"A sale for the books" - is what a auto dealer said to me once I explained what had happened to me-TWICE! On May 31, I phoned the auto dealership-"Cory Fairbanks Longwood" after reading a ad they had in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. I was connected to a salesperson names Michael Knight. I informed Michael that I saw their ad in the paper and wanted to speak with them before I and my family made the long trip to Longwood from Kissimmee. I informed him of my credit score, my employment, my trade-in and my limited funds for a down payment. I candidly asked him if they could help me. He then asked me to give him a couple of hours and he would get back to me. He returned a call to me and assured me that he could sell me a car and even had a vehicle in mind for me and my particular circumstances. Feeling confident and assured that they could sell me a vehicle, my family and I drove to the dealership.
When we arrived, we met with Michael and he took us outside to the vehicle he had in mind for us. As we walked outside, we saw a black on black Mazda Tribute SUV being driven out of the carwash bay. He said to us "That's your car!" It was beautiful! He told us to go take a look at it to make sure it was the car for us. We spent about 20 minutes looking it over. We loved it!
My family and I informed Michael that we indeed love the vehicle. Again, I verified with Michael my credit score and again he assured me that he had already discussed everything with the finance department before he told me to come in. I then proceeded to give him my driver license and other verification required. During this period, he continued to congradulate us on our new purchase. After the initial paperwork was completed, he took us in to the financial person, Christopher Dakers. Before Christopher began, I again asked if this was going to be 'a sale for the books' or were we actually going to be able to keep this vehicle. At this time, Christopher replied "We would never let you drive off the lot if we did not think we could get you approved. We are not in the habit of just letting people drive off with our cars". I then reminded him of my credit score, in which he replied that they did a credit check and that if he could not get bank financing, he was sure Mazda credit company would finance me. At this point, we proceeded with the contract and other paperwork.
Christopher had drown up paperwork in which I signed: Car Buyer's offer and Purchase Option Contract; a Retail Installment sale contract; Car Care service plan; Total Loss protection program; Road Hazard Tire Coverage; Odometer Disclosure statement; and the Notification of Transfer of registration license plate form. After all of this, we began to feel assured that the vehicle was ours-to keep. My children (Erica 16 and Fermond 15 who are excellent students in school) and I were so excited! My family and I work hard and we thought that this was a blessing from GOD above! I asked no more questions. We were given the keys and we DROVE off the lot in a new Mazda Tribute SUV. Before we even left the lot, my family and I were talking about being able to visit our family (and my grand kids!) back home (Virginia) whom we have not seen for over a year. A few days later, we even planned the trip home. We were so excited.
After a couple of days, Michael called and left a message thanking us for our purchase and asking if everything was O.K. Soon after, I received letters thanking us for the purchase. We even received a container of cookies from the dealership. More and more, my anxiety eased and I began to accept the blessing of our new car. However, this would all change.
After about week, we began to receive phone calls from Cory Fairbanks. I did not recognize the name left in the message. I began to feel something was wrong. When I returned the call, I was informed that they needed more information and for me to come in soon. When I inquired as to what information did they need so that I could bring it with me, they were evasive in answering the question, but assured me that it would all be resolved when I came in. This was not the case.
When we arrived at the dealership, about a week or so after purchasing the vehicle, we were directed to speak to William Comprosky. He informed us that they were unable to get financing for us and that we would have to return the vehicle. We were devastated! My children were broken hearted; just broken hearted. Not only were we lied too, but this meant that we could not make the drive home to see our family in Virginia. Mr. Comprosky made no offer of allowing us to make a higher down payment nor did he give any reasons as to why we were out right LIED to over the phone by Michael, during the initial write up, and at the signing of the contract by Christopher Dakers.
These kinds of tactics are hurtful and unfair. These dealerships are tampering with people lives. As consumers, we have rights too. These practices should not be allowed. Dealerships should be held accountable for their actions and not simply be allowed to say that "we couldn't get financing". What about the initial credit report obtained. When I asked Mr. Dakers about my score being very low, he said for me not to worry - "That he was sure he could get me financed". Although this incident happened in June my family and I are still devastated by what happened. Yet, Cory Fairbanks gained "A Sale for the Books! At our expense. Shame on you Cory Fairbanks!
At present, I desire to seek legal advice and inquire if there is a decent attorney out there who believes that this is a tragedy, please contact me concerning this "Breece of Contract". Thank You!
Alisa
kissimmee, Florida
U.S.A.
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