STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS! - Lars
AVOID THIS DEALERSHIP AT ALL COSTS! Sorry for the long review but hopefully it will save you a lot of money and headaches. Too bad I can't give zero stars! I purchased a 2008 BMW 535i on 4/4/19 for all cash from Philip, the Sales Manager at Veracom Ford.
First, they sold me a car without a working horn, which is in violation of CA Vehicle Code 27000(a), and part of the basic safety check. The A/C was not working as well.
Within 30 days I knew there was trouble as I didn't get my pink slip or registration. I called the DMV and was told that the dealership did not file transfer paperwork.
Philip said that a third party takes care of registration and title transfer and it would be done any day. After 30 days and leaving many messages, I decided to visit him again. He gave the same excuse that it's not his fault, but the responsibility of a third party.
I contacted the DMV and they informed me that transfer of title and registration must be completed and delivered to the new owner within 90 days, per CA AB516, CA Vehicle Code 4456, Section 3, Part C.
After 90 days passed I still had not received my title or registration, so I contacted DMV investigations and filed a formal complaint. I also contacted the DMV Field Support Office, which provides high level support. They informed me of the following.
First, when paying all cash for a used vehicle, you have the absolute right to demand the title upon purchase, no different than a private sale. Think about it, would you pay a stranger in full for a car and not demand the pink slip? It's the same when you purchase from a dealership. It may seem convenient to have the dealership do the paperwork for you, but buyer beware, especially if you're working with a shady dealership. As it turns out, Veracom Ford did NOT have the title upon sale, yet they didn't tell me.
It's now 127 days after the sale and no title or pink slip. DMV informed me that NO paperwork had been filed. DMV made it crystal clear that I was entitled to a full refund for numerous code violations and breach of contract. I formulated a detailed letter with every detail provided by DMV and met with Philip on 8/8/19. In the letter, I demanded a full refund, which was within my legal right.
Philip read the letter then started a very long diatribe of excuses. He originally stated that a "third party" was responsible for the registration and title paperwork. He then tried to blame it on a "girl in the office" that takes care of it. About 30 minutes later he said that it was actually his responsibility and didn't follow up. He claimed that he didn't have the authority to give me refund and could be fired over the screw up, which is not true as he's the Sales Manager and buys and sells cars all the time. He begged me for more time, even though it had been 4 1/2 months. He was relentless with long-winded stories and excuses, begging me for more time. I relented and gave him 1 more week to get all the paperwork filed. He had until 8/15/19 to get it done.
On 8/22/19, I contacted DMV and the paperwork was not filed. DMV instructed me to return the car and demand a refund, just like I did 2 weeks earlier. This time I gave the letter with the car keys to Philip and dropped of the car.
It's now 8/30 and I have not heard from Philip, yet he has my car. I filed suit against Robert Bramzuela, owner of Veracom Ford, dba Cevera Automotive and Philip Branzuala. BTW, Philip said that his brother owns the dealership, even though public filings show a different spelling of his last name. Sounds like he's trying to avoid being identified! Hard to believe Philip's earlier story that his brother would fire him for taking back the car. All part of the used car salesman BS that gives the industry a bad name.
Bottom line, STAY AWAY FROM THESE SCAMMERS!
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