From a press release:
Used auto dealership Sunset Cars of Renton has earned an “F” rating with Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. The company received 18 complaints over a three-year period, and 15 of those were filed within the last 12 months.
Consumers allege shortly after purchasing a used vehicle from Sunset Cars, they discover major malfunctions or damage to the car. Consumers tell BBB the company promises to fix the issues or pay the repair bills, but later refuses or pays only a partial bill for repairs.
“Upon purchasing a 2006 Scion XA, I noticed an issue while driving home from the dealer,” one consumer reported to BBB. “I pulled into Les Schwab and had them inspect things. They let me know that three of the wheel bearings were badly corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.”
“When I purchased my car it had a check engine light on,” another consumer stated in his BBB complaint. “Sunset agreed to fix the issue, but all they did was turn it off.”
On April 20, 2015, BBB notified the company of this pattern of complaints. As of late July, the company has not responded to BBB’s request to address the pattern. As stated on the company’s BBB Business Review, half of the 18 complaints filed against Sunset Cars have gone unanswered and three remain unresolved.
BBB urges consumers to heed the following advice before purchasing a used car:
• Research the dealer: Look up the car dealership at bbb.org. Read customer reviews and consider how the company has handled past complaints.
• Investigate the vehicle: Look up the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) to check the title and look up a vehicle history report. Check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau for any flood damage or reports of theft. Ask about the car’s repair history and request a copy.
• Go for a test drive: Always test drive a vehicle before making the decision to purchase it. Try it out on roads, freeways and inclines.
• Ask an expert: If the car is not manufacturer certified pre-owned (CPO), bring the car to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.
• Negotiate and pay wisely: Take time to consider the options—paying in full or financing. Be sure to completely understand the terms of the financing agreement before signing. Do not get talked into an option that is not within budget.
For more consumer protection tips and BBB news, visit bbb.org and follow BBB on Facebook.
