I purchased a used '94 Geo Tracker from Springfield Auto Outlet in 1996. Unfortunately, the dealership did not hold the title to the vehicle at the time of the sale. Without the title, there was no legal transaction.
After a few days of rancorous negotiation, they suddenly decided I should keep the vehicle. Just recently I discovered why: the dealership FORGED my signature on a new "Retail Installment Contract." The forgery made the sale null and void, but being an uninformed consumer, I was clueless about the situation.
After repeated difficulties with the vehicle, and absolutely no help from the service department, I brought the Tracker back to trade in for a new vehicle. At the time, I was still unaware of the forgery.
Being very ignorant of the purchasing process, I trusted everything I was told by the sales people. After telling me that they would "absorb" the negative equity of the Tracker, they added the entire amount back in to the contract of the new vehicle, a demo Jeep Wrangler. I was charged over $18,000 for a used Jeep that was worth about half that amount. Over the past five years, at 18% interest, I've paid over $30,000 for a used Jeep.
Recently, when reviewing the paperwork of these transactions with someone far more knowledgeable, I discovered the fraudulent signature on the Tracker contract. I also discovered that Springfield Auto Outlet took advantage of me as much as possible. While being ignorant of the process is certainly my own fault, I believe that, given their history, others should know to avoid this dealership completely.
I have written letters to both the dealership and DaimlerChrysler requesting resolution. The dealership has completely ignored communications from me, and DaimlerChrysler refused to intervene.
If you hope to be treated honestly and with respect, please avoid Springfield Auto Outlet. Even better, don't purchase any DaimlerChrysler product because they won't do anything to assist you!
Chris
Aston, Pennsylvania
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