ComplaintsforA Better Way Wholesale Autos, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car from this used car dealer approximately 2 weeks ago. When sold the car I was told there was structural damage and nothing else. I took the car to a voltswagon dealer where they identified that the engine was a salvage engine from a junk yard, it had no crash bar, airbags and a faulty clutch. If the fact the car had a salvaged engine been disclosed before purchase I wouldn’t have purchased the vehicle. When I confronted them about this I asked for my deposit back as they violated the terms of the contract under the unfair trade agreement act. They stated they didn’t have to disclose this, to me nor *** *** which I have in recording. I would like my deposit back, a check back to my bank for the loan amount and to be paid for the inspections I had done to the car.

  Business response

  10/07/2024

  After extensive, multi-party re-inspections of the vehicle, ABW was unable to confirm *** ********'s concerns. However, this matter has been resolved nonetheless.
  ABW disclosed, both verbally and in writing, a ****** entry of previous structural damage before his purchase. This is not in dispute as he acknowledged this in his compliant. After his purchase, *** ******** brought the vehicle to a dealership that told him a crash bar was missing.  ABW agreed to look at the vehicle and verified through multiple inspections that the crash bar was there. We believe the dealer likely meant to note that a splash guard was missing, however that was not properly communicated to their service writer.  The dealer which told him that a crash bar was missing also quoted him $4,500 to inspect his clutch, noting they would have to remove the transmission to do so.  It is also noteworthy that *** ******** states he possesses recordings (made in person, without consent) which include ABW telling him we do not report to ******, which we find puzzling. It seems *** ******** believes ABW replaced the vehicle's engine, which it did not, and it seems he believes ABW is somehow obligated to report to ******, which it is not.
  After addressing these concerns, *** ******** then reported to ABW that he brought the vehicle to another shop, which now told him (offering no specificity) that the airbag system was not working. Note this was after the ** dealer already inspected the vehicle and did not find any problems with the airbag system.  ABW again agreed to look at the vehicle.  There were no faults stored and the airbag system was working as designed. 
  ABW delivered a safe, merchantable vehicle to *** ******** and responded to his concerns, however *** ******** remained unsatisfied, so ABW agreed to resolve the matter by unwinding the sale transaction, which has since been completed.  

• Initial Complaint

  09/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle(******** **** with 50k miles) from a better way wholesale ( i have much more documentation and conversations with ABW to provide that will be more than 2000 characters) During the month of May. Upon signing and giving my 3,250$ downpayment I was told that i had to wait while they fix the A/C of the car. When my husband went into their mechanic Bay he observed the mechanic changing transmission cooler lines and doing much other work than the A/C which still didn't work properly.. The mechanic Underfilled and damaged the transmission, we had samples of the fluid checked with a certified ******** dealership. They didn't disclose to us the vehicle was in a flood and we did not authorize the repairs after we purchased the vehicle. So the transmission is well on it's way out and has causes severe safety issues and almost caused me to get into an accident. there is no way the vehicle was safe or road ready. On top of that the entire interior of the car is covered in black mold under the upholstery due to it being a flood car and having tons of leaks. So for the past 2-3 months My husband has had to pay for rentals because they won't provide a loaner while they are working on the car. I and my husband have lost time at work because of this. The last time they repaired or worked on the vehicle they tried to say the motor mounts were causing the transmission to skip, freeze up and sputter, which my husband said couldn't be the case and he has worked on helicopters and automobiles both in and out of the army. Now they say they trade a car of our choosing for the unsafe vehicle they sold me. Upon them trying to get an approval for the new vehicle we have chosen they are trying to finance the entire amount of the new vehicle and pretty much just keep my downpayment, on top of not reimbursing us for 3,000+ of rental fees and continuing shady tactics. They already have a lawsuit with the attorney general. Can provide substantiating documents upon request.

  Business response

  09/23/2024

  We have reviewed the complaint referenced above.  We also reviewed the transaction and the vehicle’s service history.  We have worked diligently with Ms. ******’s boyfriend and Ms. ****** to resolve their concerns.
  
  The vehicle was a 2010 ******** which, due to being 14 years old, was sold in AS-IS, after passing the ***** inspection, ABW’s multi-step redundant inspections including a third-party inspection and a State of Connecticut Emissions Inspection performed by a technician certified by the ***** ** ***********, and a QC inspection on the day of delivery.  These 5 inspections performed before selling the vehicle, including the QC inspection performed immediately before the vehicle was delivered, ensure ABW that all of the over 63,000 vehicles we have sold are safe for the road.  Ms. ****** signed the ** form *****, acknowledging that the ******** was fit for operation on ** highways at the time of purchase. 
  
