A car buyer from Oklahoma, John Jones, had a disastrous experience when he tried to trade in his 2016 Ford F-150 King Ranch for a 2019 Audi S5. Jones was drawn to the Audi’s interior quality and decided to make the purchase from a Tulsa Genesis dealership. However, the transaction quickly turned sour. Despite having a pre-approval through Capital One and asking the dealership not to run his credit, they allegedly went behind his back and ran his credit through multiple lenders, resulting in a significant hit to his credit score.
To make matters worse, after purchasing the car, Jones discovered that it had been in an unreported accident and had extensive bodywork done to repair the damage. The rear driver’s side quarter panel was filled with Bondo, and he had to have the paint corrected. Further inspection revealed that the car had been involved in another accident, and several components, including the fender and front suspension, had been replaced. The car also had a leaking water pump, which needed to be replaced, along with several other parts.
The total cost of the repairs came to $8,774.78, with Jones paying $3,500 out of pocket. He had purchased an extended warranty, which helped save him thousands of dollars. Despite filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the dealership went silent on him, eventually responding with a dismissive message stating that he had bought the car “As-Is.”
The online community is divided on who is at fault, with some defending the dealership and others arguing that they should have caught the damage during a pre-sale inspection. Jones, however, still loves the car and intends to keep it, despite the problems he has experienced. In fact, the car is currently at the Audi dealership for a new engine, which is being replaced due to a manufacturer defect.
The incident highlights the importance of doing thorough research and due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle, even from a reputable dealership. Jones’ experience serves as a cautionary tale for car buyers to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect themselves from similar situations. The Tulsa Genesis dealership has not responded to requests for comment, and the case remains a topic of debate among car enthusiasts.