superstition rv ripoff unethical bait and switch mesa, Arizona

On or around July 3, 2010 I negotiated the purchase of a 1997 Fleetwood Motor Home from Superstition RV, LLC. The address as reflected on the purchase order was 9750 E. Apache Trail, Mesa, AZ 85207. This vehicle posted on Ebay and was advertised as with all equipment in good working order; however, I called Superstition Motors direct and negotiated directly with them. I had numerous conversations with an individual named Ron, who stated he was the owner of this company, and an individual named Mike, who was a sales associate. During these conversations, this motor home was presented as in excellent condition with all equipment in working order.

Based on this information I received from this company, I decided to go ahead and proceed by sending a deposit, after further conversation, one week later, sent the money in full as requested by this company.

On the morning of July 16th we had trouble finding the facility because the address on the purchase order is incorrect. The company had moved. This was the first in a series of mishaps. We finally arrived and the motor home was not immediately available. We waited. It arrived shortly, and we took a quick walk through on our own. No one seemed too interested in assisting us at this point. As we were walked through the first time we noticed that the refrigerator was not working, the continual comment was that it had been working and they would repair it. Still acting on good faith because of the representations made by this company and the fact they had our $31,000.00, we went ahead and signed the paperwork.

By this time, the refrigerator was still not cold, the air conditioning system was not working properly and our request to test drive the vehicle was denied. They stated they could drive us around the block. During this period the A/C breakers popped, and we were told they were accidentally bumped, and reset right away. We discovered a diesel leak under the rear of the vehicle. By this time we had been in and out of 110+ degree temps for hours, trying to stay on top of these various repairs going on. One thing after another was going wrong. We were also dealing with the fact that the photos provided on Ebay did not properly depict the true condition of this vehicle. The condition from a torn mattress to worn leather couches to the working condition, a crinkled repair job to the side of the motor home, and the other things still not seem to be quite working right. But since we had signed the papers and they had our money after 5 1/2 hours were drove off the lot, thinking the issues were resolved.

We promptly filled the fuel tanks (approx 55 gallons) of diesel and set off on our adventure. We got on Interstate 202 and went approximately 10 miles, when we had to pull over because of excessive wind noise coming through the door and some movement at the top areas of the door. I got out and inspected the door, and realized that the top two hinges were broken with no connection to the motor home, which was a serious safety concern. We called the store back and their comment was bring it in we will make it right.

We turned around and took this vehicle back. As we pulled into the parking area the A/C breakers popped again. At this time, we had been delivered a vehicle with serious problems with the door hinges, the refrigerator was still not working, the A/C breakers had popped again and there was not safety latch on the refrigerator allowing it come open at will, and the engine temperature gauge was not working.

Not only did we have multiple failures with the various systems, but we had been here all day with no transportation, the management did not keep us updated on the progress, and would ignore our attempts to speak with them. When my wife and I finally got enough of the run around, she tracked down the owner, Ron, and took a very hostile attitude with her once she requested our money back, and this transaction be cancelled. He said I keep 20% and will refund you the difference. Take it or leave it and get out of my face.

We had not had food since 7:00 AM that morning, were fighting temperatures over 110 degrees and after their final customer was delivered (other than us) the air conditioning in the offices was turned off. Inside temps were over 85 degrees of stagnant air with nothing offered to eat or drink other than water, while the management came and went with bags of food.

We were finally asked to go and look at another motor home that we may like. This one had been closed up all day and was terrible hot. Ultimately we were told to make and offer if we liked this one. We needed to do something and asked them what the additional cost would be to take that one. The 2nd motor home had a list price difference of $7,000.00 higher; however, Ron, insisted that he would require an additional $10,000.00 for us to purchase the 2nd one. At this time we asked to have the evening to make our decision. The sales associate Mike, drove us to a hotel. At this time, we had not eaten, or been cool for many hours. We needed some rest.

I have been around the auto industry for many years, and this is a classic Bait and Switch move, as well as false advertising. The dealer should be the expert in the state of his vehicles with the obligation to deliver a vehicle as he has represented such. After the door and other issues, we feared there was no telling what other misleading statements this company had made to induce us to purchase a inferior vehicle.

At this time we are requesting the following remedy: This dealer reimburse us for the 20% Restocking Fee of $5,970.00, which was not disclosed on the original Vehicle Purchase Agreement. We also request our air fare, transportation charges and food for this time, as well as the fuel purchased for this vehicle, by me personally. If this company has accurately represented this vehicle, we would have never made an offer or entered into any type of purchase process with them.