Lang Auto Autosports Lang Auto Sold Lemon Refuses Repair Lynnwood, Washington
Lang Auto15523 Washington 99 Lynnwood, WA 98087(425) 742-4777
This dealership was across the street from the apartment I was staying in. I went over because I was interested in buying the 2000 VW Beetle they had for sale. The guy that sold it to me even took me for a test drive to show me how well it ran. He said it had new tires and brakes, which the manager confirmed. He also directed my attention to how easily it shifted gears and how good the transmission was. I asked if it was in good enough condition to make it from WA to SD which is where I would be living 2 months later. I was told "yes".
I ended up paying $3500 including tax and title. After putting around 400 miles on it learning to drive a manual transmission, it all of a sudden would not move forward after stopping at a sign. It could move in reverse. After about an hour, I was able to get it to move again and ended up driving it to an auto mechanic with wonderful reviews on Angie's List. I was thinking it was nothing, I also needed fluids refilled and an oil/filter change as a friend and I planned on driving it straight through to SD over the weekend.
The mechanic called and told me that the clutch was completely ruined and that the brakes were at 10% (dealerships aren't legally supposed to sell cars with brakes over 75% wear). He also stated that there was no way I could have worn the clutch out that badly in the little time I had it. It was sold to me in that condition. The repairs totalled $1400 for brakes and a new clutch. It also cost me $287 for a rental car and $176 for a non-refundable airline ticket my friend was supposed to use to fly back to WA that Sunday.
Also another $285 for a plane ticket for myself since I could not drive my newly purchased car to SD, even though I was told that would be no problem. Also add in another $305 and 200 for gas to pick up my car from WA and drive back to SD. I had to leave the car in WA as it would not be repaired in time for me to drive it, so there will be an additional cost to somehow get it here or get back to WA to sell it. I called Lang Auto and let them know what happened. All I wanted was the $1400 in repairs since I had a verbal agreement that the car would make it to SD as is. Numerous phone calls brought no resolution.
7 Updates & Rebuttals
MartyMarsh
Stillwater,Pennsylvania,
United States of America
Then don't.
#8General Comment
Sun, May 20, 2012
As long as you keep adding they will keep adding,all you do is put fuel on the fire.
God bless.
Nicholas
Everett,Washington,
USA
Response to Righteous1.
#8Consumer Comment
Sun, May 20, 2012
You know, the whole point of this website is for people who have been mislead or outright cheated by any place of business to report what has happened in order for others to avoid making similar mistakes.
So, Righteous1, I'm going to start with the first part of your response. You state: "Sorry but I sat here and Laughed at a person thinking they are "guaranteed" that any transportation will make it to its final destination."
I see that you are taking a single line out of the entire report and running with it. The point of the report is that a car with a bad clutch and bad brakes, illegally bad at that, was sold to this customer. The author of this report had asked if the car was in good enough condition to make it to SD and was told "yes'. You are correct when you later state, "They are NOT a mechanic.", however all car dealerships know the condition of their cars and should be able to give some indication as to it's road worthiness. Are you suggesting that the dealership simply took in random cars with ZERO idea as to what they could and could not do? If that were true, then this report is even more justified.
Later on you state, "This person bought a "USED" car from a slop shop car place." It is interesting that you called the dealership a "slop shop car place". Thus, it would seem that you are agreeing with the author in that others should beware this dealership. I do have to wonder though, do you know the dealership in question? What are you basing your "slop shop" claim upon? It is the fact that this dealership may very well be a "slop shop car place" that justifies this report.
This is a case of misplaced trust between the consumer and a place of business. Not everyone has an "out to get me" mentality and will not always think of every possible way they will get ripped off and thus formulate a counter to such possibilities. This is why sites like this exist.
dsmith1892
Sioux Falls,South Dakota,
United States of America
More comments...
