The following review is provided for the sole purpose of informing the general public about the dangers and pitfalls of purchasing a used vehicle from from Vancity Pty Ltd trading as Melbourne City Cars & Commercials of 208-210 Settlement Road, Thomastown, Victoria (Motor Car Trader’s Licence number MCT-0008158) (herein referred to as MELCCC).
I don't think people understand how a dream purchase can turn into a waking nightmare. You know, the kind that makes you question your sanity, your judgment, and the very fabric of reality. This is the story of my disastrous dance with a 2015 Volkswagen Crafter Light truck which I purchased from MELCCC. … Buckle up, it’s a bumpy ride. It all started innocently enough. I found a rare, high-roof 2015 Crafter Light truck online, located in Melbourne. The advertisement represented that the Crafter was in “very good condition throughout”. I’m in Perth, mind you, but this truck, it was special. Or so I thought. After some back and forth with the seller, a seemingly reputable dealership, I wired a modest five hundred dollar deposit. Dreams of road trips and business expansion filled my head. I could already see myself cruising down the coast, the wind in my hair, and the open road ahead. Little did I know, I was driving headfirst into a financial and emotional abyss. The excitement was soon to be replaced by dread. The day finally arrived to pick up my prized possession. I flew to Melbourne, excitement bubbling in my chest. The anticipation was almost unbearable. I met the dealer, signed the paperwork, and checked the truck. My excitement was short-lived. I realized the air conditioning was blowing hot air. Not just warm, but hot, like a desert wind. Not exactly ideal for a cross-country trip. The sun was relentless, and the heat inside the truck was unbearable. The dealer’s casual suggestion? Just get a new compressor, mate. Red flag number one. I should have seen it coming, but I was too blinded by my dream.
;)
Now, I’m not a mechanic, but I know a busted air conditioner on a brand new purchase isn’t right. It was the first sign that something was off. Alarm bells started ringing, but I was already committed. I had invested too much time and money to back out now. I convinced myself it was a minor hiccup, a bump in the road on my journey to truck-life bliss. After all, every adventure has its challenges, right? Oh, how naive I was. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my troubles. The dealer fixed the aircon before I drove away, but it cost me two more nights in a Melbourne hotel. I drove out of Melbourne, the summer heat bearing down on me, and pointed the Crafter towards home. The journey ahead seemed long but manageable. As I navigated the endless Australian highways, on day 2, in Ceduna, South Australia, another unwelcome surprise popped up – the ABS warning light decided to join the party. It was like the truck was testing my patience. Great, just great. I could feel my frustration mounting with every mile. Now, I’m no stranger to long drives, but this trip was starting to feel like a bad omen. The truck seemed to be falling apart before my eyes. Every time I looked at the glowing ABS light, a sense of dread washed over me. What if this was just the tip of the iceberg? What else could go wrong? The question lingered in my mind, making me more anxious with each passing moment. I pushed the thought away and focused on reaching Perth in one piece. I had to stay positive and keep my eyes on the road ahead.
;)
The drive back to Perth was long, hot, and filled with a growing sense of unease. Although the air conditioner was now fixed, the persistent ABS warning light mocked my dwindling optimism. With every passing kilometre, the reality of the situation sank in. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; something was seriously wrong with my dream truck. The seed of doubt planted in Melbourne had blossomed into a full-blown nightmare. By the time I limped into Perth, I was physically exhausted and emotionally drained. The initial excitement of the purchase had evaporated, replaced by a gnawing anxiety. What had I gotten myself into? And more importantly, how much was this going to cost me?
If I thought the worst was over, I was in for a rude awakening. The moment I arrived in Perth, the Crafter decided to really test my patience. The engine belt snapped, leaving me stranded. I had it towed to Ultra Tune, a reputable mechanic shop, hoping for some good news. No such luck. The mechanics at Ultra Tune uncovered a cascade of issues. The engine belt wasn’t just old; it had been shredded due to the improperly installed steering pump. Yes, you heard that right. The steering pump, a vital component, had been haphazardly thrown in, causing a domino effect of mechanical mayhem. The repair bill for this debacle? Over two thousand dollars. My dream truck was quickly turning into a money pit, and we were just getting started.
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Chapter five
Steering Shocker- Poor Quality Mechanics?
