"GUARANTEED OFFER WAS NOT GUARANTEED!! "

Update 06/03/2024: After a week of some back & forth, and a BBB complaint. Nancy C @ CarBrain has satisfactorily resolved my complaints and we agreed on a resolution.

I've read great reviews about this company, and decided to go with their offer on my car I needed to sell.
They offered me the highest offer out of Peddle, Wheelzy, and CarBrain... By over a $100. They offered me $450; whereas Peddle & Wheelzy offered me $325 & $335 respectively.

I now know why their offer was the highest; because it seems after reading other reviews they use the common BAIT & SWITCH method.

I was tired of paying storage fees on a car for 3yrs to the tune of more than it's worth.

The initial process was pretty straightforward.
CarBrain website asked a few questions about the car and made an offer.

They did not ask ANYTHING about the catalytic converter!! (this comes into play later)

After receiving the quote from CarBrain; I called BIG-H Auto Recyclers in Houston to schedule the pick-up. The lady was friendly, but a bit short. She asked about the title, if I had keys, if the battery was in the vehicle, and if the vehicle had any flats. Still no mention of catalytic converter.

I scheduled the pick-up for Monday May 27th, 2024 between 8am-12 noon. At about 8:45am the tow truck driver called me and stated he would arrive in approx 30min. I met him at the storage facility; and the first thing he did was back the "roll back" tow truck up to the car; and lift it off the ground. Got out of the truck before asking me any questions or greeting me; and looked underneath the car. He immediately stated that there's no catalytic converter and just a piece of straight pipe welded in it's place.
And that the offer would drop substantially. He got back into his truck, made a brief phone call to someone with his door closed; so I couldn't hear the conversation. Got back out and told me the offer was $215. So they deducted $235 for a catalytic converter on a 25yr old car. I found that astonishing; and was at a loss for words.


I said well I was GUARANTEED $450 by CarBrain and no one from CarBrain or BIG-H Auto Recyclers made ANY mention of catalytic converter. He told me the offer was $215 and if I didn't like it he could just leave; because he "had other sh!t to do". Was very snippy and rude about it. I asked how he was going to change the amount because I was told he'd have a $450 check in hand for exchange of the car, title, and keys. He rudely said "what makes you think I have a check on me". I explained that I was told that.

So he told me I could call them while he did paperwork and see if I could get a better offer. He asked for my drivers license and the title; then proceeded to look over the rest of the car. I called Najari@ CarBrain to express my disbelief; and she pretty much told me it was up to the salvage yard. But had no explanation as to why CarBrain guaranteed $450; and now that's changed. Stated that the catalytic converter is worth most of the price. I explained that scrap prices on a catalytic converter of that age is less than $100. And they told me they could find a different offer, but I would have to start the process all over. And I could call BIG-H Auto Recyclers and see what they say.

By this time the tow truck driver was standing next to me and I felt pressured to go through with the $215 price. It was a very uncomfortable situation. And I would have liked to call the auto salvage yard first, but he didn't give me that opportunity.

So I called BIG-H Auto Recyclers afterwards; and they seemed to have the answer ready. And told me CarBrain should have asked me about the catalytic converter. Yet CarBrain tells me the salvage company should have asked me. By the immediate explanation and response I got from both companies; it seems this is a VERY common tactic. Offer the highest dollar amount; and then lower it once the tow truck driver arrives to pick up the vehicle. I read many reviews of similar experiences. Customers being told that there's a "aftermarket" or "universal" catalytic converter on their vehicle, and dropping the price tremendously. Or finding other minor issues to drop price. Shame on them!! SCAMMERS!

I called Najari @ CarBrain again to voice my disappointment and dissatisfaction with the whole ordeal. And they weren't very apologetic. Again placed most of the blame on the auto salvage company; and had no answer on why they GUARANTEED me a price and didn't follow through. Made NO ATTEMPT at rectifying or making the situation right.
And told me the salvage yard should have asked me the right questions. Then turned around and told me I was asked about the catalytic converter on the CarBrain website. Which is a TOTAL lie! When I called her out on that; she sated that it asks if there's any missing parts. But when I select "missing parts" on CarBrain; it then asks about Engine & Transmission.