Emich Volkswagen

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BBB Accreditation BBB Rating Business Contact and Profile Products and Services Licensing Customer Complaint History

Government Actions Advertising Review Industry Tips BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

BBB Accreditation

This company has been a BBB Accredited Business since January 2007. This means it supports the BBB's services to the public and meets our BBB Accreditation standards.

BBB Rating

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of A on a scale from A+ to F.

Click here for an explanation of BBB Ratings

Products and Services

This company is a new & used car dealership.

Licensing

Many local municipalities, townships, and counties have registration, bonding and/or licensing requirements. The BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.

Permit and license requirements for regulated industries in the state of Colorado can be viewed at the following website: http://www.colorado.gov/oed/industry-license/

Customer Complaint History

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB processed a total of 13 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 13 complaints closed in 36 months, 7 were closed in the last year.

Government Actions

BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.

Advertising Review

BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.

Industry Tips

Lemon Law - Colorado

The Colorado Lemon Law applies only when a vehicle is purchased with a manufacture's warranty. If the vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs the use and value within one year of purchase, and the defect is not repaired after a "reasonable number of attempts" (4 attempts) for the same defect, within the first year after the original delivery date, consumers may then have recourse under this law. This also applies when a vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative business days during the warranty term or one year after the delivery date, whichever is first.

It is important to note that defects such as squeaks and rattles that do not affect the use or market value of the vehicle are not covered. Also, defects resulting from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle by a consumer is not covered.

Prior to suing a manufacturer for a refund or replacement vehicle, consumers must first send a written notice of the defect by certified mail to the manufacturer. Consumers must allow the manufacturer the opportunity to repair the vehicle and or pursue the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution program if one exists.
CONSUMER TIPS:

*The Lemon Law applies to new vehicles under one year old.

*The Auto Industry Division requires a formal written complaint. Their mailing address is:
1881 Pierce St, #142
Lakewood, CO 80214

*Verbal agreements made by a dealer often cannot be enforced, unless stipulated in the contract.

*There is no right to rescind a vehicle purchase contract.

*All dealers must post a buyers guide on all used vehicles.

*A "high pressure" sale is not illegal.

*Do not be reluctant to bargain or hesitate to say no.

Automobile Dealers (New & Used Sales)

A car is one of the most important and costly purchases you may make. Do not take this process lightly or make hasty decisions. An ethical auto dealer will take the time to allow you to make a conscious decision. Consider the following tips for smart car-buying:

* Decide how much money you can spend and what type of car best suits your needs.

* Research various models to determine those that are the safest, most reliable, and otherwise suitable.

* Narrow your choices to several cars. Do not make the mistake of having your heart set on one car -- it may reduce your bargaining power.

* Obtain updated price lists to compare dealer costs displayed on the window sticker. You will know how much bargaining room you have on the basic car and individual options.

* Get a firm quote, in writing, from the dealer.

* Shop around at several dealerships. Get each dealership's BBB Reliability Report.

* Keep all negotiations separate. Consider questions about financing, service contracts, warranties, trade-ins or other extras after you have settled on a price.

* Test drive the car before purchasing it. Take a test drive checklist with you to examine important characteristics of the car.

* Do not sign a contract before reading it very carefully and understanding all its provisions. If a clause concerns you, ask to have it explained, or if necessary, changed. Double check all the figures to make sure they coincide with what you have agreed upon.

* It is important to know that there is NO RIGHT TO RESCIND on a contract. Once you sign everything, the car is yours unless the contract specifically states any options to cancel.

* Before you drive away from the dealership in your new car, take a few minutes to carefully inspect it.

-Check over the exterior of the car for any damage, such as "dings" or scratches.

-Make sure the spare tire and equipment are where they should be, and that the tire is inflated to manufacturer specifications.

-Make sure all the hubcaps and body moldings are in place.

-Make sure all electrical items function properly.

-Check the Vehicle Identification Number on the car to ensure it matches the one on the contract.

-Ask the salesperson to demonstrate each accessory -- such as setting the clock or turning on the bright lights. Also ask how to check the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and battery.

-Make sure you have the owner's manual, warranty forms, and all legal documents.

Automobile Service & Repair

If you're the typical car owner, you may not know much about the mechanics of your vehicle. When it's time for repairs, however, you should know how to locate a reliable shop and a qualified mechanic.

* If you have a problem with your car while it's still under warranty, follow the manufacturer's requirements, which may include having repairs made at an authorized, franchised dealership, to keep your warranty in effect.

* If your car is no longer under warranty and you're looking for a qualified, independent repair shop, ask friends and family for recommendations and check with your BBB for the shop's reliability. Look for shops that display certification such as an Automotive Service Excellence Seal. ASE certification indicates that some or all of the technicians have met basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certificates are recently obtained and independently verify this information directly with the National Institute for ASE, (www.asecert.org). Remember, however, that certification alone is not an absolute guarantee of good or honest work.

* If major repairs are required, you may want to find a dealer or repair shop specializing in the type of repair needed. If you are in doubt about what the problem is, let the shop diagnose the problem. You may cost yourself money by requesting a specific repair that may not in fact solve the problem. Nevertheless, be as specific and accurate as possible in describing the problem.

* Always get an estimate for parts and labor. Make sure the estimates states that the shop will contact you for approval before performing any work exceeding a specified amount of time or money.

* When you pick up your car, ask the service manager to explain all work completed and all replacements made. Also, ask that any major new parts that have been installed be pointed out to you, if possible. If the shop guarantees its work, get the guarantee in writing. Be sure that your bill itemizes the repairs so if a problem occurs later, you can prove that the item in question is covered by the guarantee.

Car Fraud

Your BBB offers the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of used car fraud:

Be aware of odometer tampering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that consumers lose billions of dollars a year to odometer fraud. Odometer readings may be rolled back or documents can be forged. Making miles disappear helps increase the car's value to the seller, but can mean increased maintenance and repair costs to the buyer.

Before deciding on a used car, do the math. Industry standards claim the average vehicle accumulates about 12,000 miles per year. If the mileage seems excessively high or low in comparison, find out why. Ask the seller if you can see the maintenance records and compare them with the mileage on the odometer itself. Examine the car for telltale signs. Is wear on the car's pedals, tires and seats consistent with the miles displayed on the odometer? Obtain a detailed vehicle history report. If the seller cannot provide this information, you can use the vehicle's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to secure a history from either the state or a private vehicle history company. You can search the web to find companies providing this service by looking under the topic of "vehicle history."

Watch out for damage disclosure, salvage and rebuilt titles. These titles are issued by states when the car has sustained damage as a result of one or more incidents. Salvage titles are issued by the state when an insurance company takes possession of a vehicle as a result of a claim. This usually occurs when a vehicle has been declared a total loss. A rebuilt title may be issued if a vehicle sustained damage and was rebuilt or reconstructed, then placed back on the road. Junk titles are issued when a vehicle is not road worthy and cannot be titled again in that state.

Be careful of individuals selling used cars from a vacant lot or from the side of the curb. These vehicles may be sold by con men posing as private individual sellers. The car can come with hidden problems. Before buying any used car you should thoroughly research the car and the seller.

BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with Emich Volkswagen, please let them know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

ID: 11058
Report as of November 8, 2009 04:09
Copyright^© 2009 Better Business Bureau