Smart Auto — Local services in Winchester

CONSUMER WARNING - DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!

I purchased a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix on December 21, 2013. Since then, I had to get the car serviced 4 different times for various issues ranging from electrical problems, critical leaks, and finally, a "grounded speedometer cable," as the technician described it. I work near my home and put about 60-70 miles on my car per week; absolutely not enough to have my car require service literally every quarter of the year.

The electrical issue (a fried wire that prevented my headlights from coming on) was not covered under warranty, although it was an issue that should have been detected had they inspected the car before putting it up for sale on their lot. The speedometer cable was not covered either, although it was a stock cable that should have also been detected in the beginning, especially when doing repairs on the electrical system.

Each time my car needed service, I would have to take off of work because the on-site shop has the same work hours that I do; Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. The sales and finance department, however, are always conveniently open. These are little details that now make it apparent that Smart Auto only caters to their new customers, which surely dissipates once you sign your contract.

What initially convinced me to buy my car from Smart Auto was their flexibility for a down payment; I was able to put down $600 initially, and pay the remainder of the down payment in bi-weekly installments. I had no idea that other dealerships have this option. I found out much later that Kia on Centennial offers this as well, and their cars are A LOT cheaper. That hunk o' junk was costing me $13,000 with interest!

The manager, JJ, is an older guy who drives a souped-up motorcycle around town during work hours. He absolutely refused to let me trade my car for another on the lot, even though I was 3 repairs and only 9 months into my contract. Let me tell you why you can NEVER trade your car, no matter how unreliable or unsafe it is: Smart Auto would never be able to keep a car off of their lot if that was possible. All of their cars are lemons, and even they know that. Which is why no one there was surprised by my complaints. They all reacted like I was discussing the weather. If this was a rare occasion, I'm sure they would have went above and beyond to make sure I was fairly accommodated.

Once they offered me a rental with Enterprise up the street, which was only good for one day before I would have to pay for the rental myself. Smart Auto only has one loan vehicle; an old, white Chevy Cavalier. That's as far as Smart Auto's accommodations go.

My payments were $446/month--I was paying a luxury car note for a Craigslist mechanic's special. After the car began to break down in busy 95-N Saturday afternoon traffic, I got it towed and had to wait until Tuesday afternoon before they could even tell me what was wrong with it. I began to get in trouble with my job for having an unreliable vehicle that was detrimental to my attendance. I was told that the speedometer cable was not under warranty, and I had finally become fed up with the car.

I was lucky enough to be able to get a really nice car from Centennial Toyota, and I told Smart Auto that I was not coming back to pick up the car. Anyone that I had spoken to since then had been very rude to me, like they took it personal that I was more concerned about my own safety and keeping my job than keeping up with a loan on a lemon. I would almost assume that they received commission off of my car note with how they've treated me.

IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING SMART AUTO, AND YOU'VE MADE IT THIS FAR INTO MY REVIEW, DO NOT--I REPEAT--DO NOT BUY FROM HERE! THERE ARE MANY AND PLENTY OF OPTIONS OUT THERE WITH BETTER WARRANTIES AND MORE...

They honestly deserve 0 stars. Scam artists.... Purchased car 10/25 its now 11/27 and guess what got stranded in north las vegas the starter has gone on the car. Funny because after the first 30 days they no longer waive deductable. I have to call out of work for this. There is no off hour way to get ahold of their free 50 mile 3rd party towing they advertise. Luckily i have AAA but i only get 5 miles free. Well i had to pay $60 out of pocket. I will demand compensation for that. Additionally I am chringing at the thought of dealing with them.

Less then a week after buying the car they earn a 1 star review. They went from 5 stars to 3 stars to 1 now. They without my permission cut a wire that came with the car for a sub and amp. Thry go under hood and cut what attaches to battery and the part in trunk. They take no responsibility for doing it. I demand compensation they refuse. Finally they offer to waive second payment. Honestly thats not even close to enough... Oh and they keep being sketchy.

This was originally a 5 star review but now less than 24 hours later things are changing. Prompting me to write a new 3 star review i will inclide the original review aswell.

The new review: so its been less than 24 hours since purchasing this car and im noticing that it has some major issue. First we noticed a burning smell that comes and goes then we started to notice a rough idle then when we stopped at a stop light the car started shaking vigorously while idleing additionally at random the display that says tje radio sation and clock comes on and off. And ive noticed that because of that the clock os not the correct time lastly the stereo has no bass. When we we had met with the manager to sign the papers yesterday i had asked if there is a second key he said there was not nut he told me to bring my key by the service department and they would take care of me. I went by today and theu are aaking me for 180$ to make the key and thats not what he said at all starting to notice aome sketchyness here have a service appointment Tuesday will update after.

Amazing customerservice we're willing to work with me when I don't have really good credit also was able to take a down payment that I thought that was going to be near to Impossible with purchasing a car at I would recommend to anyone will recommend to all my co-workers definitely world-class customer service come see Trish because she...

Read if you care. I've had problems with Smart Auto from the very beginning of purchase. You guys sold me an Isuzu with bad air conditioning which went out days after purchase. I had to wait for the GENERAL MANAGER to return from vacation to place me in another vehicle. He was the nicest most understanding gentleman I have came in counter with at your company. I've had repairs done to my car there with no issues. Recently I took my 09 Nissan Cube there to have the brake booster and master replaced. My car was there with you guys for several days. When I picked up my car all my items inside were stolen: steering wheel cover, cell phone carrier, car charger, aux cord, and some items in my trunk. I immediately went in and notified Ceasar. He told me you guys have a sign that you're NOT responsible for stolen items and etc. Ok no problem. It would be nice if there was a 10 sec convo with customers reminding them not to leave items in their cars because of theft and other things before they leave their vehicle with you guys for a few days. That's called going ABOVE AND BEYOND, making sure your customers are happy and continue to stay that way. I called to talk to the GM just to give him heads up on my situation unfortunately he wasn't there so I had to settle for a woman who cared less. My loan will be paid off in a year. I will be purchasing another vehicle, but NOT through you guys. NO WAY!!! I will warn others as well to stay clear. Good day.

Just to let you guys know there was no damage done to my vehicle. I always lock up my car when I leave it. Smart Auto had my keys so either THEY forgot to lock my car or someone from their shop stole my items. Either way it's not a good look. I will not have repairs done there in the future....