<![CDATA[A little story about Valley Imports.]]>LONG BUT WORTH THE READ!

In the beginning of this past July, my girlfriend, Megan, was looking for a new car. She happened to stumble upon a 2004 Lancer ES for a good price in the used lot at Valley Imports. We stopped in and talked to a salesman named Wally about the car, and then took it for a test drive. On the test drive we noticed that the car only had 18,000 miles, the interior was in perfect condition, and all of the radio presets were set to Grand Forks stations. After returning to Valley Imports we told Wally that we had to think about it and would get back to him tomorrow.

Well, Megan decided to get this car and so the next day we went in to deal with all of the paperwork. While we were there Megan asked Wally why this year and a half old car was already on the used lot with only 18,000 miles. Wally responded with "the car was originally leased by an elderly couple in Grand Forks." When she asked him if the car had ever been in any accidents he responded with a "nope, perfect condition."

Fast foreward 6 months.

Megan is cleaning her car last week and as she is wiping it dry the clear coat around the rear drivers side wheel flakes off. She goes into her glove compartment and looks at the Mitsubishi warranty. Yep, it covers paint.

A few days later we go into Valley Imports (who now that we have a complaint they are MUCH more condescending than when we were buying a car) and talk to the service manager about it. He tells us to pull the car inside because they will have to "take some pictures of the paint and send them off to the head of Mitsubishi to determine if it is a paint problem or if it is something that Megan did to the paint, because in all of my years of working here I've never seen a Mitsubishi paint claim." Honestly, unless she is using paint stripper to wash her car there is NO reason for the clear coat to be comming of in big (approx 1 inchX1 inch) flakes when the car only has 24,000 miles.

10 mintues later the service manager brings us back into the shop and tells us that the paint claim is denied due to the fact that the car has been hit and it is a body shop's paint and not Mitsubishi's. He opens the fuel door and shows us a faint paint line and then opens the rear driver door and shows us a faint paint line then tells us that the door has a new door skin on it. He starts the car, then gets out and opens the garage door and tells us to have a nice day. Megan looks at him and asks "why was I told when I bought this car that it had never been in an accident?" Which he replys with "you will have to take that up with your sales person, now have a nice day."

We drive over to Corwin Honda and Megan walks in all pissed off and telling a salesman this story and she just wants to get rid of the car (so we can get a free carfax). Well, the salesman jumps on this definate sale and goes and talks to his manager, a few minutes later the salesman and manager walk back over with a report in hand.

Megan's 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES was never a lease out of Grand Forks, and it has been in an accident. Better yet, Megan's car was originally a rental car in Atlanta, GA and after it was T-boned it was sent to an auto auction in Florida where Valley Imports picked it up and then had it shipped back to Fargo and fixed before putting it on their lot.

What does this all come down to? FRAUD! What can we do about it? NOTHING! Why? Because it would end up going to court and being our word against the attorneys for Valley Imports.

Moral of this story. FUCK VALLEY IMPORTS!

]]>https://fargostreet.com/topic/5334/a-little-story-about-valley-imports.RSS for NodeThu, 28 May 2026 03:09:25 GMTTue, 10 Jan 2006 03:41:55 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:43:33 GMT]]>All dealerships do this crap, the used car departments are criminals wherever you go...
If a carfax doesnt show anything, its perfect...right? fuck that, carfax doesnt show shit unless the car is fucked up beyond repair....yet even then they do repair them

ANY car that has had a major collision done is a POS. IT should never be driven again. Body shops are the biggest hacks in the world. I see this shit everyday, and acually today ive got this car that has literally the whole front end hacked to get the new parts to fit. its sick to even look at a $35K 04 w/ 4k on it thats never going to be right....and has a clean carfax.

Yes the salesman lied to you, so what? they do it everyday, they got your sale, got their money, and prolly doesnt even work there anymore. Go to the used car manager or general manager and let them know whats going on....

Also, dealers dont always work as one....all departments, (UC, NC, PArts, Service...) all work as seperate departments and thats why the service people told you to fuck off....cus they know the UC dept is full of shit

its the way it is....good luck!

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87907https://fargostreet.com/post/87907Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:43:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:28:36 GMT]]>http://www.bbb.org/
and
http://www.ag.state.nd.us/CPAT/CPAT.htm

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87905https://fargostreet.com/post/87905Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:28:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:24:47 GMT]]>If you want, two different agency's help out consumers. The Better Business Bureau, and the States Attorney Generals office. Claims to them are among the first before small claims court. You need to provide documentation that you weren't notified of an accident prior to this, and you need to send documents to VI about your incident with them and what you expect out of them. With these, you'll receive responses from them too. It is a hell of a long process, but it is worth it most of the time.

