ComplaintsforAuto Connection, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to a used car dealership Auto connection two months ago. I financed a 2020 ******* Elantra. A month ago my car started making a noise so I had few mechanic drive it and they told me my transmission needs to be replaced. I told the manager of the used car dealership what is going on and he drove it and told me it was nothing. He never gave me my warranty papers when I got the car. I had my boyfriend go in and talk to the manager and he was very disrespectful and not giving the papers. I went in to get the papers and he told me good luck. A manager that sells me a car and I bring it back for an issue and he does not help me or recommend a place for me to go that is covered nor brings it to his services and fixes it since I got it not too long ago. My mom tries to call him and he hangs up on her telling her he wont do anything and tells me to just bring it to a dealership.

  Business response

  09/28/2023

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond.  ***** is a nice woman who's family has purchased a couple of vehicles from us.  We have tried to assist but we are currently on act IV, 4 different people are involved all repeating the same thing.  Also, her version of events is very abbreviated.  We sold the vehicle to ***** on June 25.  Last week she called and said she took her car to a mechanic (her boyfriend) and said that there was a problem with the transmission.  We asked if the service light came on and she said no.  On Saturday, Sept ********************************************************************************************************************************** and the staff.  We drove the car and no problem was apparent.  They told me to drive the car faster and we did.  No problem appeared.  Then they said that it only occurs when cold.  I told them they could leave the car and we would try it in the morning.  They declined.  He said he was going to take it to ******* to have it checked out.  I thought that would be a good idea.  Monday, her mom called and said that we have a problem and repeated all of the talking points from the previous days.  I asked if she had driven the vehicle and she said no that she did not have time.  Then she repeated the talking points again and again.  I said to drive the car and see if there is a problem because I had driven it with both people who said that the problem did not occur while we drove.  The mother said that a mechanic said it could be the start of a problem.  I said that that could also mean its not the start of a problem and that if no service light is on generally there is no issue with the mechanical working of the car.  I explained to all that there is an extended warranty on the vehicle for 3 years.  No one seems to care.  On Tuesday, the boyfriend came in (again disrespectfully) and requested a copy of the warranty.  I explained that since he is not a party to the contract I would be unable to provide him with same.  An hour later, ***** came in and I gave her a copy of the warranty. On Wednesday, the mother called and said that ***** did not get a copy of the warranty and repeated all of the same points from Tuesday, Monday and Saturday.  I said that I personally handed it to ***** yesterday.  ACT IV.  Wednesday afternoon, *****'s father came in and repeated all of the same points Seriously, they have completely disrespected my staff and I and even as such we remain happy to assist if there is a problem.  However, if no problem exists then there is no problem to assist with.  We again  stated yesterday that if she wants to leave the car and we will start it cold and see if something appears we will do that.  **** was declined.  My suggestion is for them to do what they originally stated.....go to ******* and diagnose it.  They do have a warranty and if there is a problem with the transmission it would be covered.  To be candid, I do not understand the issue.  If there is a problem, you will be covered.  On another issue, the papers.  We give copies of all papers at signing.  We put the in an envelope and hand them to the customer.  Sometimes, customers leave the envelope on the desk sometimes they misplace it.  I suggest that is what happened here. This is all a to- do about nothing. Not only do you have an extended warranty, you also have the balance of the factory warranty up to 60k miles. **** is why, if there is a transmission issue, it would end up at ******* anyway.

• Initial Complaint

  09/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchase this car back in May 2022, the car stop working in May 2023, i reach to Benz, they had the car pick up and stated that they would get back to me with repair cost, the amount that Benz requested was astronomical i then reached out to the financial company, Reliance and they advise that i should reach out to the dealership ( AUTO CONNECTIONS) i spoke with the owner *************************, i advise him of the situation, he stated that he would get back to me, i did not hear anything back, I call Benz to find out if I could make a payment arrangement plan with them, to have my car repair and they advise me that my car was pick up by Auto Connection, i never gave Auto Connection permission to retrieve my car, i reach back out to auto Auto Connection i spoke with the owner **** and he stated that he pick up the car an he would have it look at an he would get back to me with the price of the repairs, i never received a call back from **** i reach back out and he stated that total cost would be ( $5000.00) i ask if i could make payments, he advise he would not be able to take payments, i ask that he give me some time to speak with my parents to find out what's the best solution, i spoke back with **** he stated that he had already completed the repairs and in order for me to retrieve my vehicle back i would have to satisfy the full amount of the ( $5000.00) i never gave permission to fix the car prior to know the amount, i ask him to give me some time to come up with the amount, he also stated that i was responsible for tow ( $600.00) as well. I reach out to Reliance to see if there was anything else that could be done, do to ENGINE PROBLEM and they state No, I contact the dealership and advise him that i will need some time and i will be retrieve my vehicle, i went online to check the status of my credit to see if i could take out a loan, i was advise that i had voluntarily surrender my car on 5/8/23 same day, he pick up car, i am still making payments, please help.

