ComplaintsforClassic Engine USA LLC

• Initial Complaint

  06/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired Classic Engine USA to find me two classic **** Mustangs, that were to be inspected and deliveredin safe & drivable condition. My first payment was sent 12/5/2023 and it took a negative turn from there. For months I had been dealing withFred who claimed to be the owner and operator taking care of this business deal. Once the money was wired, I find out from **** that he in fact is not in any way, the owner of this companyand it's a woman named *************************. It ended up looking more as if he is not legally allowed to work or be in the **, with his never providing a last name or address for me to reach him. I was in theprocess of buying property in ** and was able to see & drive thefirst car they found; it was actually pretty good only needing a few cosmetic repairs. I was back home in ***** when they found and purchased the second car, unable to inspect myself, relying on their promised expertise. I have invoices from upgrades & repairs done by them before deliveringthe cars. These cars arrived both in undrivablecondition, the main issue being breaks incorrectly installed & leaking, the wrong tires installed causing them to rub against the car frame, etc. I was guaranteedin writingby **** that he would be inspecting these cars himself and they would arrive in very good condition, ready to go. I have tried reaching out to them about this--**** has completelydisappearedand ***** does not address any of my concerns and only repeats the obvious that these are classic cars even when sending the videos/pictures of the cars failing, being towed, repair invoices, etc.I have plenty videos, invoices and photos from my local repair shops working on these cars now if/when needed.

  Business response

  07/08/2024

  I appreciate the opportunity to address the complaint filed by Mr. ****** who operates American VIP Excursion. I would like to clarify several important points and provide context to the situation:

  
  

  1. Nature of the ********************** purchased two classic cars from my dealership - a 1966 **** Mustang convertible and a 1967 **** Mustang convertible. This was a direct sale, not a hiring of services. Pictures and videos were sent to Mr ***** and he decided to purchase The Red Mustang first and the White at later stage.  

  
  

  2. Intended Use and *********************** purchased these cars for commercial use in his touring business, American VIP Excursion. However, he chose to register them as personal vehicles, citing insurance costs and profit considerations. This decision was entirely his own.

  
  

  3. Comparison to Existing Business Model: Mr. ******* primary business involves tours with new Harley ******** motorcycles, which are easily maintained and repaired. There is a significant difference between operating tours with modern motorcycles and using 57 and 58-year-old classic cars for similar purposes. We repeatedly emphasized this distinction.

  
  

  4. Condition and Risks: Both cars were sold at fair market value and in "AS IS" condition, which is standard for vintage automobiles. We repeatedly advised Mr. ***** about the challenges of using these classic vehicles for commercial touring, particularly for trips of 200 miles per day for two weeks. Mr. ***** acknowledged these risks, stating that both he and his clients were aware of potential issues.

  
  

  5. Inspection and ******************* personally inspected and drove the red Mustang. He chose not to inspect the second vehicle despite having multiple opportunities during his visits to ********

  
  

  6. Post-Purchase Modifications: At Mr. ******* request, we assisted in finding a mechanic for disc brake conversion and air conditioning installation. We advised him about potential risks of these modifications, but Mr. ***** insisted on proceeding. Specifically we made him aware of the risk of adding AC, at least 25% of the cars have problem with overheating and engine issues. The car had beautiful original wheels size 14, when a disc conversion is made the size of the wheels has to be changed to 15 which will cause slight rubbing in sharp turns because of how the original body is designed. 

  
  

  7. Delivery: Both cars were delivered as requested to Mr. ******* chosen mechanic in ****** for the installation of the *** They were driven without issues from the drop-off point to the mechanic's shop.

  
  

  8. Communication: While Mr. ***** primarily communicated with **** due to language preferences, I (*************************) have always been the owner and was involved in the transaction from the beginning. There was no misrepresentation of ownership.

  
  

  9. Additional Services: As a courtesy, we stored Mr. ******* truck, trailer, and motorcycle free of charge for approximately two months.

  
  

  10. Response to Issues: When Mr. ***** contacted me about problems, I responded promptly and professionally. However, communication ceased when he began making threats.

  
  

  It's important to note that classic cars often require ongoing maintenance and can develop issues, especially when extensively modified or used for purposes beyond their original design. We made every effort to advise Mr. ***** of the risks associated with his plans for these vehicles, particularly in contrast to his experience with modern motorcycles.

  
  

  We strive for customer satisfaction and have gone above and beyond our responsibilities as a classic car dealership in this transaction. While we empathize with any difficulties Mr. ***** may be experiencing, it's crucial to understand that these issues stem from his business decisions and modifications made after the sale, not from the condition of the cars at the time of purchase.

  
  

  We remain open to a constructive dialogue to address any legitimate concerns within the scope of our sale agreement.

  
  

  If any additional information is required, please don't hesitate to contact me.

  
  

  Sincerely,

  *************************

  Owner, Classic Engine USA

  ************

  Customer response

  07/10/2024

   
  Complaint: 21837014
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  This was not a direct sale. I hired Mr. ****  (he never reveals his last name because he is actually an illegal resident of the ** and under IRS investigation) for his expertise in classic cars;  I was never once connected to or communicated with the two different car sellers. All money and communication transactions were through ****/Classic Engine USA and then ****************** surprisingly at the end when it came time to exchange money; which is when I find out for the first time **** is not an owner in any capacity. Classic Engine USA was hired to responsibly source these cars, as they advertise themselves to be experts with vast networks, they do not have a car lot/showroom, to easily be visited for these sales as they source cars all over the country. 

