ComplaintsforSouth County Auto Plaza

• Initial Complaint

  09/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I trusted him because in 2015 I bought a car from him before. I bought it on the weekend and I trusted him to do what he promised to do.  ******* tank door was missing but he told me it was already ordered and on its way. ***** I got off work and my son kept calling him and he didn't answer my sons messages.He told me there was a warranty on the car and that they had bolted the tire that was loose shaking in the trunk.  So that was done too. However I later noticed the shifting and jerking movements and confirmed with my mechanic that the transmission was the issue.  The manager at the shop did not tell me this at first.  Finally he admitted that the transmission had been rebuilt and had came from a junkyard. He knew this before he sold me the car but did not tell me. Only when I confronted him was I informed that the transmission had been rebuilt.  I had quit Lowes so I took my son to see the car again and he said he would take care of everything that was wrong with the car if I paid to have it registered and paid the taxes and all other fees and after I made my first payment.  Only then would he fix all the issues with the car. I feel he is taking advantage of my kindness and the fact that I am a single mother with a teenage son who wants a car.   I trusted him but he has failed to do as he said.

  

  Business response

  09/13/2023

  The Customer purchased a car with no issues. The customer brought the car back a week later with a check engine light that was for a sensor on the air intake we replace the sensor the car had no lights on and drove perfectly fine. We did order the gas door and installed it like we said we would. Then the customer came back over 500 miles later with the car, stating that they had a check engine light for a transmission. We have no knowledge of a rebuilt transmission or a transmission being put in that car. It was a trade-in to us I offered to see if we could trade the car back in and get them into something else but I explain to them they needed to pay sales tax and register the car before I could try to trade it back in. Thats what the customer wants and we are willing to try but there are some things they need to do first. 
  

  Thank you 

  Customer response

  09/20/2023

  problem solved. They got the car back and switch it with another car.

  Thank you guys so much, I really appreciate you. Thank you thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  09/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to the website in the month of August. I found a 2016 ***** *** **. I went out and I looked at the vehicle. The vehicle was priced at almost $12,000 on the website. So, when I went to test drive the car they put that the car was $15000.00. I asked why was the price was higher and they did not give me explanation. I did not think anything of it. So, on 08/21/2023 I told them that I would be back. They told me to bring $1500.00 was down payment and that I would need full coverage on the car. I called them back and informed them that I had the $1500.00 but I could not find anyone to cover me for the insurance. They told me to bring $2000.00. $1500.00 for the car and $500.00 for the insurance because they found someone that would insure me. On 08/21/2023 I took 2000 and the $500 would only be coverage for 5-7 days. I found someone to insure me for cheaper and I informed them of this. I still gave **** the $2000. $1500.00 for the down payment of the car and the $500.00 going towards the first car payment. I left happy. This was on a Monday. Thursday my check engine light came on and I called **** and he spoke to ****. They told me to bring the car back in. I returned with the car so they could see what was going on. On my way taking the vehicle back to him three more lights came on. I called **** and informed him all four lights were on. They told me that I was safe to drive the vehicle back to them. I got there and they turned off all the lights. They told me to bring the car back in so their mechanic could take a look at the car and work on the car. They asked me to take the car to get the codes read and they read I needed a catalytic converter. I sent **** the test message with proof of the code reading catalytic converter. They asked me to drop the car off Wednesday. I called and no one answered. I finally spoke to **** and he stated that I was suppose to bring the car in but I informed him that no one answered. I took the car Thursday and to leave it until Friday. I dropped the car off between 10 and 12. They called me back 4:45pm the same day because they said the car was ready, and I was good to go. I get the car I turn the key and a light came on and it was a tire sensor. They stated that the light should go off. The light is still on. Last night when I was driving the check engine light came back on. They stated if the check engine light was on the vehicle would not have passed the inspection. I purchased the car with a warranty but they want me to pay half of the repairs. I have not had the car long enough for it to have issues already. I want them to fix this car and do what they are suppose to do, and where is the $500.00 from the $2000.00 that I gave for the car. Also there is electrical problems with the car.

