I purchased, for cash, a 2013 Buick Verano from Fiehrer, which states they bring the cars they sell up to "near certified standards."
I've driven less than 3,000 miles in less than four months and have already had to replace the front and back brakes, at a cost of $700. This is not the quality I expected.
My mechanic indicates that rust build-up and inexpensive brake pads and rotors are contributing to the loud squealing on slow stops. Photos of the rust, pitting and metal shards from the brake pads are now available.
I contacted Fiehrer to tell them of the issue and simply to express that I'm unhappy with the purchase, knowing they are not legally responsible for any costs incurred after purchase. Still, it's important to me to express my opinion to the business before writing negative reviews to hopefully save others from the trouble I experienced.
I spoke with Ray Timley, who utilized a nasty, condescending tone, then loudly said "MY TONE IS NOT NASTY" when I said "Sir. It is not necessary to speak to me in that way."
He also said in a commanding tone "This is what we need to do! We need to get that car in here to OUR mechanics! We used GM parts!"
He also said that the issue could be with bearings and another issue. Out of curiosity, I researched the cost of each to learn that it would be a minimum $250, or more more likely $350, for each side of the car to fix.
The cost remains the same regardless of the core issue, so there was no need to question my mechanics' finding, or my statement regarding the screeching being so loud that people on the street stop to check to be sure they aren't about to be a victim of an out-of-control vehicle.
So, regardless of this employee's diagnostic of this vehicle sight unseen over the phone, there are obvious issues with this car. It should not make those sorts of rough noises at less than 3,000 miles driven off of the lot of this advertised "full service dealership."
Furthermore, any in-person dealings with anyone who employs that nasty tone, after I've had to drive 45 minutes each way to prove to them that the car they sold me DOES have issues when when they cannot offer any resolution -- would not be a wise or reasonable idea.
I trust my mechanics with my life, have for years, and believe them to be the most truthful. The mechanical issue is obvious to myself, neighbors and bystanders. I have to wonder what could be happening in Fiehrer's shop where sub-quality parts are being used instead of the GM parts that the "sales manager" states were listed on their paperwork. (If I were the owner of the shop, I would investigate. )
I do not recommend offering any business to this dealership.
Mr. Timley should be allowed no further opportunity to huff, puff and condescend to any other customer. Customers should not have to spend hundreds of dollars within 3,000 miles of driving when a car has been, according to the sales team, brought to "near certified" standard.
I'm seeking Tom Fiehrer's email to communicate with him my dissatisfaction. Selling me a car of that low quality and then becoming aggressive when I communicate the issue is not the way a quality business should behave. I want to be sure the Fiehrer family is made aware of how their business is being run. I would want to know.
Now, two weeks after writing my original review on other sites, I notice the tail lights are all out on the right back side. This would have been a minor issue, something expected when buying any used vehicle, but given the 7% of sale price that I've already paid for the brakes that were supposed to be in excellent shape when purchased, this makes the vehicle the worse I've ever made. read more