ComplaintsforBudget Car Mart

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was convinced by a vehicle at **** ***** ********* **. by the uses deception targeted by age knowing in my health conditions I could not crawl under the vehicle and Budget Car Mart in along with the lendmark financial services in Cuyahoga Falls work together to target me. I want to sell the vehicle and the customer along with myself had a mechanic look at it and it has a rotted frame and the vehicle is getting ready to break into. I contacted Fred Martin Nissan who is the owner about your car lot and they basically said about this traded budget and and I would do that so I was targeted by deception now have to pay $10,496.37 to Lendmark trade your vehicle in at a dealer so we can be destroyed before it kill somebody.

  

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  We are in receipt of the complaint by ******* *********. This is the first we are hearing of any issues, as we are not affiliated with Fred Martin Nissan.  Fred Martin Nissan spoke to Mr. ********* and recommended he contact us.  We have heard nothing. I have reached out to Mr. ********* to review what his issues with the vehicle are. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle from budget car mart , and had it checked out , and was told it needs an oil pan and the whole subframe is rotted and can’t be safely driven

  

  Business response

  03/05/2024

  
  ****** ******
  Investigator & Dispute Resolution Coordinator
  Better Business Bureau of Akron
  222 W. Market Street
  Akron, Ohio 44303
  
  March 5, 2024
  
  RE: Mr. ****** *******, Complaint ID ********
  
  Dear Ms. ******:
  
  Mr. ****** ******* purchased a 2009 Ford Fusion on February 22, 2024 with 116,176 miles on the odometer.
  
  Mr. ******* was offered the opportunity to have both the vehicle inspected by a professional of prior to purchasing the vehicle.  He declined and agreed in writing that he would be responsible for any repairs that should arise after purchasing the vehicle.  These documents are attached.
  
  Mr. ******* was aware he was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  That is the whole thrust of our business plan, inexpensive vehicles sold “As-Is”. As a business we could not have made our “As-Is” policy any clearer to Mr. *******.  Every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no warranties of any kind.  
  
  As a goodwill gesture we compensated Mr. ******* $300 towards the repair suggested by his mechanic. We believe him to now be satisfied.
  
  If there are any further questions, please contact me at ***** ********.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ******
  General Manager
  Budget Car Mart

• Initial Complaint

  01/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Auto dealership sold a vehicle that is unsafe to drive, and is in violation of Ohio Revised Code 4513.02. ORC 4513.02 states ..."No person shall drive or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person. The frame damage on the vehicle illustrates the unsafe condition of it, and this is also backed up by two certified mechanics who examined the vehicles frame. Photos are accompanying this complaint. Additionally, per dealer regulations in Ohio, prior to the sale of a vehicle, the dealer must disclose any known previous frame/structural damage to the vehicle to the customer. This was NOT done prior to my signing to buy the vehicle. I also specifically remember asking Adam about any frame or structural issues when we were outside brushing snow off of the car before I test drove it. He verbally replied there were no issues. Vehicle is 2011 Kia Sorento. VIN# *****************. Purchased 12/22/2023. We are willing to settle this complaint amicably with the dealership without further recourse of action by accepting an exchange for a different vehicle of similar price with no additional funds out of pocket incurred.

  

  Business response

  01/12/2024

  We are in receipt of the complaint by Mr. ****** *********.  Mr. ********* did purchase a vehicle "as-is" from Budget Car Mart on December 18, 2023. While it is not our policy to allow refunds or exchanges due to our numerous documents required at purchase that assert a customer understands the "as-is" nature of the purchase, we did permit a one time exchange for Mr. ********* as a gesture of goodwill.  We are pleased to report that Mr. ********* selected a vehicle that met his needs, and made an exchange.  We believe he is satisfied, and this complaint can be closed.

  If there are any further questions, please contact me at (**** ********.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ******
  General Manager
  Budget Car Mart

  Customer response

  01/12/2024

  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.  The dealership was very accomadating and understanding.