  

  Business response

  09/06/2023

  The customer called us a few days after purchase and said her check engine light was on. We scheduled her an appointment she brought the vehicle in and it didn't have any lights on at all. The customer then called again and said a different light was on we scheduled her another appointment the customer never came in. customer showed up the next day with her car and once again there were no lights on her dash other than a low tire light. We told her if it didn't go out and if  it was a bad sensor we would replace it for her when she came back from vacation. That's the last we have spoken. 

  Regarding the 2000 down payment. Customer always needed 2000 down. We offered  provide 7 days of no charge  insurance that she declined. First payments are never collected at dealership.

  Customer response

  09/16/2023

  I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM!!! THEY'RE IGNORING ME AND BEING RUDE TO ME!!! I WANT MY CASE TO OPEN BACK UP IMMEDIATELY!!!!

  Customer response

  09/19/2023

  I FOUND THE SUV ON ***** ****** **** WEBSITE AND IT WAS LISTED FOR 11,999! I WENT TO TEST DRIVE IT AND NOTICED THAT THEY PUT 15,000+ ON THE WINDOW AND **** SAID THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE CREDIT PLACE THAT THEY WERE USING! ONCE I SIGNED ALL OF THE PAPERWORK **** ASKED ME HOW I WAS PAYING & I TOLD HIM CASH! THEY QUOTED ME $1,500 DOWN AND $2,000 IF I WAS USING THEIR INSURANCE! I AGREED UNTIL HE SAID THAT THE INSURANCE WAS ONLY FOR 7 DAYS! I DECLINED AND FOUND MY OWN INSURANCE! I GAVE **** $2,000 ANYWAY, ASSUMING I WAS PAYING FOR MY 1ST MONTH PAYMENT! I DROVE OFF A HAPPY WOMAN UNTIL 8/24/2023 ... MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I CALLED AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK! ON MY WAY THERE, 3 MORE LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS TERRIFIED! I CALLED TO ASSURE THAT IT WAS SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IT TO THEM! I FINALLY GET THERE AND THEY TURNED ALL THE LIGHTS OFF AND SENT ME ON MY WAY! *** ASSURED ME THAT THE LIGHTS WOULDN'T COME BACK ON!!! THE NEXT DAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN... HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN AND LEAVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING! I DID BUT HE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER TELLING ME TO COME GET IT! AS SOON AS HE GAVE ME THE KEYS, I TURNED THE CAR ON AND GUESS WHAT!!! THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND HE TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT AND IT WOULD GO OFF!! THAT NEVER HAPPENED!!! THE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT WANTS TO!!!! THE SUV IS RIDING SLUGGISHLY AND THE LIGHT IS STILL ON!!! EVERYTIME I CALL THEM, THEY'RE BEING RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL!!! I ASKED *** IF I COULD GET MY $500 BACK SINCE THEY DON'T ACCEPT THE PAYMENTS AND HE TOLD ME THAT I ONLY PAID $1,500 DOWN!!!! NOW I WISH I WOULD'VE USED MY DEBIT CARD FOR PROOF!!! I HAVE 2 WITNESSES THAT WERE THERE WHEN I GAVE **** MY MONEY!!!! NOW THEY'RE SAYING THAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO PUT $2,000 DOWN BUT ONLY HAVE A RECEIPT FOR $1,500 DOWN!!! 

  Customer response

  09/19/2023

  I WOULD LIKE TO ALSO ADD THAT MY AUNT ****** **** WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE THE COSIGNER AND NOT THE DRIVER!!! THEY SENT ALL OF MY INFORMATION TO HER ADDRESS AND MAKING HER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENTS!!! I CLEARLY TOLD **** THAT THE VEHICLE IS MINE AND I'M THE ONLY DRIVER!!! THEY DID EVERYTHING BACKWARDS!!!

