Complaint / Review
El Cajon Ford
Took $2,500 deposit from my Daughter. Weeks later threatened to report car stollen if can't get a cosigner

Befor buying a car at El Cajon Ford... You need to know this!!!

My 24 yr old Daughter (single parent) worked & saved up enough for a down payment on a car. She purchased a car at El Cajon Ford. She gave them a $2k down payment, in addition to trading in her car for $500.

Weeks after purchasing the car, she was contacted by their onsite financing company. She was contacted late that afternoon, and told that if she did not bring in a cosigner by 8pm that evening... They would report the car stolen and have her picked up by the Police. They also contacted me twice within a 10 minute period while I was at work, and repeated that same threats.

This is interesting, because she was never asked for a cosigner when she purchased the car. Even more interesting, is the fact that the contract states that they do have the right to cancel the contract within 10 days from the date that the contract was signed. However, they have clearly exceeded the 10 day period. There was no registered letter informing her that the contract was being cancelled, only threatening phone calls from a company that she trusted to be reputable. That concerns me, and I hope that it concerns you as well.

For years, dealerships have preyed upon the young, those with poor credit, and many others. They should not be allowed to continue these type of practices. It is intentional when they allow you to drive a car off the lot and become attached to it, then suddenly demand additional funds or cosigners. Fortunately, I have had positive experiences when purchasing cars through reputable dealerships. Unfortunately, this is my child's first experience purchasing a car through a dealership and they have now threatened to have her arrested. She is a hard working single mother, and has never had any legal troubles.

Ask yourself, if this were your child, family member, parent or friend... Do you think this they type of company you would feel comfortable referring your loved ones to? Think about it. You might be surprised to find that this practice is not as un-common as you may have thought.

I ask that you consider these facts before handing over your hard earned money & vehicle as a trade in to El Cajon Ford. Hopefully, this message will save you from having to endure this type of treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message...