Save Yourself The Headache: Read This Before You Buy
Impex Chevrolet GMC Review
Drama Level

Thinking of buying from Impex Chevrolet GMC?

I am the proud and exhausted owner of a 2022 Suburban purchased here, and this site exists so your next big purchase does not come with a forty five day side plot. Consider this your warning label and your

Vehicle: 2022 Chevrolet Suburban  |  Timing: Problems started about eleven months after purchase  |  Location: Impex Chevrolet GMC

The Short Version: Run

If you are researching before buying a vehicle, let me save you time, sanity, and the structural integrity of your wallet. Run from this dealership. Not a jog. Not a warm up lap. A sprint worthy of a gold medal.

I bought a 2022 Suburban here less than eleven months before this entire circus began. I chose this dealership because they were close. Proximity, I now realize, only makes it easier for a dealership to try to take advantage of you without using extra gas.

I brought the vehicle in for exactly two issues. Two. Not a mystery novel. Not a diagnostic tasting menu. Somehow that turned into nearly five hundred dollars in surprise diagnostic fees that had never been spoken, typed, hinted, implied, or smoke signaled in any way. The warranty I purchased, sold confidently as bumper to bumper, turned out to be bumper to interpretive fiction.

Communication arrived at a pace normally reserved for geological events. Days passed with silence. Weeks passed with silence. My vehicle came back smelling like exhaust inside the cabin, a problem that did not exist before they touched it. It is impressive to make a car worse while performing no repairs, but they managed it. To date, the exhaust smell is there inside the cabin with every drive.

When I asked about a loaner from their loudly advertised loaner program, I was told they were ten deep. Their loaner program has about the same confirmed sightings as the Loch Ness monster.

If you want a dealership that will attempt to extract unauthorized fees, communicate with the urgency of a sloth in meditation, turn your warranty into a philosophical riddle, and return your vehicle in worse condition than it arrived, this may be your place. If you prefer honesty, accountability, and the faintest whisper of customer service, look elsewhere. This dealership would not recognize customer service if it walked in, introduced itself, and offered credentials.

Full receipts, fully documented. You can read the long form, date by date breakdown of my experience below. This site exists so you can make an informed decision before signing anything. I wish I would have read more of the reviews before buying a $45,000.00 vehicle.
  • Surprise diagnostic fees that were never disclosed upfront
  • Bumper to bumper warranty that seems to evaporate when actually needed
  • Forty five days of delays, non answers, and backordered everything
  • Vehicle returned with new issues, including exhaust smell in the cabin
  • Loaner program that appears in ads more than in reality

The Full Forty Five Day Drama

Open the full story Exhibit A: My experience >

If you are anything like me, you conduct a small background check before making a major purchase. Consider this your public service announcement. My strongest recommendation regarding this dealership is to run. Not a light trot. Not a gentle fitness stroll. I am talking about a full Olympic sprint.I originally purchased my 2022 Suburban from this dealership because of proximity. I assumed that convenience would be helpful in the event of mechanical issues. I now understand that proximity only makes it easier for them to inconvenience you faster. If my experience can prevent you from repeating my mistake, then I will consider this review a charitable act.


Here is my forty five day dramatic production. On October 29, I spoke with Matthew, who scheduled my vehicle drop off for October 31 with pickup on November 1. Nothing unusual there. What was unusual was everything that followed.During this call, there was no mention of a diagnostic fee. None. Not whispered. Not hinted. Not tucked into a footnote. No email mentioned it. No text message mentioned it. If the fee had been mentioned, I would not have complained because I understand that time is money. However, I bought what was marketed as the best warranty they offer, sold to me verbally as bumper to bumper. A description that was apparently more creative writing than factual representation. Based on that, I reasonably assumed the diagnostic fee would be covered. Silly me. During the call, I also made it very clear that I required the vehicle back by Saturday because I needed it for work. Matthew acknowledged this and warned that parts may not be in stock, which was fine, as long as the vehicle was returned to me Saturday. We even established that I could bring it back the following weekend. That was the last moment in this saga that contained any logic.