The news about the steering pump sent chills down my spine. I thought to myself, this wasn’t just incompetence; it bordered on negligence. Who in their right mind would let a truck leave their lot with such a shoddy repair? The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This wasn't just about the money anymore; it was about principle. I contacted MELCCC fuming, and demanded an explanation. Their response? A nonchalant shrug and a dismissive, “Must have happened during transport, mate.” Right, because transport companies have a habit of ripping out steering pumps and haphazardly shoving them back in. The audacity of these guys was astounding. They clearly weren't taking any responsibility for the lemon they had sold me. It was becoming painfully clear that I was on my own.
Steering Shocker- Poor Quality Mechanics?
The news about the steering pump sent chills down my spine. I thought to myself, this wasn’t just incompetence; it bordered on negligence. Who in their right mind would let a truck leave their lot with such a shoddy repair? The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This wasn't just about the money anymore; it was about principle. I contacted MELCCC fuming, and demanded an explanation. Their response? A nonchalant shrug and a dismissive, “Must have happened during transport, mate.” Right, because transport companies have a habit of ripping out steering pumps and haphazardly shoving them back in. The audacity of these guys was astounding. They clearly weren't taking any responsibility for the lemon they had sold me. It was becoming painfully clear that I was on my own.
Chapter six
Braking Bad- A ten-thousand-dollar surprise.
Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, they did. Remember that pesky ABS warning light that had been taunting me since Melbourne? Well, it turned out to be the harbinger of financial ruin. I took the Crafter to the local Volkswagen dealership for a proper diagnosis. What they found made my blood run cold. The ABS system, the very system responsible for preventing my truck from turning into an unguided missile, was on the verge of complete failure. The cause? Improper brake installation, which had, in turn, caused significant damage to the axle. The estimated repair cost? A gut-wrenching ten thousand dollars. Ten thousand dollars! For a truck I had just bought! A truck that was supposed to be my ticket to freedom and financial independence was now holding my bank account hostage. To make things even worse, the representative of the manufacturer informed me when looking up the VIN, that the truck was in fact a 2014 model, not a 2015 model that I had purchased.
Braking Bad- A ten-thousand-dollar surprise.
Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, they did. Remember that pesky ABS warning light that had been taunting me since Melbourne? Well, it turned out to be the harbinger of financial ruin. I took the Crafter to the local Volkswagen dealership for a proper diagnosis. What they found made my blood run cold. The ABS system, the very system responsible for preventing my truck from turning into an unguided missile, was on the verge of complete failure. The cause? Improper brake installation, which had, in turn, caused significant damage to the axle. The estimated repair cost? A gut-wrenching ten thousand dollars. Ten thousand dollars! For a truck I had just bought! A truck that was supposed to be my ticket to freedom and financial independence was now holding my bank account hostage. To make things even worse, the representative of the manufacturer informed me when looking up the VIN, that the truck was in fact a 2014 model, not a 2015 model that I had purchased.
;)
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Chapter seven
Deaf Ears- Dealer Denial and Dispute.
Armed with a mechanic's report that read like a laundry list, I contacted the Melbourne dealership once again. Surely, they couldn't ignore this. Surely, they would understand the gravity of the situation and offer some form of compensation. I was wrong. The dealership flat-out refused to accept any responsibility. They claimed the damage must have occurred after I took possession of the truck. They hid behind their lawyers, their carefully crafted contracts, and their utter disregard for basic human decency. Their denial was a slap in the face. It was a clear message- You're on your own, mate. The anger I felt was palpable. This wasn't just about a faulty truck anymore; it was about justice. It was about holding MELCCC accountable for their actions. They did offer a small amount of money, $2000 or so, but it was contingent upon me taking down a Google review I had posted the previous week.
Deaf Ears- Dealer Denial and Dispute.
Armed with a mechanic's report that read like a laundry list, I contacted the Melbourne dealership once again. Surely, they couldn't ignore this. Surely, they would understand the gravity of the situation and offer some form of compensation. I was wrong. The dealership flat-out refused to accept any responsibility. They claimed the damage must have occurred after I took possession of the truck. They hid behind their lawyers, their carefully crafted contracts, and their utter disregard for basic human decency. Their denial was a slap in the face. It was a clear message- You're on your own, mate. The anger I felt was palpable. This wasn't just about a faulty truck anymore; it was about justice. It was about holding MELCCC accountable for their actions. They did offer a small amount of money, $2000 or so, but it was contingent upon me taking down a Google review I had posted the previous week.
;)
Chapter eight
The Human Cost- More Than Money.
