Patriot Buick GMC
Dealership Sales Review
I was in the market for a small excellent condition used vehicle for the first time in 17 years. My eyes caught a beautiful green 2013 Mazda 2 that I had seen elsewhere, and loved the color of the paint. I decided to check it out, it had low mileage, and a price that was close, to what was listed on Kelley Blue book for excellent condition. It wasn't until after I nervously signed paperwork, and a check, that I saw scratches in the hood, that in different lighting, disappear, however after a few rains, the extent became more evident, and there is rusting, and the scratches are very deep - jeopardizing the paint, I fell in love with - seen within the first 2 weeks. I will say, that the dealership agreed to replace the windshield, after I found I could not see out of it, in the rain, fog, or at night, due to massive dings, acid rain, and circular pattern etching over the entire windshield. There own windshield person said it had to be replaced. I spent $13,900 - plus and additional $1,800 for extended warranty. Back to the hood - the dealerships detail guy, said he wet sanded the hell out of the 3 areas of deep scratches, and that to do any more would chip and damage the paint even worse....that it had to be repainted....in front of me, and the president, Chad Helmer. They refuse to repaint the hood, that they knew was damaged. The car is spirited green, and as said various lighting, high buffing, maybe wax in the scratches made it hard to see in the beginning - but it was in changed lighting circumstances, and a few rains that I saw just how bad it was - and so have they, but maintain that its merely cosmetic. I found the sales team to be lax in returning calls or informing me, a novice in purchasing a car, or dealing with a dealership, let alone any follow ups. I did not have half of the remote key for weeks after purchase while it apparently sat in John Cooks desk and only received it because I schedule to meet with him about issues, then he handed it to me, and asked how I was starting the car. I had to keep on them for the windshield to be done. I was urged to speak to Bill Chappell about the hood, and he was incredibly rude to me, telling me the scratches were cosmetic, and damages were reflected in the price I paid, offering me touch up paint though. I have tried to clear things up with these guys, but still am being made to feel as though I expected a perfect car. However what I expected was a well running, dependable car that I could see out the windshield and not have a rusting, damaged hood, that I paid $13,900 for. Had I not seen it on the web - I would have been charged $14,900 too. I am made to feel that I should feel lucky they replaced the windshield, that their guy failed, and lucky they checked out motor issues once, that they found no problem with, so I should not expect them to make good on the severely damaged paint on the hood. Meanwhile my cars engine is already missing up my driveway, the same issues exist. Where do I take it now? To these guys? After clearly there is discord between myself and quite a few of the team - since 5 of them did look at the hood while I was there to meet with John. I saw Chad and Bill checking it out after my windshield was replaced, and after my horrible call with Bill. I was returning the loaner. So I should feel comfortable putting my car in their care now? I also found out that the car was originally a rental in GA, and they bought it at auction....passing it on to me, the novice - they got me. They smelled my inexperience a mile away, new I was in love with the color, new I was on my own, and needed a car...and that's the truth. So are the damages. Purchased on 8/22/2014. I am local - and you cant miss the car in town - I just wish it was running well, and did not have rusting already on the hood - not wishing for perfection.
- Recommend this dealer? No
- Purchased a vehicle from this dealer? Yes
- Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Not Applicable