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I purchased a classic 1974 E-Type Jaguar Roadster auto from International Auto Group (IAG) in October, 2014. I had put a deposit on the car in July, 2014 to secure the auto and IAG was supposed to complete its 'Full Restoration' before the final purchase date. The car had already undergone some restoration from December, 2013 and I had visited IAG’s premises on two occasions to see the progress of the car.
At the time of purchase, IAG provided a written and documented appraisal of the car on their letterhead and described the value of the car and rating of the automobile across 8 dimensions of car condition categories. These are:
1. Body
2. Paint
3. Chrome
4. Glass
5. Interior
6. Engine
7. Drive Train
8. Wheels and Tires.
In each category, IAG rated the condition of the automobile against industry standard levels of quality - ranging from a (1) - considered an Excellent level along with the stated definition, down to a (6) - considered a Parts Car. IAG rated the car in every category as a "2+" defined as the classic car is between a (1) and a (2). Ratings provided by IAG are:
1. Excellent - Perfect professional restoration or brand new.
2. Fine - Superior restoration and/or extremely well maintained original.
3. Very Good - Completely operational original - some wear or deteriorated or amateur restoration or a partially restored car with all necessary parts.
4. Good - drivable and mostly usable as is. In need of restoration (considerable wear).
5. Restorable - May not be running, mostly complete.
6. Parts Car - Beyond restoration, above scrap.
A copy of their written appraisal and condition of the car is attached in this complaint.
Upon receipt of the automobile in early October, 2014 immediate problems surfaced in the engine, power steering leaks, carburetor/idle problems, gear box, brakes, rear shocks/suspension, leaks throughout the entire drivetrain and windows/glass would not operate. In addition, during final inspection, a 'list' of remaining items to be corrected before shipment to my home in New Jersey had not been fully completed - most notably defects in the paint that they committed to fix, wire wheel/tire damage and radio/antenna defects. IAG said they would correct these during 'Final Detail' as marked on the completion sheet which were not addressed - they just shipped the car.
In sum, my complaint is centered upon the fraudulent and deceptive representation of the automobile, its level of quality they assessed the car to be and IAG knowingly and deceptively delivering a car that was significantly below the appraisal they provided. Their indication that the car had been 'Fully Restored' was not the case as the documented repair estimates to bring the car to a safe and drivable level reflect. Over $13, 500 in repairs were needed to make the car roadworthy. Ultimately, the engine developed a sticky valve which then broke off into the piston – requiring a full engine rebuild. A photo of the solidified anti-freeze in included to show you how this destroyed the engine – something that should have been performed as part of any restoration.
In addition, the local restoration facility that performed the corrections to the car was recommended by IAG Motors. Their certified inspections revealed additional defects in the car where the anti-freeze in the automobile was never flushed (normally part of any restoration) and at the bottom of the engine block were solified anti-freeze. Further, their inspection of the gear box (where chatter noises started to develop) indicated that brake fluid had been used to ‘top up’ the gear box. Their inspection of the rear brakes (which IAG said had 40% left) was that there were no brakes left and the rear shocks were inoperable.
In sum, in my experience in dealing with IAG Motors, lots of promises and sales talk to make you feel safe and trust them but you must beware of any of their claims and statements. I strongly advise you to create your own contract, not sign their standard sales form, hold back a percentage of your money upon delivery of a car if you decide to buy one from them and fundamentally don’t trust them. In my case, they did not honor their post-sales verbal agreements to support any post delivery problems – which amounted to an undrivable and unsafe automobile. They abandoned me! IAG completely misrepresented this car and knowingly did so.
I purchased a 1963 Corvette Convertible little over 4 years ago. I was told it was a no hit body numbers matching. The car had severe frame damage and the motor was a restamp besides other issues. I wanted them to take the car back and refund my money, they basically told me to go to hell. I was dealing with Artie on this sale. I live in NJ and I thought I was dealing with an upstanding guy from the phone conversation I had with him. I bought a lot of classic cars and always had good dealings with great car guys. This was the first time I ever got burned. I sold the car for a loss. Please beware of these guys.