BUYER BEWARE: My Experience with R.H. Cooper & Son in Pennsylvania…read more
My experience purchasing a 2000 Nissan 350Z convertible from R.H. Cooper & Son was one of the worst car-buying experiences I have ever had. After approximately three months of dealing with this situation and spending nearly $3,000 beyond what I anticipated, I feel compelled to share my experience and warn other potential buyers.
The customer service was terrible from the beginning.
When I first went to look at the car, Nathan appeared to be in a hurry and was not prepared to complete the sale. He showed me underneath the vehicle and pointed out that it was wet. He also showed me the wheel fender liners and engine splash guard that had been left by the previous owner, which I would need to install. There were several other issues with the car, but I wanted it badly enough that I returned the following day.
That second visit was even worse. Nathan treated me in a condescending and suspicious manner, asking questions such as whether I had insurance and whether I was capable of driving the vehicle. The way he spoke to me made me feel as though he suspected I was going to steal the car rather than purchase it. As a Black customer, I could not help but question whether I would have been treated the same way if I were Caucasian. I cannot speak to his intentions, but the treatment I received was deeply offensive and unacceptable.
The condition of the vehicle has cost me significantly.
Since purchasing the car, I have had to spend approximately $1,500 replacing the rack and pinion because it was faulty. What had initially been presented as a wet area turned out to be a serious mechanical problem. The front bumper was also damaged, and the interior headliner was in terrible condition. I acknowledge that some cosmetic issues were visible when I inspected the car, and I accept responsibility for deciding to purchase it. However, the rack-and-pinion problem was a major expense that I had not anticipated.
I offered a price of $6,000 because I recognized that the vehicle had issues and would require additional work. When I made my offer, Nathan claimed he needed to contact the owner for approval. After apparently being unable to reach him, he contacted the owner's wife, who reportedly said the owner was out playing golf. Nathan then acted as though he could not make a decision because the car was merely on his lot and he was not the actual seller. The entire process felt evasive and unnecessarily complicated.
Even the title process was uncomfortable.
Nathan accompanied me to handle the title paperwork, and the way he discussed the situation with other customers made me uncomfortable. I felt as though he was concerned about making sure I did not leave rather than simply helping me complete the transaction. My experience at the office handling the paperwork was also unpleasant, with interactions that felt unnecessarily cold and questioning.
Taken together, these experiences left me feeling disrespected and unwelcome. I cannot speak for anyone else's experience, but this was mine.
My advice to other buyers: Be extremely cautious.
I wanted this car badly, and I made the decision to buy it despite its visible flaws. I own that decision. But between the mechanical repairs, the body damage, and the condition of the interior, I am now approximately $3,000 into additional costs and repairs. Had I known how this entire experience would unfold, I would have walked away and purchased a vehicle elsewhere.
I would not purchase another vehicle from R.H. Cooper & Son, and I would not recommend this dealership based on my experience. If you are considering buying a car from this business, have an independent mechanic thoroughly inspect it before committing, get all representations about its condition in writing, and do not let your excitement about a vehicle override your judgment.
Buyer beware. I regret doing business here, and I will not be returning.
