ComplaintsforGamblin Motors

• Initial Complaint

  05/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 4/26/2024 I purchased a used Chevrolet Bolt from Art Gamblin Motors in Enumclaw. This car was listed as being part of a ** buyback program for a battery recall, which had been performed prior to being listed for sale. This information was included on the CarGurus listing for this vehicle, as well as the vehicle's range of 259 miles from a full charge (which all Bolts are rated for). However, at no point during the sale process was I informed that the battery capacity for this particular car was limited to 80% for ***** miles from the time of the recall being performed. The only information I was given was that all recalls had been performed satisfactorily, and no open recalls remained. I only discovered the limited range the morning after I purchased the vehicle when I got in the car after charging overnight in my garage and saw a message on the dash informing me there was a charge limit in place that I could not change. Upon calling the salesman I worked with, I was first told he knew nothing about it, was put on hold, and was then told "they all come like that after these recalls."I now have a vehicle that does not have its advertised range for at least another six months, based on my driving habits. I drove all the way down from ****** - a 62-mile drive each way - to purchase this car. I would not have purchased it at the sale price had I known of the limited range. I am requesting a refund to make up for the lack of communication and the logistical problems the limited range will present for my summer plans.Included in this complaint are two screenshots from an advertisement by Art Gamblin Motors for another Bolt I was looking at that also had the battery recall performed under the ** buyback program, which includes similar language and the advertised full range - and nowhere does it list that its range will be less than advertised for a period of time.

  Customer response

  05/07/2024

  Follow up for clarification: I am not seeking a full refund. I am requesting financial compensation to reflect the decreased value of the car, the difficulties its limited range will present, and the misleading nature of the advertisement and lack of transparency or knowledge on the part of the dealership and salesman. Again, I would not have purchased this car at the listed sale price had the limited range been included in the original advertisement or communicated to me during the sale process. I feel a fair price would have been $2,000 less than what I paid. Add in the cost to finance the original price, plus the headache of having to deal with all of this, and I am requesting $3,000 in total reimbursement.

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and the circumstances surrounding this transaction.
  
  Firstly, we wish to express our commitment to customer satisfaction, a cornerstone of our business ethos for over 50 years at Art Gamblin Motors. We understand the importance of accurate vehicle information and strive to ensure all potential buyers are well-informed.
  
  Regarding the case in question, ******************** was provided with comprehensive warranty and recall history of the vehicle prior to purchase. This documentation clearly outlined the recalls completed, including the specific battery recall affecting the vehicle. It is also worth noting that ********************, having owned two Chevrolet Bolts previously, expressed to our sales associate his extensive knowledge about these vehicles.
  
  The battery capacity limitation is part of a widely known and well-publicized recall within the *************** This information is readily accessible and understood among current and prospective Bolt owners.
  
  Art Gamblin Motors maintains a strict policy of transparency as evident in our disclaimer, which emphasizes the verification of vehicle content by the customer. Our website and sales materials consistently encourage this practice to avoid any misunderstandings.
  
  While we regret that ******************** is dissatisfied with his purchase, the vehicle is currently performing as designed by the manufacturer post-recall, and there has been no misrepresentation on our part regarding the vehicles condition or history.
  
  Given these circumstances, we are not in a position to offer a refund. However, we are more than willing to assist ******************** with a trade-in for another vehicle that better suits his needs and expectations. This option may provide a satisfactory resolution for both parties involved.
  
  We hope this response addresses the concerns raised and illustrates our dedication to fair and honest business practices. We are keen to resolve this matter amicably and continue our tradition of advancing marketplace trust.
  
  Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your guidance on the next steps.
  
  

  Customer response

  05/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 21669139
  
  I am rejecting this response because this is not a fair or accurate representation of the matter. To wit:

  Art Gamblin: "******************** was provided with comprehensive warranty and recall history of the vehicle prior to purchase. This documentation clearly outlined the recalls completed, including the specific battery recall affecting the vehicle."

  Attached are three images showing the entirety of the recall information I was provided. Nowhere in that documentation does it say that the result of this recall will be a 20% reduction in range for 6200 miles from the time of the recall being performed.

  Art Gamblin: "The battery capacity limitation is part of a widely known and well-publicized recall within the *************** This information is readily accessible and understood among current and prospective Bolt owners."

  There are several problems with this statement:

  - Where, precisely, is this information "readily accessible?" When I was first researching this vehicle, I ******d the specific recall code provided on Art Gamblin's website: "Bolt - SES light on DTC P1EBD. New Recall on Battery" Nowhere could I find an explanation of what this involved or meant. When I asked the salesman at Art Gamblin what it meant, he couldn't - or didn't - tell me either.

  - Is it a fair and honest business practice to place the responsibility on a prospective buyer to scour the internet or join an owner's forum prior to purchasing a vehicle to find important information that you could readily provide up front? Particularly when this is information which is contrary to an advertised selling point of the product (usable range, in this case)? Even now, after another ****** search, I cannot find anything online that says this recall code results in a limited battery capacity.

  Art Gamblin: "It is also worth noting that ********************, having owned two Chevrolet Bolts previously, expressed to our sales associate his extensive knowledge about these vehicles."

  My "extensive knowledge" pertains to a 2020 Bolt which had a pair of different recalls performed on it, one of which resulted in limiting the battery capacity to 80% until the battery pack could be replaced, and the actual battery pack ultimately being replaced. The recall was considered open until the battery pack was replaced. This vehicle - the one purchased from Art Gamblin - was listed as having had "all open recalls performed," thus implying everything was satisfactory. The other Bolt I owned was a 2023, which had no comparable issues.

