Purchasing car parts online can be a convenient solution, but it’s crucial to choose a reputable supplier. Car Part Planet is one such online retailer that garners attention, and customer reviews play a vital role in assessing their reliability. This review delves into a concerning customer experience with Car Part Planet, highlighting potential pitfalls when buying used engines.
The customer initially encountered positive customer service, which is often a good sign when making a purchase. Based on seemingly positive reviews, the customer decided to buy an engine from Car Part Planet. However, this positive initial impression quickly deteriorated after the engine arrived and issues began to surface.
Unexpected delays arose when the customer’s mechanic suffered an injury and couldn’t install the engine. Upon contacting Charlie at Car Part Planet, reassurance was given that the warranty would be honored even beyond the standard 30-day period. Further delays occurred when the replacement mechanic experienced a personal tragedy. Throughout these delays, Car Part Planet allegedly continued to assure the customer that the warranty was intact, pending engine installation and odometer photo submission.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the new mechanic inspected the engine before installation. A critical flaw was discovered: the engine wouldn’t turn over properly with the spark plugs in place, indicating a significant internal problem. This discovery immediately raised red flags about the engine’s condition and quality.
Upon contacting customer service with photographic evidence and an explanation of the mechanic’s findings, the customer was promised a response within 24 hours. Unfortunately, this prompt response was not delivered. Instead, the customer faced a frustrating period of repeated follow-up calls, only to be eventually transferred to the warranty department.
This is where the customer service experience reportedly declined sharply. The warranty department was described as rude and unhelpful. They cited emails, which the customer claims to have never received, stating a strict 14-day installation policy. They then suggested troubleshooting steps, such as adding oil to the spark plugs, which the mechanic deemed inappropriate for an engine that should turn freely. Independent research corroborated the mechanic’s assessment – a functional engine should not exhibit this issue.
Further calls and escalations led to conversations with Kevin, identified as the warehouse manager. Kevin allegedly dismissed the issue as not being a warranty matter initially, only to later acknowledge the 14-day installation window had been exceeded. Despite admitting the engine’s defect was likely inherent and not time-dependent, the company reportedly remained inflexible due to the elapsed time.
The core of the customer’s complaint is that they received a faulty engine, regardless of the delays caused by unforeseen circumstances. The engine’s inability to turn over properly was an immediate indication of a pre-existing issue, not a problem that developed over time. The customer feels they were given the “run around,” with promises of manager callbacks that never materialized, and ultimately left with a useless engine and a significant financial loss of $2,200.
In conclusion, this Car Part Planet review serves as a stark warning. While initial customer service may appear satisfactory, this experience highlights serious concerns regarding product quality and warranty handling, particularly for major components like engines. Potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate Car Part Planet Reviews before making a purchase.