• Initial Complaint

  12/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  12/18/2023 When I test drove the car I discovered several car parts in the trunk and was told those would be installed if I chose to purchase. The check engine and check oil lights were NOT on. After I purchased the car 2 days later both lights came on. I called to question them about this and was rudely told "you bought this as is." I bought the car from them in good faith and did not receive the same from this company. I totally believe the check engine lights were reset and I feel this was fraud. I paid a lot of money for this car and I should be able to drive it is safety. Any help you could give me on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, ******* ********

  

  Business response

  01/02/2024

  We are in receipt of the complaint by Mr. ******* ********.  As Mr. ******** stated, he purchased an "as-is" vehicle from our lot and was well aware of this ahead of taking delivery of the vehicle.  It is not our practice to do anything to a vehicle before offering it for sale, including clearing any codes that may cause dash lights to turn out.  The parts in the trunk came with the vehicle, and we was made aware that we could direct him on getting other available parts if they needed changed.  Mr. ******** was offered to have the vehicle inspected prior to purchase, and elected not to do so.  We will upload documents that were signed by Mr. ******** that clearly indicate he knew this, as well as the "as-is" purchase.

  We apologize if anyone was rude when he called, but Mr. ******** is not entitled to a refund of any kind.

  If there are any further questions, please contact me at (234) 226-7400.
  
  Sincerely,
  

  ***** ********
  Sales Manager
  Budget Car Mart 2

  

  Business response

  01/02/2024

  Attached are the executed documents indicating Mr. ******** knowingly purchased an "as-is" vehicle, and that he had the opportunity to inspect it prior to purchase. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  10/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car it needed 2200 dollars worth of work done to it, and on top of that it needs a new transmission. I haven't been able to drive it since I bought it. I bought the car 9/14

  

  Business response

  10/10/2023

  
  ****** ******
  Investigator & Dispute Resolution Coordinator
  Better Business Bureau of Akron
  *** ** ****** ******
  ****** **** *****
  
  October 10, 2023
  
  RE: Ms. ******** *********
  
  
  Dear Ms. ******:
  
  Ms. ******** ********* purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback on September 14, 2023 with 183,026 miles on the odometer.  
  
  Ms. ********* was explained to in great detail that the vehicle was being purchased “As-Is” with no warranties implied or otherwise.  She understood and agreed in writing several places on the attached supporting documents.  
  
  Ms. ********* was also offered the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by a professional of her choice prior to purchasing the vehicle.  She declined and agreed in writing that she would be responsible for any repairs that should arise after purchasing the vehicle.  These documents are attached.
  
  Ms. ********* was aware she was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  That is the whole thrust of our business plan, inexpensive vehicles sold “As-Is”. As a business, we could not have made our “As-Is” policy any clearer to her.  Every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no warranties of any kind.   
  
  While we have empathy that the vehicle Ms. ********* purchased had issues so soon after purchase, we are not offering Ms. ********* a refund of any kind. 
  
  If there are any further questions, please contact me at (330) ***-****.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ******
  Sales Manager
  Budget Car Mart
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Went and was guided towards 2013 equinox Lt as is. Told it had been drove most and by the staff so one of few they knew to be in good condition. Right after pulling out of lit and paying 6100 out the door . There was a nail in drivers tire that was 8 bucks and we knew front right bulb was out 14 bucks then we find out we have a hole in the transfer case as it's leaking metallic fluids grindings from transfer box with hole needs that and new tires and alignment 4000.00 out the door paid over 330 dollars to find this out. Almost over the purchase price of this car. Also my ma hàs colorectal canver

  

  Business response

  07/24/2023

  We are in receipt of this complaint by Ms. *****, but we have no record of selling her a vehicle. We did attempt to look her purchase up using the phone number, address, and email provided, but it yielded no results.  In order to address this complaint we will need information on who the registered buyer of the vehicle was. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 14th, 2023 I purchased a 2011 Chevy Equinox in the amount of $5,985.00 Upon purchasing this vehicle I was told by the Sales associate(lady) that the vehicle was a nice, clean, well kept single owner vehicle. I inspected the vehicle and noticed some rust but outside of that the vehicle started and ran with some brake issues. Upon arriving back to the dealership I was greeted by that associate that the vehicle again is very nice and that I am going to really enjoy it. A week into having the vehicle, I have had nothing but life threatening issues. The vehicle stopped running while driving on the highway with my 6 month old son in the back seat. I almost caused a very bad accident while trying to merge off to the side of the highway, then sat in the cold for over an hour waiting for help. I tried calling the dealership the next day with no response back. I then put over $300.00 in replacement parts into the vehicle to get it operational to get back and forth to work. I had a mechanic inspect, which I was never informed by this dealership that I could have it inspected prior to purchase, so thats a lie. I am being told this vehicle is very unsafe. I contacted Budget again asking that there be some kind of resolution to this, explained how my life and my sons life was at risk due to it breaking down and the manager **** brushed me off with the whole "AS IS" This Company is selling unsafe vehicles. Google Reviews, Yelp Reviews, Facebook Reviews all show that this is happening over and over. They are putting peoples life at risk by allowing vehicles that they do not Quote on Quote INSPECT.. The sales associate told me that on the phone. They check breaks and make sure the vehicle starts. THATS ALL... They are collecting double over KBB price and profiting huge and taking advantage of hard working people. I have a family of four, I cant afford to just spend another $6000.00

