I leased a 2000 Ford Ranger from Courtesy Ford in November 1999. I had nothing but problems with the vehicle from day one; some were quite serious. The vehicle had definite safety issues besides being a total lemon. I live 4 hours from the dealership; not one of my phone calls regarding the problems with the vehicle was ever returned. I had to deal with Ford directly, which was a nightmare in itself.
When my lease expired I decided to purchase the vehicle. Due to all the repairs made on the vehicle; it had basically been rebuilt in the 3 years I'd had it; I decided that it might be in my best interest to purchase it. There was no way, at that time, that I could afford a new vehicle, anyway.
I was approved for buy-out financing. I told Courtesy Ford that I absolutely could not afford to pay much more monthly than I had been paying. They wouldn't give me financing terms on the phone even after I asked for them. I called Ford Credit directly and was told that the terms were between me and the dealership and I'd have to discuss those terms with them.
Courtesy Ford repeatedly told me not to worry about my monthly payments. I was told repeatedly that "everything will be fine." I called them constantly and got the same response everytime.
I was scheduled to sign buy-out papers via fax since I live so far from the dealership. The day before buy-out, I was informed that I would have to appear at the dealership in person. I was told original signatures were needed. I told Courtesy Ford to fax the contract, I would sign it and FED EX back overnight. I was told I couldn't do that; no explanation provided.
I went to the dealership and found out, to my horror, that the interest rate on my loan was 21% and my monthly payments double from what they had been. I had a melt down and the sales person could have cared less. He told me I only had a few options. Buy and/or lease a new vehicle, which I couldn't afford to do. Accept the buy-out contract as is. Or, turn in my vehicle and call it a day. I was 4 hours from home and had no way to get back without a vehicle. The sales person actually got angry with me because I was crying. I didn't know what else to do; I stupidly signed the contract.
I tried getting resolution from Ford Credit and Courtesy Ford. Reps at Ford were rude and intimidating. I never got a return call or letter from Courtesy Ford. The payments were totally unmanageable for me; the vehicle was repossessed last October. Ford is now suing me for the balance, which is a lot of money because of the interest rate.
I, once again, contacted Courtesy Ford and told them what was going on. I got one email basically telling me "tough luck". Ford eventually wanted to settle rather than going to court and I contacted Courtesy Ford by email and certified letter asking that they take some responsibility for their dishonesty in this issue and make some kind of offer to help with the settlement.
The settlement was still way more than I could afford or even felt I should have to pay. Surprise, surprise, no response at all. Courtesy Ford should be ashamed of how they do business. It's apparent, that they are not ashamed in the least.
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