  Work performed before the vehicle was sold included all inspections listed above, an oil change was performed, fluids were topped off, the brake pads and rotors were replaced, the transmission cooler lines were replaced, the climate control head was replaced, the vehicles refrigerant was evacuated and recharged, and all four tires were replaced. 
  
  Ms. ****** declined the purchase of a service contract for the 14-year-old vehicle, and signed multiple times acknowledging that she would be responsible for any repairs the older vehicle would need going forward.
  
  Several weeks later, the vehicle was brought to ABW’s Service Center with transmission concerns and stated there was metal in the transmission fluid. ABW agreed to look at the vehicle, regardless of the AS-IS sale. Practically all communication regarding the vehicle has been with Ms. ******’s boyfriend.  He explained that he brought the vehicle to Stephen ********, and they had verified his concerns.  ABW has not been able to verify the concerns. The transmission was thoroughly inspected, and it is operating as designed.  The fluid was strained, and no metal was found in the fluid. The cooler lines were properly in place.  Puzzled, ABW’s Service Manager called ******* ******** to request copies of their inspection results, and he was told the vehicle has never been to their facilities.  Ms. ******’s boyfriend later added a concern that the alternator had failed, and that the vehicle had black mold. Multiple ABW techs inspected the vehicle for these concerns and neither of them could be verified.  ABW then paid for an inspection sublet from a third-party shop.  They were also unable to verify the concerns.
  

  Regardless of being unable to verify any problems with the 14-year-old AS-IS vehicle, ABW offered to simply unwind the sale.  However, Ms. ******’s boyfriend instead selected an older (also AS-IS) **** from ABW’s inventory and insisted on switching to the **** against ABW’s advice.  He was counseled regarding the risk of buying an older ****.  It has been explained that older ****’s break and when they break, they are very expensive to repair.  He explained that his friend is an A-level **** tech who will fix the vehicle if needed.
  
  Ms. ******'s boyfriend set the plan to exchange the ******** for the **** the week of 9/8, however the complaint filed by Ms. ****** to BBB made it clear she did not understand that she was indeed receiving full credit for her down payment, as the payoff on her current loan was reduced by her down payment amount and ABW agreed to buy the ******** back for the same sale price at which it was sold. The option to simply return the vehicle was also repeated. Since the complaint was filed to BBB, this was again explained to both Ms. ******'s boyfriend and also to Ms. ****** and due to Ms. ******'s poor credit, ABW worked extensively to gain an approval for another vehicle.  Since the week of 9/8, Ms. ******'s boyfriend has made multiple appointments to come in with his girlfriend (the actual owner) to either return the vehicle of to exchange it for another.  None of these appointments have been kept. 

  ABW has gone miles above and beyond its obligations to Ms. ****** for the sale of this 14-year-old vehicle and it cannot continue to do work or hold an offer to return or replace a vehicle which was sold several months ago.  

  Customer response

  09/25/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  see attached video of black mold coming through paneling. It’s much worse under. There’s no way someone looked at the interior and inspected it.  Ive been working a lot of hours as im a manager at ******** and sometimes get called in so its tough to leave my job to continue to work on correcting something that shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place.  The video alone proves the black mold issue. And when my husband and I spoke with one of their finance people originally, he said we weren’t getting the full amount back. And we can provide ****o for that as well. But that changed when the GM confirmed the next day after the original complaint that I was getting my down payment back, only after I filed a complaint did that change though. We rescheduled for this Wednesday because it’s my only day off, also the we never said whatever the name of the place the owner mentioned in his message. It was only assumed that because my husband said he had an A level tech look at it. I also have been looking through their vehicles and asked to know which ones are good and which ones aren’t before I look at it, this way we don’t end up back in the same situation for selling an undisclosed flood/unsafe/damaged black mold vehicle. If I knew this car had even the slightest amount of issues that it does have. I would have went elsewhere.
  and it also is starting to seem as if the owner is taking all this personal after reading the response from Mr.Gorbecki. Also, I wanted to mention, all the same things he just sent in that last response, were all similar lies told to past consumers who have won cases against his business for the same exact reasons. The video that is attached is the one that was sent from my husband to the GM, he also said that my husband wouldnt have to de panel the vehicle because what he saw on video was also more than enough to prove our findings. I have my appointment today with them, hopefully we can come to an agreement because otherwise i have to take another route to recoupe all the money i have wasted because i was sold a not road ready, unsafe vehicle with malfunctions they tried to hide. I even asked if the car was ever in a flood or has any current issues or damage. Everything was an improper and shoddy repair if they truly did, My door handles were super glued on, I found that out after two days when the whole handle came off. They already have a pile of lawsuits, won cases and more against them. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Customer response

  09/25/2024

  For some reason it wont let me attach and send the file video of the mold. I know for a fact the GM has it, i have copies on my phone as well if y'all can send me an email address i can send all the supporting documents and videos!