  

  Business response

  02/07/2023

  Please see attached for response and supporting documents.

  

  Business response

  02/07/2023

  [BBB transcription response via attachment, see attachments]

   

  ****** ******
  Investigator & Dispute Resolution Coordinator
  Better Business Bureau of Akron
  222 W. Market Street
  Akron, Ohio 44303
  February 7, 2023

  
  RE: Mr. *********** ********

  
  Dear Ms. ******:

  
  Mr. *********** ******** purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox on January 14, 2023 with 182,276 miles on the
  odometer.

  
  Mr. ******** was explained to in great detail that the vehicle was being purchased “As-Is” with no warranties
  implied or otherwise. He understood and agreed in writing several places on the attached supporting
  documents.

  
  Mr. ******** was also offered the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by a professional of his choice
  prior to purchasing the vehicle. He declined and agreed in writing that he would be responsible for any repairs
  that should arise after purchasing the vehicle. These documents are attached.

  
  Mr. ******** was aware he was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any
  kind. That is the whole thrust of our business plan, inexpensive vehicles sold “As-Is”. As a business, we could
  not have made our “As-Is” policy any clearer to him. Every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no
  warranties of any kind.

  
  While we have empathy that the vehicle Mr. ******** purchased had issues so soon after purchase, we are not
  offering Mr. ******** a refund or replacement vehicle.

  
  If there are any further questions, please contact me at ***** ********.

  
  Sincerely,
  **** ******
  Sales Manager
  Budget Car Mart

  Customer response

  02/07/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Yes I agree that I did sign “as is” documents to this vehicle. I was not given the opportunity or even made aware that I could have a licensed mechanic look at the vehicle. Being presented this, would of been very helpful. It is not until I started my review process on Google, that I noticed this option. Because it was every response to every complaint. If this was presented to me, I would of gladly had someone check the vehicle out for me to make sure that it was a smart and safe purchase 

  

  Business response

  02/07/2023

  On page 6, box #1, Mr. ******** initialed that "The Company has recommended that I/We inspect the vehicle or have an automobile service professional inspect the vehicle prior to purchase.  If the vehicle was inspected, the party that inspected is the only party that described the condition of the vehicle, not an employee of The Company."

  This is contrary to Mr. ******** assertion that he was not given the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected.  We maintain our position on this matter.

• Initial Complaint

  12/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought a 2011 Subaru forester for 6200 from this business, had to put new calipers on front last wk because brakes were going out, now today either transmission, drive shaft or cv axles blew, car wont move and needs towed, called dealership to tell them of situation and trying to get them to fix it since it's only been 2 wks and the response from the woman mgr was you bought it, it's yours now, we don't fix anything, it's yours now then basically said f u as she hung up, when I started recording her , nobody at dealership would even attempt to help , they transferred me 3 times to different people till I got the woman mgr that told me f u, this is a garbage business and now I see have numerous complaints from past buyers, they rip everyone off selling junk cars at inflated prices and stating they are great condition cars

  

  Business response

  12/21/2022

  
  ****** ******
  Investigator & Dispute Resolution Coordinator
  Better Business Bureau of *****
  *** ** ****** ******
  ****** **** *****
  
  December 21, 2022
  
  RE: Mr. ***** ********** Complaint ID ********
  
  
  Dear *** ******:
  
  Mr. ***** ********** purchased a 2011 Subaru Forester on December 3rd, 2022 with 165,508 miles on the odometer. 
  
