Auto Depot

BUYER BEWARE!! Don't be fooled! My son was in the market for a 6 cyl Subaru Legacy. Very hard to find vehicle in the SE. This dealer had one that looked in good shape (pictures can be deceiving) so we went to check it out. Car was close to what it looked like in pics. So far so good. Then came the test drive. Went out with the owner and he couldn't stop bragging about the car and how we could rely on its outstanding condition due to it having gone thru 2 independent inspections out of the auction and a third at his dealership and that any problems are identified and repaired prior to the vehicle hitting his lot. Then I asked him about the noise coming from the front drivers side that was obviously the wheel bearing. He said he thought he heard it but that it shouldn't be a big deal. Told him that since he offers a 90 day warranty that if we purchased it that we'd have it checked out and repaired under the warranty. NOT! We should have known that a warranty will not cover pre-existing conditions and the dealer FOR SURE should have known and told us that it would not be covered but he didn't. So we get back to the dealership and he agrees to put it up on rack to check out the belly and no real problems identified. We were numerous times reminded of the inspections done before being put on lot. There is NOWAY the wheel bearing growl could have been missed so that testament wound up being meaningless. Don't fall for it. He also said he was very committed to customer satisfaction and didn't want to bump into a customer at Walmart and not be able to say hi without harsh feelings due to a bad car deal. That won't happen. Wound up purchasing the vehicle under the impression that we'd be able to file the warranty claim. Took it to Firestone to have bearing replaced and warranty company said not only no due to it being pre-existing but also said that wheel bearings are not covered. Called the dealership for assistance and spoke with owner's wife as he was at the auction buying more cars. She asked me to FAX her a copy of the bill from Firestone which I did. Follow-up phone calls when unanswered. Imagine that! $400+ lesson learned! Gave up trying to reach them as I knew they'd dodge my calls and messages as they did. Bottomline, BUYER BEWARE and don't fall for the its been inspected 3 times before it hits the lot, line that he would want to be able to bump into you at Walmart and be able to speak to you, and the line about the lady that's working on a home refinance and is very interested in purchasing it so if you want it it may not be here when you come back. My wife needs a new vehicle soon and I assure you there is no way I'd go back to this dealer! Will tell everybody I know about this. Hope it helps you!