Phil Smith Acura Sold me a used 99 Acura RL that they swore by was well maintained with no problems. Pompano Beach, Florida
I purchased a used 99 Acura RL from this dealership that had high mileage but was assured by the salesman & that salesman's supervisor that the car was well maintained with no problems and that they had the car fax report to prove it. I paid cash for the car but did not take possession of the car the same day, because I wanted them to put it on the lift to make sure there were no issues. At the time I asked, I was told they couldn't do that without writing up a service ticket so the supervisor suggested using his used car mechanic & they would check it out. I was instructed to call after 11:45 a.m. the next day by the supervisor that would give them time enough to have it checked out early that morning.
I called around 1 o'clock and was assured again nothing was wrong with the car. The reason for the initial check was because I notice a little bit if grayish smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was told that was from road miles that the car was used for business commute and it was normal to do that. I had my cousin use his cheap code reader and got two codes right away one for a bad egr valve one for a bad o2 sensor reading. I called Phil Smith Acura of Pompano Bch, FL and asked did they really check this car out of course they said they did but couldn't explain why they didn't have a code error problem when they "checked" out the car. After two weeks and only 420 miles I was sitting at a traffic light I pulled off when it changed and the car made a hard jolt and grinding sound. The transmission went out totaled wouldn't go in gear or park. I had it towed to a mechanic shop where they confirmed my initial assessment and also found that the rack & pinion was bad all the rubber boots were no good the motor mounts were busted and the transmission had fluid leaking around it.
I called Phil Smith Acura of Pompano Bch, FL to inform them of my cars collapse and was quickly reminded that the car I purchase was a used car I told Phil Smith Acura of Pompano Bch, FL I was very much aware of that but had been assured this car was in excellent condition. I asked them how could they have really inspected this car and certify it to be in great condition when it had so many obvious problems especially after assuring me they had put it on the lift to check it out. They wanted to charge me another inspection fee to see what was wrong with the transmission and gave me a estimate of around $1800 dollars to rebuild it. Not a very honest company very deceptive practice I don't think they ever looked at the car when I first asked to have it checked out before I took possession of it. Not a good place to spend ones hard earned cash in this economy or any other economy. If I had to give them a grade from 1 to 10 I would give a 1 they did answer my call back but not very honest.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Flynrider
Phoenix,Arizona,
USA
How not to buy a 12 yr. old used car.
#2Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2011
If this is how you typically go about buying a used car, be prepared to get hosed in the future.
Since used cars of this vintage are sold "as is" it's up to you, the buyer, to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and make sure it is everything they say it is. The last place you want to have it inspected is by the place that is selling you the car. Don't you see a possible conflict of interest there?
Additionally, disregard whatever a salesman tells you. You're buying the car "as is" with no implied warranty, so whatever they tell you is not backed up on paper (i.e. it doesn't mean anything). Salesmen know this, so it's extremely unlikely to find one that will tell you anything other than the car is in great condition.
" The reason for the initial check was because I notice a little bit if grayish smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was told that was from road miles that the car was used for business commute and it was normal to do that. I had my cousin use his cheap code reader and got two codes right away one for a bad egr valve one for a bad o2 sensor reading. "
So, you actually believed that it is normal for the car to smoke? It's burning oil, which accounts for the O2 sensor failure. As long as it keeps burning oil, it will continue to damage the sensors.
You really need to up your skepticism a few notches or you will be at the mercy of every used car salesman you ever encounter. They always have a few junkers on the lot which they unload on people who do not perform their due dilligence and are willing to believe their ridiculous patter.