Verified Customer
1 decade ago
Could have been much better
The definite pluses that might make me repeat the experience are: the van was readily available on the lot having just come off being used as a fleet vehicle. It had approximately 20,000 km, which was pretty low mileage.
The definite negatives which left a bad taste in my mouth and would make me not want to repeat the experience are: An exact purchase price was not initially disclosed either verbally, and especially not in writing. I was told it would be in the “low thirties.” It ended up being $32,700. The other board member who accompanied me said $31,100 had been mentioned in one of our discussions, although she didn’t insist on this. An actual interest rate was also not disclosed until I pressed for it prior to coming over to pick up the vehicle. We should have had both the purchase price and interest rate in writing at our first meeting, and prior to deciding to buy the vehicle. But I hadn’t bought a used vehicle in almost twenty years, and wasn’t up on my game. Having something in writing would have eliminated this uncertainty.
When we went to sign the papers, the business manager we had dealt with the previous day was away for the weekend; he had said he'd be away; it took a long while for his substitute to find the documents, as they had recently moved offices. He wasn’t quite up to speed either, insisting that only one signature was needed even though we repeatedly told him that our corporate bylaws required two signatures. Two weeks later SMP called to tell us that a second signature was required, necessitating another signatory to drive out there to sign papers that should have been signed in the first place.
Before driving away in the van, I noticed that the tank was only half full. I thought it was customary for vehicles especially from a dealership to be sold with full tanks. I brought this up and the tank was filled. But I could have driven off without looking, and be out $60 or more.
A week after purchasing the vehicle I noticed that the front tires were practically bald, and will need to be changed before winter. While I had looked at the rear tires, which were ‘newer’, I hadn’t looked at the front. I assumed they’d be the same as the rear tires. Yes, it’s my fault for not closely inspecting the vehicle prior to buying. But like I said I haven’t bought a used vehicle in close to 20 years; we urgently needed one, and this was available.
Yes, the flowers were nice touch, but I trade them in a heartbeat for full disclosure, newer tires, and a full tank.
I won’t be back anytime soon, nor would I recommend SMP to anyone without first telling them my experience.
Reply from: Saskatoon Motor Products 1 decade ago
Hi John,
We appreciate your concerns. As you have mentioned, we did inform you that the vehicle was going to be in the low thirties, which it ended up being. The interest rate was unable to be determined as the vehicle was purchased as a company and not an individual – with company interest rates, it is difficult to “set in stone” what it will be before submitting it to the bank.
We apologize for the mix up with the business managers – that was unfortunate and unacceptable on our end; we have learned from that situation. In response to your concern with the half full talk, we don’t fill any tanks when they are purchased, but like you mentioned, we were able to compromise and fill your tank. As for your tires, nothing was hidden from you. All of our vehicles are fully inspected, and your vehicle passed the inspection. When the time comes to replace the tires, please come and see us and we can help you out and give you a deal on new tires.
While we’re disappointed that you've stated that you will not be returning, we hope that with this reply we have explained some things. If you would like to meet face-to-face to discuss your experience, we are more than willing to do so.
Staff Dealt With