Friday evening, I dropped off the vehicle and listed TWO issues. A rattling underneath. A shaking at speeds over seventy miles per hour. Two items. Not a treasure hunt. Not a “choose your own adventure” novel. Just two issues. Saturday morning, I checked the service hours and saw they closed at three. Since it was nearly noon and I had not heard from anyone, and knowing I needed the vehicle back before they closed, I called. A woman explained that two technicians had called out. I empathized, and I reiterated that I needed the vehicle back. As in, the same day. As in, the entire reason I scheduled it this way. She acknowledged that dropping it off had been an inconvenience as she probably could not get to it. That is the understatement of the decade. Forty five minutes later, she called back and said they had taken the vehicle in. She then announced that the vehicle had multiple issues. A revelation that was impressive, considering they sold me this vehicle less than twelve months prior.


She stated parts would need to be ordered, the warranty reviewed (even though I bought it there), and she would update me Monday. Once again, I repeated that the vehicle needed to come home. That is when she informed me that if I took my own vehicle back, I would owe three diagnostic fees or two diagnostic fees and a deductible. The grand total approached five hundred dollars. Apparently, the dealership had decided to moonlight as a pawn shop, because at this point they were holding my vehicle hostage. Can you imagine dropping your vehicle off with no understanding that anything would be out of pocket, no work was done, and being told you must pay $500.00 to pick it back up just to drop it off again the following week?


My frustration was approaching performance art. I brought it in for an alignment issue and a rattling sound. TWO issues. An alignment check never incurs a diagnostic fee at any tire shop in America, yet here I was being informed that retrieving my car required paying for diagnostics on issues I never mentioned or authorized. What should have been a simple visit mutated into a situation where the dealership behaved as though they had discovered buried treasure under the hood and were charging me for the excavation. The situation was eventually partially resolved when I was graciously informed about thirty minutes later that they would only charge one diagnostic fee, just under two hundred dollars, to return my own vehicle to me. Monday arrived and there was no call. No email. Nothing. This was an impressive feat of customer avoidance.


On Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. I called them myself. I was then told I would receive a call Wednesday morning. That led to the email referenced in our last discussion. To say I am frustrated would require inventing new understatement categories. The customer service I received was not merely disappointing. It was the sort of performance that makes one question the entire concept of service departments as a civilization. Now that the vehicle has been returned, I can smell exhaust inside the cabin. A problem that did not exist before. Somehow, the vehicle came back worse after being examined for issues that were never actually repaired. Truly an extraordinary accomplishment. Knowing they were supposed to call on Monday and did not, knowing I waited most of the day Tuesday for them to demonstrate even a flicker of professional responsibility, and they did not, and knowing that when I finally called at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, I was told I would receive a call Wednesday, the performance continued. They did call Wednesday, and I asked for an email summarizing the situation, which they provided—yet with the breathtaking absence of accountability one might expect from a toddler caught drawing on the walls.


I replied, and suddenly the service manager appeared in the conversation, as though summoned by the sheer gravitational pull of incompetence. At this point we were seven days in. Parts were allegedly being ordered, heads were allegedly nodding in agreement, and everyone allegedly understood that the smell of exhaust in the cabin was enough to make a person rethink their will to live. Eighteen days later, I sent a follow up email. Nothing. Not a syllable. Not a grunt. Not a single blinking cursor of acknowledgment from the dealership. The next day, nineteen days in, I followed up again. They replied and announced that the springs for the struts were on backorder. That was it. No elaboration. No reassurance. No timeline. Just a declaration that conveyed the emotional energy of a parking ticket. At twenty days, I asked if they would be open the day after Thanksgiving. The response was a masterpiece of vagueness. “The parts are still on backorder.” No estimated arrival. No next steps. Nothing.


At twenty six days, naturally, there was no reply. A full week later, a single email appeared stating—with the enthusiasm of a houseplant—that they were still waiting on the springs and it looked like next week. At this point, I informed them we had reached thirty days since our initial contact, which was actually thirty four days if one counts the days the dealership apparently lost in the cushions of a couch. I explained again that the exhaust smell was intolerable and that we at least needed that portion of the work completed. We reached the groundbreaking agreement that I could drop the vehicle off Friday evening, December 12th, and pick it up Saturday because, astonishingly, I still needed transportation to go to work.