This ordeal has taken a toll on me, folks, I won't lie. It's been a relentless battle, one that has drained me both financially and emotionally. The financial burden has been crippling, but it's the emotional stress that's been the hardest to bear. Every bill, every expense, feels like a weight pressing down on my shoulders. The sleepless nights, the constant worry, the feeling of betrayal – it's enough to break a person. The anxiety gnaws at you, making it hard to focus on anything else. This truck was supposed to be my ticket to a better life. It represented freedom, opportunity, and a fresh start. I had poured my savings into it, my dreams, my hopes for the future. Every penny I had saved, every plan I had made, was tied to this vehicle. Now, it's a constant reminder of the nightmare I've been living. It's a daily reminder of what could have been, and what has been lost. It's a symbol of broken promises, shattered trust, and the dark side of the used car industry. The dream has turned into a haunting reality. This experience has tested me in ways I never thought possible. It's pushed me to my limits, forcing me to confront challenges I never anticipated. It's shown me the ugliness that can lurk beneath the surface of a friendly smile and a firm handshake. But it's also shown me the importance of standing up for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It's a lesson in resilience, in fighting for justice, and in never giving up.
The Human Cost- More Than Money.
This ordeal has taken a toll on me, folks, I won't lie. It's been a relentless battle, one that has drained me both financially and emotionally. The financial burden has been crippling, but it's the emotional stress that's been the hardest to bear. Every bill, every expense, feels like a weight pressing down on my shoulders. The sleepless nights, the constant worry, the feeling of betrayal – it's enough to break a person. The anxiety gnaws at you, making it hard to focus on anything else. This truck was supposed to be my ticket to a better life. It represented freedom, opportunity, and a fresh start. I had poured my savings into it, my dreams, my hopes for the future. Every penny I had saved, every plan I had made, was tied to this vehicle. Now, it's a constant reminder of the nightmare I've been living. It's a daily reminder of what could have been, and what has been lost. It's a symbol of broken promises, shattered trust, and the dark side of the used car industry. The dream has turned into a haunting reality. This experience has tested me in ways I never thought possible. It's pushed me to my limits, forcing me to confront challenges I never anticipated. It's shown me the ugliness that can lurk beneath the surface of a friendly smile and a firm handshake. But it's also shown me the importance of standing up for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It's a lesson in resilience, in fighting for justice, and in never giving up.
Chapter nine
Lessons Learned- Buyer Beware.
If there's one thing I've learned from this whole ordeal, it's this- buyer beware. Do your research, folks. Get a second opinion. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn't feel right. And for the love of all that is holy, get everything in writing! The used car industry can be a treacherous landscape. Don't let them get away with it. Arm yourself with knowledge, trust your gut, and never be afraid to fight for what's right. This experience has been a crash course in the importance of consumer protection. It's shown me the loopholes that exist, the tactics that unscrupulous sellers use, and the importance of knowing your rights.
Lessons Learned- Buyer Beware.
If there's one thing I've learned from this whole ordeal, it's this- buyer beware. Do your research, folks. Get a second opinion. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn't feel right. And for the love of all that is holy, get everything in writing! The used car industry can be a treacherous landscape. Don't let them get away with it. Arm yourself with knowledge, trust your gut, and never be afraid to fight for what's right. This experience has been a crash course in the importance of consumer protection. It's shown me the loopholes that exist, the tactics that unscrupulous sellers use, and the importance of knowing your rights.
Chapter ten
Fighting Back- A Call to Action.
My story is not unique. It's a story that's repeated every day across this country. People are being ripped off, taken advantage of, and left to fend for themselves. It's time to say enough is enough. We need stronger consumer protection laws. We need to hold businesses accountable for their actions. And we need to support each other when things go wrong. Don't let them silence us. Share your stories, raise your voices, and let's fight back against this injustice. This isn't just about me anymore. It's about all of us. It's about creating a fairer, more transparent marketplace where consumers are protected, not exploited. Together, we can make a difference.
Fighting Back- A Call to Action.
My story is not unique. It's a story that's repeated every day across this country. People are being ripped off, taken advantage of, and left to fend for themselves. It's time to say enough is enough. We need stronger consumer protection laws. We need to hold businesses accountable for their actions. And we need to support each other when things go wrong. Don't let them silence us. Share your stories, raise your voices, and let's fight back against this injustice. This isn't just about me anymore. It's about all of us. It's about creating a fairer, more transparent marketplace where consumers are protected, not exploited. Together, we can make a difference.