  
  My first contact with **** of Classic Engine USA was online via ******** as I came across his page, aptly named **** Classic Engine, over mutual interests in classic cars. Many photos on his page showcase his experience and time with the company, as he is shown in Advertisements for the company, loading cars onto trailers prepping for transport, clearly much more than a translator as **************** is implying. See files attached with examples.  As we conversed online, **** introduced himself as the only owner/operator of the Classic Engine USA and we remained in contact over a two-year period before getting to meet in person.  When the I was in the position to start my search for classic cars, I made sure to meet **** in person; this was while I was in ***************** where Classic Engine is located. **** and I planned to meet downtown at a restaurant called ****** where Mr. **** surprised me by bringing along his so-called girlfriend *************************. As we got to know each other over dinner, ****************** said she was a language translator never mentioning any connection or involvement in Classic Engine USA. In the upcoming weeks, during the whole process of finding the cars. **** sent me pictures, videos and gave reports of the condition of each car. Messages via WhatsApp/Text from **** himself mention several times that the cars are real beauties, perfect for what I need them for, mint condition and that there is nothing wrong, no repairs needed to be done other than a tune up and a few upgrades that I had requested. These repairs and upgrades were done by Classic Engine USA as it shows on the invoices; which I found suspicious considering they are not licensed nor advertised to do any mechanic work or as a reseller of car parts (these invoices were previously submitted). I was told these repairs/upgrades were done by a professional tier mechanic shop, but have no documentation showing this and ****************** never mentions a mechanic shop or person validating who performed these repairs/upgrades.  When we got to the point of my paying for the first ******** it was revealed by Mr. **** in words that he was nothing as it pertains to the business, nothing is in his name, I have to deal with ******************. This was a very concerning, considering I had met **************** previously and it was never disclosed nor even implied, that she was part of or running Classic Engine USA until now - I had been solely working through as Mr. **** apparently has no ownership or direct employment with Classic Engine USA. When I was checking in on the purchase of the first Mustang and repairs, **** then tells me that only ****************** is in charge, its her business only she can decide when the car is picked up and the repairs are done, I am nothing, its her business, nothing I can do, I am nothing (see text messages attached). 
  
  I only got to drive and see the first Mustang as I was able to make it down to ************* in between work; it drove very well only needing the simple repairs previously discussed with Mr. ***** upgraded to disc brakes and minor cosmetic items. I never got a chance to inspect the second ******** relaying on ***** expertise saying it was a wonderful car, good condition only needing the same minor upgrades as the first car. Once I asked for the videos of **** reviewing the car himself with his voice as he did for the first car, he admitted that he did not inspect the car himself and that it was a trusted source that did for him. I have attached these videos and photo and messages from **** to proving this.  
  
  Before the **** was to haul both cars to the mechanic shop in ****** where I was having the ** units installed, he requested I pay him directly in cash for the transport and the mechanics that did the repairs. Also very strange, considering I was already invoiced by Classic Engine USA for these services. 
  
  After **** trailered both cars to Vegas and received payment, I was no longer able to communicate with him; he did not respond to texts, WhatsApp, phone or ******** since April 29th. , I reached out to **** because the mechanic shop installing the ** units said these cars were in terrible shape; repairs/upgrades had not been done right. When trying to drive these cars, my life and other lives were in danger due to the failure of the brand-new brake system, master cylinder cap being held together by a simple zip strip, having the wrong tires installed on the white ******** brake leaks). I have inspection reports from the mechanic shops in ***** explaining and showing this. 
  How can cars being sold in great condition not be drivable, once of which when I drove it myself worked just fine. Now, upon arrival, neither car can be driven more than for 1 mile without any break downs; difficultly of starting the car, stalling, failure of brake.
  
  I would like to directly challenge these statements:
  
  
  5. Inspection and ******************* personally inspected and drove the red Mustang. He chose not to inspect the second vehicle despite having multiple opportunities during his visits to ********
              - I did not have a chance to inspect the second car because I was working and I was not in ** many times as ****************** is stating and if I was, the car second car was not even in ** for more than a few days before being brought to Vegas. How would I have any time to get down there to inspect the second card and why would I,  having been assured by fake owner **** it was in good condition? 
  
  7. Delivery: Both cars were delivered as requested to Mr. ******* chosen mechanic in ****** for the installation of the **. They were driven without issues from the drop-off point to the mechanic's shop.
              - How does ****************** know this? Is there proof? Its common knowledge cars can be unloaded easily in neutral not having to turn on the engine at all. These cars were dropped in the parking lot of the mechanic shop, after hours with no witnesses around.
  
  8. Communication: *************** primarily communicated with **** due to language preferences, I (*************************) have always been the owner and was involved in the transaction from the beginning. There was no misrepresentation of ownership.
              - I speak English very well and had no trouble communicating with **************** when we had met for dinner months back. Yes, **** and I do speak French, but I could have easily talked to **************** throughout this entire process if she was in fact involved from the beginning, which she was not. Perhaps **************** had been involved with this deal together from the start,  but that was not made aware to me clearly as I only ever dealt with **** until the end. 
  
  
  9. Additional Services: As a courtesy, we stored Mr. ******* truck, trailer, and motorcycle free of charge for approximately two months.
              - Grateful for this, however when **** was ever upset or didnt like my response on something, he would tell me to come get my things. 
  
  10. Response to Issues: ************** contacted me about problems, I responded promptly and professionally. However, communication ceased when he began making threats.
              - I simply informed **************** that if there was no response, I would take further action and report **** for being in the ** illegally. 
  
  Why is **************** never responding to the huge issue of Mr. **** working for her company, posing as the owner and/or providing services to her company, all while being here illegally? He has no last name, asks for payments in cash, has completely disappeared with no way to contact him, no home address only shows sign of living on a boat? I do not understand how **************** is totally avoiding these facts. I doubt there is any proof of services paid to Mr. ***** especially only those as a translator ha ha. 

   

   

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

  Business response

  07/22/2024

  dd

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