• Initial Complaint

  08/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased a **** ******** from this dealership. As we were driving home from the lot we noticed the car pulling to the left and a burning smell with smoke in the driver side front tire. We returned the car to the service dept where they said the brake was "locked", and claimed they fixed it. Two days later the same thing happened, we brought it to a real garage who showed us that it had not been fixed because it was so rusted together that it was impossible to get the brake off the rotor, in fact they said the entire underside of the car was almost one solid piece of rust and was rotting through and they refused to do anymore work. I called the dealership and was told that since I had not purchased the extended warrantee there was nothing they could do. The rust issue became serious when I was driving and the tire broke off the car completely, I narrowly avoided an accident. When the tow truck arrived and saw the condition of the vehicle he refused to tow it and we had to pay for a flatbed instead, we were well over an hour from our house and this cost a fortune! I again called the dealership and the person in service responded with " we do minor repairs, what do you want me to do?". This was just the start of this nightmare. Additionally, the stabilizer rod rusted through and snapped in half, we lost control of the vehicle and had to run off on the side of the road, The tie rods, the water pump, the radiator and the transmission have all broke, the air conditioning does not work and the heat only works on the right side. The car will not go over 20 miles per hour and now the steering has gone out and lastly the frame is cracked. We are not able to use this vehicle anymore, we tried to trade it in but no dealership will touch it. We owe two more years of payments on this car. We can't afford to finance another vehicle while still making payments on this Jeep. It would appear that the ** ** ** has filed a suit against them as well due to their dangerous cars.

  Business response

  09/09/2024

  We have received the complaint filed by **** ******** and we researched the transaction and service history.
  
  The vehicle was a 2011 **** which was purchased April 3, 2021 with an odometer reading of *****.  The vehicle was sold AS-IS because it was ten years old at the time of sale.  The vehicle passed the ***** inspection, ABW’s multi-step redundant inspections including a third-party inspection and a State of *********** Emissions Inspection performed by a technician certified by the State of ***********, and a QC inspection on the day of delivery.  These 5 inspections performed before selling the vehicle, including the QC inspection performed immediately before the vehicle was delivered, ensure ABW that all the over 63,000 vehicles we have sold are safe for the road. **** ******** signed the ** form *****, acknowledging that the **** was fit for operation on ** highways at the time of purchase. 
  
  Work performed before the vehicle was sold included all inspections listed above, an oil change was performed, fluids were topped off, the rear axle seals were replaced, the rear wheel bearings were replaced, front and back brake pads and brake rotors were replaced, the parking brake shoes and hardware were replaced, the front and rear shocks were replaced, the right rear brake caliper was replaced, the front tie bars and tie rods were replaced, wiring was repaired for a rear marker light, the clock spring was replaced, and an alignment was performed.
  
  **** ******** declined the option to purchase a service agreement with the vehicle and signed multiple times acknowledging that he would be responsible for any repairs the vehicle would need going forward.
  
  On April 20, 2021, the vehicle was brought to ABW’s service facility with concerns related to the right front brake caliper.  Regardless of having sold the vehicle AS-IS, and **** ******** declining the purchase a service contract, ABW replaced the brake caliper at no charge under its Good Will Policy.  During that visit ABW also re-aimed the vehicle’s headlights, replaced the recline handle on the passenger seat and addressed a radio reception concern by replacing the antenna.  ABW did not charge **** ******** for any of these items.  This is the last and only time the vehicle has been back to ABW and Mrs. ******** has not called ABW since the Good Will repairs made in April 2021.
  
  While researching the vehicle’s service history, it was noted that a Carfax entry shows an odometer reading of ****** last fall.  The vehicle was sold in 2021 with ***** miles.