  Mr. ********** was explained to in great detail that the vehicle was being purchased “As-Is” with no warranties implied or otherwise.  He understood and agreed in writing several places on the attached supporting documents. 
  
  Mr. ********** was also offered the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by a professional of his choice prior to purchasing the vehicle.  He declined and agreed in writing that he would be responsible for any repairs that should arise after purchasing the vehicle.  These documents are attached.
  
  Mr. ********** was aware he was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  That is the whole thrust of our business plan, inexpensive vehicles sold “As-Is”. As a business, we could not have made our “As-Is” policy any clearer to him.  Every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no warranties of any kind.  
  
  An issue with the vehicle was discussed during the purchase process, and we agreed to deduct $1,500 from the price for this very reason.  Further, we completely disagree that our manager ******* spoke to him in the manner he describes.  He was cursing at her repeatedly and left her a nasty voicemail.
  
  While we have empathy that the vehicle Mr. ********** purchased had issues so soon after purchase, we are not offering Mr. ********** a refund, and we will not be repairing the vehicle.
  
  If there are any further questions, please contact me at ***** ********.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****
  Sales Manager
  Budget Car Mart 2

  Customer response

  12/22/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  This guy is lying,  I was never explained anything,  all they said was wrong with it was brakes alitte soft, so I immediately bought new calipers and had installed with lines bled, 2 days later, I believe cv axel blew out that someone had a bungee cord hidden to try to hold it in place and not blow out during test rides, crooked dealership,  I've heard about these places but 1st time dealing with crooked dealership like this, tow truck driver pointed bungee cord out to me and is witness to this, I have bungee cord, I want reimbursement for repairs 
  
  

  

  Business response

  12/23/2022

  We give every customer the opportunity to have our vehicles inspected by the mechanic of their choice prior to purchase.  Mr. ********** had this opportunity, as he indicated on page 3 of the previously provided document.  We do not have a repair facility or a lift at our location, and we deny ever using a bungee cord on this vehicle.  Mr. ********** agreed to purchase this vehicle "as-is", and was well aware of the risks a purchase of that nature may carry.  If Mr. ********** had the vehicle inspected prior to purchase as we recommend, he perhaps would not have purchased it.  He had the free will to make that decision, and did not.  We stand by our original response. Thank you.

  Customer response

  12/29/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  on March 2,2022 I was looking at vehicles at Budget Car mart. I believe that the salesman took advantage of me. I have had problems with the vehicle since before i got home. As a matter of fact,before we left the parking lot. The car didn't start, ***** said it was just that the battery needed charged. When it did start we test drove it. He assured me that it was just that the battery needed charged and that it was a regular thing when vehicles sit for a long time. When I was leaving ***** said to meet him at the lot across the street. I didn't know why. I didn't expect at all that when I did he grabbed my head and stuck his tongue down my throat. I told him he totally ******* me out. He said oh I thought it was a mutual connection, I said no. When we test drove the vehicle he asked what i did for a living and i told him that I used to be a dancer,in the adult entertainment industry. But that for sometime I have suffered from the medical issues i have and that I had filed for dissability. I guess he thought ********=naughty time. But I don't just go around with people. Its a business matter what I do and kissing and that isnt part of it, Or maybe he thought dissability =incompetent= easy target. I think about this often about what might have gone on in his head to go and do this, It disturbs me. After having issues with the car not starting/not starting everyday,finally I was on the highway and it just shut off! That caused me more problems. i put the word out that the dealership was shady,sold a faulty car. Told the manager about ***** and he said "you should have told me when it happened" WHAT?!good way to put the blame on me!They towed it to THEIR shop and they said nothings wrong,come get it,.I continued to have problems.now its not running.History report proves my conclusion of misrepresentain,failure to disclose material facts,intentional tort. They lied. Were unfair.Im out of$& a vehical. Budget Carmarts "AS IS" sale for me= me walking.im not the only 1.

  

  Business response

  09/08/2022

  To Whom It May Concern:

   

  We are in receipt of the complaint by Ms. *********. Ms. ********* purchased a vehicle "as-is" on March 2nd, 2022.   

  Ms. ********* was explained to in great detail that the vehicle was being purchased “As-Is” with no warranties implied or otherwise.  She understood and agreed in writing several places on the attached supporting documents.  She was also offered the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by a professional of their choice prior to purchasing the vehicle.  Ms. ********* declined and agreed in writing that she would be responsible for any repairs that should arise after purchasing the vehicle. 
  
