Buyer beware CarFax or not
Several years ago I purchased a used Ford Expedition XLT to tow a small travel trailer to take my wife with stage 4 cancer anywhere she wanted for her passing. Was told the vehicle was from a returning customer - all services by the dealer - great shape - no accidents as I questioned some overspray and paint seam. They produced a detailed CarFax supporting their claims - My brother drove if from Delray Beach Fl to Punta Gorda Fl across the state. He said "it bounced all the way and the brakes were grinding" I called and was told to take it to Ft Myers affiliate to check. After a short test drive the mgr said "this vehicle should have never been put on the lot let alone on the road". They replaced all struts - brake job all around. I was satisfied and off we went - in Montana the engine went with 58,000 miles - fortunately I bought the extended warranty as the F&I young man was from my area growing up. a couple years ago I started seeing "peg like" spots rising from the gas input - they'd show then disappear - than show again! - then the back quarter panel started to crack - then the spots reappeared with more cracking then chips falling off revealing Bond-o. The vehicle had been hit and body work done!! I immediately emailed the dealership - received a very nice response from GM to help. I sent the above narrative - quotes from a national collision center - then a local - accompanied by pictures - silence - over a month - advised them I would be seeking third party help - contacted the Fl AG - they sent me links to contact as they took fraud especially on seniors such as me. Contacted the BBB - then FL motor vehicle division sent me forms seeking info and supporting documents. All sent - the national cost would have been close to $7000 - at 75 years old and the vehicle older I opted for the repair of the original work as water was getting into tail light assembly etc. Sent the same and told them I was taking the $1900 route to mitigate and as a senior that is a lot. Heard nothing - will await what they do when state agencies are involved