  ABW cannot make repairs free of charge to a vehicle it sold three and a half years ago.  However if the Deraleau's would like ABW to look at the vehicle and suggest repair options, they are welcome to text or call TJ Ciocca at ###-###-####.  He will do his best to accommodate them.
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The week I had bought my car From A better Way Wholesales Auto in ********* ** , the check engine light had come on ,they said they did an inspection before selling me my car but there was no inspection done and they failed to meet safety regulations. Through them I have a *********** warranty, so I brought my car in for repairs and they did a fuel pump I got the car back after it had been in for 2 weeks , and a week goes by check engine light comes on again, I brought it back they did a cam shaft actuator, fuel injectors, wiring terminals , wiring harness , and a computer a PCM . They had my car for 1 month . I got the car back at the end of that month and the check engine light came on the next morning .I have an **** 2016 ** I brought it to an **** dealership to do only a diagnostic and see what’s going on because I did not want to bring it back to a better way wholesale auto , and the **** shop in ******* wrote me a whole report of everything going on with the vehicle . Every single repair that A better Way Wholesales Auto did to “fix” the car made it worse . All the wiring is messed up in the car said by the **** shop mechanic the fuel pump is wrong the camshaft is in the wrong position and they sold me the car with the wrong coolant for my car and the **** shop mechanic said they filled it up with half water half coolant it’s the wrong consistency and wrong coolant . It’s missing the under belly pan, the **** shop mechanic couldn’t believe what they did to the vehicle .there is zip ties everywhere and the wires are all done the wrongway in addition because they failed to inspect the vehicle before selling it to me the **** repair man said that the timing chain can fail at any point in time it’s at -10.5. Ever since I bought this car there had been issues and I’ve been paying car insurance that’s 470 a month and I haven’t even been able to drive it at all because A Better way wholesales auto failed to do an inspection before selling me this vehicle .

  Business response

  09/03/2024

  We have reviewed the complaint referenced above. We also reviewed the transaction and the vehicle’s service history. We have found the following:
  The vehicle was a 2016 **** with an odometer reading of 95,490 which was sold AS-IS May 3, 2024, due to being 8 years old.  It was sold after passing the ***** inspection, ABW’s multi-step redundant inspections, including a third-party inspection and a State of *********** Emissions Inspection performed by a technician certified by the State of ***********, and a QC inspection on the day of delivery.  These 5 inspections performed before selling the vehicle, including the QC inspection performed immediately before the vehicle was delivered, ensure ABW that all of the over 63,000 vehicles we have sold are safe for the road. Tarin signed the ** form *****, acknowledging that the **** was fit for operation on CT highways at the time of purchase.  The vehicle was sold AS-IS, however Tarin purchased a service contract for the 8 year old ****.
  Work performed before the vehicle was sold included all inspections listed above, an oil change was performed, fluids were topped off, the front and rear brake pads and brake rotors were replaced, as were both front lower control arms, the engine camshaft actuators as well as the turbo line gaskets.
  Work performed under the service contract included the replacement of a fuel pump, replacement of the fuel injectors, and replacement of the vehicle’s PCM and wiring (including PCM programming performed by local **** dealer). This repair visit spanned a month’s time, most of which was waiting for **** parts. The repairs were made free of charge.
  Since July, 25, 2024 the vehicle has not been back to ABW for service and Tarin has not shared any concerns.  However, the complaint refers to fears related to the timing chain. If there are concerts currently, Tarin is encouraged to call or text TJ, ABW’s General Manager, at ###-###-####.  He will be happy to resolve them.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This business sold me a car that they told me passed safety inspection which turned out not to be true at all. Ever since buying this car i have had nothing, but problems with it. Within the first week the engine light came on showing emissions and faulty brake switch codes. I told them about it and they said i had to bring it to the **** dealer myself. The car was driving weird so they actually took it in and repaired a broken tie rod, but i had to pay for a rental car for over a week and would not reimburse me. This car has no working horn which i also told them about, but would not offer any help in fixing this which is very unsafe as i cannot warn other drivers if they are about to hit me. The car also had a broken engine mount which caused it to shake extremely bad to the point where i couldn't drive it anymore. Between repairs and rental cars, i have paid close to $2000 and all of the issues still are not fixed. All i wanted was a reliable car so i could get back and forth to work and they sold me a car that was completely unsafe and knew about it the whole time while convincing me that it was perfectly fine. I don't want this car anymore as the repairs are seeming to be endless and i don't feel safe driving it.

  Business response

  08/09/2024

  We have reviewed the complaint referenced above. We have also reviewed the transaction and the vehicle’s service history. Following is what was discovered:
  The vehicle was a 2017 **** which was sold to *** ***** on April 28, 2023.   The vehicle passed the ***** inspection, ABW’s multi-step and redundant inspections, a third-party inspection and a ***** ** *********** ********* Inspection performed by a technician certified by the State of ************ and a QC inspection on the day of delivery. These 5 inspections performed before selling the vehicle, including the QC inspection performed immediately before the vehicle was delivered, ensure ABW that all of the over 63,000 vehicles we have sold are safe for the road.  These 5 inspections are performed on every vehicle that ABW sells.  *** ***** signed the ** form *****, acknowledging that the vehicle was fit for operation on ** highways at the time of purchase.  *** ***** elected to purchase a service contract with the vehicle.

