As numerous reports all over the internet have stated, Automax is nothing but a scam. Their salespersons training is nothing but a scam. Their "train the trainer" program is nothing but a scam. Al Bennett Automotive consulting is a training contractor that furthers this scam. This is how the scam occurs: An auto dealer posts a job listing on monster, career builder, etc. After you apply, you receive an email setting up interviews at the host dealer on Monday.
If you attend the interview you are told to clear your schedule for Wednesday - Friday for these immediate full time positions. The interview is said to be with the "Automax" representative which nobody has every heard of - not even car dealership sales managers. The first interview is only questions to see if you will be willing to pay for such a worthless course. On the first day of training about 20 people attend, that is until told that the cost for this worthless garbage training is $600??
The second day only about five or six people return. This is because the training needs to make about $3000 (5X $600) to make it worth their while. The trainer says something about if you are employed 90 days then the dealer will reimburse - this is all false. The Automax Sales training does NOT address any car sales techniques at all. Some people tried to say that this training is not a scam because you paid for a training session - really ?? at $600 for only 3 days that is highway robbery anyway. But ask yourself, wouldn't you rather get a job without paying that or anything?
The answer to that is always unquestionably yes. Also, in 2005 the then president of "Scam.com", George, shut down all Automax thread because he kow - towed to Automax. There was even a "moderator" on that site called "Scam buster" with a ghost buster's logo on his avitar that said "Can I get an Amen" to a similar description of Automax practices as this one reported. Check out this link to see how scam.com is not allowed to do Automax threads anymore.
Apparently, scam.com removed threads from a person called "Trust But Validate" believe to be someone named "Curtis Moore" from what it appeared (I don't know for sure, but that is what I was told) who described his rip-off experience with a similar program for $6400 to train automax trainers, but it was all a scam.
I also heard that Al Bennet is being investigated by the police, but I only know what I was told, I does not surprise me.
Please note that I did not pay anything for this scam, I left without paying but I did have someone in the class record the rest of it.
AUTOMAX IS A SCAM. AL BENNETT IS A SCAM. AL BENNETT AUTOMOTIVE IS A SCAM.
On Feb 20, 2016, after viewing the website for Auto Max of Brevard, Melbourne, FL, we drove from St. Cloud, FL (an 1hr and 1/2) to view a GMC Jimmy Sport. The picture on the website viewed the vehicle as in good condition but I now believe the photo is photo shopped. When we got there we were greated right away. We were taken by golf cart over to the lot where the vehicle was by a salesmen they called "Prince". He showed us the vehicle. It was in horrible condition. I felt this wasn't right in my gut and I was there with my daughter to help her purchase a vehicle. I told them, it wasn't anything like the picture on the web and Prince was charming and kind and he offered to show us another vehicle. We mentioned our price range. The web stated the GMC Jimmy was as cash for $1990.00. Our price range wasn't to go over $2500.00. Later, it will be revealed that nothing are their web is at the cost they advertise. The web mentioned the vehicle was in great condition and runs great. All of their ads state the same thing, which is Clue #1.
I mentioned to my daugther that we could look elsewhere but "Prince" stated he would find something for her and that they didn't have anything in our price range but that we could be financed. I mentioned my daughter lives on a monthly SSI check of $488.00 a month, raising 3 yound children as a single mother and that we need to buy something cash out. He said that they would make a deal with her and they could make sure she leaves with a vehicle even though it would be financed. He took us over to another vehicle. He showed us a Town and Country van. I noticed immediately that it had a flat tire, the body wasn't all that and the seats were in terrible condition. The back seat had been removed. I looked at my daughter and said "no". He then took us over to another lot to show us a 2004 Mercury Mountineer. The body was in good shape, the tires looked almost brand new, the seats were weather worn but it did appear to be a nice vehicle for her and the children. So we agreed to look into the deal they would offer on this vehicle. We told them of my daughter's circumstances financially and they agreed to help her with my $2500.00 down to give for her down payment and she could pay $250.00 a month.