Then came the next plot twist. I was told there was a possibility the vehicle would be opened up and not finished. Naturally, I asked about their loaner program, which they advertise with great enthusiasm. The reply was that they were ten deep and that a loaner was doubtful. A bold marketing strategy indeed. To conclude this forty five day odyssey: if you are seeking a salesperson who will excitedly assure you that you are receiving a bumper to bumper warranty because you are buying the most expensive warranty package available, only to later discover that the phrase bumper to bumper is apparently interpretive fiction, this is your place. You may even receive an email as elegantly crafted as the one I received, detailing that the struts are leaking, the springs need replacing, the insulators and strut tops are your financial burden, the exhaust has multiple leaks, and nearly every meaningful repair resides outside the sanctuary of your so called coverage. The final tally of uncovered items reads like the bill for a small used boat.


If you enjoy waiting days or even weeks for a basic reply to a basic email, you will flourish here. If you prefer an establishment that understands customer service as something more substantial than performance art, I advise you to take your business elsewhere. This dealership would not recognize customer service even if it introduced itself with a firm handshake. I regret ever buying my 2022 Suburban here, the experience has been mentally tolling. Save yourself the trouble, read the rest of the reviews... Run.

This site reflects my personal experience and personal opinion as the customer who lived through this forty five day saga. It is not legal advice. It is one very thoroughly documented headache, shared so you can make your own informed decision.

Receipts: The Emails

Every message below is from the real email thread. The highlighted dates and times take turns bouncing so you can follow the timeline of promises, delays, and non answers.
From: Matthew Anhaiser <matthew.anhaiser@impexgm.com>
Email 1 Wed, Nov 5, 10:07 AM

Good morning,

On the front end noise it was determined that the front struts are leaking and the tech recommended that the struts and all attached parts (springs, insulators, strut tops and hardware) are replaced. There is coverage for the struts themselves which leaves a parts balance of $724 for the ancillary components. Also recommended and associated with the noise are the front tires that are cupped and noisy. The tires are $780 installed.

On the rattle on startup we found 2 exhaust leaks, the first is the manifold gaskets at the head and the second is the cat gaskets. There is coverage on the manifolds but anything rear of the manifold flange is excluded from coverage. That would leave a balance of $757 for the cat gasket repair.

On the vibration the recommendation is a road force balance at $219 however if the front tires are replaced we will balance them during the installation and would recommend we drive the vehicle first to ascertain the severity of the vibration after the known bad tires have been swapped before continuing with the road force balance.

Per our conversation I am also including the contact number for the warranty company which is 800-432-4566.

Thank you
Matthew Anhaiser

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 2 Fri, Nov 7, 10:28 AM

Good morning,

I hope your morning is going well. I wanted to take a few moments to clearly outline what took place on Friday and Saturday, because at this point, I am extremely frustrated with how this entire situation has been handled. As you know, I spoke with I believe you on Friday. During that conversation, there was absolutely no mention of a diagnostic fee required to bring my vehicle in. There was no mention of such a fee in any email or text message that I received. Had the fee been mentioned, I would not have argued about it, because I understand it compensates for time spent. However, I purchased what was supposed to be the best warranty available for this vehicle. (Sales person said "bumper to bumper. Which I know now was false) Based on that, I reasonably expected that the diagnostic fee would be covered. I also made it very clear during that call that I had to have the vehicle back by Saturday because I needed it to get to work on Monday. The person on the phone (Again, I believe this was you although I may be mistaken) mentioned that parts might not be in stock, and I explained that was fine, but I still needed the vehicle returned to me on Saturday. Then this person and I agreed that I could always bring it back on the following Saturday.

