45 replies to this topic

[jmouth]

I'm reposting this message I posted elsewhere:

I saw some other posts on this site with Warnings regarding Torch Light Motors in Parlin New Jersey.

We also recently had some issues with this dealership.

We purchased a 2001 XC70 from Jeff LaPoff about a month ago, sight unseen, from across the country. We had it shipped via truck. (While I'm at it, AVOID shipping with Motion Express, out of Portland OR. It was a complete unfunny comedy of errors - too much to tell here...)

To take some blame, I must admit that I was a fool and did not have the car mechanically inspected. BAD BOY, STUPID BOY. Nevertheless, I don't know why car dealers seem to have free reign to lie cheat and steal and all the responsibility sits with the purchaser. I did not perform my due diligence, admittedly, but Jeff deliberately misled me.

His answer to almost any question I had regarding the mechanical condition ( the vehicle was clearly spotless cosmetically as we could see from the many photos) was an emphatic and dismissive "There are NO surprises with this vehicle" - of course in hindsight I can see the writing on the wall, but he was telling me what I wanted to hear. sucker.

After FINALLY receiving the vehicle from the incompetents at Motion Express, I began the importation process (into Canada) - the provincial inspection revealed that I needed to make nearly $3000 worth of repairs to the entire braking and steering system, and that the "like new" tires were winter snows, with significant (though "passable" by inspection standards) age cracking. Great tread depth though!
- another $650 to replace. Not to mention the other electrical problems I am discovering (jamming sunroof, intermittently functioning power seat adjustments etc).

The extended warranty that Jeff talked me into of course didn't cover any of this as problems were clearly "pre-existing".

The car, for our money, even with all the investments to date, and predicted future ones to come, was still a good deal (much higher priced in Canada), though the savings I was expecting were hugely diminished by the deception.

Don't be fool and unlike me, have a mechanic CHECK IT OUT!!!!

[7 VII 7]

well as bad as Torch Light is... you should have had a mechanic check it out... car buying 101

[Chilled Man]

I think there is a five page review on SS for how bad these guys suck

[Dermy]

i havent ever heard positive news about TL. i went there with a friend who was looking to pick up a 98 V70R and the salesmen there were such shysters. there were tons of little details i found on the car that were skewed from what they said.

[Volvo Virgin]

Sorry to hear about your bad deal. I've heard similar reports about Torchlight as well. Glad it has all worked out to some degree.

One footnote tho. When I purchased my car, the aftermarket warranty was sold to me by the selling dealer, and they were responsible for certifying that the car was 100% with no repairs needed. There was a long and detailed checklist that had to be signed off on by the service underwriter at the dealer before the policy was accepted by the warranty company.

I'm not sure what the ins and outs are of your exact transaction, but if any of what I mentioned sounds familiar, I'd try to hold the dealer accountable and see if you can recoup at least some of your money. A strong worded letter from an attorney might be helpful.

[JC 855 GLT-R]

my dad almost bought a car from him a few years back he never answered the phone when we went up to see the car. it was a wasted day trip.


my dad almost bought a car from him a few years back he never answered the phone when we went up to see the car. it was a wasted day trip.

[MikeG]

A few years ago when I lived in Jersey and I was shopping for an R, I called Torchlight about a black/black 98 V70R. Jeff told me on the phone about how pristine it was, yada, yada. So I told him I'd drive up and check it out.

What a crock. It was clearly not well taken care of, the paint, interior, etc. was in horrible condition, and I could go on and on. I ended up finding my current R two months later in much better shape (and for less $$) elsewhere.

Due diligence is key.

[Plan_B]

(While I'm at it, AVOID shipping with Motion Express, out of Portland OR. It was a complete unfunny comedy of errors - too much to tell here...)

omg you rock.

I have used United Roads the two times I have shipped cars, but I learned long ago that no car is worth buying site unseen.