  Work performed before the vehicle was sold includes all inspections listed above, oil filter and engine oil replacement, all fluids were topped off, the glove box was replaced, and the horn was replaced.

  May 25, 2023, the vehicle was brought to ABW’s service center with an intermittent check engine light.  At no charge to *** *****, ABW replaced the leak detection pump and spark plugs. The vehicle then displayed a code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was still under its 8 year / 80,000mile federal emissions warranty.  ABW informed *** ***** and offered to bring the vehicle to a **** dealer.  She opted to take the vehicle to the **** dealer herself at her convenience.  There was no mention of the horn not working at that time, though a tie rod end was replaced, and an alignment was performed during the visit in response to *** *****’s complaint of the vehicle wandering.  This was done at no charge to *** *****, who's complaint mentioned paying (a third-party shop, assumably) for repairs, though her car has coverage for the items she mentioned through her service contract.  The vehicle's service records do not indicate that *** ***** brought the vehicle to a **** dealer to have the catalytic converter replaced while it was still under its federal 8yr/80,000-mile warranty, which is puzzling.

  The visit above was the only time *** ***** brought the vehicle to ABW for service and she has never contacted ABW since. If *** ***** needs help with the ****, we encourage her to reach TJ C*****, ABW’s General Manager, by calling or texting ###-###-####. He will do his best to accommodate her.
  
  

  
  

  Customer response

  08/15/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because what was said was done doesn't make sense and is not true. What is puzzling to me is that they claim to have replaced the horn for my vehicle before i received it yet ever since i have had the vehicle the horn has not worked. It also doesn't make sense that it passed their inspection when about a day or 2 later the engine light came on and a tie rod was broken along with a catalytic converter code so clearly it was not safe to drive yet they sold it anyway. When they replaced the tie rod i told them about the horn, but basically said they wouldn't do anything because i had not mentioned it when i first received the vehicle. I also never said that i would voluntarily bring the car to the **** dealer myself. You guys told me you were the ones that had to do it and that i would have to bring the car to you before my appointment. When i got my car back after you fixed the tie rod and whatever else, the engine light came back on then all of a sudden you told me that I had to bring the car to the **** dealer myself. At that time i tried to call and see if you would at least reimburse me for the rental car that i had to get while you had my car for at least a week which you declined to do. I also tried to call the gap insurance that i was told i should purchase, but they told me that you guys had to finish the paperwork on your end before they could approve any work being done. When i called to inquire with you about this i was basically told that gap doesn't do anything except for if my car is totaled. After trying to get help from you guys multiple times i gave up and took care of things myself. 

  Sincerely,

  
  **** *****

• Initial Complaint

  05/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was sold a van in which 1 week later the transmission blew. And that's with babying the transmission and gentle driving. As I had a feeling something felt wrong. Harsh shifting at first that led to total failure, needing a tow back to the dealer in which it was purchased. I am now unable to reach the general manager to file a complaint. I receive nothing but attitude over the phone. I keep getting told I will get a call back when they get to my van, they have had it back in their possession now for three full days and still no updates on the vehicle other than being asked if I got stuck in mud. What that has to do with my issue is beyond me. I am told no one is available to take your complaint. I keep getting transferred to different employees who all tell me the same thing. "What do you want us to do?" They have not once addressed me as a human, apologized for the events that have occured, in fact I cannot reach neither the salesman that sold me the vehicle nor can I reach the manager himself. The direct number they gave me for the manager (TJ) is the normal business phone number directory. I am told every day that I call, TJ will call you as soon as hes done with his customers. Me being one of them. I do not receive a call. I call at the end of the day an hour before they close and they tell me TJ has gone home for the day. I spent $14,000 with them one week ago and I cannot even get an update on my vehicle or talk to someone in charge. All the reps have an attitude with me now, which is in line with the rest of their ****** reviews. I am not the only one who is having these exact same issues, all of the reviews are the same. And they are countered by the employees setting up fake profiles and posting 5 star reviews for their own company to keep their ratings up. For every one star review and complaint they post a few 5 stars that are VERY obviously fake. This business and experience has to top the worst of them and I truly hope you look into it.

  Business response

  06/05/2024

  We received the complaint filed by ****** ******* and we have found the following:

  Mr. ******* purchased a 2014 **** Van on 5/10/24.  Because the van is 10 years old, it was sold AS-IS.  On 5/19/24, the van was towed in with transmission concerns.  Since then, Mr. ******* has been in frequent contact with his Service Representative and TJ has also spoken with Mr. ******* before ABW received this complaint. 

