As I have mentioned before, the PPI performed by Tif’s Foreign Car Care did not catch a majority of the major issues. In an effort to let Tif’s make things right I contacted them, although it was not that simple. I sent them an email explaining all the issues I found and how these issues were not noted in the inspection. I followed up with a call the next day but they did not pick up. I knew they have caller ID so I figured they were screening. I called again in hopes I was wrong, but no one picked up. My friend offered me his phone to make the call. I called, and what do you know, they picked up. I brief the individual on the line of my issues and tell him I sent an email but have not received a response. He tells me that the other guy, Jordan, is the one to talk to and we will look at the email and call me. The next day I get an email explaining to me why everything is “okay”. Here are my favorite quotes from the email:
“you need to take this up with the previous owner”
“at some time, someone installed a door off of another car which isn’t terribly uncommon for a car with the age and mileage (used body parts)”
“car has rarity for being a coupe with sport seats and has the opportunity to be a nice, solid car with some work”
In the email he only responded to a couple of the problems. No mention as to why they didn’t mention that the hood hits the wipers when opening, the dash lights are not working, or the paint overspray and bondo. Come on guys. Talk to the seller? You guys were supposed to help me find what the seller either did not mention or was not bright enough to notice. I remember directly asking them if there are any signs of a previous accident or botched repairs. I guess bondo, overspray, and poorly fitting drivers door do not count.
I call them again, and no response. I didn’t even have the patience to call them from another phone. I wrote another email, but this time I was more direct and clear. This is no way to treat a customer and their lack of care, or utter negligence, is going to cost me a couple thousand dollars. This email was their opportunity to make things right by refunding my money. Otherwise further action would be taken.
The next day, a simple email came asking for an address to send the check to. No explanation, other questions, or even signature. The check eventually came, but for only a partial refund. It appears they felt they performed some of the work correctly, and the work they chose to not perform correctly they sent me a refund. They might see that as fair, but I surely do not. The couple hundred dollar refund does not cover their negligence that will cost me a couple thousand dollars. Interestingly enough, the check was a personal check from Jordan and not a check directly from the shop.
At this point, as a consumer, all I can really do is warn the public about Tif’s Foreign Car Care. This shop is definitely one to avoid. They seem kind and professional but as you have read, not one that can be relied upon. In addition, they told the seller the results of the compression test even though I ordered and paid for the inspection. This occurred before the sale was finalized and is completely unacceptable. Stay away from this shop!
Car Buying Tip – If purchasing a car sight unseen, I highly recommend performing a pre-purchase inspection but only by someone that can be personally trusted. If I were to have done this again, I would have purchased a plane ticket for my friend that has years of Porsche motorsport and other racing and restoration experience. This would have cost me the same amount of money with significantly better results.