Monster Motors — Local services in Leoni Township

My experience with Monster Motors has been extremely disappointing. After purchasing my vehicle on May 20, 2024, I encountered a diagnostic code (P0463 - Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input) just two days later. I promptly returned to the dealership on May 22, 2024, seeking assistance. Unfortunately, I was denied a work order, and the issue was never addressed. When I later requested an invoice for this visit and a detailed record of the subsequent repairs, Nick refused to provide any documentation, leaving me without any clarity regarding the work performed on my vehicle.

When I requested the necessary paperwork, Nick responded in a combative and dismissive manner. His refusal to supply documentation was both unprofessional and concerning. Upon further insistence, I asked to inspect my vehicle. Rather than accommodating this reasonable request, Nick became defensive and repeatedly questioned my intentions, asking, "For what purpose?"

To my dismay, Monster Motors proceeded with major repairs, including a head gasket replacement, without obtaining my consent. As a result of these unauthorized repairs, my catalytic converter was damaged. Despite the fact that I drove the truck in without any idling issues, it is now completely undrivable. Monster Motors is demanding that I pay for the replacement of the catalytic converter before they will proceed with additional repairs. If my vehicle was operable when I brought it to their shop, I should be able to drive it now.

Further exacerbating the situation, Kenny Messner and Matt Benner have consistently failed to provide reliable communication. Despite their assurances that they would consult with one another and return my calls the following day, weeks — sometimes even months — pass without any follow-up. It is only after persistent attempts on my part that I receive a call back, typically at the end of their shift, with little to no progress reported. My vehicle has been at their facility since January 21, 2024, and I still do not have it back.

The lack of transparency, dishonest communication, and unwillingness to take accountability exhibited by Monster Motors has caused significant frustration and financial burden. I would strongly advise potential customers to reconsider doing business with this dealership. Their disregard for ethical business practices and customer satisfaction is unacceptable.

Date: April 17th 2025

Update – May 7, 2025: After months of delays, I contacted the State of Michigan, and following their investigation, Monster Motors received three citations:

Performing unauthorized repairs on my vehicle (specifically the head gasket),

Failing to provide documentation for an alignment,

Missing required information on paperwork.

Throughout this process, I still attempted to work with Matt Benner to resolve the issue fairly. I was offered $800 to take my vehicle elsewhere, but only if I agreed to take down my online reviews. I declined this offer, as I did not feel it was ethical or in good faith.

Instead, I had my truck towed to an authorized RAM dealership. Their inspection revealed that a push rod on cylinder 7 was improperly installed by Monster Motors—not a catalytic converter issue as I had been told. Once the push rod was reinstalled correctly, the truck ran fine. However, I was forced to purchase a new battery due to how long the vehicle sat unused, and I am still dealing with additional issues that resulted from Monster Motors' work, including a disconnected PCV hose and missing aftermarket parts that were never reattached. The plastic engine cover was also left uninstalled and thrown into the back seat, which I discovered dirty and unsecured.

I paid out of pocket for a proper diagnosis and repair—a situation entirely avoidable had Monster Motors performed their work correctly and communicated honestly.

I stand by my initial review and urge others to proceed with caution if considering doing business with...

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MONSTER MOTORS

Initial Purchase Experience: The true colors of Monster Motors emerged immediately during my first visit. The Tahoe I purchased was smoking heavily and had seized front brakes - clear red flags. They initially refused the repair until learning of my family connection to Scott Denig, revealing their selective customer treatment practices.

Vehicle History & Detailed Issues:

Wife's Vehicle - Critical Safety Issues: Exhaust system completely separated from vehicle within 7 days Required emergency welding repairs at personal expense Steering U-joint discovered on verge of complete failure Persistent vehicle shaking caused by U-joint from day of purchase Zero accountability from dealership for selling unsafe vehicle These issues could have resulted in catastrophic steering failure while driving

Tahoe Purchase ($10,000): Current Known Failures: Day 1: Multiple safety concerns identified Non-functional ABS system creating hazardous driving conditions (Never repaired) Month 1: Complete transmission failure Following transmission replacement: Rear differential failure Current issue: DOD (Displacement on Demand) system failure Total repair costs to date: $10,000 Pending: Additional engine repair costs yet to be determined

Trade-in Practices: Case Study - Mazda 3: My vehicle: Excellent condition, personally purchased for $8,000 Their offer: $1,500 (81% below market value) Their process: Basic detailing only Their resale: Listed and sold within 48 hours for $8,000 Profit margin: Approximately 433% on simple detail work

