My nightmare began as I was purchasing my 1997 Ford Mustang. The manager at the time wasv ery "understanding" about my poor credit situation, and made an incredible effort in closing this sale.
It wasn't until after the sale was finalized, probably a week later, that he began to call me... Obsessivly. He was constantly asking me to dinner, lunch, whatever. He asked me questions regarding my love life, why I was single, etc. After telling him numerous times that I was not interested, I finally told him that I was dying. Even that didn't stop him. I changed my number.
The vehicle was covered under a 6mo/6000mi warranty. I purchased the car in September, as of January I had invested over $1,000.00 in repairs. The last repair was the most severe. The convertable top was leaking so badly that the leather was growing mold. The interior of the car smelled of mildew and mold. I was reassured at the time of purchase that the top and window seals were in perfect condition, and not to worry. Obviously he was more concerned with a possible dinner date than the condition of the vehicle.
When I returned the vehicle in January for repair, they said that it could be repaired, and that I would be responsible for the charges. I immediatly went to the manager (a new guy transplanted from Phoenix). I told him that they needed to make good on this deal, and he assured me that they would.
His suggestion was to "switch out" the vehicles. He suggested a 2003 Mustang coupe. I said that I would like to drive it for a while before deciding. I left in the 2003 mustang. About a week later I came back in and they needed an additional $1,000.00, but it was going to be a better car. Ok. After signing all of the paperwork, etc. I left the dealership. Before doing so I informed them that I would be leaving in a few days for vacation, so if they needed any further paperwork etc, it would have to wait until I returned.
One day before I left they called, needing bank statements. I brought them over and then I once again reminded them about my vacation plans. I also inquired about the issue of my trade in, why hadn't they paid off the loan? The bank was calling me and telling me that I was now delinquint on my payments. So much for rebuilding my credit. They said that it was being taken care of, have a nice trip.
While on vacation I was harassed constantly, they finally informed me that I must return their car.
On February 17 the bank was going to reposess the 2003 in lieu of the 1997 because of non-payment. I went to the dealership and returned the car demanded my money back, paid $500.00 to get my 1997 from the bank and was told to return at 2:30pm to pick up the check refunding my $1000.00.
When I returned there was no check. When I calmly asked to speak with the manager (assuming they made a mistake) the GM came storming out of the back office, screaming at me to follow him and get in his office. He then began to threaten to call the police on my, said he owed me nothing, and to get the hell out of his dealership and to stop making a scene. I tried to question any and all of this and he screamed"ok, that's it, I'm calling 911, and your going to leave here in handcuffs!"
I ran out of the dealership hysterically crying, got into my car and drove across the street to the finance people. (They were in the office when I proved the money had gone through my account and that they promised me a refund check that afternoon.)
She went over to the dealership and after speaking to the appropriate people, returned with a check.
The way I was treated, the money they've taken me for... It's absolutly disgusting. I will have a good word to say about Mel clayton Ford, Santa Barbara, or Phoenix. Regardless of the location of the dealership, Gerrie Clayton makes his money the same way - ripping people off! Please let me know if you have any suggestions!
Theresa
MONTECITO, California
U.S.A.
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