Friday evening, I dropped the vehicle off and filled out the service form listing two issues: a rattling underneath the vehicle and shaking at speeds over 70 miles per hour. On Saturday morning, I checked the dealership hours and saw the service department closed at 3:00 p.m. Since it was nearly noon, I called to check the status. The woman who answered explained that two technicians had called out, but she would do her best to get the vehicle in. I repeated that I had to have the vehicle back, and I made it clear that I would not have dropped it off if it wasn’t going to be serviced, as dropping it off was a major inconvenience, a necessary one, but still a major inconvenience. About forty-five minutes later, she called back and said they were able to get the vehicle in. She then told me that the vehicle had multiple issues. Keep in mind, I purchased this vehicle from your dealership only twelve months ago. She said parts would need to be ordered, the warranty would need to be reviewed, and she would update me Monday. Once again, I repeated that I needed the vehicle back. She then told me that if I took the vehicle, I would be responsible for either three diagnostic fees or two diagnostic fees and a deductible, totaling nearly $500.

At this point, my frustration was through the roof. I brought the vehicle in for two issues, an alignment problem causing shaking above 70 mph and a rattling sound underneath. That was it. Two specific issues. An alignment check would never incur a diagnostic fee at any tire shop, yet now I was being told that I could not retrieve my vehicle unless I paid for diagnostic fees not only for those two issues, but also for something I never even brought up or authorized. What started as what should have been a simple, straightforward visit turned into a situation where it felt like the dealership was holding my vehicle hostage for nearly $500 and completely failing to communicate properly. I honestly had to stop myself from writing a one-star review right then and there, explaining exactly what happened so that no one else would have to deal with this kind of aggravation. Eventually, the situation was “semi-resolved” when I was told I would only be charged one diagnostic fee, close to $200, just to get my vehicle back. I was told someone would call me Monday with a solution. Monday came and went with no call, no email, nothing. On Tuesday, I waited until about 4:30 in the afternoon before calling the service department myself. That’s when you answered and told me you would call me Wednesday morning with a resolution, which led to the email you sent me.

To say I am frustrated is putting it mildly. This entire experience has been unacceptable and completely avoidable. The level of customer service I’ve received is beyond disappointing. Now that I have my vehicle back, I can smell exhaust inside the cabin, something that was never an issue before I brought it in. Clearly, something was done while it was being “checked,” because the vehicle is now worse than before. I should not have to deal with new problems after bringing a vehicle in for service. Especially when no service was actually performed. Even as I write this, I can feel my anger building because none of this should have happened. I own several businesses in the Triad area, and if any of my companies treated customers this way, I would be embarrassed. No one should have to go through what I’ve just experienced.

I am at a loss for how this can be resolved properly, but what happened on Saturday was completely unacceptable and has still not been addressed. Before I move forward, I need a resolution. I expect either you or I can move this up to the right person to gain clarity.

Sincerely,
Joe Destafino

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 3 Fri, Nov 7, 12:50 PM

I am looping in the service manager. If you would like we can call you and address these issues one at a time. I apologize for your experience on Saturday but we are going to work to resolve your issues.

From: Jonah Coleman-Berry <jonah.berry@impexgm.com>
Email 4 Fri, Nov 7, 3:09 PM

Good Afternoon Mr. Destafino,

I’m very sorry to hear that your recent service experience did not meet your expectations, and I appreciate the opportunity to bring some clarity regarding the warranty coverage and repair costs.

First, I want to sincerely apologize that you weren’t informed of the estimated costs prior to work being performed. That is not our standard practice, and I’ve addressed this with the team to help prevent it from happening again.

Regarding your service contract with Heritage Warranty Corp., the process works as follows: after we complete diagnostics and identify the cause of each issue, we contact the warranty company to determine which repairs they will cover. Based on their review and authorization, they approve or deny each item individually.

In your case, they did approve several repairs — including the front struts, exhaust manifold gaskets, and wheel alignment — which will significantly reduce your overall cost. However, they declined coverage for the tire balancing/replacement and the exhaust gaskets for the catalytic converters.