  We feel the need to respond to *** ********* comments related to ABW's, "VERY obviously fake" positive reviews: ABW sells hundreds of vehicles every month, totaling several thousand vehicles per year, including roughly 1/3 of such business due to repeat and referral business.  Those thousands of happy customers per year often leave 5-star reviews for us.  ABW does not have interest in sourcing "fake" reviews.  The industry is full of such Review Sellers and while many dealers may participate in such activities, ABW has never done so. Frankly, ABW has no interest or need to.  When a problem does arise, it is typically with an older vehicle such as this 10 year old van, and regardless of the vehicle being sold AS-IS or not, ABW has consistently demonstrated its willingness to help.

  The reason Mr. ******* was asked if he got stuck in mud was to help diagnose the problem.  The rear wheel wells were plastered with mud and the transmission fluid was overheated until it expanded and escaped through the overflow.  Ultimately, the vehicle's transmission was diagnosed as needing a replacement, which work is currently underway. Mr. ******* has been kept informed along the way and we anticipate his vehicle being returned to him soon.

  Customer response

  06/06/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I was not kept in touch with nor will I accept the claims that they kept me informed all along the way. Not once was a call made to me, I had to call them. In which case I was met with nothing but attitude from the women working customer service or sales. 

  When I dropped them the keys the Sunday the van broke down, my concerns were hardly addressed. Instead the salesman proceeded to tell me how beautiful my significant other and my relatives were who were with me. Absolutely inappropriate behavior towards any customer, but certainly one who is returning with a broken down vehicle. The transmission was over filled as was the engine oil. Along with a loose tool found just bouncing around the engine bay... No I do not accept their response nor do I think the state of *********** should. There's a reason why they are being sued...

   

  As for the mud... It's a front wheel drive vehicle, so mud being caked on the rear wheels and wheel well is completely irrelevant. Especially considering the lot at ABW is a dirt lot and it did rain the night after I dropped the van off. Regardless. In the short time I had the van, aside from where I broke down and pulled off the highway, I drove to Van to some estimates as it is a business vehicle I purchased for my newly launched business. That being said some of those jobs were new construction with driveways that were unfinished. Not once did I get stuck however and if I did, I'd have no problem admitting it. 

   

  This van was babies from the day I took possession, and in the short time I drove it, it bucked from 1st gear to 2nd gear almost every time. But all other shifts were fairly smooth and normal. 

   

  Upon checking the engine oil, realizing it was way overfilled, I called the salesman Paul. He asked me, with less than a customer service attitude ... "What do you want me to do about it", and "it's not that big of a deal if the oil is overfilled" 

   

  Which led me to believe, and even mention it to my partner, that they probably overfilled the transmission fluid too. Little did I know, that was exactly the case. 

  This experience, customer service, and management of the incident has been by far the worst. I will say that now they are at least speaking to me with respect as they should. They will also be issuing a new thirty day temporary tag, as the current temps have expired. I drove the car for a week, and it's been out of my possession now for the last three weeks. Today is June 6th. I appreciate it but I believe it is the least they could do. 

  I have lost so much time and have been incredibly inconvenienced as I said I bought this Van for work, and have been in desperate need of it which is why I bought it in the first place. I am now lugging around hundreds of lbs of tools in my car, and it looks for lack of better words very unprofessional... Thank God I paid an additional 2k dollars for their warranty. I would be screwed had I not. And I feel bad for all the people who are unsuspected, not mechanically inclined to know the difference or connect the dots. I feel for all the ones who got sold a lemon. I have owned nothing but older cars...in fact my current car is a 2007 with almost 200,000 miles. And I keep up on the maintenance myself. I have never had a vehicle break down and leave me stranded in my life. And right now in my life is when I needed that van the most. Not asking for my feet to be kissed here. Just some decency and consideration for what I have been through. 

   

  Thank you ABW. For proving to me there is a better way, but it's unfortunately shopping elsewhere. 

  Cheers. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Clocking out an hour before your shifts end 

  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  Customer response

  06/21/2024

  I have since found an extensive amount of mold after smelling it for sometime now. This has not grown overnight. And the overwhelming air freshener smell when I first bought the car but not an air freshener in sight, leads me to believe they knew about this and tried to hide it for the sale of the vehicle. What an absolute nightmare and health hazard to say the least. Ive been breathing this in since the first day with the van from a better way wholesale Auto. 

