Business ProfileforDelaware Auto Exchange

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, I attended the public vehicle auction at the Delaware Auto Exchange, and placed a successful bid on a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse LT (VIN: **************874). This was not the first time I placed bids on this vehicle, as I attended the previous 2 auctions that this vehicle was available. In the end, my successful bid was $3100.00, and when the buyer’s fee of $305.00 was added to the bid, my investment into the vehicle was $3405.00. When the transaction was finalized, I located my vehicle in the auction parking lot, started it up, and when I was able to leave, I was not able to turn the steering wheel at all. My stepfather was with me, and determined that it was a possible power steering issue that needed to be addressed; we thought it might have been either a power steering pump or a need for additional power steering fluid. Fortunately, I did not need the vehicle to be towed, and my stepfather drove the vehicle home. Just like with any past vehicle purchases, I was advised by my mother and stepfather to schedule an appointment with a mechanic. The next available appointment was on Thursday, August 31, 2023. During this diagnostic appointment, our mechanic, R&R Auto Repair in Dover, DE, who we have entrusted with all of our vehicles for the past three years, made a gruesome discovery - this vehicle was in an accident. They found major damage to the front bumper (also caused damage to the steering), damage to the rear passenger door (only seen once the vehicle was lifted during the diagnostic), and once the DTC/check engine diagnostic was done, there were 4 pages of DTC codes that were found (these codes were cleared by the Delaware Auto Exchange, in order to sell the vehicle). I was told by our mechanic that this vehicle should not be driven, between the physical damage and the DTC codes on every major component/system that is in the vehicle. I have attached the full details to this complaint, since there was not enough space.