  Customer response

  10/03/2023

  I'm not sure if you received the other pictures 

• Initial Complaint

  04/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing this letter because I am very dissatisfied with both the vehicle and customer service or lack there of I have received thus far. After spending days thinking and communicating with others about my debacle. This has been a huge inconvenience for my son, my clients and myself. I honestly believe that the due diligence with the vehicle should have been done before the vehicle was sold to me. I strongly believe it is very unethical to sale a vehicle that I cannot drive and or that I cannot register. I have spent days without transportation after spending $17650.00 with S. County Auto Plaza. I am a single mother with a son that is 6 years old and I need a safe and dependable vehicle.  Furthermore I have not had a chance to see my son because I am not able to take him back-and-forth However after being without a vehicle for 4 days with no phone calls from dealership after dropping the vehicle off I would like a complete refund Immediately I have no way to take my son to school, I have no way to take care of my business, I have no way to show homes and that is my livelihood.I unfortunately had to call around and ask for rides and walk to get places because I spent my money and I cannot afford a rental at this time. I know am a Salespersons too and if I can't go out and show properties I cannot make money so not only Have I not seen my child I have not been able to take care of my business show properties and tend to my clients.  I know the importance of making a sale so that you can feed your family. However I have returned the vehicle due to  the check engine light, horrible customer service, no follow up, a wobble in the tire and fumes emitting from vehicle.  I don't know if I'm more frustrated over being sold a faulty car or South county auto plaza unethical business practices. I have yet to get any information and or updates from South county auto plaza as of 4/22/23. 10:15am.

  

  Business response

  04/24/2023

  Ms. ****** purchased her Jeep from us and brought it back for a check engine light. The engine light was just a small evap leak that we said we would fix but she refused so at this time we are refunding her the purchase price of the vehicle on Wednesday the 26th to her. 
  

  Thanks 

  *** *****

• Initial Complaint

  03/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a 2013 Jeep ******** from south county auto plaza. The jeep has been there so many times for things that the dealer keeps saying that they have fixed. This car is having severe non safe driving issue. The owner has called and told me that I broke a piece of the wheel bracket that their mechanics broke. They clear all of the codes and lights and have me come get it with in a day or less of driving it very short periods all of the so called fixed lights are back on the dash. This car passed safety inspections done in their shop And it never should have passed. The speedometer now doesn't work, the lights flash off and on. It's not safe to drive and now the owner is blaming me for breaking the things that they have or were supposed to have fixed. This is a lying and not doing what they say issue, They are selling junk and asking a fortune for the junk. I will never refer them to anyone and I will get a lawyer to get the things fixed on their dime.

  

  Business response

  03/20/2023

  Mrs. ****** brought the Jeep in to us to repair a wheel speed sensor. We replaced the faulty sensor and gave her car back. Mrs. ****** called a few days later and said her light was back on. She brought the vehicle back in and at this time the Jeep had a different set of wheels and tires on it and the bracket for the bottom of the shock was completely ripped off on the same side the sensor was bad. I explained to Mrs. ****** that the bracket was ripped of the axel and she just screamed and yelled and said she didn't do it. Mrs. ****** has bought a few vehicles from us so as a gesture of good will we had a welder come weld  and reinforced the bracket back on for her. We have tried to contact Mrs. ****** several times times with no reply on this matter. We have included a picture of the broken bracket .

  Customer response

  03/23/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  This issue is far from fixed. The dealership put a bandaid on the issue by barley fixing the issue. The lights are still on and the stabilizer that they supposedly fixed is broken again. The jeep is unsafe to drive and there is no shock now on the front tire because the same bracket is still broken. It has to be replaced not put a bandaid on the issue. I didn’t break the shock bracket and I’ve never yelled at anyone. The axle will eventually break in half. The dealer had known this issue they have had the jeep more than I have had it. And it’s still not resolved. Putting different tires had nothing to do with the shock issue that this jeep has had all along 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

  

  Business response

  03/24/2023

  We Did try calling Mrs. ****** she said she was out of town. We would be more than willing to look at the Jeep again Mrs ****** Can bring it by anytime Monday through Friday between 9 and 5 and we can see what needs to be done. 