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  04/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Inpurchased a 2017 ****** *** * in late Aug 22 as I asked the salesman to fix certain things he would (pre collision sensor lane departure sensor ) change breaks rotors tires they changed 1 tire and in the process the damaged the tire sensor which he assured me would go away after driving 50mile after calling service and leaving voicemails which none returned calls or answered for the precollision sensor malfunction lane departure malfunction which I asked to be fixed (all they did was reset it ) plus the tire sensor which I got tired of cause no one called back or picked up for service I paid out of pocket for which my mechanic stated they didn’t installed it wrong and was broken but I kept driving as I have kids to take to school and work Fast forward car is Jerking can’t get a appointment with these guys again after a week calling I get through they made me appointment for March 12 no one called to confirm or anything at the time I couldn’t make it due to a personal issue I tried calling back to no avail (I also purchased extended warranty) so I get through one day to sales as I’m talking to sales I believe the female I spoke to was Jen she stated to me that the tire pressure sensor they don’t fix I said ok what about the pre collision and lane departure she looked up my file and stated yea that was a issue with this vehicle and I stated to her my vehicle is jerking I had to use the extended warranty at another shop and they determined the transmission is bad she then told me so why you calling here if you got a shop so she puts me on a brief hold a male picks up says he’s trying to help me he stated if I have extended warranty take it to my own shop because there’s only one guy that works service I asked what happens to the woman I was speaking to he stated her house on fire she had to leave so going on and on he stated to me he would leave a note for service to call no call I continued with my shop with the transmission work which I had to pay $600 for gaskets fluids etc after install found out transmission they sent me was no good so now has to be taken out and reinstalled when they send another new used transmission but the lane depart and pre collision is still on and disabled my 4 wheel drive and traction control which is a safety concern also I did not buy the vehicle as is I have paperwork stating that I traded my vehicle they gave me $500 and I out $2000 so $2500 down to deal with this nonsense

  Business response

  04/22/2024

  We have received Mr. ******** statement of the problem he has experienced with a ****** he purchased in August 2022. Records indicate Mr. ****** purchased the car a year later than he stated, in August 2023.  The vehicle was then 6 years old with over 100,000 miles and it was sold with a 60 day/3,000 mile warranty. 

  The next time Mr. ****** called ABW, per ABW's phone records as well as Mr. ******** statement, was seven months and approximately 15,000 miles later, during early March 2024. Mr. ****** called and set an appointment for March 12. However, as he explained in his statement, he did not keep that appointment. Instead, Mr. ****** had the repairs made by another shop, using the service contract he purchased with the vehicle.  The shop replaced the transmission, however the replacement transmission installed by his shop was faulty and another replacement was required.  ABW was not party to those repairs and therefore cannot provide any information related to them, however Mr. ******** Statement suggests the second replacement is in process.  ABW has attempted to reach Mr. ****** to verify that the replacement is on-track.

  Mr. ****** also referred to a pre-collision feature that is not working properly. Although the vehicle's 60 day / 3,000 mile warranty has been expired for several months, ABW would be happy to help Mr. ****** any way we can.  We encourage him to reach TJ, ABW's General Manager, at ###-###-#### to coordinate a time to discuss the problem.  If email is more convenient, TJ can be reached at ***************.

   

  Customer response

  04/23/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I brought a car like a year ago with A Better Way wholesale Auto in ** ********* ** ********** ** ***** with a warranty with *********** ******** *** (###-###-####) for 3 years (that they push me to buy it). The car have a mechanical problem with the timing chain and the dealer want me to pay for the repair and they said that the warranty company doesn’t want to pay for it. I call the warranty company and they said the dealer didn’t called for make a claim. And I was calling back and forward between the dealer and the warranty company with out any solution. I don’t know what else do. I need help with this issue.

  Business response

  04/18/2024

  I have read Mr. ******* complaint and I researched the transaction.

  A little over a year ago Mr. ***** purchased a 2008 ***** *****.  Being 15 years old with a high odometer reading, the vehicle was sold AS-IS.  Mr. ***** also purchased a 3 year warranty. 

  Mr. ******* complaint refers to a mechanical problem with the vehicle's timing chain, however his vehicle does not have a timing chain.  Instead, it is equipped with a timing belt, which ***** considers a maintenance item.  Service Contracts do not cover maintenance-related items.  This information has been provided to Mr. *****, and he has expressed that he feels ABW should pay for the replacement of the belt.  ABW obviously cannot pay for the ongoing maintenance of the vehicles it sells, however it would be willing to do the work for $900 (ABW's internal cost), which is approximately half of what a ***** dealer or other qualified shop is likely to charge.  This work would include the replacement of the vehicle's water pump, as well as the timing belt tensioners and idler pulleys, as ***** suggests replacing them at the same time to save redundant labor charges (the components are located in the same area and both require removal of the same components for access).

