Autosports LLC I would not buy another car from Autosports of Casselberry Florida
Contrary to any earlier reviews I posted on my recent car purchase at Autosports in Casselberry, FL, it has been a costly transaction and the dealership has accepted no responsibility for the problems discovered following the purchase.
I found what I thought was a great deal on a blue 2011 BMW 335is with relatively low mileage. After calls on the phone, additional photos and a phone discussion with a BMW dealer who had recently serviced the car, I negotiated what I thought was a good price on it. Once we came to agreement, I bought my airline ticket and left for Florida.
Chris Liseo was great on the phone with follow ups and sending me the additional information I requested. He also arranged for pickup at the airport and transportation to the dealership. I looked the car over and took it for a test drive. Everything “appeared” to be in order so we concluded the deal. I headed home.
Once I got home and registered the car, I made an appointment at my local BMW dealer to make sure all service was up to date and to answer some questions about the car and BMW services.
It was a very unpleasant surprise to hear that the car required over $2000 in repairs and replacement parts! It seems that I had not noticed that the two right-hand tires were bald (
I contacted Chris with the invoice letting him know that I was not happy that they had not disclosed the damage, the missing parts or the wear on the tires when I picked up the car. His response was that my local BMW dealer was charging too much and implied that I must have driven the car strangely wearing the tread on the right side of the car.
I also contacted the Florida dealer that had serviced the car. According to the BMW dealer, everything was ok on the car when they had serviced it and the tires were not in need of replacement. Chris, Anthony or Autosports has not yet told me what happened between that service visit and my purchase. I offered to settle for reimbursement of half of the cost or $1000 but they have not made good on their advertised claim of good customer service.
Like other buyers have written, beware of this dealership. They sell some expensive cars that might cost you more than you expect in the long run. You probably should stick with an honest dealership that cares about their customers and the products they sell. I’m glad I made it home without an accident caused by the bald tires or we would be discussing this in court.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
vldavis
Springfield,Massachusetts,
Everything on the car looked new
#4Author of original report
Fri, August 23, 2013
As I stated in my report, the tires on the left of the car were new. All tires had tire black applied and looked new from the outside of the car but since I was driving the car, I spent most of my time on the drivers side. I have never seen a car with new tires on one side and bald tires on the other. Also, there is not much room between the tires and the fender so see the tires very well. There's no way to know that protective shields were missing. Even if the car had been lifted up, I wouldn't have known what to look for. The seller no doubt knew that would be the case with most people.
As far as having the car checked out, the dealership had recently had service on the car and I got a glowing report from the BMW dealer about the car and the dealership who was selling it. Both businesses answered all of my questions and gained my trust. I even had a copy of the invoice from the BMW service and inspection showing that the tires had at least 6/32 in. on all tires and they did not recommend replacement. Obviously, something happened between that inspection and my purchase. Yes, I was a little foolish not to spend the $450 to get a pre-purchase inspection. That is why I only asked the seller to cover about half the cost.
Jim
Florida,I Can't Wait!
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, August 22, 2013
I can't wait to hear about the "big trial"! Tires are CLEARLY SEEN and anybody with even half a brain will check them as well as the entire car BEFORE buying it! In fact, anyone with COMMON SENSE would have the car checked out by a mechanic BEFORE buying it...not AFTER you buy it! Incredible! This is what happens when you have somebody walking around with their tongue hanging out all for a stupid car.
Anonymous
As-Is
#4General Comment
Thu, August 22, 2013
First, why didn't you use your eyes? Simply looking at the tires before purchase would've let you know whether or not the tires were bald. Why do you have to have someone tell you the tires condition when you can look at them yourself?
Second, any dealerships and repair shops are going to try to sell you. All of the parts on the car are probably as old as the vehicle so they will offer to replace them with new parts. Everything has a little wear and tear, it's expected.
Third, as-is.