** DON'T GET BURNED AT BRUNS! **
If a used car dealer was a check engine light, it would be Bruns Automotive in Plover WI. Exercise extreme caution with this used car dealer. They just might sell you a vehicle that is scarcely road worthy or at the very least worth far less than what they are charging. They skirt the legal system just enough to technically not break the law (confirmed with a DOT investigation). If you want to deal with that, it's your decision.
My experience:
Bruns Auto sold me a "Total Loss" vehicle and never disclosed it. Apparently, this doesn't need to be "legally" disclosed in writing or verbally to an unsuspecting buyer in Wisconsin and Dennis Bruns knows this. This was a $27,000 Toyota Tacoma that was in an accident so devastating that an insurance company stated it was a total loss. Within 2 months of ownership the truck required an $8550 repair! Bruns skirted the law in the sale of a junk truck to me and I have zero recourse at this point except to warn others.
My opinion after buying from them on how they operate their business:
- Skirt the law just enough to avoid DOT prosecution
- Typical "Used car dealer"... think Harry Wormwood.
- Better Business Bureau rating of C- for a reason.
- Other much better options are available.
- Takes advantage of people's trust.
- Has had multiple DOT investigations against them.
- Will call you to complain about any repairs needed on the car you traded in.
- Has a terrible dealer rating throughout the internet.
What to do if you find yourself falling prey to shady vehicle sales tactics (as advised by my attorney):
- Contact the dealer immediately and state your issue(s).
- Give them the opportunity to "Make it right".
- DOCUMENT everything as it will be needed for the next step:
- After they have told you "It's your problem now... we didn't do anything "legally" wrong" ...
- Contact the DOT and fill out a formal complaint (online). They are the licensing body that gives a dealer a license to sell cars in Wisconsin. They will investigate within 2 to 3 weeks. If enough complaints are raised, the dealer will lose their license to sell cars.
- If you do not get the desired outcome and are stuck with the vehicle:
- Contact the better business Bureau and fill out a formal complaint.
- Do your best to help educate the general public about your personal experience on several dealer rating sites.
I have little recourse at this point. It is my solemn hope you do not fall prey to this dealer. If voicing my experience can help you to avoid the same pain and suffering that I have had to deal with from them, I will consider my anguish to have at least some value. So, I ask as a favor to me and others, please please look elsewhere for a used vehicle. While there are no guarantees with used cars out in the world, I can at least help you to not end up where I am right this minute... with a total loss vehicle needing $8550 in repairs.
All of this made me reflect on the possibilities of what happened to me and several others:
1- Cars can be extremely complex machines. Bruns Auto could be completely incompetent and has no real modern automotive knowledge. Vehicles have evolved considerably over the last decade and Bruns Auto may not have kept up on all of the nuances in newer vehicles. This could explain the hit or miss quality of the vehicles on their lot.
2- Bruns Auto is purposely selling vehicles they know to be of poor quality to make a quick buck off a trusting and unsuspecting public. The unscrupulous nature of their dealings makes this a real possibility.
Either way, "BUYER BEWARE" does not even begin cover what I have experienced at Bruns Automotive in Plover WI. Do your research! In my opinion you should avoid this dealer at all costs. At this point I have no more I can do legally. I wish you all the best, dear reader. Had someone taken the time and effort to raise awareness of the underhanded business practices I have experienced; I would have made a more educated decision and not gotten...
** BURNED AT BRUNS **
Follow up -
I was able to sell the Tacoma recently at a $5000 out of pocket loss. This was a horrible experience, and I am glad to be done with it. Please save yourself the trouble and avoid Bruns Auto in Plover, WI. read more