On 9/10/01, payment was made through loans for 2 vehicles from Finish Line Auto Sales, Inc., 12487 Zinran Avenue #3, Savage, MN 55378. The owner is Todd Robinson of 5794 Shannon Trl SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372.
The vehicles were:
1999 Chevrolet Suburban VIN: 1GNFK16R2XJ365274
1998 Dodge Ram Truck VIN: 3B7HF12Y4WG129955
Both vehicles were described as mechanically sound and had incurred minor body damage. Payment was made at my home through a local intermediary of the dealership. The Suburban was described as fully repaired, and the Ram Truck was in need of minimal repair. The Truck would be delivered when fully repaired.
The Suburban was delayed in delivery by approximately 18 days due to the need to change the tires. Upon delivery, the first usage revealed a Check Engine warning. Upon presentation of the vehicle to a certified mechanic, numerous major structural and drive mechanism damages was discovered. The mechanic indicated the vehicle was not safe for highway usage. All points of concern were documented on video. Through use of a vehicle data base, it was discovered that the Dodge Ram had also experienced major damage due to collision.
The intermediary and the dealership owner were informed of the finding and the Suburban was returned to the intermediary. The demand was placed to refund the money paid and cancel the deal for both vehicles. The dealership owner agreed and promised to refund the money. After numerous calls and months of waiting, no refund was delivered.
A local Wisconsin attorney was hired to intervene. The dealer indicated to the attorney that he planned to refund the money. However, after months of stalling, a judgment against the dealership and owner was obtained for both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
In order to carry out the judgment, an attorney practicing in Minnesota was hired. After much expense, I was informed that unless I desired to spend more money for a possibly unsuccessful collection attempt, I would be better off hiring a collection agent.
To date, attempts at collection have also been unsuccessful.
The owner of the dealership indicated on court ordered financial disclosure that he had no assets and was living on food stamps. However, an internet investigation revealed a house ownership worth $144,000.00. A resent review of the records via CARFAX.com indicates both vehicles changed ownership: on 1/10/03 for the Suburban SUV, and on 1/16/03 for the Ram Truck.
I believe the owner of the dealership to be fraudulent and deceptive in the business transaction entered with me, as well as his financial disclosure.
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