  Business response

  09/12/2023

  Everything stated by ************** is a LIE except for the date she purchased the vehicle.  However, I will respond. From the information we received from the customer, the finance institution and the ******** dealer, she drove through a flooded street and the engine seized.  She had the vehicle brought to ******** who confirmed that the engine seized and quoted her a price that she was not comfortable with.  Her insurance would have covered it except for the fact that it had lapsed.  She then called the bank who conferenced me in to see if I would be able to assist.  I said that we of course would have to get the vehicle here and checked out and recommended a second opinion.  Then she and I conferenced with the ******** dealer where she authorized the dealer to release the vehicle to Auto Connection's tow company.  Auto Connection paid the $464.37 bill to ******** and Auto Connection was reimbursed for the bill by ***************  The engine diagnosis was confirmed and we set out to locate an engine and we advised her that we would be able to do it for $5000, significantly less than the ******** dealer.  We had multiple conference calls with the customer and the bank regarding this.  We told her that it would need to be paid for in full that we could not put her on a payment plan.  The repair was authorized and it was completed in early August,.  We had had multiple conversations with the customer and the bank during this ordeal.  In a conversation with a collector from the bank and the customer, she said she would not be able to pay and the bank called me a few days later and told us not to release the vehicle until they authorized it.  The customer has called a few times demanding that we release the vehicle to her and we explained that we will not release the vehicle to her until we are paid in full and we receive authorization from the lien holder.  Our position stands.  Obviously, this would have all been moot had she retained her insurance and not violated terms of her finance agreement requiring full coverage insurance.  This is exactly the reason why it is required.  I assume that she could retrieve the vehicle as long as she pays us and is current with the bank.

• Initial Complaint

  07/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  on May 28th of 2023 approximately I purchased a ******************************** *****************. I advised the sales person that I am currently on disability due to it automobile accident in April of the same year here advise me along with the manager by the name of ****. This is not a problem just provide my last paycheck and any other information concerning my return date which I did, this week I received a phone call from **** inquiring when my return date was, I gave him this information. He became very hostile, stating he is going to be possess the vehicle and **** the sale as invalid and void the month of June they received my first payment for the vehicle , I advised that I do have a signed contract with the company as well as the registration and title for the car in my possession. He was very hostile via text as I was at a home going ceremony for a close friend. If this be the case I advised him please return my entire deposit plus the payment plus fees for tax title. I also advised that I had to have a full oil change and wheel alignment which I feel should be reimbursed as they never completed the task which they said they would do at the time of the purchase .

  Business response

  07/17/2023

  Hostile is not an adjective that describes me.  The problem here is we have tried to help customer but she does not wish to communicate.  She did purchase a vehicle on the date stated.  She did tell us she was on disability.  We did explain to her that we would assist and hold contract because bank would need to see that she returned to work via a current pay check stub.  She told us she was returning to work on June 29th.  We knew that she needed a vehicle and we assisted in this.  On June 29 we contacted her to confirm that she was back at work and did not receive a communication until after July 4.  We asked when a paycheck was forthcoming.  We told her that upon receipt of a pay check stub we would be able to assist with an even better interest rate and payment.  We received no communication until July 12 when she said that she was out of town with a death in the family.  We asked when she was returning and did she get a pay check stub.  We still have no answer!!  We contacted her daughter with whom we have done business to try to get some clarity.  Her daughter did not know who died but would refer a message to her mom.  We received back a nasty message.  Having received no clarity and no communication, we issued a notice to cure because she has been unable to provide proof of employment.  Auto Connection went above and beyond for this person and all we would like is to be paid for our product.  All that is necessary is to receive a pay check and now update paperwork.  We don't see this as being unfair, rude or nasty.

