Jenna Belevender

Review of Autobarn Mazda - Evanston,IL

I'm usually not one to review places but my experi...

I'm usually not one to review places but my experience was SO bad I want to stop others from getting into business with this place.
Horrible customer service, no transparency and blatant misleading in their sales tactics. I've listed the details below but if you're not in the mood for the details the short story is, avoid these guys. Man-splaining, slimy double talk and all, so cliche.

I saw the car listed on Autotrader, followed up with the dealership and was immediately contacted by a sales rep. Kam was helpful, sent me photos and told me the car was in good shape. I let him know I'd be coming from Detroit and wanted to know any additional information about the car, it is an older (2007 Subaru) car so I assumed some problems but he said no the car was a just a trade in so they were selling it as is but the owners took GREAT care of it and provided a full binder full of history. The carfax report claimed damage so I asked about that, he said there was no way that was right and they most likely tried to claim a larger damage for insurance because the car was clearly in good condition besides a few scratches. He even sent me photos of the scratches so I was aware. We negotiated, car was being sold for 7200, I offered 7000 cash if everything checked out with a third party mechanic. I read the good reviews and thought it would be a done deal.

I let them know I'm coming, Kam is out on vacation, Michel assists me after I make the nearly five hour drive. I'm looking at the car, since I'd been shopping for months at this point, I've done my Subaru research. I'm no mechanic but there are a few red flags off the bat much more than cosmetic (which Kam discussed and sent me photos of, no problem its an older car) like immediately I notice the sunroof is jammed open.

I found a mechanic close by, Sam's Auto Repair and Bodyshop (hat's off to the sweet old man who I'm reviewing as well and sending a hand-written thank you note to for his honesty) and after inspection, he toured me around the car and pointed out, begged me in fact to not buy this car. Turns out the car had been into an accident, surprise, and the small scratches were from a bad paint job (very clear by the lines on the inside of the doors) and by his inspection had been very poorly taken care of. He had me take photos which I'm intended to post.

I showed Michael and his GM the list of things wrong with the car, presuming they must not have known or not done an inspection because in the mechanics words, it was unsafe to drive back home and a waste of money. Sales guy was fine, the GM was nothing short of nasty, just blamed me for not understanding the value and saying the damages were "cosmetic." At the very least, I asked for them to reimburse me for the $125 I'd wasted on the mechanic, and was met with barely concealed laugher. May as well have said "little lady you've come to the wrong place."

The car was obviously not for me but they did NOTHING to apologize or help the situation. I intend on posting this on any review site because frankly, I've never been so disappointed with customer service in my life.