The denial for tire coverage is standard across all warranty providers, as tires and balancing are classified as maintenance or wear items, and therefore not included in any vehicle service contract I’m aware of. As for the catalytic converter exhaust gaskets, the warranty company did not authorize coverage for those parts, and we are required to follow their direction regarding what is and isn’t billable to the plan.

The out-of-pocket expense for the exhaust gaskets that are not covered is $259.59 + tax.

If you would like to proceed with any of these repairs, we would be happy to get the parts order process started for you. It looks like we could have all necessary parts available within 3–5 business days.

I’ve also attached a quote for the two tires we recommend replacing to correct the vibration issue. Without replacing them, the vehicle will continue to shake due to uneven inner tread wear.

Please know that I truly understand how frustrating this situation can be. If you would like, I can also provide contact information for Heritage Warranty Corp.’s claims department in case you wish to appeal or request further clarification from them directly.

Thank you for your understanding and for allowing us the opportunity to explain this further.

--
Jonah Coleman-Berry
Service Manager
Impex Chevrolet GMC

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 5 Tue, Nov 18, 8:55 AM

Matthew,

I hope you're well. Please let me know if the parts will be in this week. I will need to drop off the vehicle on Thursday evening and pick up on Saturday. Will that be enough time for you to finish your end without any issues?

Joe

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 6 Wed, Nov 19, 3:07 PM

Hello, I did not get a reply to the email I sent at 8:55 yesterday morning, so I am forwarding it again today at 3:07 p.m. Joe Destafino

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 7 Wed, Nov 19, 5:02 PM

We are waiting on the springs for the struts, I am working with the parts manager on when they will be available, we have what is called a spac case where we have escalated but they are on backorder. We will keep you posted on availability.

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 8 Wed, Nov 19, 5:27 PM

Just to clarify, those parts were 3-5 days when Jonah sent the email on the 7th. Part ETA's can change radically even in that short amount of time. We are working diligently with the parts dept to expedite using all available means. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 9 Thu, Nov 20, 7:50 PM

Is service open the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving?

If so, I can drop off the vehicle on Thanksgiving and pick it up completed on that Saturday.

Please advise.

Joe Destafino

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 10 Fri, Nov 21, 9:48 AM

We need to wait until the springs come in. As of now we do not have a solid eta. We will let you know as soon as we have a date they will be here.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 11 Fri, Nov 21, 11:19 AM

Understood.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 12 Wed, Nov 26, 8:13 AM

Good morning,

I am guessing the parts did not come in? What are we waiting for?

Joe Destafino

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 13 Mon, Dec 1, 8:26 AM

We are still waiting on the springs, looks like next week.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 14 Thu, Dec 4, 6:12 PM

Greetings,

Tomorrow will make 30 days since this all began. If the springs are the only hold up, then we should proceed without them and schedule a date to get the work done. Honestly, the smell of the exhaust in the vehicle is causing a huge concern. The idea of driving with the windows down is simply becoming too much. It is not feasible. The horn has also started to become very weak. Please advise as soon as possible.

Joe

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 15 Fri, Dec 5, 7:30 AM

We will be happy to fix the exhaust, I cannot install the front struts until all the parts are here. If you would like me to fix the manifolds I can get it in as early as Wednesday 12/10.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 16 Fri, Dec 5, 10:14 AM

That will be fine. So we can drop it off on Friday evening (December 12th) and pick it up on Saturday December 13th? Even if the struts are not in. At least we can solve the smell issue.

Please confirm.
Joe

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 17 Fri, Dec 5, 11:44 AM

Yes we can absolutely do that but it will be bell to bell on Saturday and there is always a risk with the manifolds that would necessitate more time or parts and at that point it would be apart.

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 18 Fri, Dec 5, 12:10 PM

Is there a loaner program?

From: 200LIGROUP <200ligroup@gmail.com>
Email 19 Wed, Dec 10, 9:30 AM

Hello.

I sent this 5 days ago and have not heard back. Please advise.

Joe Destafino

From: Matthew Anhaiser
Email 20 Wed, Dec 10, 4:29 PM

We do have rentals but there is a waiting list that is 10 customers deep. It is difficult to anticipate a concise timeline.