The then rushed her to the financing department. We sat there for a little while, they started her paperwork. They were most concerned with her getting insured. We dealt with that. Staff kept running in and out of the place the hole time. Staff kept being paged over and over again. While my daughter was waiting for paperwork, I wanted to inspect the vehicle. I'm no mechanic but I know some things. They never offered her a test drive. They finally brought the vehicle over to the main office and had it running. I noticed our salesman running a water hose over the vehicle to, I guess, wash it. No soap or anything. I told him, I wanted to have a look at it. He let me. I popped the hood, there wasn't a latch to hold the hood up. That wasn't a major deal. I listened to the engine. It did sound good. There was no knocking, no rattling, I couldn't see anything on the surface. It did have a "hot" smell but they did have it running for a little while before I looked at it. This vehicle has a screen on the dash that reads things to you. It stated it needed coolant, it barely had any gas in it, and that it needed an oil change. I couldn't find the dip stick to check it so I asked "Prince" to help me find it. The oil look dark but I didn't feel any grit in it. It wasn't black but it would need an oil change soon. I spoke with the man (very large black man who never left the chair at the desk) who offered the deal and told him that think my daughter would want a test drive before she signs any paperwork. He told me that "it was a good running vehicle" and that they are going to do a "101" and have everything checked out before we leave. He also stated that my daughter didn't have to worry as they were going to give her a "2 year warranty" on it. "OKay", I said. I went to my daughter and told her.
At that time the woman doing the paperwork was telling my daughter about the 'warranty" and that it was a "50/50 type warranty". I asked what that meant. I was told that we are responsible for half of the repairs if need be. I went back out to the vehicle and it was gone. I was told they took it over to the mechanic to do a "101". I asked what a "101" is. I was told that the mechanic would look at all the fluids, hoses, belts, etc.... We were then there for four more hours. The paperwork was done. I asked what was taking so long. I was told they only had one mechanic today (this was a Saturday). We waited and waited. My daughter was happy to finally leave with her vehicle she purchased. We start to go home. We go back through Melbourne (speed limit is around 35-45 mph) to get back on the highway to head West on 192 back home. The speed limit goes up to 55 then 65mph. I noticed my daughter was lagging behind me as I kept an eye on her heading back. We get 8-9 miles down the highway when I see her pull off the road. I knew right then this wasn't going to be good. I pull off and start to turn around when she texted me: "I need you, mom". I hauled a** back to get to her. I pull up and the whole engine was smoking. I popped the hood. It was white and orange smoke coming from the middle of the engine. It looked like it wanted to catch fire but I don't believe it ever did.
I called AutoMax asap and told them what happened and that they were going to need to get a tow truck out here to pick this up and at no cost to me. They offered her a "loaner" to have until they fixed the vehicle. I told them at this point, I didn't trust any vehicle they had. I drove my daughter back to AutoMax to get our money back. That was going to happen. We spoke to the man (large black man) at the desk again and explained what happened. They stated that we needed to give them a chance to "rectify" the problem and that they would fix the vehicle. Another staff member came to sit down and he asked what happened and then made a joke about going 8-9 miles before the engine blew wasn't bad. The large black man (I apologize as I can't remember his name) and him both started to laugh. The "loaner"(s) they were offering were in worse shape than any other vehicle we looked at that day. The offered a Grand Marque, which my daugther didn't feel comfortable enough to drive. Then they offered a Chrysler somwhat like a PT Cruiser. They pulled up a black one that still had a stroller and car seat in the back seat. I asked, "What are you going to do with that" and I was ignored. The car smelt like baby fisces and vomit. I said "no" They then offer a gold one that had the driver door handle broken and the power steering was going out. I said "no" they then brought the black one back and stated that I would just need to put an air freshner in the car. How rude. I then looked at the tires of this vehicle and the front passenger tire was as smooth as a baby's bottom. Absolutely, no tread on it whatsoever. I stated, "my daughter is not driving all the way back to St.Cloud in this "unsafe" vehicle. One little anything that she drives over is going to cause that tire to blow and she may reck which is most important to me but then I don't want to be responsible to getting the vehicle towed somewhere if she survives?!!" They didn't offier to change the tire or nothing.
