x
Breaking News
More () »

Texas Attorney General: We are aware of Public Automotive

The AG's Office told KCEN Channel 6 via email that it received seven complaints about the used car dealer. A state investigation could follow.

TEMPLE, Texas — The Texas Office of the Attorney General told KCEN Channel 6 it is looking into multiple complaints on used car chain Public Automotive. 

This comes after Channel 6 reported several stories in May about customers' issues with cars from those lots. 

The AG's Office is currently reviewing seven complaints and deciding whether or not to investigate Public Automotive. They could not confirm or deny they were taking action on Thursday. 

"We had seven complaints against Public Automotive come in this month (all came in May 8-9)," Kayleigh Lovvorn from the AG's Office said in an email. "At this time, our office cannot confirm or deny an investigation, but I can let you know that the OAG is aware of these complaints and business practices described in those complaints."

If you have contacted Channel 6 with issues about Public Automotive, be sure to file your complaint to the AG here.

More information about the AG's consumer complaint process can be found here. 

The AG's website also has a list of tips for buying a new or used car. 

Public Automotive vice president of operations Lisa Ramsey sent KCEN Channel 6 the following statement via email:

Every pre-owned vehicle offered for sale by Public Automotive Group goes through the same, industry-standard reconditioning process.  Each vehicle must also pass a Texas state inspection, performed by an official licensed vehicle inspection station, to ensure compliance with state safety standards.

At the time of sale, every customer must test drive the vehicle they are purchasing to ensure satisfaction with its condition.  Prior to purchasing the vehicle, every customer is also given the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by someone they choose.  

After the sale, Public offers a 6 month/6,000 mile warranty to assist with unanticipated mechanical issues.  In order for Public to help, the customer must provide us with an estimate of the repairs or allow Public to have the vehicle diagnosed.  With communication, an estimate or a vehicle diagnoses, Public has the ability to offer multiple solutions to assist a customer with mechanical issues. 

Though it is our policy not to disclose information about a particular customer transaction, we understand that you have been in contact with Ms. Chrysanthemum Porter regarding the 2008 Ford Escape she purchased from Public this month.

We have contacted Ms. Porter to discuss the braking issue she is having with her vehicle.  We have recommended that she bring the vehicle to one of our locations for an inspection by a trained and certified mechanic.  We also offered to have the vehicle picked up for a diagnosis, if Ms. Porter was unable to bring the vehicle to us.  Without the opportunity for Public to send the vehicle to a mechanic for inspection, we are unable to assess the braking issue you mentioned in your email.  The vehicle Ms. Porter purchased went through our initial inspection process prior to her purchase of the vehicle and no braking issues appear to have existed at that time.  

Working one on one with our customers allows us to protect our customer’s privacy and find the best resolution to any issue based on the facts of the situation.  This approach is what has helped us build our loyal customer base and overall success for almost 25 years.  

We understand that in today’s market, customers have many choices in car buying.  We are honored that so many have given us the opportunity to earn their business, and we will continue to work toward providing complete customer satisfaction.

Other Public Automotive stories on KCENTV.com: 

Public Automotive in Temple sells woman car with worn out brakes, doesn't give refund

Waco woman gets refund after buying a used car from Public Automotive

Up in Smoke: KCEN investigates second complaint against Public Automotive in Waco

Before You Leave, Check This Out