I have been used by a used car dealer, Downsview Auto. I went shopping for a minivan in early June, (our 3rd child is expected end of July) and stumbled across this new dealership at 1230 Sheppard Avenue West in North York. They had a vehicle that we liked and so we proceeded with purchasing arrangements.
There were two rust spots, under the bonnet and at the bottom of the driver side sliding door, and some paint work, that were to be done. The certification, registration and safety were also to be taken care of. I went to pick up the van a few days later, and between haggling for a shampoo, closing the deal, and getting back to Scarborough on time to pick up my children from day care, I did not get to do a proper road test. My fault, I should have walked away then!
As part of the arrangement, I took it to my mechanic for him to give it the once over. We found a leak in the rear heat antifreeze line. We were told to bring it to their mechanic L.A. Motors for repair. Getting an appt with him is a life's work in itself! During that time, I had some issues getting the van to start. I popped the hood to investigate and discovered that the rust spot had been covered over with masking tape and painted black. ( I got the starting issue resolved, I was using the key without the chip .) I checked the rust under the door; masking tape again! My wife and I were at our wit's end! We got the runaround from their staff, putting me off by sending me to their sales manager, Eran, then to their service manager Allan, who showed neither sympathy nor good manners when I raised my concerns.
My wife and I had to reinsure and re-register our old car, we were not going to be given a loaner, and took back the van for repairs. We spoke to Edi, the original salesman, and arrangements for the work to be done. When went to pick up the van the wrong lines were replaced. I showed Eran the actual lines that were leaking. I wasted a whole day waiting for L.A. Motors to do the job! There was also a squealing sound and low speeds and idle which we were concerned about. I was told it's probably because the belts were new. They asked more than once if I had used the A/C, (I did not clue in) and I told them no.
We finally got our van, and drove it up to Sutton for an afternoon. The squealing got worse. I took it to my mechanic again, (After all, his checks were not complete) for him to investigate. He guessed that the A/C bearings were seized. We tried to run the A/C. UGH! The noise it made! He was right. I called up Downsview Auto. Edi said to take it to L.A. Motors. I had to put insurance back on my old car again (No loaner policy in effect!) and head hack to North York. A. Motors needed Eran's approval for the work to be done. Another day wasted, I took the T.T.C back to Scarborough! A day later we heard from Eran. Downsview Auto will not be held responsible since it is not a safety issue. Further, 30 days had elapsed since the purchased date of the vehicle. Our $385.00 A-Protect warranty only covers power train and transmission, and we were only finding out then that it was our responsibility to pay a further $25.00 to activate it. Downsview Auto's Admin Fee was $255.00 plus $350.00 for safety and emission!
Our total cost for a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan was $61942.40, but the price we have paid is beyond human comprehension. The going rate for repairing the A/C is $1270.00 which we can ill-afford.
Please help us, or at the very least publish our story so that the public can beware of Downsview Auto. Thanks.
Used used car customers,
Autoshafted
Scarborough, Ontario
Canada
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