518 Auto Sales of Norfolk

Worst car buying experience I've had Be aware of fraud at this dealership and/or its partner auto shops: This is a bit long winded, but if you want to be informed about a real situation Be aware of fraud at this dealership and/or its partner auto shops: This is a bit long winded, but if you want to be informed about a real situation that occurred with this dealership, then please read. First of all, it takes a good reason for me to write a review on a business, especially a bad one. I purchased a vehicle from this dealership just over a month ago. First experience was not exactly pleasant. I had an appointment, yet the salesman took forever to get to me and the vehicle I was going to test drive had a dead battery. I had to wait until it was charged, then it died again. Needless to say, they were very unprepared for my appointment. Secondly, the engine light was on when I test drove it. They read the code, said it had one for the dead battery (voltage) and one for a cylinder misfire. They wrote it up, agreed to replace battery and spark plugs the next day and I could pick it up after it was completed. I picked it up the next day as planned, they failed to provide paperwork which I asked for. Before I got home, engine light appeared again. I called, they said to bring it back. I brought it back, they said they would take it to get the coil packs replaced, and a full tune up. The vehicle was completed and I picked it up again (this time with a receipt of the work completed). This time, I did not even make it out of the parking lot, engine light came on again. I drove back in, salesman said the service manager had already left, but it should be fine to drive over the weekend and that he would call me back Monday. Monday came and went, no call. I called and spoke to the service manager, where he informed me that not all the spark plugs and coil packs were actually done. I told him that I was told differently, and the receipt said otherwise. Things started to get frustrating and fishy to say the least at this point. I took the vehicle back, for the third time. They had the vehicle for 3 days. I picked it up, engine light was not on. I thanked them and went on my way. The next morning I went out of town (about a 4 hour drive). I noticed that my cruise control light was not working/illuminating. Once I got to my destination, my dad was looking it over, and realized that the engine light was not illuminating when starting it, which all vehicles do. We looked up how to conduct a cluster light test for the lights on the dashboard. I conducted the test in the dark in my garage. When I did, I could see a slight glow, but not a light from the engine light area. I leaned forward and looked down, where I could clearly see the engine light and cruise control light were illuminated behind a black piece of tape. The engine light was still on!!!! They took the glass out and covered the lights with a black piece of tape!! I got a hold of the owner that night, told him my piece of mind. He agreed to allow me to take it to a Jeep dealership to get diagnostics done. Turns out, the whole issue was a recall. There were other things that was not covered under the recall that was contributing to the engine light. Needless to say, after much deliberating, arguing, the owner ended up paying a $1750 bill from Jeep. I never got an answer on who put the tape on, but I can tell you that the dealership new about it. This is absolutely fraud, in which I could've taken them to court. I decided not to, as the owner agreed to pay the bill, however, I do think its important to inform others of what a huge legal issue and fraudulent place this is. More

Mark was awesome and helped me tremendously and got me in a nice truck quickly!! I highly recommend you go see him. Thanks Mark B. a nice truck quickly!! I highly recommend you go see him. Thanks Mark B. More

Mark was very patient and amazing felt like I was talking to someone I’ve known since I was born, I’ll never forget the guy that sold me my first car thank you so much Mark! to someone I’ve known since I was born, I’ll never forget the guy that sold me my first car thank you so much Mark! More

Please check BBB reviews before purchasing here! I had the worst experience ever with this dealership. Had I taken the time to check with the Better Business Bureau Reviews, I could have been saved f I had the worst experience ever with this dealership. Had I taken the time to check with the Better Business Bureau Reviews, I could have been saved from this nightmare. They were only friendly when they were selling the vehicle. They even took a picture with us. We were excited and fooled at the same time. They reeled us in just like fish on a hook. Don't be fooled by how nice the vehicles look! If you have to as a LAST resort buy one, take it straight to an independent dealer and pay the money to have it checked out, because you really see who they are when you have to return it for repairs. They don't want to pay for anything. The attitude I got from Mike Dalton was, well it's your problem now. I can't help you. They avoid you like the COVID19. They don't return calls. They give you the run around on the phone for a month. I don't understand how it can take a month to handle business. I believe that there are some serious issues at 518. There appears to be a lack of communication between key people who should know what's going on. They have only been open 3 years and it definitely shows as far as management is concerned. My purchase date was 6/14/19; got the tags 7/9/19 (why so long?) Car broke down 2 weeks after I picked it up; needed over $3900 in repairs. Broke down again 8 months later and needs $3500 in repairs. The vehicle purchase price was only $7,475.00! All this happened in 8 months. Mike Dalton, the manager will be the first one to tell you that you should have purchased the warranty. Well, from reading these reviews I'm not so sure that would have made a difference. He should be ashamed. Leonard Aube, Mike Gibbs, Mike Blumenthal, Jason, the service manager how do they sleep at night? Taking money from hard working people who put their trust you. I have found plenty more people on facebook who are not even listed here in the reviews. Oh, I played it smart on this last breakdown and took it to an independent dealership. They also said they could fix it for $3500 but warned me that the problem would return eventually. The total cost to fix the car was estimated at $9000. This major dealership has been in business since 1962. I can only assume that 518 wanted me to pay for another repair and when it breaks down again, cross that road when we get there! Shame on 518 dealership. It's used dealerships like this that give others such a bad reputation. I am so disappointed in this dealership! I don't believe in karma but I do believe in God. More