  Customer response

  03/24/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The jeep should not be driven with the bracket broken. It needs to be professionally welded back on. Or the axle replaced and welded on. They can't just put a band aid on it, so it breaks again right away. It's definitely not safe to drive right now. The tire is just bouncing on the ground like there is no shock at all. Eventually the axle will break because of the tension. Nobody has reached out to me to have anything fixed at all. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

• Initial Complaint

  09/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought **** **** on july 30 2022, july 31 2022 had an oil change and the battery needed to be replaced once replaced the heater blend door motor went bad started a constant clicking while running. Then cylinder 2 and 7 plugs started misfiring replaced all 8 plugs. August 18th service wrench light came on while driving and vehicle suddenly downshifted while at highway speed. When taken to sunset **** in ********,il the technician deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to **** recall 19n01 transmission. molded lead frame. The part is currently on a no eta backorder, and the 10yr extension of the warranty per the recall had expired. The car dealer never indicated any of these problems and when asked to make it right the manager said its "standard maintenance" and "thats what the extended warranty is for". The warranty company only covers parts and 125$ per hr of the labor rate and will not provide a rental vehicle because the repair has a service time of 4.3 hrs and the minimum is 6.0 hr regardless of the parts status. My spouse spoke to the manager *** *. and when she told him that the truck was at sunset **** in ******** il he said "what do you expect us to do about it, this isnt *******" and, " i dont believe you, they dont have a location there" insistant that she was lying. Per a video on their website from the president ***** ****** all vehicles go through a 2 step process one in which they repair the vehicle to get it "as close to new as possible". The salesman **** *********** also told me that he has recently sold a **** edge with the exact same problem.

  

  Business response

  09/02/2022

  The ********* purchased this vehicle and took it home. They say they put a battery a blend door and plugs in the truck. They never called us and said they had a problem they just took it and repaired the items. We cant help if we don't know there is a problem. Also they are saying a wrench light came and they took it to a **** dealer that said it needed a recall done that was long expired. Finally when the customer called us the car was already and a  dealer to get fixed and said the warranty company was going to repair the truck but only pay 125 dollars for a labor rate so I asked what the difference was and they said $215 dollars  I asked the customer if they would be satisfied if we paid that difference for them and they said yes thank you. I told the customer they could pick up a check on Wednesday and they did. At no point either on the phone or at the dealership did the customer say we were rude or mean. If that's what they thought I am very sorry and feel like we did what the customer asked us to.

  Thanks 

  *** *****

  General Manager 

  South County Auto Plaza

• Initial Complaint

  06/08/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Basically I was sold a car in November and haven’t received the title. They want me to keep going back and forth but they never gave me the title I did everything they asked now I want a refund and they refuse to give me the title or a refund. They are trying to instead compensate me and “let them handle” getting the title for another 7 months. Their secretary emailed me saying there was issues with the title due to a lien on it. Which is illegal. Then they tried to cover it up and flip everything on me. I want nothing to do with this business I just want a refund and people to know that these people will and can ruin your life to sell you a car

  

  Business response

  06/08/2022

  Nothing that Mr. ****** said in his complaint is true. We in fact did send Mr. ****** his title and paperwork by certified mail that requires a signature at time of delivery. His paperwork was delivered and signed for we have proof and copies from the United States Postal Service that it was delivered. Mr. ****** did come into the dealership a few months later and told us he did not get his paperwork. So he signed an affidavit so we could  get him a new title and new paperwork for the vehicle. It was not our fault that he lost his paperwork and that the DMV is very backed up right now. We have tried to help Mr. ****** but all he’s asking for now is to return the car and get a refund. Even if we wanted to try to get him out of the car the car now has several thousand dollars worth of damage now and a broken out window. We are willing to work with Mr. ****** but he is not willing to work with us in any kind of reasonable manor. 