I was then starting to be ignored by everyone. Everyone was trying to ignore me. We decided to take the Grand Marque. The large black man said that it is a "good running car' and that is why he offered it in the first place. Then it took almost an hour more to get this vehicle up to the front as they had to change the battery. We finally left to go home in this "loaner'. We make it home, which is the only other place we went. It was pulled up into the yard beside the driveway and shut off. I didn't want my daughter using the vehicle only if necessary. Three days later, it car wouldn't start back up. Nothing was left on. I called AutoMax and told them. They seriously wanted me to pay to get the vehicle towed back to them and they would give her another "loaner". I went off on them. Absolutely not!!!! You will pay to get this piece of s*** back to you piece of s*** business or you can let it sit here and rot. There isn't one vehicle on your whole entire lot that is worth it. We don't want a "loaner' I told them. My daughter was upset about the whole situation.
After one week they called my daughter and wanted her to get the vehicle insured. No way!! Not until you fix it!!! The financial department called wanting a pick up fee off there lot for the vehicle of $684.00. No!!!! They kept telling her everyweek that her car would be fixed (they bought a refurbished engine) and to follow up with them on Friday or Monday -- Every week she was told that the mechanic wasn't in, they needed another part, the mechanic left, the first engine they bought wasn't good. Every week for 2 MONTHS STRAIGHT... she was told the exact same thing. During this time, I spoke with an attorney who looked over the paper work she signed and because they made her sign a "NO WARRANTY" "AS IS" document, there wasn't anything she could do. I would chew them out everytime they messed around with her that they stopped taking my phone calls. My daughter is 25yrs old and the vehicle is registered in her name so they weren't going to listen to me anymore. I
t is now, April 20, 2016 and they called her to tell her her vehicle is done and that she would need to pay them $600.00 to pick it up. They charged her $900.00 for the whatever work they never really explained or disclosed to her what they were actually doing with it. They wouldn't give her an assessment of what they are doing and the name of the parts they "needed" to replace. I have a suspicion that they are taking parts from her vehicle and fixing other people's vehicles with them. I can't prove it but once you are there and looking at things, I would not doubt in a heartbeat that that is what they were doing. I apologize if I'm wrong but they do not have a "trust" record with me. Why the secracy of not telling what parts are actually being replaced? Why the secracy of not giving her an assessment of what has been done? Why all the excuses? Why 2 MONTHS? I'm not an expert but I'm not that stupid.
I feel really bad about this because I should have been smarter not to let this happen to my daughter. I can't believe how much they brought my guard down and how quickly they did it!!! My daughter needs to be compensated. We want the $2500.00 down back and the loan to be null and void. I don't know how to go about doing so. If anything comes of this, I hope people read this site. I wish I would have seen it sooner. Please take warning and NEVER GO TO AUTOMAX OF BREVARD!!!!!
Auto Max dealer sold a stolen car January 5,2015. I purchase a 2008 white impala from Automax in Tuscaloosa. January 5 I purchase a car for my daughter. I was told the car was a one owner and was in good condition. After the deal went threw. I was told to go to a use tire store on greensboro. So that they could replace the two front tires. My daughter works over night. On May 22,2015 at 4am she was stopped by Northport police department for a right headlight outage. The officer gave her a warning for the headlight and as he began to walk away from the car. He received a call over his radio. Stating this car was stolen. He returned to the passenager side of the car and ask my daughter to step outside the car. She was detained for several hours at the Northport police department. Being question!!!
The investorgator stated " I had a long speech for you. I needed to know why you were out this time of night and I noticed your work shirt!" my daughter remained in the integration room for 6 hours. Montogmery had the car reported stolen since January of 2014. The next morning I went to Automax speaking with "Todd the title writer!" he couldn't find the file neither a answer for me. I told him if he wouldn't talk to me he would talk with my lawyer. He replied "get a lawyer then!" I called Montgomery department of DMV. I was told Automax applied for a title in January of 2015 and it was denied. My date of purchase 1/5/2015.
Then they applied again in May 22,2015. The date my child was stopped by the police and detained. Montgomery told me the car was reported stolen 1/2014 and Automax needs to fix it. I've obtained a lawyer and he's contacted them but they responded with emails onmy,and not with their lawyer information. DO NOT PURCHASE CARS FROM AUTOMAX USA. CARS ARE BEING SOLD STOLEN AND THIS COMPANY IS NOT PROFESSIONAL!! I need justice and I want stop until I do.
Automax Reviews
As numerous reports all over the internet have stated, Automax is nothing but a scam. Their salespersons training is nothing but a scam. Their "train the trainer" program is nothing but a scam. Al Bennett Automotive consulting is a training contractor that furthers this scam. This is how the scam occurs: An auto dealer posts a job listing on monster, career builder, etc. After you apply, you receive an email setting up interviews at the host dealer on Monday.
If you attend the interview you are told to clear your schedule for Wednesday - Friday for these immediate full time positions. The interview is said to be with the "Automax" representative which nobody has every heard of - not even car dealership sales managers. The first interview is only questions to see if you will be willing to pay for such a worthless course. On the first day of training about 20 people attend, that is until told that the cost for this worthless garbage training is $600??
The second day only about five or six people return. This is because the training needs to make about $3000 (5X $600) to make it worth their while. The trainer says something about if you are employed 90 days then the dealer will reimburse - this is all false. The Automax Sales training does NOT address any car sales techniques at all. Some people tried to say that this training is not a scam because you paid for a training session - really ?? at $600 for only 3 days that is highway robbery anyway. But ask yourself, wouldn't you rather get a job without paying that or anything?
The answer to that is always unquestionably yes. Also, in 2005 the then president of "Scam.com", George, shut down all Automax thread because he kow - towed to Automax. There was even a "moderator" on that site called "Scam buster" with a ghost buster's logo on his avitar that said "Can I get an Amen" to a similar description of Automax practices as this one reported. Check out this link to see how scam.com is not allowed to do Automax threads anymore.
https://www.scam.com/showthread.php?6508-Automax&highlight=automax
Apparently, scam.com removed threads from a person called "Trust But Validate" believe to be someone named "Curtis Moore" from what it appeared (I don't know for sure, but that is what I was told) who described his rip-off experience with a similar program for $6400 to train automax trainers, but it was all a scam.
I also heard that Al Bennet is being investigated by the police, but I only know what I was told, I does not surprise me.
Please note that I did not pay anything for this scam, I left without paying but I did have someone in the class record the rest of it.
AUTOMAX IS A SCAM. AL BENNETT IS A SCAM. AL BENNETT AUTOMOTIVE IS A SCAM.
On Feb 20, 2016, after viewing the website for Auto Max of Brevard, Melbourne, FL, we drove from St. Cloud, FL (an 1hr and 1/2) to view a GMC Jimmy Sport. The picture on the website viewed the vehicle as in good condition but I now believe the photo is photo shopped. When we got there we were greated right away. We were taken by golf cart over to the lot where the vehicle was by a salesmen they called "Prince". He showed us the vehicle. It was in horrible condition. I felt this wasn't right in my gut and I was there with my daughter to help her purchase a vehicle. I told them, it wasn't anything like the picture on the web and Prince was charming and kind and he offered to show us another vehicle. We mentioned our price range. The web stated the GMC Jimmy was as cash for $1990.00. Our price range wasn't to go over $2500.00. Later, it will be revealed that nothing are their web is at the cost they advertise. The web mentioned the vehicle was in great condition and runs great. All of their ads state the same thing, which is Clue #1.
I mentioned to my daugther that we could look elsewhere but "Prince" stated he would find something for her and that they didn't have anything in our price range but that we could be financed. I mentioned my daughter lives on a monthly SSI check of $488.00 a month, raising 3 yound children as a single mother and that we need to buy something cash out. He said that they would make a deal with her and they could make sure she leaves with a vehicle even though it would be financed. He took us over to another vehicle. He showed us a Town and Country van. I noticed immediately that it had a flat tire, the body wasn't all that and the seats were in terrible condition. The back seat had been removed. I looked at my daughter and said "no". He then took us over to another lot to show us a 2004 Mercury Mountineer. The body was in good shape, the tires looked almost brand new, the seats were weather worn but it did appear to be a nice vehicle for her and the children. So we agreed to look into the deal they would offer on this vehicle. We told them of my daughter's circumstances financially and they agreed to help her with my $2500.00 down to give for her down payment and she could pay $250.00 a month.