Awesome review btw

[pw700z]

I just bought a car from them (even after reading this thread...lol) and had a totally decent experience, straight forward, efficient, more like buying a new car than a used car in vibe, for whatever it's worth. My wife and I were quite surprised at the number and variety of used volvos they have, we expected something much more rinky-dink. We laughed when we pulled in because they are also have a "rent-a-wreck" franchise or whatever.

Of course, I did actually see the car, test drive it, run a carfax, etc., first. I extended the warranty to 1 year, maybe if I need to make a claim my attitude might change, but I'm not exactly sure that would be their (torchlight's) problem, anyway, I'm pretty sure I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. I didn't feel particularly pressured into it.

Anyway, I am curious what the 5 page review on "SS" is though? Is that another forum or something? I suppose since I already have the car it's not going to matter.

[mrtl321]

I saw a car they had for sale online and figured it was still for sale since it was still listed, but low and behold it according to the person that picked up the phone sold 3 weeks ago. Especially being an e-Bay auction I would have figured it would have been taken down, but that was the case with another car I asked about in the same convo. That was enough to make me think twice about purchasing anything from them.

[JVC]

pw700z, on 26 October 2009 - 12:37 AM, said:

I just bought a car from them (even after reading this thread...lol) and had a totally decent experience, straight forward, efficient, more like buying a new car than a used car in vibe, for whatever it's worth. My wife and I were quite surprised at the number and variety of used volvos they have, we expected something much more rinky-dink. We laughed when we pulled in because they are also have a "rent-a-wreck" franchise or whatever.

Of course, I did actually see the car, test drive it, run a carfax, etc., first. I extended the warranty to 1 year, maybe if I need to make a claim my attitude might change, but I'm not exactly sure that would be their (torchlight's) problem, anyway, I'm pretty sure I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. I didn't feel particularly pressured into it.

Anyway, I am curious what the 5 page review on "SS" is though? Is that another forum or something? I suppose since I already have the car it's not going to matter.

hmmm fishy, some guy with one post coming on and talking about how he just bought a car from there, but no mention of what kinda car, seems like it could be one of their guys trying to clear their name up since clearly it sounds like they suck...

[SaffC70]

JVC, on 27 October 2009 - 12:59 AM, said:

hmmm fishy, some guy with one post coming on and talking about how he just bought a car from there, but no mention of what kinda car, seems like it could be one of their guys trying to clear their name up since clearly it sounds like they suck...

paranoid?? haha but I do agree that they sound very unreliable....

[pw700z]

JVC, on 27 October 2009 - 12:59 AM, said:

hmmm fishy, some guy with one post coming on and talking about how he just bought a car from there, but no mention of what kinda car, seems like it could be one of their guys trying to clear their name up since clearly it sounds like they suck...

No, nothing of the sort, this thread is just top of page on google when you search for torchlight motors reviews. It was a 2004 v70 w/ 127,000 miles. It was their stock #4. We paid $6690 for the car. The body is totally spotless inside/out except for a poorly touched up (but minor) scratch on the back hatch. It has the third row seats and the built in boosters, exactly what we wanted. If you want you can google pw700z or hit me on AIM -- it's fairly unique user name, it was the license plate on my 97 miata that I turbo charged with a dlralt.com kit. I'm just a regular guy. PM me if you want, I guess? I'll send you a pick of my family and my work number? I have posted a couple other very similar reviews in a couple other places, google maps and "dealerrator" or something of the sort.

If you want something interesting, google the owners name, there's some controversy involving drugging a race horse, maybe that was his dad? I have no idea. He's got a pretty unique name. If it was him, and true, you might say "hey that guys a crook! he drugs horses!" -- but the reality is probably that nearly everyone was doping their horses and he got caught. I'm pretty sure he's not the same guy that was on Hell's Kitchen.

