Complaint Review: Golden Valley Auto Sales

I bought a 2004 Lexus SC 430 from Al Crane at Golden Valley Auto Sales (Stock # 2247) in Golden Valley, Minnesota, through an ad I saw on autotrader.com and ebay.com.

The car was advertised with 501 miles and having "show room quality". Upon delivery, I found a large chip in the paint on the driver's side door and a chip driver's-side rear view mirror. In addition, the odometer read 854 miles, the antenna was bent, the upholstery had a large gouge, and the rear window was scratched. The master key and cigarette lighter were missing.

Al Crane delivered the vehicle to me in California, which was part of the purchase price. At the time of delivery over dinner, he agreed to fix the chip, repair the rear view mirror and replace the master key and cigarette lighter.

Al wanted me to confirm the damage and missing parts, so I took the car to the local Lexus dealer. Al and the dealer spoke about the parts and the cost, then Al told the Lexus dealer to order the parts.

I got a call from Lexus that the parts were ready and found out that I was expected to pay for them.
I wrote a letter to Al Crane to get resolution, but got no reply. I had difficulty reaching him by phone. When I did speak with him, he informed me that he would not keep his agreement; that the $1,568 in expenses were mine to absorb. He did not respond to a subsequent fax.

Lauren
Palm Springs, California
U.S.A.