When we came to Manhattan Jeep, 711 Eleventh Avenue, New York City, in September of our original intention was to purchase the automobile, a 2006 Durango 4D Hemi Engine SUV. However, we were then in negotiations to sell our apartment in order to leave the city, and these negotiations extended, through no fault of our own, far beyond the original date for closing. We were then talked, or were pressured, into leasing, because the original deal proposed by Frank made some sense: $3,000 down, and approximately $600 to $800 a month. We were finally forced to consider leasing as the closing of the apartment was delayed again and again, and indeed did not happen until November 10, nearly two months AFTER the original planned closing date.By this time, we had made moving arrangements that could not have readily been changed. When my son, who would be doing the great bulk of the driving, but who had no credit history, wanted to be put on the leasethe monthly price suddenly went up to $1,310.61, with a surcharge of $65 (a month) for taxes, I was deeply angered and ready to walk out, and probably would have, except that the sales representative, Frank Visosky and the contractual manager, Mel Guerriero, said that we could revisit the contract within the six-months.in fact, the amount of time cited to us was ten months at the above price, and then we could make another arrangement. Because we were now under duress to vacate the apartment as soon as possible, I reluctantly and under pressure went along with this onerous contract. We closed out the 4-year lease as of October 1. Lease payments total for the four years was $66,029.28, plus a buy-out of $17,552.10, breaking it to a total, with a 12,626.61 downpayment (we were told this would apply to the end buyout if needed) and $500 to hold the car to a grand total of $79,155.89! This did nothing to help my sons credit, and in fact, it hurt mine, and I am now a woman of 77 years. Manhattan Jeep tried to make another deal with us, which was beyond reason (why hook ourselves with them in a five year contract?) We said absolutely not. We have already filed a complaint with the New York City Public Advocates office, the Attorney General of New York, and the Federal Trade Commission, upon advice from city lawyers. I have found that the BBB has had a number of complaints, and didnt seem to do anything about them. The three agencies listed above were VERY interested; they have an ongoing inquiry into auto dealer practices. We can supply documentary material, including the contract, if necessary.
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