If you want cliff-notes, go down to my last paragraph. But this is how I get there...
I really dislike writing negative reviews, especially when the experience started off optimistically. I have to say that at first Tony (in sales) was very quick to respond to my requests and provide information. He seems like a kind guy and I don't doubt that he is, but unfortunately I feel a lot of things were left out that should've been identified in the buying process...
1. Initially when we spoke on the phone I wanted verbal confirmation on the car's shape both interior and exterior. Both which he stated were in immaculate condition and based on the photos it seemed as such. When I arrived, I found that there was a tear on the side skirt (that requires $275 worth of repair), and damage to the interior handle (not covered by warranty) that costs $350 to repair. None of this was mentioned prior to my 800+ mile drive to the dealership. I understand that used cars come with quirks and damage here and there, but to outwardly say it was in immaculate condition was a lie that is in the end costing me almost $700. Upon finding this out and identifying it to Tony, he spoke with his service man (whom I don't remember and it's best I don't remember because I would blast him whole-heartedly) who came out and immediately started declaring that I was hiding the fact that I had been in an accident and that my trade-in was damaged goods. He was actually very insulting, condescending, and confrontational in his attitude. At that point they told me that since my vehicle had supposedly been repainted (I've owned it from day one of it's existence and it had not), that the damge was a wash. Instead of continuing to argue with the guy, I decided to let it go, I could cover the cost of repair. Which I would not have if I knew about #2. (Plus his attitude was pushing closer to wanting an altercation than a discussion, and that would've been fun.)
2. The car I purchased from them was in an accident not identified on the CarFax. Come to find out that the parking sensors for parking assistant were actually painted over, causing $1,500 worth of damage not to mention who knows what other type of damage that may come from the accident in the future. Maybe his paint meter didn't work on that model of car (sarcasm)? It sure worked on mine (again, sarcasm)! Had this type of stuff been identified before-hand, I would've been more accepting of it. Not to mention the condescending attitude I received during purchase just shows what type of sales and service pitch they have going.
3. Finally, after purchase and drive it off the lot, come to find out an option that they used as a "selling" point (Lane Departure Warning) on their advertisement, actually did not even exist on the car. It's unfortunate that in the immediate inspection I'm not looking for that specifically, because had I known how to look for it, I would've (it's a button on the lower portion of the dash for those of you buying a BMW). So this was an added feature that they used to mark their price up on the customer, that did not actually exist.
Conclusion. To me, writing this is unfortunate, but my ultimate goal is to make sure that future customers that use Weston Auto Gallery (as well as others that don't guarantee their product like Weston, to be honest) be more thorough and DEFINITELY have an independent inspector look at the vehicle prior to purchase. It would've saved me shy of $2,500 worth of repairs right off the lot, off of an already marked up price, with ficticious added on options, all due to lack of integrity on their part. I don't want to say don't go to their dealership, because if you find a car you like, GET IT. But definitely make sure you come armed with an independent inspector, or drive it to one as part of your test drive.
Do not take Weston Auto Gallery at their word, and hire an independent inspector. I mean that with all sincerity.
- Nate O. Bullard read more
