Gilbert Santiago, a US Navy veteran, faced both financial and safety challenges after buying a used 2022 Volvo S60 from HGreg, a popular used car dealer in Brandon, Florida. Santiago’s situation sheds light on the potential dangers of purchasing pre-owned vehicles, as he was hit with almost $7,500 in repair costs due to undisclosed safety issues that HGreg refused to fix. This incident has sparked concerns about the responsibility of dealerships and the risks that consumers take when buying second-hand cars.
Soon after buying the car, Santiago noticed a serious problem – the airbag light came on, indicating an urgent issue with the safety system. Mechanics who inspected Santiago’s Volvo discovered significant problems with both the airbag and seatbelt systems, crucial safety features. It was later revealed that HGreg had previously sold two used Volvo models that were returned by customers due to undisclosed accident damage, including faulty airbags and seatbelts. Shockingly, Santiago’s car was one of these returned vehicles.
Despite Santiago’s concerns, HGreg did not disclose these defects before the sale. When Santiago took the car in for inspection, a technician found salvaged parts in the vehicle. To fix the airbag issue alone, Santiago was told it would cost about $6,000. Despite seeking help from HGreg, the dealership claimed that since the car passed their inspection, they could not offer any further assistance. This has raised questions about the accuracy of dealership inspections and the potential risks faced by other buyers.
In addition to the airbag repairs, Santiago’s car needed another $1,500 to replace a tampered seatbelt pretensioner. This device is crucial for securing seatbelts in the event of a crash, and tampering with it could have serious consequences. Santiago expressed frustration at the lack of accountability from HGreg and the high costs he had to bear to fix the car himself.
Santiago’s experience highlights the hidden costs of car ownership that many people overlook. A recent study found that the average hidden costs of owning a car in the US amount to around $6,684 per year, including expenses like insurance, fuel, maintenance, and taxes. In states like Georgia, where hidden costs are even higher at $8,249 annually, drivers face a significant financial burden.
The varying hidden costs of car ownership across different states underscore the challenges that drivers face in managing their budgets. Santiago’s case emphasizes the need for stronger consumer protections and more transparency in vehicle sales. Enhanced regulations and greater accountability for dealerships could help prevent similar situations in the future.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to conduct thorough inspections of used vehicles before making a purchase, preferably with the help of an independent mechanic. Santiago’s story serves as a reminder that while buying a used car may seem like a cost-effective option initially, unforeseen repair expenses can quickly add up, especially when dealerships fail to disclose hidden issues.
