Complaint Review: Seaside Motors Santa Monica

I purchased a 2001 Range Rover on Nov 4th 2009 for $12,500. I had it delivered to me by his employees. The first time I drove it the service engine light was on so I took it to an authorized Range Rover dealership to have it checked out and smogged. At that time, they discovered that the thermostat had been tampered with to hide a bad engine valvue and an overheating problem. The dealership also informed me that California law states that the car must be able to pass smog to transfer title. California law also prohibits smog certificates with service engine lights on. It therefore was unable to have its title transfered. However, not being familiar with this process, and not realizing at that time that something had been done illegally, I went ahead and paid to have the thermostat fixed. That is when all hell broke loose. The car overheated because now the thermostat was not always stuck on and that is when the bad engine valve was discovered. The car needed over $8,700 worth of repairs.

I sent the owner a certified registered letter. He did not reply. I sent him another and he refused to sign for it and the postman brought it back to me unopened.

If he had been willing to work it out or even contact me, I may have assumed some of the risk of it being a used car and been willing to negotiate. Now that he is refusing to read my letters, I am filing a lawsuit. My attorney says it is a slam dunk case because of the dealership repair receipts, and their mechanics testimonies, as well as the fact I have the cars registration history.

WARNING. Do NOT purchase a car from this dealer or individual unless you are a mechanic. I have read many stories on this website, as well as on the Better Business Bureau website as to his shady practices. He is NOT a reputable dealer and has a bad reputation with Range Rover dealerships across the area.