We were looking for land, but for the land we liked we had to purchase a trailer from Repo Mart. WHAT A MISTAKE!
On the land was a junk trailer Steve said he would give us a trade of $5,400 on paper. What this meant was any trailer we purchased $5,400 would be added to the sale price so there was really no trade value it was to make a down payment look good, which we recently found out is illegal.
We first picked out a 4 bdrm trailer yet changed our minds thinking it would be too large. We then picked out a new model and signed a contract for 47,700 plus $5,400 and when we heard what the note payments were, we be thought we couldn't afford it (but we're paying for that trailer now minus the $5,400) so we told Steve we needed a trailer no more then $40,000. He said he only had one on the lot for $36,400 (witness was present when price was given) plus $5,400 which made the total price $38,000.
This price also included set up, land clearing, permits, steps air / heat etc. We were also charged for permits.
When it came time for settlement Steve was conveniently unavailable. We questioned why Repo Mart was charging us $45,000 instead of $38,000; the woman from the title company only had what was on paper and didn't know why or what happened. Steve's son was avaiable but knew nothing about his father's sales. Since we had nowhere to stay, our lease was up where we were renting. The title person suggested we sign and get the difference settled out with Steve and he should issue a refund.
We contacted Steve, explained the differences and our concerns, yet he refused to give us any paperwork and offered no explanations. We finally got in touch with Jim, Steve's boss. He agreed to give us copies of our cantract and HUD statement.
After several calls and many weeks later we finally got the papers. The contract was for the new trailer (minus the $5,400) we couldn't afford. I spoke with Jim who said that the contract was for the trailer we bought, I explained that we told Steve we needed a trailer under $40,000 and would have not signed a contract for a used 2000 model for $47,700, and that was the contract for the new trailer. Steve was in the background of our conversation and told Jim that was for the trailer we purchased and Jim believed him. Jim stated he would not give us any money back and was very rude and as fast talking as Steve that it made my head spin.
Not being satisfied with the proof in my hands and all of the paperwork I had from Repo Mart, I got in contact with the BBB.
There were numerous complaints listed for Repo Mart some for price switching and others about repairs and faulty homes. After speaking with them they gave me a web address for the Manufactures Homes Department in Washington D.C., we wrote to them and at this time they are reviewing our paperwork and what we received from Repo Mart as well as our witness's statement.
We also contacted lawyers dealing with situation and we have cause to sue them. But, because we are paying for a new trailer we didn't purchase, money is tight, so we'll let the office in D.C. Handle our case.
We made a list of repairs that needed to be done, we gave it to Steve who gave it to someone else who lost it or threw it away. It took 2 months for 1 screen to be replaced. Shoddy repairs were made and other repairs still need to be done and some to our satisfaction. Where there was water damage they patched over it with some wood and there is still water damage noticable. When we complained about other repairs not done he stated "that's what you get when you buy an older used trailer" if that's the case why is it costing us $45,000?
We were told by an employee of Repo Mart that some trailers have water damage because "they're not covered right when they come in and some are open to the weather".
We hope Repo Mart will settle this without lawyers and just by the proof of their own paperwork, but I'm not holding my breath.
Buyers beware! Save all documents, have witnesses present and maybe a tape recorder when delaing with Repo Mart. If you have had a related problem with them please contact us. Let's join an united front and stop this money rip off, paper switching scam of a business. Repo Mart is a Rip Off Mart
Steven
Zephyrhills, Florida
U.S.A.
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