• Initial Complaint

  03/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am currently financing a 2014 Jeep Patriot that i recently purchased January 20,2023, I havent had the vehicle for 90days and Im having problems with it, such as sunroof *************** jerking( jumps backwards) . I went to the buyers place of business which is Auto Connection located **********************************************************. *** called the business and went to them multiple times to see why am I having car problems already. The employees and supervisor is giving me a hard time. I also called the financial company as well which is ***************** Corporation located ******************************************************************. To explain why am I having these issues and I told if they are willing to fix it doesnt matter if its for 3 weeks you have to bring the car in . I took my vehicle to them 3 times with 45 days of having the vehicle and it sat at the dealer for days at a time .

  Business response

  03/15/2023

  I understand that ******************** did notify us that the roof was leaking shortly after she bought the vehicle.  The day that she brought it in it was raining and we told her we would need to repair it on a dry day.  We have not heard from her since.  She is welcome to contact us at any time to schedule an appointment.

• Initial Complaint

  01/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 31st 2021 me and my wife traveled from ******** to ******** ******** to do a vehicle trade at Auto Connection. At that time we had a *********** and we wanted to trade in for ***** Colorado. We asked the person who helped us if we had to bring the license plates from the ***** Cruze back to virginia to turn them in to *** and the guy that helped us told us not to worry that he would personally turn in the license plates to ***. We believed him and did our trade. We left the ***** Cruze and left with the ***** Colorado truck. About 2 or 3 months ago we started receiving bills from November 28th 2022 from a **** Explorer that had run a red light and failed to stop at the Stop sign with the license plate from the ***** Cruze we had traded in. When we received those bills I went to *** to see what was happening with those license plates and *** said those license plates had not been canceled. The *** record showed that those license plates were still registered under my name and under the 2018 ***********. I no longer have those license plates or the ***** cruze. We had believed the person that helped us at the Auto Connection dealership but unfortunately he just didn't do what he said. We tried contacting the person that helped us at the dealership but he did not respond to us.

  Business response

  02/11/2023

  I am so sorry to hear of this issue.  Traditionally, we do not return out of state plates.  That responsibility belongs to the customer.  This is the first we are hearing of the issue.  Personally, I have not been contacted or been made aware of this issue. First, I would suggest to report the plates missing and notify Nassau County .  Send them a bill of sale showing that the car was traded.  If that does not work, please contact me directly and we will help you to resolve the problem.  I hope this helps.

• Initial Complaint

  03/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The owner **** fraudulently makes billing statements claiming customers owe him $500 on a promissory note .Refuses to fix cars that are damaged prior to leaving the lot. Lying agreeing to fix things then hanging up the phone, giving you the run around and then claiming I made the damages. I hv my receipts and witness. He intentionally sends these false claims to a debt company that he is connected with that is in on the false promissory letter he falsely claimed I signed when I never signed one and hv my receipt w a zero balance. He ignores the emails to address the false debt, hangs the phone up on you. He tries to financially abuse customers who show signs of bad credit thinking they will let him get away w his false claim . I was told by an employee to dont bother making a complaint because his wife works at DMV and has connection to BBB. BBB is my first step. Next I will file legal action if I feel no investigation is being done and this false claim continues to be persued against me. I read all reviews of this place and found he's done this to others. He is very verbally abusive to customers w complaints and tries to bully you so you feel helpless. I hv saved emails from the bank about these issues. Which is carvant financial in which I found they work hand in hand in financial schemes against customers. This man must be stopped!He did the same thing to me 6 yrs ago that he claimed was $400 and I actually paid it like a fool when the sale price was never supposed to hv an extra 400. He got it from and still has that false claim on my report after agreeing its an error . I had no issues w my first car from there but I did not buy it from **** himself. So I went again on 12/23/2021. Its been a nightmare. This man is abusive and disgusting in many ways. He thinks he is above God! Pretend to be a person w bad credit and watch what happens to you. He got angry w me after my husband asked what day to bring our car for service. As if my husband isnt allowed to help

  Business response

  03/13/2022

  I do not understand the anger or the personal vitriol of the complainant.  Way to much negative energy.  She should speak in specifics instead of claiming so many customers have been victimized.  Our satisfaction rate is one of the highest in the industry and even she came back.  I do remember staying open an additional two hours past closing time in order to assist.  Most people with bad credit come to us for assistance and are extremely happy because they dont get taken advantage of.  My wife does not work for DMV and I see no reason why that would matter.  We also have no "relationship" with the financial institution she references other than having a mutually trustworthy communication which helps us in helping our customers, including this one.  Now to the issues at hand.  First, we have waived the $500 balance which shows on the **** of sale.  Second, the customer is complaining about a dent on the vehicle which she claims was there on delivery.  The salesperson attempted to show her pictures of the car taken the day of delivery which is common practice.  I did not see the dent she is speaking about but I am told by staff that it  was significant and fresh.  We are unable to assist in repairs for that.  That does not make0 one abusive and disgusting.  Thank you for your assistance  