The then rushed her to the financing department. We sat there for a little while, they started her paperwork. They were most concerned with her getting insured. We dealt with that. Staff kept running in and out of the place the hole time. Staff kept being paged over and over again. While my daughter was waiting for paperwork, I wanted to inspect the vehicle. I'm no mechanic but I know some things. They never offered her a test drive. They finally brought the vehicle over to the main office and had it running. I noticed our salesman running a water hose over the vehicle to, I guess, wash it. No soap or anything. I told him, I wanted to have a look at it. He let me. I popped the hood, there wasn't a latch to hold the hood up. That wasn't a major deal. I listened to the engine. It did sound good. There was no knocking, no rattling, I couldn't see anything on the surface. It did have a "hot" smell but they did have it running for a little while before I looked at it. This vehicle has a screen on the dash that reads things to you. It stated it needed coolant, it barely had any gas in it, and that it needed an oil change. I couldn't find the dip stick to check it so I asked "Prince" to help me find it. The oil look dark but I didn't feel any grit in it. It wasn't black but it would need an oil change soon. I spoke with the man (very large black man who never left the chair at the desk) who offered the deal and told him that think my daughter would want a test drive before she signs any paperwork. He told me that "it was a good running vehicle" and that they are going to do a "101" and have everything checked out before we leave. He also stated that my daughter didn't have to worry as they were going to give her a "2 year warranty" on it. "OKay", I said. I went to my daughter and told her.
At that time the woman doing the paperwork was telling my daughter about the 'warranty" and that it was a "50/50 type warranty". I asked what that meant. I was told that we are responsible for half of the repairs if need be. I went back out to the vehicle and it was gone. I was told they took it over to the mechanic to do a "101". I asked what a "101" is. I was told that the mechanic would look at all the fluids, hoses, belts, etc.... We were then there for four more hours. The paperwork was done. I asked what was taking so long. I was told they only had one mechanic today (this was a Saturday). We waited and waited. My daughter was happy to finally leave with her vehicle she purchased. We start to go home. We go back through Melbourne (speed limit is around 35-45 mph) to get back on the highway to head West on 192 back home. The speed limit goes up to 55 then 65mph. I noticed my daughter was lagging behind me as I kept an eye on her heading back. We get 8-9 miles down the highway when I see her pull off the road. I knew right then this wasn't going to be good. I pull off and start to turn around when she texted me: "I need you, mom". I hauled a** back to get to her. I pull up and the whole engine was smoking. I popped the hood. It was white and orange smoke coming from the middle of the engine. It looked like it wanted to catch fire but I don't believe it ever did.
I called AutoMax asap and told them what happened and that they were going to need to get a tow truck out here to pick this up and at no cost to me. They offered her a "loaner" to have until they fixed the vehicle. I told them at this point, I didn't trust any vehicle they had. I drove my daughter back to AutoMax to get our money back. That was going to happen. We spoke to the man (large black man) at the desk again and explained what happened. They stated that we needed to give them a chance to "rectify" the problem and that they would fix the vehicle. Another staff member came to sit down and he asked what happened and then made a joke about going 8-9 miles before the engine blew wasn't bad. The large black man (I apologize as I can't remember his name) and him both started to laugh. The "loaner"(s) they were offering were in worse shape than any other vehicle we looked at that day. The offered a Grand Marque, which my daugther didn't feel comfortable enough to drive. Then they offered a Chrysler somwhat like a PT Cruiser. They pulled up a black one that still had a stroller and car seat in the back seat. I asked, "What are you going to do with that" and I was ignored. The car smelt like baby fisces and vomit. I said "no" They then offer a gold one that had the driver door handle broken and the power steering was going out. I said "no" they then brought the black one back and stated that I would just need to put an air freshner in the car. How rude. I then looked at the tires of this vehicle and the front passenger tire was as smooth as a baby's bottom. Absolutely, no tread on it whatsoever. I stated, "my daughter is not driving all the way back to St.Cloud in this "unsafe" vehicle. One little anything that she drives over is going to cause that tire to blow and she may reck which is most important to me but then I don't want to be responsible to getting the vehicle towed somewhere if she survives?!!" They didn't offier to change the tire or nothing.