The reviews of torchlight I read were pretty bad. But, that's kind of normal for the internet, isn't it? Buying a used car is always goofy on some level, you always wonder if you got a good deal, or bad -- and if something goes wrong, you might go to the internet to complain about it. If it was just the normal so-so, typical used car deal, it doesn't get you fired up enough. For me, the deal seemed too good to be true, so I bought a 10 pack carfax for $35, expecting the carfax to be shady, and then I'd have an excuse to walk away -- but it was clean, *full* of detail, and matched the condition. I've worked for NADE in bordentown, nj as a youth, used to fixed up beaters for resale, i've done a bunch of work on cars in the past including some body work. Not that I'm some kind of expert, but i feel i can at least improve my luck when buying used. I don't know anything about volvos specifically, but the car from any angle I could find was a creampuff -- except the really high mileage. I'm just a computer and family guy now.

Not to pick on "mrtl321" .. but his complaint was they had two cars listed on ebay, but were no longer for sale. Is that really evidence of shady business, or evidence of someone who doesn't really "get" computers/the internet/ebay? It's not great, certainly, and could be really annoying if you drove out there without calling first, but seems more in the realm of "plain old incompetence" than "sinister deception". And the first guy in this thread, bought a car sight unseen ... seriously? He admits it was a dumb idea. And when he had it inspected, and got a $3000 quote, was that "$3000 or your family will die in a fire the next time you drive it" or "$3000 to bring it back to like new: you need brakes and shocks and tie rods and bushings" uh ... that sounds like every used car I've ever bought?

So, I'm still curious to find out what the "five page SS" review is. Since I own the car, it doesn't matter much, I'd like to find out the story -- i am also worried about the warranty, but similar to the reviews on torchlight, the reviews of eagle seem to lack real substance. If I have a decent experience with eagle I'll post about it, too.

Take care guys, if someone's got a link to "SS", send it over, please. We very much miss our 2007 V50 T5 AWD with the 6 speed -- the least ended on the 10/16, which is why we got the V70 -- wish us luck, so far so good.

[Ernie S]

I have read a number of poor to bad reviews about Torchlight Motors and want to share my recent experiences with Jeff and hos crew at Torchlight!

Last week I bid on a 2004 S80 T6 sedan on Ebay. I was the high bidder but the reserve was not met. I decided to go and look at the car. On Wednesday (11/11), My wife, daughter and I drove from Rochester NY (about 5 1/2 hours one way). When we arrived they handed us a two page directory of all of the cars currently in inventory listing the car, year, mileage and stock number of each car which was on the lot and available for sale. This was a great way to look at all of the cars. Each car had the year, miles and stock number on the back window so it was perfectly clear which car you were looking at. All dealers should do this, It makes shopping easier.

On the sheets Jeff gives you he states "My prices are fair but firm". What you see is what you pay. No Dickering on price!


Prior to driving to Torchlight I had reviewed the descriptions and pictures of about 12 cars by Jeff on Ebay and his website. While we were there I looked these cars over and feel that the descriptions were accurate (I brought them along and actually made anumber of individual comparisons to the adds). I felt very good about the actual cars vs the online pictures and descriptions!

We looked over the White 2004 S80. The Car was exactly as described! In perfect condition with 29K. We drove it and it was just like NEW! It was better than the discussion Jeff had given me on the phone. When we got back from the test drive we signed the deal with Jeff. We gave him a deposit and said we would pick it up the following Friday (11/20).

We rented a car and drove to Iselin, NJ (About 10 miles away). Jeff had us picked up at the Ren Center and we went directly to Torchlight. We took care of the Title, Payment and other paperwork. The transaction was GREAT!

When we got home my daughter went on line to look at the car. To her surprise, it had already been taken off line because it had been sold. When we went to pick up the car, she mentioned that she could not find it on line. Herb told her that they take cars off the internet as soon as they are sold! He said they don't bait and switch their customers like a lot of other dealers do. They get an A+ from me on this category too.

