We recently had an experience with Dave Smith Motors - RJSbluesky
We recently had an experience with Dave Smith Motors (DSM) & purchasing a used RAM diesel truck. We will be upfront & identify that the entire experience was not negative.
The initial steps of the purchasing process were very timely/prompt in nature. We did have some challenges with the finances, however we will simply identify that we acknowledge/accept that there can be staffing delays as one must acknowledge that life happens. They did identify and apologize for the delay. Additionally, they did complete 2 requests we had for the truck (we had a part added and had transmission fluid flushed).
On the day the truck was picked up, the staff were prompt with picking up from the airport. The staff allowed us to test drive the truck as well as inspect the truck. We did request to have a filter replaced at our own expense, which the service department did promptly.
Upon departure from the dealership, we encountered a significant issue with elevated temperatures & were forced to pull off of the interstate within 3 hours of leaving. Ultimately, the truck was taken to another RAM dealership for inspection. As this was late at night, we had to wait until the next morning to have the truck inspected/evaluated.
We were initially reassured that this issue would be addressed in a timely manner, as they acknowledged that we were no where close to being home. The dealership identified that the EGR system was bad & required replacement. DSM was informed of this & that we needed to arrange return home. We had the dealership email the estimate as well as we emailed & text the estimate to the dealership. Again, we were informed that this will be addressed expeditiously. We did not get an update on the day the truck was inspected, therefore a flight home was purchased as there were no hotel availability. (Will note: regardless if an extended warranty was purchased for this truck, the warranty would not cover the repair as it was within the first 30 days of purchase)
We consistently got told that they would take care of the issue and make it right. At day 14, after numerous calls & text messages regarding making this right, the truck was still incapacitated & no contact had been made from DS to the dealership that had this truck. On day 14, we were transferred to another manager (#3), who did do great service recovery & started forward movement on the truck. However, we were notified that the truck would be towed back to their dealership for repair. This further delayed the process. We did express our concerns and DS considered our concerns & did provide 2 options: to have them repair the truck or they would “unwind” the purchase.
Ultimately, we opted to “unwind” the truck. But there was an additional 7 day delay in this.
The truck was not towed back to DS until day 21. Our deposit was refunded & a check was mailed to close out the loan. On day 28, the loan was closed out.
This issue happened within 300 miles of leaving DSM. Although they did an “unwind” on the truck, we were still out the airfare, a full tank of diesel, the filter we requested be replaced, & a month of auto insurance (Total: $1200). In the long run, we were willing to accept this, as we felt this was more acceptable than having a truck that potentially could have needed significant repairs.
The concerns that customers need to consider when considering this dealership for the purchase of a used truck are:
-the inspection/intake of a used truck is only as good as the mechanic that did the intake inspection
-there are significant communication delays post-purchase of a vehicle with even more delays with forward movement
-we were often told that “we don’t have your folder” as a reason an update could not be provided
-if you experience a problem, take good notes & be consistent
***of note: this truck is BACK at the dealership for the 3rd time for sale BEWARE
Traded in 5/26; back in 7/26, & back 9/26 and still listed as one owner
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