Business Operations Analysis: Pricing Strategy: Relies solely on KBB scanner readings Disregards actual vehicle condition Predatory trade-in practices Excessive markup without value addition

Customer Service: Unsolicited sales calls to past customers Aggressive marketing despite documented issues Selective customer treatment based on connections Zero accountability for vehicle issues

Financial Impact: Purchase Price: $10,000 Current Repair Costs: $10,000 Monthly Premium Payments: Ongoing Pending Engine Repairs: TBD Current Status: Vehicle Completely Undriveable Total Investment: Exceeding $20,000 and climbing

The reality of this situation is paying monthly premiums on a vehicle that sits completely unusable due to major mechanical failures. This means making payments on a $10,000 vehicle, investing another $10,000 in repairs, while having no transportation to show for this $20,000+ investment.

Documentation & Evidence: All repair records retained Communication attempts documented Timeline of failures recorded Photographic evidence available

Consumer Warning: This review serves as a detailed warning to potential customers. The pattern of selling unsafe vehicles, predatory trade-in practices, and complete lack of accountability creates a dangerous situation for unsuspecting buyers. The financial impact extends far beyond the initial purchase price, creating long-term consequences for customers.

The vehicle currently sits undriveable, requiring extensive engine repairs, while monthly payments continue. This perfectly exemplifies the true cost of doing business with Monster Motors - paying for a vehicle you cannot even drive.

This review is based on direct, personal experience with verifiable documentation. Future customers deserve to know the full scope of potential risks when considering Monster Motors for their vehicle purchases.

MICHIGAN REGULATORY VIOLATIONS: This case falls under Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257) and Michigan Consumer Protection Act violations. The dealership's practices directly violate Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. These safety issues and deceptive practices warrant investigation by the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and the Secretary of State's Dealer...

Probably the worst customer experience I've ever had. Drive 2-2.5 hours to come see this Jeep. We took it to a local auto shop for a quick look over. They only pointed out two things that needed servicing: front brakes and the radio head screen was kind of messed up.

We go back to dealer and tell them just those couple things. The first salesman says "brakes should be no problem, I'll have to check with the manager about the radio screen". Then, the manager comes over, says that there's nothing they can do about the brakes (that the shop we took it to for a look over is just trying to scam money out of us -- already hate that he said that because I could say the same about the dealership. It's condescending), but the radio they should replace. But he has to call the GM because they supposedly are already losing money on the sale (they owned it for $27K but are selling it for $25.7K) and the radio replacement is like $1500. He comes back and says actually we can't replace the radio, we can only offer $500 off the price.

So we went from the brakes will be fixed, ope no they won't. Then the radio will be fixed, ope no it won't be. I then asked if we could at least do $700 off since neither of the two things are being fixed. He says no. Whatever, we start to proceed with the deal. Of course the car has one of those dumb trackers in it that you can't opt out of, or remove, but its an additional $800. Not listed on their website specifically. Just slipped in at the end. Again, whatever, continue with the deal.

I have over $23K in cash but would need to finance about $5K. The salesman tells me that financing such a small amount would have a 15-20% interest rate (even though I have a 750 credit score). He suggests putting down half and then just paying the loan off early, so I can get the better interest rate for financing $10K instead of $5K. The manger actually said we should put down like $3-4K instead and finance all the rest. I didn't want to do that but I was like well I don't want a 20% interest rate so I guess we will do the half deposit. Problem was I already had a cashiers check for the $23K. Closest bank is 30 mins away. We go over there to change it to $14K and the teller is asking why we are doing that instead. I explained the interest rate thing and all of the tellers turned and looked with their jaws dropped. She said no matter the amount, the rate is based on term length and credit. So it should never be 20% interest. She said a $5K loan with them would be 5.99% for 36 months with them. So now I'm extra irritated because the dealer is lying to me about all of that stuff.

We go back to the dealer and they are all ready to go over paperwork for everything and I cut straight to the point and confront them on the interest rate stuff. Then suddenly the whole story changes and we talk to several people from managers to finance department and they all act dumbfounded and said that's not what they meant, or whoever the salesperson was is "new" and doesn't know. Every single one of them was lying to me and trying to get me to put down less cash. I'm assuming they get some kind of kickback from the lenders, and were just trying to get more interest payments out of me.

I thought I was a pretty good buyer, willing to pay sticker price with 95% in cash, and a high credit score for the rest. If they hadn't of lied about the rates then I would have went through with the deal. At this point, I'd rather pay more someplace else than give money to them. Literally the WORST experience...