To whom it may concern my name is J. Wheeler;
I thought long and hard on if I should leave a review/complaint regarding my recent buying experience at Motor City Mini in Southfield MI, but I feel that it needs to be shared.
The week of May 17th I called the Dealer about a 2015 GMC Acadia Denali that was listed for sale. I spoke to a young man named Naseem who would become my salesman.
Coming from Flint MI, I didn't want to waste a trip, so I asked several questions about the vehicle's mechanical and physical condition. Naseem informed me that the vehicle was an "11 out of 10," adding that there were several people lined up to look at the vehicle, but he would give me first choice. I scheduled a test drive.
Upon arrival, I test drove the car for approx. 35 minutes to ensure that it was mechanically sound. While doing so, Naseem called on my cell and advised that their were others interested in the car. I wanted to give the car an opportunity to warm up which often reveals issues, but I cut my test drive short, and returned to the Dealer. We eventually scheduled to sign the contract and pick up the car on Saturday the 19th when my wife would be available.
It should be noted that I did not purchase a warranty for the car which was a BIG MISTAKE!
Approximately 30 miles into the return trip home, I noticed the car's engine would studder as I accelerated from traffic lights. This studder would occur around 1800 rpms under light throttle. I attributed it to bad/old spark plugs or fuel. By this time the Dealership was closed.
The next day, Sunday the 20th, I changed the front rotors and brake pads. I also changed the spark plugs hoping that the studder would stop, but there was no change.
I then pulled the Throttle body and cleaned it. No change. I changed the Purge Solenoid. No change. Later that week I had the transmission fluid changed. No change. I changed all of the Ignition Coils. No change. Frustrated with my progress, I parked the car.
On May 24th, I sent Naseem a text message to call me, I also left a message for Mr. Pierce the financial officer as well. Frustrated with the condition of the car, I took it to Applegate Chevrolet to have it looked over. On May 30th, they called and informed me that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of $5900! I paid the $140 diagnostic fee, and took the car home. I left a 2nd message with Naseem on the 30th. He eventually called back and was advised of my troubles.
He reminded me that the car was sold "AS IS," and there was nothing he could do. I asked to speak to the manager, and was advised that he was not available, but he would inform him of my issues. As of June 22nd I have not been contacted.
It should be noted that on the 30th, Naseem referred me to a friend in the Dearborn area who owned a transmission shop. I contacted that person, and on May 31st I drove the car 60 miles to Dearborn and dropped it off. The owner called me the next day and advised that the car's transmission was NOT the problem, but his scanner revealed a "mis-fire" on cylinders #1 and #2. On Friday June 2nd I brought the car home.
I was able to have a friend scan the car for me a second time which revealed a mis-fire on cylinder #2 this is usually indicative of a bad/clogged fuel injector. On Saturday June 3rd, I took the car to Fast Eddies Oil Change and had a fuel injection cleaning. Again, no change.
I was advised that I should consider changing out the #2 fuel injector because it was probably bad or clogged. On June 7th I pulled the intake manifold (for the 3rd time) and replaced injectors #1 and #2. No change.
On June 14th I took the vehicle to Muffler Man repair shop, and on June 15th was contacted and advised that the problem was the Torque converter! I authorized the repair, and on June 26th I paid the $1953.89 and picked the car up. Problems solved!
When I originally brought this issue to Naseem's attention, he shared that it wasn't his fault. I shared that I wasn't looking blame, only solutions.
Resolution request;
It's very hard for me to believe that the Dealer did not know that this vehicle had mechanical issues because I quickly discovered this on my way home right after purchasing it.
I would love for this Dealer to make me whole regardless to the fact that I bought the car "AS IS" It just seems like good honest business, and that the Dealer actually put their customers first.
To date, I have spent $3223.25 (using my own labor) not to mention my time, and missed work. This is all before my first car payment!
With regret,
J Wheeler read more