I was then starting to be ignored by everyone. Everyone was trying to ignore me. We decided to take the Grand Marque. The large black man said that it is a "good running car' and that is why he offered it in the first place. Then it took almost an hour more to get this vehicle up to the front as they had to change the battery. We finally left to go home in this "loaner'. We make it home, which is the only other place we went. It was pulled up into the yard beside the driveway and shut off. I didn't want my daughter using the vehicle only if necessary. Three days later, it car wouldn't start back up. Nothing was left on. I called AutoMax and told them. They seriously wanted me to pay to get the vehicle towed back to them and they would give her another "loaner". I went off on them. Absolutely not!!!! You will pay to get this piece of s*** back to you piece of s*** business or you can let it sit here and rot. There isn't one vehicle on your whole entire lot that is worth it. We don't want a "loaner' I told them. My daughter was upset about the whole situation.
After one week they called my daughter and wanted her to get the vehicle insured. No way!! Not until you fix it!!! The financial department called wanting a pick up fee off there lot for the vehicle of $684.00. No!!!! They kept telling her everyweek that her car would be fixed (they bought a refurbished engine) and to follow up with them on Friday or Monday -- Every week she was told that the mechanic wasn't in, they needed another part, the mechanic left, the first engine they bought wasn't good. Every week for 2 MONTHS STRAIGHT... she was told the exact same thing. During this time, I spoke with an attorney who looked over the paper work she signed and because they made her sign a "NO WARRANTY" "AS IS" document, there wasn't anything she could do. I would chew them out everytime they messed around with her that they stopped taking my phone calls. My daughter is 25yrs old and the vehicle is registered in her name so they weren't going to listen to me anymore. I
t is now, April 20, 2016 and they called her to tell her her vehicle is done and that she would need to pay them $600.00 to pick it up. They charged her $900.00 for the whatever work they never really explained or disclosed to her what they were actually doing with it. They wouldn't give her an assessment of what they are doing and the name of the parts they "needed" to replace. I have a suspicion that they are taking parts from her vehicle and fixing other people's vehicles with them. I can't prove it but once you are there and looking at things, I would not doubt in a heartbeat that that is what they were doing. I apologize if I'm wrong but they do not have a "trust" record with me. Why the secracy of not telling what parts are actually being replaced? Why the secracy of not giving her an assessment of what has been done? Why all the excuses? Why 2 MONTHS? I'm not an expert but I'm not that stupid.
I feel really bad about this because I should have been smarter not to let this happen to my daughter. I can't believe how much they brought my guard down and how quickly they did it!!! My daughter needs to be compensated. We want the $2500.00 down back and the loan to be null and void. I don't know how to go about doing so. If anything comes of this, I hope people read this site. I wish I would have seen it sooner. Please take warning and NEVER GO TO AUTOMAX OF BREVARD!!!!!
Auto Max dealer sold a stolen car January 5,2015. I purchase a 2008 white impala from Automax in Tuscaloosa. January 5 I purchase a car for my daughter. I was told the car was a one owner and was in good condition. After the deal went threw. I was told to go to a use tire store on greensboro. So that they could replace the two front tires. My daughter works over night. On May 22,2015 at 4am she was stopped by Northport police department for a right headlight outage. The officer gave her a warning for the headlight and as he began to walk away from the car. He received a call over his radio. Stating this car was stolen. He returned to the passenager side of the car and ask my daughter to step outside the car. She was detained for several hours at the Northport police department. Being question!!!
The investorgator stated " I had a long speech for you. I needed to know why you were out this time of night and I noticed your work shirt!" my daughter remained in the integration room for 6 hours. Montogmery had the car reported stolen since January of 2014. The next morning I went to Automax speaking with "Todd the title writer!" he couldn't find the file neither a answer for me. I told him if he wouldn't talk to me he would talk with my lawyer. He replied "get a lawyer then!" I called Montgomery department of DMV. I was told Automax applied for a title in January of 2015 and it was denied. My date of purchase 1/5/2015.
Then they applied again in May 22,2015. The date my child was stopped by the police and detained. Montgomery told me the car was reported stolen 1/2014 and Automax needs to fix it. I've obtained a lawyer and he's contacted them but they responded with emails onmy,and not with their lawyer information. DO NOT PURCHASE CARS FROM AUTOMAX USA. CARS ARE BEING SOLD STOLEN AND THIS COMPANY IS NOT PROFESSIONAL!! I need justice and I want stop until I do.