• Initial Complaint

  07/16/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle from here in October 2020.The loan was in my mothers name so she had to sign all paperwork, she did so and was told they found a better deal. I went down the next day and signed the paperwork without my mother being present. I am not a co-signer on the loan at all. I should not have been able to forge her name w/o her being present. After having the car for 4 months my engine light came on. I told the dealership And they said if I bought the car down I wouldn’t get a loaner. I can’t be without a car with 4 kids. I took the car down after the car became completely undriveable after just 8 months. This was my first summer In the car and the ac didn’t work. Once I did take the car down after conversing with another customer and letting him know my situation, a employee heard me and reported it to a Paul the owner.He then said he is not helping me or taking my car.I called the police and got a report. The car has 7 safety recalls and was not suppose to be sold at all

  Business response

  07/16/2021

  We do not have any information on a transaction with that name.  We did sell a car to her mom and we do have her moms id and the signatures do appear to match.  Her mom did put about 20k miles on the vehicle in 7 months and there is no record of any complaint on record about her mother not signing.  Payments have ben made regularly.  She does have a transmission issue, which is common to Nissan's and she does have an extended warranty.  We did agree to assist and set up an appointment with Nisasn which was done.  While waiting for a ride home she decided to tell people about how she had purchased a lemon.  A lemon is really not a vehicle that has been used over 20000 miles.  We did ask her about that and she said that she hadnt said anything and bring the people who said that she said it.  We did. And she made a scene and the police had to escort her away.  She does have a valid warranty in force and can use it anywhere.  We will not assist.  The crazy thing here is that we had agreed to help and she went off the deep end.

  Customer response

  07/19/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:
  This business is surrounded by cameras inside and out. My mother did not come in the office of day 2 to sign any paperwork. I forged her signature and Jovia is aware of it. The cameras will show my mother did not finance a car. I’m able to speak of anything I want! I contacted the dealer in February when the transmission light first came on. I called the police myself! The police advised me to contact the BBB, the bank and a lawyer. A engine light should not appear on a $16,000 financed car after just 8 months of ownership! The AC should properly work being this is my 1st summer with the car. There are many safety recalls on the car. Shouldn’t the dealer acknowledge and safety recalls and refrain from selling a hazardous car to ANYONE? So the fact that the car has 20,000 miles on it in 8 months means it’s ok for the tranny to slip and a quarter of the loan isn’t paid? They got upset because I stated my opinion and not only because of my personal experience. I sent 7 people to them and 2 had to return the car for safety reasons. I will attach the police incident report which will state the truth! Me calling 911 after 2 men including the owner verbally abuse me, the police asked if I could drive the car home and even looked up the nearest Nissan dealer for me. This dealership is a fraud. Jovia is soon to be out of a car and 16,000 because they allowed me to forge my mothers signature to get a better deal( as the owner Paul stated) she thought she had a CapOne loan but I went back and changed it w/o her consent and they allowed me to. Moral of the story 20,000 miles does not mean engine light appears and it becomes hotter inside the car then outside. Anyone that planning on purchasing a vehicle from here keep your personal opinion to yourself. I expressed my opinion about the car and was told “ I’m not doing anything for you”. The car has been at Nissan for 11 days due to the severity of the repairs. There was another customer there who asked me what I was doing I said making shoes I said yes but I’m waiting for my car to be fixed cause it’s a lemon.The convicted felon who is currently on NYS parole  employee named Nino from Bellport NY decided to tell Paul I told ppl he sells lemons. This employee allegedly steals customers information and uses it to commit fraud in existing and potential customers names. I referred many people here. Including my brother Anthony who purchased a car in October2020 and his engine light is on. The inside filter of my car hadn’t been changed since the production of the vehicle. Stay away from this dealership. I will attach the police report which will inform the public of the real events that took place. My mother is 60 years old with good credit. Paul told her she could only get approved for 10,000. I left with financing a 2015 Nissan with 82,000 miles on it for 16,000. I say me because I signed w/o her knowledge!

   

  
  
  
   
  

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