Ry

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87904https://fargostreet.com/post/87904Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:24:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:46:49 GMT]]>Well.. If it was in a wreck and or whatever and could be sold w/o being told it was previously damaged, the paint should be covered under warranty cuz that shouldn't pertain to it.. it's weird how they can get that info. when VI saves a few couple hundred dollars, but they can reguard that info. when its sold..
So what I don't get is.. How they can buy a Fla. car, say it's got this warranty this/that
and when you bring it in for a paint claim; they deny it cuz it was previously totalled... or damaged, well.. Does that mean any future claims will be denied also? Engine, etc..????
A warranty could easily of lead or mislead you to buy a certain car.. Dig deep, get some info. don't get play'd like a fool like that..

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87893https://fargostreet.com/post/87893Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:46:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:32:42 GMT]]>its a crappy deal, I know, but it really isnt the end of the world

they should have told you about the damage, but what if the salesman didnt actually know about the damage? He might not be the bad guy, other than assuming that it was damage free. Or maybe someone told him this story?

Also, if theres no damage disclosure on the car or salvage title, it should still be worth retail value, shouldnt it? And if she keeps it, it should still be a good, dependable car seeing how its so new. Body damage shouldnt effect mechanical condition.

Body shops are never cheap, but if it was just the clear that came off, and none of the base coat, it would make it much cheaper to fix. Lots of times they can just give the surface a really good scuffing and re clear it.

In the end, the deal still sucks and you definately have a right to be pissed.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87888https://fargostreet.com/post/87888Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:32:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:31:35 GMT]]>Here's my suggestion.. Go in with a "hidden" tape recorder, try to get him to admit that he said.. The car was from G-F, as a rental, or what-not.. That could be some hard evidence if it needs to go to court.. Longer you put it off, harder it is.. to maybe fight it..
I'd write letters to corporate if there is a corporate for VI.. do some digging, the internet is a nice tool for getting needed information.. 🙂

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87886https://fargostreet.com/post/87886Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:31:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:08:29 GMT]]>No paperwork stating that there was an accident. No damage disclosure statement

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87882https://fargostreet.com/post/87882Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:08:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 19:29:12 GMT]]>there's a similar case that happened in 1992 in florida. a bmw dealership sold cars as brand new, original paint and never in an accident. a regional sales manger of a medical supply firm happened to buy a car from them. he was later suprised to find out after a storm that his paint had been peeling. he went back they told him the same thing VI told you, just gave them the run around. he went and filed a claim, took his car to a body shop to get an estimate, and the dealership lost in court, had to buy his car back, and pay for lost time at work, court costs and were now held liable for every car they sold. needless to say, they closed. so i agree with everyone else, simply drag your feet, they may not talk to you, but their hopeful customers will, and that could be the biggest affect it takes to get your money back.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87876https://fargostreet.com/post/87876Tue, 10 Jan 2006 19:29:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 18:06:12 GMT]]>There should be a damage disclosure statement when they did the title paperwork.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87868https://fargostreet.com/post/87868Tue, 10 Jan 2006 18:06:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:55:59 GMT]]>wasn't there any paperwork that denotes "accident" when you bought the car?

can you confront the salesperson and see what he says? depending on his reaction, you might be able to chase this down more...

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87861https://fargostreet.com/post/87861Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:55:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:27:00 GMT]]>Title is clear. Florida is a non-disclosure state (which means even if the car is totalled the DMV doesn't have to know about it or report it on the title) which is why MANY dealerships buy there and bring wrecked cars there to auction.

And even if I took them to small claims it is still our word against theirs.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87860https://fargostreet.com/post/87860Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:27:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 14:09:19 GMT]]>

92BlackTT wrote:
if its salvage it is fraud(the kind you can win) you cannot sell a salvage title car without damage disclosure. You should dig deeper into the amount and kind of damage. It is possible a salvage title car can magically come back clean when state to state transfers take place, especially from distances like florida. Ive seen it happen. If you can prove carfax wrong dont they buy you a car?

That is a pretty bad deal but I would keep after it. If you cause a big enough fuss and drag your feet you never know. A friend bought a van from ford and it blew up two days later. long story short he got the money back from ford for the van including sales tax and liscencing fees.