#8Author of original report
Sat, May 19, 2012
I never said anything was guaranteed. I asked if the car was in good enough condition to drive a long distance. I was told "yes". That yes and other things told to me means I'm NOT buying a car with a completely worn out clutch and brakes.
Is it too much to ask that a person's word be good? The answer is a resounding "NO".
The bottom line is I was lied to and ripped off. That is not how a company should operate and if it is how a company treats it's customers, it should be made known. That is why I'm here, not to fend off random consumer responses.
dsmith1892
Sioux Falls,South Dakota,
United States of America
Lang Auto Comments Answered
#8Author of original report
Sat, May 19, 2012
I explained everything to the mechanic and he stated that I could not have worn out the clutch in the little time I had it even if I were just learning.
I heard a grinding noise ONE time while driving it. Otherwise my learning mostly consisted of watching videos and reading about the best way to drive a car with a clutch.
I NEVER ride brakes, that is bad for the brakes. I didn't get anything in writing because I felt I could trust these people. The sales person thought it was awesome that I was going to teach myself and even gave me a 30 minute lesson. Good job answering your own question incorrectly.
The sales person offered to pay for the brakes and told me that they would possibly buy the car back, then never followed up. They have admitted some fault at this point. I didn't ask for any opinions about a lawsuit.
Righteous1
gg,Pennsylvania,
USA
to many variables
#8Consumer Comment
Sat, May 19, 2012
Sorry but I sat here and Laughed at a person thinking they are "guaranteed" that any transportation will make it to its final destination. A: Even airplanes drop and crash B: Nature can also play a part in a mode of transport not making it to its final destination C: Another physical apparatus can deter someone from making it to its final place....Such as a bridge collapse, a flood, a tornado, a collision. So How in heavens name can or would a sales person "guarantee" that the vehichle will make it to such and such a place. They are NOT a mechanic, they are not versed in how this person drives, They do NOT have a crystal ball to forecast the driving conditions. This person bought a "USED" car from a slop shop car place...Not a mercedes/bmw/lexus dealership...but a nickel and dime shop...What do you expect?? Try this: Get it inspected BEFORE Signing and handing over the cash. I purposefully make it clear when buying a "used" car that I will be having it "inspected" by a mechanic of my choice prior to any deal being signed. Most places are accepting of that as they want to also be cleared of liabilities and know they are selling a reliable car. If they arent accepting...they dont get my hard earned cash.
But seriously, this post made my day ...I agree with Jim too!
MartyMarsh
Stillwater,Pennsylvania,
United States of America
I have to agree with Jim on this one.
#8General Comment
Sat, May 19, 2012
With the exception of the brakes,if they where new you wouldn't wear them out that quick,but the clutch yes.Also people will tell you anything to sell a car and very few stand behind what they say.
Good luck and God Bless.
Jim Martin
Indiana,USA
UMM
#8Consumer Comment
Sat, May 19, 2012
He also stated that there was no way I could have worn the clutch out that badly in the little time I had it.
Did the mechanic know that you used the worn clutch to learn how to drive a stick? I personally have seen people completely destroy a brand new clutch in just a few hours while learning how to shift. Did you hear any grinding noises when you shifted?
As far as the brakes, they could have been rubbing and that would have worn them down. Or, if you were riding the brakes while trying to learn how to shift, that could also wear them down.
As for the verbal agreement, if what I stated above is the case, the car very well could have made it to SD in the condition it was in when you bought it. Did you get this in writing? Also, did that contract in writing say that the salesman knew you had no idea how to drive a stick and that you would be using that car to learn for 2 months before driving down? Didn't think so. Most warranties on used cars only last 30 days, if any is offered at all. Most are as-is, no warranty. So, of course, numerous phone calls would naturally lead to nothing due to the salesman not being at fault for you buying a car you did not know how to drive in the first place.
And, before you say it, no, I don't work for this company, I don't even live on the same side of the country. Also, a lawsuit will get you nowhere, too, so there's no point in going to that next.