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Used Car Salesman Reportedly Fired After Withholding Customer’s Car & Claiming It’s Under Repair

2022-04-23 , 5:09 pm

Everywhere we’d always shudder at the thought of having to deal with pushy salespeople at those dubious skincare shops or lash salons.

But one guy had the worst experience of all when he tried to get a second-hand car from a dealership which led to a wild goose chase that lasted for more than a week.

What Happened

The man, Nishit Dilip Shah, went with his wife for a car viewing at SG Auto Pte Ltd on 13 March.

During this viewing, Nishit met the salesman Alvin and were told by him that the car they were interested in just had its Electronic Control Unit (ECU) replaced.

After checking that the car was in good condition, Nishit decided to buy the car and had it checked by SG Auto Care as well on 14 March.

However, the couple realised that the car’s check engine light was lit up while they were driving it on 20 March. From here, the couple informed Alvin about the issue and was advised to send the car back to SG Auto Care for a check.

It was after giving the car over to Alvin that things started to go south fast.

Car Held For 15 Days Without Explanation

After a mechanic had run a diagnosis on the car, the couple was told by the mechanic that there was either an issue with the car’s sensors or timing chain.

From here, the couple was informed by the mechanic that they could have the car back latest by 24 March.

However, on the day of the car collection, Alvin called the couple to inform them that the car’s timing chain had to be replaced.

According to Nishit, the car’s sales agreement had written that the couple was entitled to a one-year warranty on the car’s engine and gearbox. But Alvin had told them that the timing chain replacement was not included in the warranty as it was not part of the engine.

A quick Google search by Nishit proved this was false. Still, Nishit had agreed to give a payment of $300 for the replacement after Alvin had agreed to give a one-year warranty on the part.

Nishit was informed again that the car would be ready on 30 March but was told by Alvin to come down the next day on 31 March to collect it instead.

Refused To Release Car Without Papers

On 31 March, Alvin called Nishit again to tell him that the timing chain issue was resolved but new issues emerged from the car’s ECU.

This definitely did not make sense as Alvin was the one who informed Nishit in the first place that the car’s ECU had just been replaced when they bought it.

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Tired by the antics pulled by Alvin, Nishit informed Alvin that he was no longer interested in his service and that he would fix the car up with another mechanic instead.

But Alvin refused to release the car to Nishit until he signed a form that indicated SG Auto Pte Ltd was released from all liability.

At this point, Nishit warned Alvin that he would file a police report if Alvin did not release the car back to him by 1 April, 12:00pm.

Back And Forth Ended With Police Report

When Alvin failed to deliver the car back to Nishit by the deadline above, he filed a police report.

Beforehand, Alvin called Nishit back again to inform him that he was able to give a replacement car to the couple and that the car can be repaired for another $1,500.

At this point, Nishit decided to end the fiasco by making the report.

Despite knowing about the police report being made, Alvin still refused to reveal to Nishit where his car was.

On 4 April, Nishit’s car was finally found by the authorities. Allegedly, the car was found in a completely different mechanic shop that was not affiliated with SG Auto Pte Ltd.

The couple immediately arranged for another mechanic to run a diagnosis of the car.

Initial findings by the mechanic show that there was nothing wrong with the car’s timing chain or ECU at all.

After Nishit’s story went public on Facebook, the management of SG Auto Pte Ltd has reached out and compensated Nishit in full for his claims.

“(SG Auto Pte Ltd) were unaware of the full extent of Alvin’s actions. We understand that SG Auto has terminated Alvin’s employment.”

You can view Nishit’s post here: