits to your credit. AND DOCUMENT EVERY CALL including date and time. Get the names of who you talked to. Sometimes you won't get the true identity of who you spoke with. Put your concerns in writing via letter (certified if you can), emails.
Pennsylvania Auto Dealerships will need to follow several new regulations starting August 19, 2024. The regulations, developed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), require dealerships to disclose the following six conditions(https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/pennsylvania-auto-dealerships-should-prepare-for-regulatory-changes)
***Using the term "As-Is" does not satisfy the written disclosure requirement. The disclosures must be clear and conspicuous on the face of the document, listing the vehicle's conditions and stating it is sold "as-is." If a vehicle cannot pass safety inspection, the disclosure must specify the items causing the failure under the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection Program.*** read more