Complaint Review: Auto Bank Center

I am disheartened by the lack of character and integrity in the business of AUTO BANK CENTER, where they sell used cars.

On March 22, I became the owner of a 2003 Toyota Matrix from AUTO BANK CENTER. The Salesman, Carlos, told me the car as well maintained and though it has quite a few miles (129,759) it is in great condition, he said he even wished there was such a car out there when his daughter, of my age, when to buy a vehicle. I went with my dad, who is 75 years old, and my mother to see and purchase the vehicle. Total cost (with fees, taxes, title): $8292.22 . My dad bought the car cash on the spot. I was so happy, since I never had such a nice car. It was bought as is, and with no warranty. I soon find out that the car did not have an oil change or anything when it was given to me, I soon after when to AUTO BANK CENTER, and they said they will pay for an oil change next door where there is a mechanic shop that they work close with. I was never told there was any problem with the car then, (At this state, any sludge should have been reported and told to me).

As I am on my job search, I decided I want to move to Texas as I enjoyed my 2 week vacation there from Aug 12-23, so I when I came back, on August the 28^th, I wanted a tuneup done to the car with oil change and everything so my car would be in good shape to drive 22 hours to Texas when the time came. I was told there was sludge in my motor, which was not my fault but the from the previous owner. I was charged $556.74. Basically, I would need a new motor he advised me, though we can try to do frequent oil changes to fix the problem (didn't mention anything about flushing the motor, a process I found out elsewhere).

On September 12, I am on the highway, West 826 by the NW 37 ave exit, and my car begins to slow down, though I am accelerating, until it comes to a stop. I have the car towed to my home, $65.00.

I take the car to the mechanic right by my home, Dave's Kar Kare (spelled with K's) and they tell me the engine is shot, that the timing CHAIN broke, which one needs to open the head of the engine to see if a piston broke or a valve bend (though Toyota's are not known for bending, but I was on the highway going 55-60 mph), most likely I would need a new engine. They also found A LOT of sludge which comes from not maintaining the vehicle with proper oil changes. This shop was so great and helpful and tried various ways of helping me: contacting my dealership, telling me my various repair options, and asking others about legal advice). One of their mechanics called AUTO BANK CENTER and asked them about the engine. I had only driven the vehicle for about 4400 miles in 4 months, and it was impossible for me to have caused that damage to the motor. Carlos said I bought the car as is, and there's nothing I can do. The mechanic was civil and calm and told them we would take legal action, and Carlos said he couldn't talk and hung up. I decided to go personally to the dealership which had recently changed locations within the 4 months I bought the car. I spoke with Bobbie, another salesman I assume, and told me he that he was upset that the car was sold to me like this, since he has Moises (the mechanic that was next to their business) check all the cars prior to selling them. He told me he would have a look at my vehicle in a shop of one of the owner's friends, they even towed my car their for no cost to me. I was happy. I thought wow there IS justice. My car was towed to ANWAR AUTO REPAIR in 10880 SW 186 ST BAY 61, MIAMI, FL 33177. Now my car was by my house in the mechanic shop on 4102 East 4^th Ave., Hialeah, FL 33013, about 25 miles away, very far from home.

The next day I get a call from Anwar, owner of Anwar Auto that the car needs a new engine, he did not take the head from the engine, just determined from the amount of sludge on the motor that it needs one. He gave me a price of $1200. I told him that the dealership was paying for it. Anwar said he spoke with them and that the dealership was not paying for it, that they lowered the price for me and are giving me a good deal. I called the dealership and they told me the same, that it is not their fault, that I had the car for 4 months and that I let the timing chain break. (I called Toyota Services and they told me that sludge COULD break even a timing CHAIN). Now if their mechanic is basing the fact that I need a new motor on the sludge alone, how could I have caused that? He did not even properly take the motor apart and see the problems with the pistons, valves, or anything else. I called Anwar, the mechanic, and told me itwas $700 for the engine, $500 to install it. I ask how many miles are in this $700 motor: He couldn't tell me. He did not know how many miles were in this $700 engine. I told him well I'd want one with about 30,000-40,000 miles, Anwar told me that would be much more expensive. I told him I would want an engine that you can certify the amount of miles on it, Anwar said he would get back to me and let me know the amount of miles. I called him 2 more times, did not know...he told me to call within 15 minutes, I call back, call is ignored, I call again- no answer.

I go personally to the dealership with my dad the next day. Bobbie is not there. Habib, the owner of the dealership was not there yet. Carlos the salesman was, but no use talking to him. I wait for the owner, he says that it is not their responsibility, I owned the car for 4 months, they gave me a good car... he could not speak english well and deliver ideas clearly. I told him well can you at least tow the car back. He said sure sure. For me to use the same tow company, and to call the mechanic shop to release the car. Habib said it would be a cheap rate like $35-40, I said I wasn't paying, last time Bobbie paid, Habib said ok. I call the mechanic, I told him I am picking up the car today, and he told me in a very nasty tone that if I don't get it today I will incur storage fees. I told him I will call the dealership's tow company to get it today but I don't know if they will, I can't control that. I told them I was not paying for storage fees and that those can be billed to Habib, Anwar said I would have to pay if the car is not picked up today. After pointless arguing, I hung up. I call the tow guy, and he tells me he can get it today and asked who was paying, I said the dealership, he said ok. He calls back and lets me know that they are not paying, it's $100 since its a far distance. I told him I'd call the dealership, and Carlos answers, and Habib is with a customer supposedly. Carlos tells me they are not paying because I am not getting my car fixed with Anwar, and they are not at fault, and that I had the car for 6 months (though I kept telling him I only had it for 4). He told me I bought the car as is. And I told him they sold me a bad car and they know they did! He told me I could get a lawyer and sue them, that's why we live in America. Now I have to pay $100 to tow my car back from a place that I did not even choose!!

Is there anything I can do to fight this? I know I bought it as is, but only under the impression the car was in good condition and well taken care of, which a mechanic they work with, Moises from Tech Motors, did an oil change about 1-2 weeks after getting the car, which AUTO BANK CENTER has the receipt that they paid about $69. Why wasn't I told of sludge then???