  I do not want to go through a trade-in, as that provides a further headache due in part to the great distance away and the necessity of another transaction with a business I no longer trust.

  I maintain that the fairest resolution to this is monetary compensation.

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

• Initial Complaint

  04/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 4/18/2023 I went to Gamblin Motors for a 2011 ****** Outback (OTD price with fees $13,903). Upon viewing/driving the vehicle I noticed many cosmetic flaws (stains on interior roof, scratches along all exterior, cracked tail light, rust on passenger door, crack in front bumper, faded headlights, 6 crack on tailgate interior panel). I asked the salesman about what services had been performed, he said he was not sure but would provide the service detail paperwork upon purchase (documents were never provided). When test driving, the brakes were bad, I asked for them to be replaced if I purchased, the dealer agreed. During the signing process (4/19) the vehicle was supposedly having the brakes replaced. I traded a 2018 ***** Accord (gross trade value $21,703.60), required to put down $2000 towards financing with a ****% interest rate they said was the best they could do at 66 months. Total monthly payment being $268.73 with data dots and key replacement package. When taking delivery of the vehicle they said that the master cylinder was bad, needed replacement and to return Monday. Next day I found neither cabin or engine filters had been replaced, they were BLACK. Coolant and wiper fluids were near empty. 4/24 I returned for service on master cylinder, the replacement part was faulty, the car needed to stay til next day for another part replacement (also faulty). I returned 4/25, when I asked for the service paperwork they claimed it was not ready, they would email me copies (I signed nothing and never received an email). I drove down the road to find the brakes BARELY worked, the car was not coming to a full stop. I returned to the dealership immediately to explain the problem was worse, an extreme safety hazard. They NEVER test drove the vehicle before returning it to me. The car is still in shop as of 4/24. After speaking with 2 employees (shop manager and other salesman) I was told the vehicle never went through servicing prior to being sold to me. *more details*

  Business response

  05/23/2023

  To Whom It May ************* have thoroughly reviewed the complaint from ************************ and the facts surrounding the purchase of the 2011 ****** Outback purchased by ****************************  This vehicle had ******* miles and was sold As Is. 
  ************************ did the negotiations during the vehicle purchase.  During negotiations we did not agree to fix any of the cosmetic flaws or stains on the vehicle. It was clearly communicated that these issues would not be fixed prior to the sale.  She made the decision to proceed with the purchase despite being aware of these concerns.
  There was no agreement to replace the cabin or air filters. We strive to ensure the vehicles we sell are in safe condition, routine maintenance items such as cabin filters are generally the responsibility of the purchaser.
  Regarding the mechanical issues, we apologized to ************************ for the inconvenience and delays they experienced. We made efforts to promptly address the brake-related concerns and replaced the master cylinder as agreed upon. The delay came when the replacement part was faulty and had to be replaced again. We understand the importance of vehicle safety and took appropriate measures to rectify the situation including providing a vehicle for the customer to use while the ****** was in the shop.
  In terms of the service paperwork, we apologize if there was any miscommunication or delay in providing ************************ and ****************** with the documentation. The documents were emailed per the customers request
  The vehicle was sold As Is with our commitment to replace the brake master cylinder, which we did.  Art Gamblin Motors has fulfilled our obligation and will not be paying any settlement of any kind.
  ****************** picked ** his license plates and I asked him how the car was running and his reply was, its *************.
  Sincerely,
  ***** Gamblin - Gamblin Motors
  
  

  Customer response

  05/23/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that there is no resolution to come of this complaint. 
  I do not wish to communicate or do any further or future business with Art Gamblin Motors.

  ** the response of the business they made comments in regards to the vehicles cosmetic issues. As a buyer, I understand that a used vehicle will have cosmetic flaws and I never asked for those to be fixed.

  My concern was with the breaks and master cylinder. The first time I test drove the vehicle, it was not satisfactory hence why the resolution was added into the negotiations. The first several days of the vehicle being in shop were due to a faulty part, however my complaint is that they did not test drive the vehicle before allowing a customer to drive away from their dealership with such an extreme safety concern. Hence why I had to return for a third time. I do not believe the business has any regard for the safety of their customers. Based on other low rating ****** reviews, I know that I am not the only customer they have shown little to no concern for. 

  I also understand that a vehicle sold as is does not include a warranty. However, a good and honest dealership would not blatantly lie to their customers about a vehicle being fully serviced prior to selling it. I spoke with several other employees whom had admitted they were amazed that the ****** was sold to ** without being fully serviced. Per another employee was told to keep his mouth shut about the lack of servicing and he was the only employee who showed any kind of empathy about our situation. 
  The documents provided for the service records all stated in process and did not include basic items which normally would be included in a vehicle service prior to selling a used vehicle. 
  If safety and satisfaction truly were a concern for them, they would be more willing to cover the basics of their products before putting them on the line. 
  I understand that buying a vehicle requires maintenance no matter what stage of life it is in. 
  In addition, the response ****************** gave the business was either misheard or completely falsified by the business. Neither of ** have been satisfied with our experience and have continued to find concerns and frustrations with the dealership. 
  I urge the Better Business Bureau to further investigate the trustworthiness and business moral of Art Gamblin Motors. I further warn any future customers to avoid the business.

  At this point, I no longer wish to have further interaction with them and accept that the deal is done, not pursuing further actions as I am exhausted from the concerns. They have lost all respect and future business from us.

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

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