Complaint Review: Apricot Holdings - Circle Rent-a-car

I put $1000.00 down payment on a 2000 ford focus (inhouse financing} on July 5, 2003. The car and contract was supposed to be ready July 8th. No one answering phones, office closed until august 1st. They gave me a free loaner car on August 2nd, at which time I left my car[1987 sudan]. The focus was to be ready (it was being touched painted as a courtesy] by the end of the week.

It wasn't. No focus. They were supposed to return the new battery and license off my car (the Sudan), but it was gone. No one knows where. But they said the focus will be ready any day and in the meantime I get to drive the free loaner 1987 mercury tracer [with bad ty-rods] in worse shape than the car I left with them.

Sept 2nd I get a call saying I am now 2 car pmts behind and therefore defaulted on my loan. When I explain that I didn't have a contract, they give me 1 day to either sign a contract and make a 225.00 car pmt or bring back the free loaner [because the focus is ready.] At which time they nail me another 109.00 for plates and reg. Still no focus.

I had the police there, but still no focus. I don't know where my other car is either. I'm told that this is there method of operation. So, now I am out almost 1500.00, had to cancel my plates, file suit and have no car, nor my down pmt.

The worst part is this car was approved by SSI for me to purchase, to have a newer dependable car to transport my 2 disabled children to their appointments in Boston. Now we are screwed. Those jerks!

Catherine
methuen, Massachusetts
U.S.A.