I do not recommend anyone buying a car from Image Auto. My experience purchasing a car from them was very disappointing. Please note that this review is only based on my experience working with Image Auto in Fitchburg MA. I bought a 2010 Subaru Legacy (6-speed) from Ed about two and a half years ago and I found my initial meeting with him and his wife to be friendly and professional. Before buying the car, I asked Ed if he would take care of getting the license plate and getting the car registered and his response was yes and that all I had to do was to fil out the necessary RMV paper work and he would have someone carry it into the registry. After I bought the car, he mentioned that he never said that because he no longer has staff to do that. He also mentioned to me that he thoroughly checked the car and had replaced the timing belt, air filter and changed the oil. The list below captures the issues I had after purchasing the car.
1.) Oil Leak-Took it to Ed about a week later and he replaced the valve cover gasket. I also pointed out to him visually several loose bolts under the car. He tightened them up and said that he did not know why the bolts were loose (near transmission).
2.) VDC unit failed- The vehicle dynamic control unit stopped working after about 3 months. I had to pay the Subaru dealer over $700 to replace. I called Ed and his response was why are you calling me, your 30 days are up, but I can replace the VDC unit for a smaller cost.
3.) Ed mentioned to me that the car had been in a minor accident. I had to replace both lower control arms because the bushings were cracked/damaged apparently from the collision, causing vibrations (about a year after buying the car).
4.) Dirty air filter- Replaced after about month and a half of purchasing the car. Looked like it had never been replaced, as there were leaves and debris from outside. When I replaced the air filter, I found a large crack and hole in the plastic housing. I had to patch the housing.
5.) Replaced inner and outer tierods and sway bar links.
6.) Replaced front struts, rotors & brakes.
7.) Leaking sunroof
8.) Front end vibration when at idle (about 1.5 months after purchasing Car-Ongoing issue. Replaced spark plugs hoping that would correct vibration issue, but nothing changed.
About two years later I took the car to Subaru for a check and they mentioned that I have the following issues:
1. Head gasket needs replacing
2. Both rear bearing need replacing
I realize this is a used car, but for $10K and 100K miles, I would have expected better service out of this car without having to do all this work. I do not plan to buy a car from Image Auto again and I would not recommend them to anyone. read more