Falcon Motors - Kiwi Motors Unsafe and not street legal vehicle sold Loveland Colorado
I purchased a used 1989 Jeep Wagoneer from Falcon Motors. I'm usually pretty savvy about checking out a vehicle, but I never expected what I found in this Jeep. Falcon advertises that all of its vehicles are thoroughly inspected by their "Gold Star" certified "Grade-A" mechanics for safety and quality; contending that they will not sell an unsafe vehicle.
I tested the rear wiper, but never expected the front wipers not to work. I turned on the headlights, but never expected the taillights not to work. The temperature gauge didn't work so I never knew that the engine was overheating one night until I got home and the steam started pouring out from under the hood.
After all of the other problems were fixed, I had the brakes checked. They were completely worn out. Everything, but the brake lines and master cylinder were replaced at a price that rivalled the price I paid for the Jeep in the first place. Had this vehicle been sold in a state like Missouri or New York it would have never been titled due to safety inspection.
I contacted Falcon Motors via USPS letter on October 1st, 2007, requesting reimbursement of $2315 for repairs to their "Gold Star" certified vehicle no later than October 5th, 2007. It is now October 11th, and not a word from Falcon Motors.
Benjamin
Loveland, Colorado
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Jcampbell3s
Berthoud,Colorado,
U.S.A.
i should have searched this dealer before hand
#5Consumer Comment
Sun, March 02, 2008
i got a vehicle from them in October 2007 and have yet to receive a title. they keep telling me things like "it should be in a few days" i tried to settle this and asked for a trade of something around the same value that i would obviously not be making any extra payments for. a vehicle i wouldn't be too happy to have in the first place. i went in, talked to them, and then they brought me back a figure for a car they gave me to drive because the tags on mine have been expired since December. the figure they gave me was about $9000 and they wanted me to make some payments. the sticker on the window of the car said 6995, and they have a posting on craigslist.com for it with the price of about 5400. the sticker on the vehicle i have yet to receive a title for was about 6500. i left a message for them telling them i would be calling a number the court house gave me if the problem isn't resolved by Monday morning. if what you say about them having to go before a review board if they get another complaint, then they better resolve this by monday
Gardenia
Loveland,Colorado,
U.S.A.
How to file a complaint with the State of Colorado (((possibly ok link)))
#5Consumer Suggestion
Sat, December 01, 2007
I was in a hurry when posting my last suggestion, so couldn't give details for the complaint process. You can use this URL to get to the forms and instructions for those complaints: http://www.revenue.state.co.us/dlr/wrap.asp?incl=complnt
The information below was copied from that site. If you attempt to negotiate with Falcon/Kiwi, get EVERYTHING in writing and for phone calls, note the date/time/person you spoke with and what they said. I have never heard a bad word about any other dealer in town, but have heard of many negative experiences with these folks. That could be why they're trolling this site, expecting to find themselves involved in a complaint. As you'll see below, you are not required to contact the service manager, just the g.m. or owner, who, of course, would have the authority to order the necessary repairs.
BEFORE FILING A COMPLAINT
Contact the dealership and provide the information concerning the problem. If the general manager or owner does not satisfactorily resolve the problem, a complaint may be filed with the Auto Industry Division (AID).
EXAMPLES OF A COMPLAINT
An inquiry into a complaint is limited to alleged violations of the motor vehicle law.
Examples of law violations could be:
Failing to deliver title within 30 days of the sale.
Failing to meet all terms and conditions contained in the written contract.
Tampering with an odometer or giving a false odometer statement.
Willfully misrepresenting or failing to disclose any information required by law.
Intentionally publishing or circulating any advertising that is misleading or inaccurate.
Selling vehicles that do not meet the safety and emission equipment requirements.
Failing to give notice of approval or rejection on a finance deal to the customer within a reasonable time.
Selling a salvage vehicle without proper disclosure.
Selling a vehicle that is known to be stolen.
Not maintaining a place of business and minimum operating hours.
Selling a vehicle to a resident of the AIR Program area without an emissions sticker.
Tech@falcon
LOVELAND,Colorado,
U.S.A.
owner did not contact me
#5UPDATE Employee
Thu, November 29, 2007
I am the service manager at falcon motors, also an ASE master technician I employ 2 other master technicians i have never been contacted by the owner of this jeep to resolve this problem any further slander will be delt with in a court of law. THANKS
Gardenia
Loveland,Colorado,
U.S.A.
I won complaint against Falcon
#5Consumer Suggestion
Mon, November 05, 2007
I had a terrible experience with Falcon too, but filed a complaint with the state dealer licensing division. It took a couple months, but they got me a significant refund and slapped Falcon around a bit. If one more complaint is filed against them, they will be reviewed in front of the dealer licensing board. Please do so!
I discovered Falcon makes a business of ripping people off and pry on those who don't know how to fight them.