  Customer response

  06/09/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Again, they’re lying. Trying to give run around like responses. I had an accident in the vehicle and had minor dents on the vehicle (damages valued well under my deposit amount), but the accident in itself days after I purchased it. I never held them accountable for damages and tried my best to get a title from them despite them saying my title delivered and clearly after the allotted 30days after sale I even continued paying insurance and monthly payments in the vehicle. I purchased the vehicle November 20th they didn’t apply for a title until December. They sold me a vehicle with no title then tried to cover it up, they made me do everything needed to refile  then told me there was an issue 4 months later( after I emailed and called them numerous times)  because there was a “Lien on the title” (referenced emails attached between me an their office clerk *********). 
  The reason why I’m not willing to do business with them any further and request a refund is because I feel their unprofessional and can’t get me my title and they unlawfully sold me a vehicle without the title, didn’t try transferring a title until 2 months after I purchased it and never retitled after the first incident to begin with (the last request for issuance of a title was December. I submitted retitle paperwork in THEIR OFFICE in FEB.). They haven’t been able to get me what I need to register my vehicle in 7 months, and have no idea when they can. I can’t wait another 3-8 months for a title I should’ve been given when I purchased the vehicle. And the receipt they sent me doesn’t have my address ***** ********** *** ** is my address. They claim someone with a 4 letter name starting with “L” signed for the title. This is no one I am associated with whatsoever the occupants of that household are (******* ******, ****** ******* and ******* ******. I NEVER ONCE RECEIVED TITLING FROM THEM. I also have reason to suspect any paperwork they’re forwarding you is fraudulent. Because they’re only just mow providing these things to both you and me.
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought my car 1/9/21, the transmission went out , When I bought the car the salesman said that it came with a power train warranty! I was unaware that I had to pay for the warranty they charged me $2.498.00. This was my very first time buying a car, South County Auto Plaza made it a nightmare for me! The warranty did not cover all that needed to be fixed, so I was left with a bill of $ 1300 dollars! I call the dealership and asked them if they would be able to help with the situation they told me no that I needed to call the warranty company. South county auto plaza did not try and help me at all!! There are no signatures on these pages!

  

  Business response

  11/19/2021

  Ms. *********** took her vehicle to the Nissan dealer to get repaired. Her warranty company paid for the transmission work the vehicle needed with the exception of her deductible, maintenance fluids and some additional work she approved. We are not responsible for any of these charges . We are sorry she remains unsatisfied. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/28/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  June 2021, I purchased a truck from this dealership, and have had nothing but mechanical issues from day one. I have had to pay out of pocket and file warranty claims on multiple repairs. We just picked up the truck from the shop and already we are broke down again. I feel this company sold me a broken vehicle and now will not offer any resolution to the ongoing issues and inconveniences these repairs have caused.

  

  Business response

  10/28/2021

  This vehicle was bought months ago and the customer has put over 11,000 miles on the vehicle since time of purchase. At this point we cannot retain any responsibility for this vehicle. I am very sorry they are having problems with this truck. they recently took it to a shop to get some repair and it sounds like the shop did not fix the truck just charged them and the truck is still not fixed, that is not our fault. The customer asked if they could trade the truck in once it’s fixed and I said yes I would be more than happy to do that but he wouldn’t take any of the truck we have in stock. 
  

  Thanks

  *** *****

   

  Customer response

  10/29/2021

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  The truck has been in the shop 3 times before this recent time.  We need a 3/4 ton truck that is a diesel and they do not have one in stock.  They knew that this truck had problems when they sold it to us.  We need our truck back.  They should find us a reliable truck.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

  

  Business response

  10/29/2021

  Ms ***** I’m sorry your truck has been in the shop but you have put 11000 miles on since purchase so the truck has had to run well enough for that. We have offered to try to help you get in another truck but you don’t like anything we have right now. We can’t really help you unless you like a truck we have in very sorry. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/30/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a 2017 here that came with a warranty from the dealership. The transmission has gone out and I have only had it 20 days. I took it in there to get it fixed under the warranty, and they are taking way to long to fix it. They have had the car 5 days already. They don't want to put me in a rental, it's like they are trying to aggravated me. The manager yelled at me in his office. This is not how you treat customers.

  

  Business response

  10/08/2021

  This complaint is completely untrue. Mr. ****** did have a problem with his transmission,  he does have an extended warranty that will help him. He told us he didn't have the money for the rental car that the warranty will reimburse after the claim so we gave him a car to drive for the initial diagnoses. nobody ever yelled at Mr. ****** and he was never in the sales office. We helped Mr. ****** in every way we could and explained how the warranty works. We even offered to help him through the rest of his claim but he will not be civil. Every time he calls us he just curses at us and calls us names.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