  As we have already expressed to Mr. *****, it is important that he address the matter immediately.  If he neglects this maintenance item, he will almost certainly cause engine damage sometime in the near future (which will not be covered by his warranty due to maintenance neglect).

  If he would like ABW to perform the work, he should reach TJ C***** at ABW, who will schedule the work ASAP.  If he elects to have the work done by others, ABW suggests having the vehicle towed to the shop of his choice to avoid the chance of damaging the vehicle's engine.

   

• Initial Complaint

  03/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a new car at this dealership when I got it it needed oil change, brakes and rotors done, there was a leak in front passenger door, headlight problem and 5 recalls. I took car back to dealership a week after and they kept my car for a week had to pay for a rental. After picking up car nothing was resolved and car was making noise it wasnt making before. My car is currently at the ***** dealership and they are fixing everything for $900 that’s coming out of my pocket. Also I was told is illegal to sell a car with so many recalls. ***** wouldn’t be allowed to sell cars in that condition. The car only has 33k and I’m paying over $30k so I should not be sold a car in that condition for the amount I’m paying. Please help!!

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  We have made multiple attempts to reach Ms. ******* to discuss the matter.  We encourage her to please reach TJ C*****, our General Manager, who has left two voicemail messages. He will be happy to help.  We acknowledge her frustration regarding recalls as most of these items can only be addressed by franchise dealers, which are slow to react.  Ms. ******* may recall signing a document advising her about potential recalls how to resolve them.  ABW is always willing to coordinate bringing the vehicle to a franchise store on behalf of a customer, as the franchise store is compelled (and far more likely) to make the repair for a registered owner in a timely manner.  

  Customer response

  04/08/2024

  I have called a better way auto and they gave me an appointment to bring the car in for the door. I still have to pay once again for a car rental when I drop the car off once again and who knows for how long. 

  Customer response

  04/08/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I have called the business and all i got was an appt so I will call again and speak to the general manager. I still will come out of pocket once again when I drop my car off for the second time within a month because I have to get a rental. I already got a rental twice and it’s becoming very inconvenient for us. This was the reason we purchased a new car to avoid car problems so yes very frustrating. 
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased an 2017 **** ** from this business on 12/31/23 and I had to return it for service on 1/31 because the engine was bad. They replaced the engine took approx 3 weeks . When I picked up my vehicle I asked them to provide the warranty and information regarding the replacement engine. I was told it would be emailed to me to I have contacted them on three different occasions asking for this information. A month later still nothing no call, no email, no follow up. Shady business practices are happening and this is not what I paid over 19,000 for.

  Business response

  03/18/2024

  This matter has been resolved by re-mailing the information. The information requested has been mailed to the address on file (same address as provided to BBB) multiple times. Please note Ms. ********* also signed the Work Order containing the warranty information when the vehicle was released.

  The engine information is:  ********* 1U-ENGINE ASSEMBLY  * *********; VIN# *****************; PO#******; 2.0L,52K,W TURBO; Requested: **** Q3 17-18, (engine ID CCTA, gasoline); ********* ********* *********    The engine came with a 6 month / 3,000 mile warranty.

  Note that ABW paid $4,250.00 for the engine alone and did not charge Ms. ********* for what would have been a repair totaling over $12,000.  

  Customer response

  03/18/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I do not like how they acted as if they re-mailed it to me because they never sent it in the first place. Also they would be no reason why I’ll be paying $12,000 for a repair. I don’t even know why they mentioned that because it was under warranty and they’re the ones that sold me a lemon. I also have not received how many miles are on the engine even though I’ve requested that so yes, they provided half the information but unfortunately it was Incomplete just like their customer service.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *********

  Business response

  04/01/2024

  We received Ms. Pendelton's remarks and therefore urge Ms. ********* to carefully read the following information for the donor vehicle, which I copied from our last correspondence:

  ********* 1U-ENGINE ASSEMBLY  * *********;

  VIN# *****************;

  PO#******;
  

  2.0L,
  

  52K,
  

  W TURBO;
  

  Requested: **** Q3 17-18, (engine ID CCTA, gasoline);
  

  Q:891191; W:208057; D:383978.

  
  The VIN# *****************, the odometer of 52K and the 6 month / 3,000 mile warranty were highlighted on her Repair Order.  This information has also been mailed multiple times and recently sent through the BBB.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