Reason for Visit: Sales (Used)
I recommend this dealer: No
My Review of Chuck Olson Chevrolet:
I would like to address a very serious issue that has been brought to my attention today on December 29, 2008 at 4PM. Prior to this date and time, I had no knowledge that my American Dream car, a 2005 Chrysler 300C, was sold to me after it had been in a major collision that resulted in the airbags to be deployed. I would not have purchased this car in June of 2007 had I known that it had ever been in a wreck of any nature. I work hard for my money and can barely afford this car, but this is what keeps me going everyday. To find out that I have been pouring all of my hard earned money into a vehicle that has been misrepresented is horrifying. I have heard of this happening to other people, but would never suspect a large community known dealership such as, Chuck Olson Chevrolet, Inc. to be associated with betraying their clients in this way.
I purchased the car initially because it was the car that always caught my eye. I decided that once I paid my current car off, as 2003 Saturn Ion, I would trade it in for my dream car. I was in a different situation that allowed me access to a 4x4 during winter snow months. This year, however, the 4x4 was no longer a possibility to borrow when weather conditions turned bad. My Chrysler is rear wheel drive with low profile tires and VERY inadequate during snow days. With the current weather conditions in the Seattle area and needing reliable transportation, I knew that I would have to give up my car for something that could withstand the winter conditions. I figured that I could always get my dream car later down the line. It was a very tough decision, but the right decision as far as responsibility is concerned with being a reliable employee and getting to work during the winter snow.
I researched several vehicles and decided to look into Acura MDX’s. I was able to narrow my search based off of my trade in value and what I could reasonably afford with my current salary. I researched several vehicles online and became savvy to trade in values, retail values, and wholesale values of vehicles. Yesterday, I test drove several different vehicles to make sure that that MDX was really what I was interested in. After determining that this vehicle was something of interest, I started negotiating at one dealership. I then test drove a different MDX at Doug’s Mazda of Lynnwood (888-609-7631). It was during negotiation at this dealership that I was presented for the first time that my current car, the 300c Chrysler, had been in a previous auto accident which resulted in front end damage and the airbags being deployed. I was shocked to say the least.
I was initially was told by Jonathan, the salesman at Chuck Olson Chevrolet, that the car belonged to an older prestigious local couple that traded their car in every two years and purchased something new. They were regular customers of Chuck Olson’s. The car was definitely a hobby car that I spent time in adding new features like a spoiler, cold air intake, a custom sound system, etc. The feeling I HAD while driving was well worth the time and money, until I found out that it was in a serious auto accident. This accident explained so much. About a month and a half after purchasing the vehicle, it suddenly died in the middle of the road on my way to work. I could not steer the vehicle and was put in danger by the sudden stop on 228th St. in Bothell. The car was towed to Chuck Olsen as I had purchased gap insurance and a one year warranty. I had several issues with the electrical system, the airbag light, power draining, etc. I went over one month without my vehicle while Chuck Olsen tried to figure out what was going on with the car. After a few days at Chrysler Town and Jeep, my car was running again. A day later, it was back at Chrysler Town and Jeep because the system was failing again with the same problems.
My car became the joke of my work. “How is your car doing now, Jessica?” my co-workers would ask. It seemed like my car was always in and out of the shop during the time that I owned it. I started taking it to Chrysler Town and Jeep instead of Chuck Olson’s service department because they seemed more knowledgeable with my vehicle type. When the manager at Doug’s Mazda presented the information of the damage, he was aware that I had no idea of this accident prior to coming to his dealership. I am forever grateful to this dealership, as I would have never known that I had purchased a vehicle at retail value of over $30,000 that wasn’t worth more than $7,900 trade in value today. Now, imagine this happening same scenario applied to your daughter, sister, mother, friend or someone you care about.
I was very angry and decided that before I did anything, I would go to the dealership where I purchased the car, Chuck Olson Chevrolet, Inc in Shoreline and present them with the information. I believe that everyone can make a mistake, but that it can be rectified if presented. I aske
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