Prestman Auto

I have had quite the experience with Prestman. I purchased a 2014 Buick Enclave (VIN 5GAKRCKD4EJ177718) back in May 2016. In January 2018 there was this loud popping sound. Eventually I got it down to the repair shop. Here is where the story gets interesting. The repair shop informed me that the VIN number does not match the physical vehicle. The VIN lists the vehicle as a FWD. However, the actually vehicle is an AWD vehicle. The reason this was of concern was because the loud popping sound was the rear drive shaft falling off the vehicle. I contacted Prestman Auto to ask why the VIN does not match the physical vehicle. All they would say was it was listed in their system as an AWD, and that I should consider it an upgrade if the VIN only showed the vehicle as a FWD. The VIN is specific to each vehicle. So I started my research. Prestman Auto originally listed this 2014 Buick as a AWD vehicle when I purchased it back in 2016. I paid for the CARFAX and it lists this vehicle as a FWD. I tracked down the dealership that sold this vehicle before it was in an accident and sold to be salvaged. The Buick dealership in Carlsbad, California originally sold the vehicle. According to them, the VIN is clearly a FWD vehicle. Why? Why is the vehicle different that that designated by the VIN? Prestman could not or would not provide any details. My biggest concern then was the vehicle I bought, was not the original vehicle in a crash, totaled, and then rebuilt. The next logical solution in my mind would be there was a VIN swap. If so, there would be documentation. Just thinking out-side the box for a moment... How easy would it be to take a stolen vehicle, and swap the VIN from a 'Salvaged' titled vehicle. There are only three location on a vehicle that have the VIN; the hood, the door, and the tag in the windshield. In addition to this, one of the wheels had been welded. This is against Utah's safety code. When I brought this to the individual who does safety inspections at Prestman Auto, he stated that there was no problems with a welded wheel. When I showed this individual the safety code, he was stumped. I tried for months to get Prestman to replace the welded rim. They never did. It was the front right rim. I contacted a lawyer and filed a consumer compliant with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. The outcome of this was Prestman would give me a full trade for the original purchase price of the 2014 Buick Enclave. So I took it. Now that same vehicle is listed on prestmanauto.com for sale. This vehicle is now listed as a FWD. Unless Prestman did some major work on the chasis, the physical vehicle is still a AWD vehicle. This type of business practice by Prestman Auto does not inspire confidence. If you read this, or if you happen to have purchased the 2014 Buick Enclave (VIN 5GAKRCKD4EJ177718), then you might want to question your purchase.