Complaint Review: Strickland's Used Cars - Wilson North Carolina

I recently purchased a used car from Strickland's Used Cars. Bad customer service does not even begin to describe the problems I have had with this company.

When I first decided to purchase this car I was told $1000 down and $500 for tax, tags, dock fees blah blah. But when it came time to write up the deal I was told that the salesman was mistaken and the car was acutally $2200 down plus tax, tags, dock fee. I explained I only had the $1500 on me and was told oh thats no problem just write us a check and we will hold it until the next business day which was Tuesday (this was Memorial weekend) and then on Tuesday bring us the cash and we will just give you back the check. So I agreed. I was a little upset about the sudden price change, sounded a little like bait and switch to me, but I let that thought go. I needed a car for my husband and it had already been a very long hot day going from dealership to dealership.

So I agreed signed all the papers and drove off in my used 1996 Chrysler LHS. I returned Tuesday as promised with the cash, collected my receipt but forgot my check. So when I returned to my office I called the manager and he said oh its ok, if you want I will just shred it. I say yes that works for me he says ok I am shredding it as we speak.

Well a few days later my husband went out to go to work and the car would not start. So I contact the dealership and tell them I have a problem, I was told OK we will send someone right over to see what the problem is. Well right over really meant the next day. When the assoicate arrived he found that the shut down device they installed in the car had been activated. This is a device they install on all their cars that are financed so that if you dont make your payment you dont drive around town for free, and I thought it was cool and a very good idea. So the associate progamed my black box with a temporary code and told me I would have to go to their main office to have the box reprogammed. So I do, and there I am told it was a human error when it was programmed they apologized and i went home.

Well now I have had the car for about 2 weeks, I get up one morning and I go online to check my banking account as I do every morning to find my checking account is over drawn by $838.00! When I scoll through to see what could have caused this mess there it is my check for $424.00 payable to Strickland's Used Cars. You know the one the manager said he was shredding! Well he didnt, he cashed the check which caused me to over draw and incurr over draft fees of $385.00. When I called to complain they again apologized and said they have had some stealing going on that they just discovered. They would take care of all the money I was not out. They asked me just to give them a copy of my receipt and a day to get everything together and they would write me a check. I again so fine and roll with the punch. This was on Friday and at this point I have only had the car for 13 days.

The next day my husband was driving the car when all of a sudden he could not control the wheel, the tires were going every which way. He was about 25 miles from home. So I call a tow truck and I go and pick him up. Come to find out the tire rod has broken on the front passenger side. So Monday morning I call the dealership, and explain what has happened. I was told i had bought the car as is there is no warranty and they are not obligated to fix the car it was my car my problem. Now mind you at this point I still have not received my refund for the stolen money. So I express my dismay with the company and I was simply told sorry mame its your car your problem i said ok I will contact an attorney then. Low and behold the next day the manager calls and says well we will go ahead and fix your car. Great I say and they come the next day with a tow truck and take the car to their repair shop. This is Tuesday afternoon. Thursday at lunch i get a call saying the car is ready i can pick it up at the dealership. Cool so my husband and i head over there. My husband walks up to the car and find the windsheild is cracked. It looks as if a very large rock has hit the window and there is a circular shatter about the size of a 1/2 dollar. So we ask what happened we were told oh when we were driving it back from the repair shop a rock his the window. So we ask when can you fix this. Then we are told that they are not going to fix ti, they are not obligated to fix it I will just need to file a claim on my insurance. My insurance why my insurance and besides like everyone else i have a deductable of $250 so my insurance will not pay any of the cost. The manager said well mame it was an accident and we are not paying for your car to be fixed again. We didnt have to fix the tire but we did it out of the kindess in our hearts. I am in total shock and melt down mode at this point. I said you were responsible for my car when you had it you should pay for it to be fixed. Then the manager told me I just wanted everything for free!!

Now I ask you is this bad customer service or what?? Now keep in mind this has all happened in span of 27 days, and at this point I sitll had not received my refund!

These people are liars and cheats. I want to warn anyone and everyone to stay away from tthis car lot. Trust me walking would be better than dealing with these peop;e. They have no compassion, no moals, no customer service skills. They are bad news! I will be taking legal action to get my window fixed...

Jen

wilson, North Carolina

U.S.A.