I am a 21 year old junior college student and I purchased my first ever vehicle from Thurston Auto less than three months ago, and unfortunately, my experience has been extremely disappointing. As the car was leaving the lot, both the check engine light and tire light came on. My dad, who is a mechanic, was able to fix the initial issues. However, within 400 miles of driving, the vacuum pump failed. Again, my dad repaired it. Now, with less than 1,800 miles put on the car since purchasing, the transmission has gone out completely.
When I reached out to the dealer to express my concerns, I was met with zero sympathy or willingness to help. I was simply told, I mean, I don't have a crystal ball, I don't know what you want me to do. When I specifically asked if they were aware of any issues with the vacuum pumps, I was told that if I had read the owner’s manual, I would have known they need to be replaced at 100,000 miles. The car was not sold with an owners manual
At this point, I have spent almost as much on repairs as I did on the car itself, and I am now in the position of having to purchase another vehicle entirely. While I understand that used cars can have issues, I expected a level of honesty and customer service that I simply did not receive. If you are considering purchasing from Thurston Auto, I strongly recommend doing thorough research before making a decision.
We purchased a car from Zach on 09/28/24. The very next day the check engine light came on. We called him right away to make him aware of what was going on. He acted like he knew nothing about this issue. He did not offer to help in any shape or form. We ended up taking the vehicle to a local dealership where they ran diagnostic tests and the left cylinder head needs to be replaced as well as a broken evap hose and the radiator is leaking from the upper left corner. Almost $7200 in repairs for a vehicle that I had less than 24 hours. He will not answer calls or texts and is completely untrustworthy. Please do your research this business just wants your money they don't care about you after the sale. He clearly knew their was issues with the car and lied to us just to make the sale. Be cautious I would not trust him , Pretty sure the code was cleared because it came on the very next day.
Great overall experience he let me bring my code read to scan the truck I was looking at and everything was good! Zach is honest about his vehicles and didn’t hide anything from me, he even pointed out little blemishes on it that I didn’t see. I’ve had the truck for over a month now and it’s still going strong no issues. Thanks again Thurston Auto 🤘🏻
They make the process easy. Very prompt and to the point. I found the car I wanted online on Facebook marketplace. Messaged them for availability, and once there, it went very quickly. Thank you for the polite and fast service.
Have taken multiple vehicles here from oil changes to internal engine work. Was never left without a smile. Zach goes above and beyond for his customers. I would recommend Thurston Auto to anyone!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Thurston Auto! Thank you to Zach who went above and beyond to help me stranded with a flat tire. I made it to Clarence on a rim and a prayer. Although my travel plans needed to be canceled, Zach and his partner got me fixed up with my spare after Zach spent over an hour trying to track down a new tire my size. ( whis is an odd one) I made it back home to IL safe and sound. These guys are top notch proffessional and curtious. If my family or I need help again, they will be the first I call. Thanks guys!!
My car needed some work done, took it in for struts and tires and Zach jumped right on it and got it done in a timely matter and was very friendly. I left with a smile! Highly reccomend!
Our college son’s car died so I went to Zach with our needs and our budget. He communicated with me on a regular basis to let me know what inventory he had coming that he felt fit what we were looking for. I was impressed with his knowledge. He is also patient and thorough with answering our questions. Zach was always willing to show and explain all the features inside the car and under the hood. His enthusiasm is contagious and his honesty is appreciated. You won’t find a more knowledgeable and genuinely caring used car dealer in eastern Iowa! My only regret was not having my son there with us when we purchased the 2013 Chevy Cruze so he could’ve learned from Zach. I highly recommend any first time buyer or young driver to sit down with him as he explains about the car and car buying process. Our family will definitely buy a used vehicle from him again!
Delightful experience! Was actually fun to buy a car. We actually ended up buying 2 the same day from Zach as the prices were right for our budget and he had exactly what we were looking for! Shared Zach's info with friends already and will be watching his inventory for more great deals!
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