Complaint Review: Michaels Motor Cars

I bought a 2000 Chevy Silverado from this guy , " as is " , just prior to X-mas 08' . Michael spoke very highly on this truck , stating that he knew the guy that had it , he was his nieghbor , how he only sold it to get an Avalanche , how he babied it , how he kept it up , how it was " such a great truck , even w/ 150k on it . So I bought it .

As soon as I signed the purchase order , gave him about $4000 down , and my 97 f150 title , and as I was switching my tools from truck to truck ( still in his lot ) , all the lights went out . I immediately informed Michael , at which time they came outside to check it out . They sent me to some mechanic they use promising to repair the problem on the next day . That very next morning , truck would not start , and locks would not function , again called Michael ( conveniently on vacation ) . When I finally got to the mechanic , they blew all kinds of smoke up my _ _ _ , after I sat there all day , away from work . I left with no solutions .

The week between X-mas and new years , the thing would not start , again away from work . By the time Michael " returned " , basically a week , the majority of the bandaids had fallen off . Check out this list . Lights , locks , hinges , ignition switch , no speakers (just thought it was a bad radio ) radio , radio antenna assembly , remote start , remote control , gauges act erractic , tailgate stuck , radiator , leaf springs , fuel pump , shocks , transmission ( which I knew about from driving it ) , valve cover gaskets , headliner was glued , windshield washer reservior and pump , lots of color back wax , and most stunningly , the exhaust was c-clamped @ manifold .

As I was paying off remaining balance of around $1500 , Michael kept promising to repair some of these items , but said that I was complaining about everything . By the time he got the last payment his tune had changed from it being a great truck , to hey " it has 150,000 on it " . In the end he fixed nothing , nor made any attempt after promising to do so . The last thing he said to me was that he has a good reputation , and that basically my opinion or experience would not affect that .

I believe that since I never even got off of the lot before it started to fall apart , and all of this had happened almost overnight he should have been more honorable . Instead he offered to give me $4000 trade in on a $12,000 truck ( only valued @ $9000) . So that would have been $5500 cash , my reliable 97 f150 w/ lot less miles ( he was asking almost $6000 for it ) + another $6000 for a truck that is worth only $9000 to begin with .

There is more to the story , but everyone should get the picture . This guy will lie to a potential car buyer , instead of being honest . He marks up ALOT . Even after you barter , you still have gotten the shaft from him . They do not check out vehicles upon trade , as he took my word that my truck was good . He is the only dealer that I have had this kind of issue with . Most tell you they know nothing about the car . Beware when dealing with Michaels Motor Cars in Neptune City , NJ . I have just learned that he already has complaints against him filed w/ the better business bureau , I will see if I can still do the same . He has to be one of the worst . DO NOT TRUST MICHAELS MOTOR CARS

J. c.
Brick, New Jersey
U.S.A.