I purchased an 18 year old, 1 owner Lexus with low (81k) miles from this dealer back in June. After test driving it, I notified the salesperson the car needed tires and an alignment. In our negotiations, we agreed part of the sale required an alignment and tires. I left the car overnight, and was advised the next day the alignment had been done and they were waiting on tires. This work should be done by the end of the day.
When I showed up, the tires still had not been replaced and I asked what kind of tires they would be buying. I was advised they were purchasing just the 2 front tires, and they were going to cost about $15 each. At this point I decided it wasn't worth the wait for crappy new or used tires and drove the car home.
On the way home, the left front tire went mostly flat and the right front developed a bubble. Also, the steering wheel was no longer straight when driving, which indicated the alignment was worse than when I initially drove the car!
I took the car to buy new tires, and was brought into the shop when they removed the old tires. None of the tires were good! They were all cheap knock-offs, or retreads. They also showed signs of irregular wear either from them being cheap, or the alignment. While replacing the tires, I replaced all 4 struts as I had noticed the car was riding low and and the left front tire rubbed when turning.
I took the car to a reputable alignment shop, and found out the car was too far out to be adjusted back to spec. It was at this point I took it to the Lexus dealer. I was advised the car had been in a minor accident at some point. The power steering rack had been shifted in that accident, which wore out the tie rod ends. Also the lower knuckle on the left side had been replaced with the wrong part which was causing the alignment to be off. This also caused the left front tire to rub the inside of the wheel well at full lock in both directions.
In the end, my $6200 purchase cost another $5000 to get back into spec. When I left Long Motors, I was willing to accept having to buy tires, and maybe even the struts. I refuse to settle for $15 tires.
Yesterday I went to pick up the plates, and talked to the manager, describing the issues I had with the car. He said "You drove the car, you must have thought it was fine" I pointed out I had requested an alignment and tires. I also pointed out if the alignment had been done correctly, the accident damage would have been obvious. He shrugged.
Having seen all of the negative reviews, this place is obviously bad. When I walked in the door to pick up my plates, I was immediately asked if I was there to make a payment. It looks like they are preying on people who have low/no credit, and selling crap to everyone. I was lucky that I had financing already set up, and I had the means to get the car fixed. To be honest, I could not imagine having to work with this dealership should I have been someone without prior financing and/or money to fix the issues. I definitely would not have trusted them to fix the problems.
I am sure you are wondering why anyone would spend $5000 on a $6200 car. Although I am a bit upside down now because of these bills, the underlying vehicle is solid. The Lexus made during this time are extremely durable, and will last once they are back into good shape. I plan to keep this car for quite awhile.
Please learn from everyone who has posted negative feedback! I would avoid this place at all costs. I just wish I could have given this company 0 stars. read more