On 09/03, I purchased a 1995 Mazda 626 from "John", owner Texas Auto Pros used car lot. Took brief test drive around block, was told car in good shape. Drove car home, about 25 miles, car began to smoke, loosing oil and transmission fluid. Called dealer next morining, told "too bad", car was sold "as is" and he refused to refund $600.00 deposit. Took car to mechanic, had seal on upper engine replaced, $112.00. Took car to transmission shop, told work would cost $2100.00 to fix.
Notified dealer, who said bring car in for his mechanic to look at, but I would still have to pay for repairs. Told him car not driveable that distance. He refused to tow car in.
Called Texas Dept. Of Motor Vehicles, given info on laws of used car buying. Was informed that law states used car dealers must display in windshield of all used cars the "Used Car Buyers Guide" to be clearly visible on windshield of car, both inside and out. This tells buyer he is knowingly purchasing car "as is". Not displaying this disclaimer indicates that car is still under warranty. At no place on or in car was this disclaimer posted, nor was posted on any car in lot.
Spoke with other reputable used car dealers. They informed me that unless vehicle still under warranty, disclaimer must be visible to purchaser. Also informed reputable dealer would have car brought back to dealership and repaired with little or no cost to buyer, or give refund of deposit if could not resolve problem.
This dealer refused to refund $600.00 deposit, sighting purchased "as is". Per Texas Dept of Motor Vehicles-Enforcement Section, will file complaint against dealer, which will result in an investigation. This guy does not care about his reputation. Unfortunately, he lack of integrity cost me not only my deposit, but I'm still without a vehicle. I saved a long time for the deposit, now he has both my money and the car.
Most of the customers he deals with is in the Latino neighboorhood where they speak little or no English, have poor or no credit, work day labor jobs at minimum wage, and like me are desparate for a car that runs. He counts on their lack of ability to dispute his shady practices. I hope by posting this you will give power to others in same situation as me.By the way, this guy has no fax or website listed on business card. Should this be another buyer beware?
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