He's absolutely right - do some digging on the car.

On a side note - you can take VI to small claims court for very little money, but there's a max you can sue them for. I would first talk to the salesman and if he somewhat admits he had false information or he misled you, let him know that he'll be in court. If you can get a judgement for the repair, it may set some groundwork for a larger suit - having them buy the car back.

If Wally doesn't admit much, you may be fooked

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87854https://fargostreet.com/post/87854Tue, 10 Jan 2006 14:09:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:37:43 GMT]]>

green6767 wrote:
from knowledge of working at a dealership, I would go back to the sales guy, regardless of you think it will help or not. Go to the sales manager with your proof and go higher yet. I work at Corwin Honda, and we take our shit seriously. If Valley is anything like Corwin, they care about a decent reputation. Make a fuss and cause a scene, and possibly talk to the right people, and things happen. Trust me! Not sure if it will work in your case, but anyhow, dont back down. Thats a shitty deal, hope it all works out for ya.

I was kinda thinking the same thing. Go in there when there busy and make a big fuss about how "WALLY" lied to you about the condition your car was in before you bought it, make sure you include the "How many other cars did you sell that were previously wrecked" line. At the very least you may lose them some customers and maybe high dollar ones at that. Also spread the word about your shitty experience. Remember, goo publicity travels fast but bad publicity travels faster.

You could also just drive the car right into there show room and tell them to keep the fucker. Just thought I'd give you another option. 🙂

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87847https://fargostreet.com/post/87847Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:37:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 07:59:15 GMT]]>from knowledge of working at a dealership, I would go back to the sales guy, regardless of you think it will help or not. Go to the sales manager with your proof and go higher yet. I work at Corwin Honda, and we take our shit seriously. If Valley is anything like Corwin, they care about a decent reputation. Make a fuss and cause a scene, and possibly talk to the right people, and things happen. Trust me! Not sure if it will work in your case, but anyhow, dont back down. Thats a shitty deal, hope it all works out for ya.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87846https://fargostreet.com/post/87846Tue, 10 Jan 2006 07:59:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 06:04:57 GMT]]>if its salvage it is fraud(the kind you can win) you cannot sell a salvage title car without damage disclosure. You should dig deeper into the amount and kind of damage. It is possible a salvage title car can magically come back clean when state to state transfers take place, especially from distances like florida. Ive seen it happen. If you can prove carfax wrong dont they buy you a car?

That is a pretty bad deal but I would keep after it. If you cause a big enough fuss and drag your feet you never know. A friend bought a van from ford and it blew up two days later. long story short he got the money back from ford for the van including sales tax and liscencing fees.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87829https://fargostreet.com/post/87829Tue, 10 Jan 2006 06:04:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:54 GMT]]>Is the title clear or salvage?

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87820https://fargostreet.com/post/87820Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:33 GMT]]>

97slowgsx wrote:
it would cost way to much money and take way to much time ...for anythign to happen in court.

And that's exactly what the fuckhead salesman is counting on. Sorry to hear about that. I wont be buying there either. Wait, I could never afford to anyway. Well, you still have my support for what it's worth. Shitty deal no matter how you look at it.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87819https://fargostreet.com/post/87819Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:27 GMT]]>

A853 wrote:
You can't do anothing about it.. That's fraud like you said.. so your saying this guy will lie in court..?
Valley Imports can spend a hell of a lot more money on an their attorney to make them look good and what not. Money does the works in court.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87818https://fargostreet.com/post/87818Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:54:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:51:46 GMT]]>it would cost way to much money and take way to much time ...for anythign to happen in court.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87817https://fargostreet.com/post/87817Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:51:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:40:07 GMT]]>You can't do anothing about it.. That's fraud like you said.. so your saying this guy will lie in court..?

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87815https://fargostreet.com/post/87815Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:40:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:40:05 GMT]]>yeah thats totally not cool

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87814https://fargostreet.com/post/87814Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:40:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:27:43 GMT]]>yeah thats pretty fucked up for being a high class car lot.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87810https://fargostreet.com/post/87810Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:27:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:18:40 GMT]]>I will never buy a car at Valley Imports after reading this.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87808https://fargostreet.com/post/87808Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:18:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to A little story about Valley Imports. on Tue, 10 Jan 2006 03:48:16 GMT]]>This is true, but when we asked wally about the previous owner and accidents, he lied to our faces, which is fraud.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/87803https://fargostreet.com/post/87803Tue, 10 Jan 2006 03:48:16 GMT