DO NOT BUY: Speed Motors sold me a car with defects that appeared during the test drive, made representations that persuaded me to complete the purchase, and then hid behind "as-is" when those same defects returned almost immediately. Texas consumer guidance specifically says an "as-is" sale may not defeat a DTPA claim. I am pursuing legal claims for misrepresentation and fraud and have already served the dealer with the required 60-day pre-suit notice. Read further for more details.
I purchased a 2008 Mercedes SL550 that Speed Motors advertised as "PRISTINE." During the test drive, the convertible top malfunctioned and made a grinding sound, and the A/C blower was already making an abnormal chirping noise.
The dealer later claimed the convertible-top problem had been fixed simply by adding hydraulic fluid. I specifically questioned whether the low fluid indicated a leak or another underlying defect.
I had decided not to purchase the car and was walking away, but the dealer then provided a warranty and represented that the problems would be covered if they returned. I relied on those representations and completed the purchase.
The defects returned immediately. A repair facility later documented problems requiring approximately $5,145 in repairs, including a leaking convertible-top hydraulic component. The warranty did not cover the repairs, and Speed Motors refused to pay for the defects that were present before the sale. Its proposed solution was merely to cancel and refund the warranty--the very warranty used to persuade me to buy the car.
The dealer now relies on the words "as-is" rather than taking responsibility for the specific statements made about the vehicle's condition, the supposed repair, and the warranty coverage. As recognized by Texas law, "as-is" is not a shield for representations that induce a customer to purchase a defective vehicle.
I repeatedly attempted to resolve this directly before posting this review. Because the dealer has refused to provide a meaningful remedy, I am pursuing claims based on misrepresentation and fraud.
Based on my experience, I would strongly warn prospective buyers not to rely on verbal assurances, claimed repairs, warranty promises, or descriptions such as "PRISTINE" without obtaining every representation in writing. read more