  Ms. ********* was aware they was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  That is the whole thrust of our business plan, inexpensive vehicles sold “As-Is”. As a business we could not have made our “As-Is” policy any clearer to her.  Every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no warranties of any kind.  

  As for her claims against *****, he no longer works for our company, and cannot refute these claims or defend himself.  We leave it to the parties involved to pursue the matter within the legal system, as we are not investigators and none of the alleged interactions took place at our facility.

  That being said, we are willing to refund Ms. *********'s money with receipt of a signature on a release.  She should contact ***** *****, Sales Manager, at ************ to arrange a time to sign the form, and collect her check. We look forward to resolving this issue.

  Sincerely,

  **** ******

  Operations Manager

  Customer response

  09/11/2022

   Better Business Bureau:
  I would be glad to accept a refund of my money. I do not understand what it means about signing a release? I did try calling and leaving a message for ***** the number provided. Unfortunately the mailbox was full. I will try to call tomorrow and find my way up there. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I am the court-appointed Guardian for ******** *******, the individual who purchased the 2006 Mini Cooper from Budget Car Mart. The following is written by ********: My name is ******** ********  I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income. I was put on disability 12 years ago and had been saving money to purchase a vehicle. I saw your commercial on TV and decided to check it out at the end of February 2022. I did buy the 2006 Mini Cooper for $5000 and put my faith and trust in you, plus spending all of my savings. I had to sign an "as is" paper which I see why now. Within one month, the car was "acting up", I took it to a mechanic and it was out of oil! I guess I thought a dealership would take care of this, obviously, I was wrong. Within the next six weeks, the transmission went out and I took it to two transmission repair shops. The cost to replace this was over $7116, clearly a sum I do not have, nor, will I ever have that amount of money. How your company handled this was wrong. You had to have known there were issues with this vehicle, but, chose not to tell me. I am now without transportation and no money to remedy my situation. The following is my addendum: Sadly, this company is permitted to sell cars to low income individuals under the "guise" of "reputable". The company did NOT tell my client the truth about the condition of the car she purchased. As a result, low income individuals are being cheated out of hard earned dollars and left with nothing to show for it. We also had to pay $461.49 for the mechanic fees, plates and insurance. We now have to try and sell a car that has major, major problems. At least we know we will be honest with whatever individual or company is willing to work with us, unlike Budget Car Mart. The adage "buyer beware" is certainly true but does not excuse the company's responsibility to honesty

  

  Business response

  08/18/2022

  To Whom It May Concern:

  
  Ms. ******** ******* purchased a 2006 Mini Cooper on February 24, 2022 with 131,156 miles on the odometer.  

  Ms. ******* was aware she was purchasing the vehicle “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  She signed multiple documents indicating she agreed to purchase the vehicle “As-Is”.  Supporting documents are attached.  She was also verbally told that the vehicle was being sold “As-Is”.  Lastly, Ms. ******* was advised that she could bring the vehicle to a mechanic to inspect it prior to purchase should she wish to do so. 
  
  Selling inexpensive vehicles “As-Is” without guarantees of any kind is the whole thrust of our business plan.  As a business we could not have made our “As-Is” policy any more clear; every vehicle on our lot is sold “As-Is” with no warranties of any kind. 
  
  All vehicles on this lot are sold “As-Is” with no warranty or representations of any kind.  We certainly do our best to present quality used vehicles on our lot, but it is impossible to make guarantees of any kind for vehicles of this age without charging a premium.

  We did receive Ms. ********* letter, and I attempted to reach out multiple times by phone to discuss her vehicle.  We had two numbers on file: one was disconnected, the other the voicemail box was full.  

  If Ms. ******* would like to contact me, she is free to do so at any time by calling ************ to discuss her situation.

   

  Sincerely,

  **** ******

  General Manager

  Customer response

  08/24/2022

   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.

  
  

  Although the resolution is NOT satisfactory, we know we cannot afford an attorney to take on this case.  As a result, we do not plan any further action.  We will simply let others know of our experience with this company.

  
  

  Thanks to the BBB for following up so quickly to our request and issues.

*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. ↩