initially left a 5-star review (still below) because we were very happy with the purchase. Christi and Mike were helpful and low-pressure, and even agreed to split the cost of a windshield repair, which felt fair. My son loved his car and we felt confident with him driving it --until a serious failure occurred less than 3 months later.
Last Thursday, while driving, it suddenly began leaking transmission fluid and became undrivable--an extremely dangerous situation for a new driver. Not to mention how lucky we are that it did not destroy transmission. We had it towed that night. After sitting through Memorial Day weekend, our mechanic checked it first thing Tuesday morning.
The cause? A hose had been knocked loose from the radiator, causing transmission fluid to drain. Why? Because the battery was sliding freely in the engine bay, secured only with a black elastic cord and hook.
We missed this during our own inspection--but I'm shocked that Top Notch's mechanics also missed it. Whether it was rigged by the previous owner or overlooked by their team, it should never have passed any kind of safety inspection. This wasn't wear and tear--it was a clear hazard.
As a result, we were left with:
* A $417 repair bill
* A stained driveway requiring $189 in cleaning/sealing (we had it redone last summer)
* Towing fees
* A teenager without transportation for the last week of school and his 17th birthday
Mistakes happen--I understand that. But what's worse than the issue itself was the lack of accountability and follow-through from Top Notch.
I reached out right away. I was told a manager would call me--no one did. I followed up again and eventually spoke to Edgar. He was polite but questioned if our mechanic might've caused the issue, which made no sense. I shared a photo my son had taken before the car was towed--clearly showing the battery unsecured and transmission fluid all over the engine. I also sent the invoice and explained everything.
Edgar said he has his daughter's graduation party and would get back in the am after speaking with the owner. That was the last I heard. No call. No follow-up. No accountability.
Bottom line: this could have ended much worse. We're lucky it didn't. But now we're left with repair bills, property damage, and lingering concern about what else might've been overlooked. A dealership that presents itself as "Top Notch" didn't take responsibility or even follow through on a promised callback.
We were easy, straightforward buyers who paid cash. I even left them a great review. But when a serious safety issue came up--one that put a new driver at risk--they disappeared.
I recommend looking elsewhere. The car might look great on the lot, but better hope nothing goes wrong as they won't make it right. read more