I would buy another car from them and will most likely do so when I need to retire one of my other two Volvos:

1991 940 Turbo Wagon with 400K
1895 960 Sedan with 200K

The S80 drives perfect and is incredible on the highway. The twin turbo has all the power you would ever need or probably want. It litterally flies on the road!

I want to thank Jeff and the people at Torchlight for the BEST CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE I have ever had. No pressure, good organization and no bull S....

And for those of you who you look at and say "this is a first timer on the site and probably an employee of Torchlight, I am willing to back up my post!

I have got $1000 against any commers $1000 that says I am a real Customer and not Fraudulent Poster.


PS: This is my 10th Volvo, so I am no new commer to the following.

Thanks and Happy Motoring!!!!!

Ernie in Penfield New York







The description

[Peakmaster]

Well I have bought two Volvos from Jeff and have a friend who bought two as well. All four cars were excellent vehicles with no hidden issues. I bought a 1994 940 NA 6 years ago and it is still running great to this day. I also bought a 1998 V90 which I sold more then a year ago when I crossed over to Saabs. My friend bought 2 850s that his sons subsequently crashed.
Jeff represents and describes the cars honestly. He does not budge on price. At least not in my experience.
He was using Eagle Warranty. I did extend the warranty on one of the cars as I recall, but never had a claim so I cannot speak to the quality of Eagles service.

I have had good aftermarket warranty experience with my Saabs.

Buying a car sight unseen can be harrowing. I'm not entirely comfortable with it but I do have a bid in on a Volvo on eBay as I type this. I have to believe it is all about expectations. But as I stated, in my experience, Torchlight does not misrepresent or overstate. The descriptions are accurate and honest.

[Ghost Shadow]

this is a very interesting thread.

everyone that praises torchlight motors is a NOOB to the forum. There is not one person that gave a thumbs up with more that 1 post and is a active user. If i was looking for a Volvo and saw these wonderfull reviews I'd buy a car from them. If you dig a little deeper, you can see thru the craptastic reviews. I wonder how many of the positives are real purchases? Anyone?

[Oreo931]

Ghost Shadow, on 19 December 2009 - 06:13 PM, said:

this is a very interesting thread.

everyone that praises torchlight motors is a NOOB to the forum. There is not one person that gave a thumbs up with more that 1 post and is a active user. If i was looking for a Volvo and saw these wonderfull reviews I'd buy a car from them. If you dig a little deeper, you can see thru the craptastic reviews. I wonder how many of the positives are real purchases? Anyone?

Every "noob" poster on here has a different IP address. If that matters at all to you.

[Stormtrooper1]

OrEo931, on 04 January 2010 - 05:45 PM, said:

Every "noob" poster on here has a different IP address. If that matters at all to you.

At least thats a plus....

[Ernie S]

OrEo931, on 04 January 2010 - 05:45 PM, said:

Every "noob" poster on here has a different IP address. If that matters at all to you.

I am tired of you, Ghost Shadow and SaffC70 talking about "newbees" and "Insider Posting" about Torchlight Notors.

My 2004 S80 T6 and transaction at Torchlight Motors with Jeff were great. Please read my earlier post!

I still have my $1000 that says I am a real and very satisfied customer!

If you want to put up your $1000 we can get to the bottom of this TRASH TALK from you three.

If you can't individually afford it, you then maybe the three of you can combine your money and put it on the table. I can use an extra $1000 in my pocket!

My final thoughts are PUT UP OR SHUT UP!

Or better yet, why don't one of you visit Torchlight and see how they do business!!!

I will buy from Jeff again!

Ernie S in Penfield NY.

Stormtrooper1, on 04 January 2010 - 08:26 PM, said:

At least thats a plus....

You might want to read my last 2 posts.

The same $1000 Challenge offer goes out to you!

Ernie S

[Chilled Man]

LMAO so your what 1 of 100 that are acutally happy ?

Here you go


Regardlesss if your happy your still a douche so