April 2020, we purchased a 2011 FX35 from Lia Infiniti, Latham, NY 12047 an authorized dealership for $17,339.00.
During the course of several conversations, email and text exchanges, it was represented to us that the vehicle was in good condition with no problems. In fact, our sales representative told us this "car will sell fast as it's in perfect condition!"
Because of the Worldwide Pandemic, we were unable to take in for an immediate inspection upon arrival, although trusted that since this car was coming from an authorized Infiniti dealership, it would be in workable condition. As you can see from the screen shots, we put very few additional miles on the car, because of the shut down; and despite the label for an oil change (see screenshot) took the vehicle to our local AAA certified automotive repair shop for its first oil change, even before due. Much to our surprise, the repair shop advised, "we cannot and will not work on this vehicle as the undercarriage is completely destroyed by rust."
Everything from the front of the vehicle to the rear is completely covered in rust. Moreover, the rust is so bad that it has already started "eating away" at the undercarriage into the floorboard of the car. The repair shop said that to repair just the rusted out exhaust pipes would likely cost well over $7,000-8,000 as the entire system from the manifold to the muffler would need to be replaced. Almost all of the bolts are "frozen" and can't even be unscrewed.
Moreover, the vehicle requires the following work as well:
· Replace Engine Mounts
· Power Steering Fluid Leak-Replace steering rack
· Exhaust Pipes Rusted
· Rear Shocks Worn Out
In addition to the sale price on the car, we paid $1000 to transport the vehicle, and $1500 in taxes and registration of the vehicle.
When approaching the General Manager Jeremy Rolfe with regards to this issue, he responded:
"I have attached for your review a copy of the NYS Limited Warranty . Also included is a copy of the car fax showing that the vehicle was a one owner , no accident vehicle which had all its maintenance done in a timely manner.
Also I reviewed the photos provided . I do notice surface rust on untreated metals which is consistent and reasonable for a 10 year old vehicle.
You have had the vehicle for more than 3 months and have made no attempt to call the dealership with any concerns in condition and or drivability. The prior customer had no history of concerns with any of the concerns you noted and my technicians made no note of it in their used car evaluation. We believe we delivered a vehicle in good working condition and adhered to all NYS guidelines."
One can certainly recognize our dismay in learning that a reputable company like Lia Automotive Groups' standard is willing to defraud the public and sell a car with $10,000 + damage, along with your pride in your “multi point inspection” - that your service staff was unable to notate any of the corrosion, anywhere! More importantly, zero concern by this negligence, the risk they put a mother and her children out on the roads.
To document an outright lie, that this car was in “good working condition”, is downright fraud.
Never mind, the financial burden with one dismissive email. No guts to even a return a phone call.
Lia INFINITI Reviews
April 2020, we purchased a 2011 FX35 from Lia Infiniti, Latham, NY 12047 an authorized dealership for $17,339.00.
During the course of several conversations, email and text exchanges, it was represented to us that the vehicle was in good condition with no problems. In fact, our sales representative told us this "car will sell fast as it's in perfect condition!"
Because of the Worldwide Pandemic, we were unable to take in for an immediate inspection upon arrival, although trusted that since this car was coming from an authorized Infiniti dealership, it would be in workable condition. As you can see from the screen shots, we put very few additional miles on the car, because of the shut down; and despite the label for an oil change (see screenshot) took the vehicle to our local AAA certified automotive repair shop for its first oil change, even before due. Much to our surprise, the repair shop advised, "we cannot and will not work on this vehicle as the undercarriage is completely destroyed by rust."
Everything from the front of the vehicle to the rear is completely covered in rust. Moreover, the rust is so bad that it has already started "eating away" at the undercarriage into the floorboard of the car. The repair shop said that to repair just the rusted out exhaust pipes would likely cost well over $7,000-8,000 as the entire system from the manifold to the muffler would need to be replaced. Almost all of the bolts are "frozen" and can't even be unscrewed.
Moreover, the vehicle requires the following work as well:
· Replace Engine Mounts
· Power Steering Fluid Leak-Replace steering rack
· Exhaust Pipes Rusted
· Rear Shocks Worn Out
In addition to the sale price on the car, we paid $1000 to transport the vehicle, and $1500 in taxes and registration of the vehicle.
When approaching the General Manager Jeremy Rolfe with regards to this issue, he responded:
"I have attached for your review a copy of the NYS Limited Warranty . Also included is a copy of the car fax showing that the vehicle was a one owner , no accident vehicle which had all its maintenance done in a timely manner.
Also I reviewed the photos provided . I do notice surface rust on untreated metals which is consistent and reasonable for a 10 year old vehicle.
You have had the vehicle for more than 3 months and have made no attempt to call the dealership with any concerns in condition and or drivability. The prior customer had no history of concerns with any of the concerns you noted and my technicians made no note of it in their used car evaluation. We believe we delivered a vehicle in good working condition and adhered to all NYS guidelines."
One can certainly recognize our dismay in learning that a reputable company like Lia Automotive Groups' standard is willing to defraud the public and sell a car with $10,000 + damage, along with your pride in your “multi point inspection” - that your service staff was unable to notate any of the corrosion, anywhere! More importantly, zero concern by this negligence, the risk they put a mother and her children out on the roads.
To document an outright lie, that this car was in “good working condition”, is downright fraud.
Never mind, the financial burden with one dismissive email. No guts to even a return a phone call.