Complaint Review: AUTO TOWN

Received a "pre-approved" credit offer from Auto Town, Inc. in the mail shortly after filing for a bankruptcy. Called the number on the "gold" card that they sent with the intro letter and they had me come in.

Picked out a car and knew that to re-establish credit that I would paying higher interest rates than normal, which was fine as I had filed bankruptcy and needed to re-establish credit, not to mention obtain a reliable vehicle to use in my business.

The vehicle I picked out and financed (with required $1000.00 down of course), developed shaking problems with the steering while driving. I took it into mechanic for alignment and they showed me where the car had been in a severe front end collision before. It would cost nearly $500 to fix everything! I took this info to the Auto Town, Inc. and they told me to bring in the car and I could pick another one. I found a good truck 1999, with fairly good mileage. When it came time to "sign" on the dotted line for this other vehicle, I was told that I would need an ADDITIONAL $1,000.00 down! What a rip off! Since they had me backed into a corner, I agreed and gave them two check to deposit a few weeks later.

This vehicle had severe transmission problems on the second day after I took possession of it. I took it to a transmission shop and they told me the second gear was out on this automatic transmission! I took the vehicle back to Auto Town, Inc. and they put it in their shop for repair. They gave me a loaner vehicle (which was not what I needed for my business), and told me they would take care of it. Time went on...got the vehicle back. About 3 days later, the SAME problem started again! I took it back AGAIN and they said they would send it to Dodge for repair.

Again, I used a loaner car which was not appropriate for my business needs. After a week, I went in to see what was taking so long. They said the vehicle was across the street at Chrysler dealer being fixed. I walked over to Chrysler dealer and checked on the status...they had not even LOOKED AT IT yet as Auto Town had told them to hold off until their mechanic gave the ok. I went back to Auto Town and complained about this. I spoke with the mechanic himself and we both went over to Chrysler and he told them to do what was needed. They replaced a part of the transmission and another week later I had the vehicle back.

Drove the vehicle for another couple days and all of sudden...yup..transmission SECOND GEAR acting up again!!! I got mad this time and took it back for the third time and told them to get it right. Auto Town told me they were tired of the problem and decided to put a new transmission in the truck. Again, I took a loaner vehicle and waited. After 2 weeks I had not heard anything. I left several phone messages and no one would return my call. The first of the two held checks was deposited already, but the second one had not. I quickly put a stop payment on the last check to bring about a phone call from Auto Town...which of course it did. I had the unfortunate luck to talk with Michelle over there, who evidently is one of the owners according to the employees. Talk about a $*@! to talk with! I told her why I stopped payment and she told me the two matters were completely different!

Finally I picked up my vehicle. The transmission that was supposedly put in was not a new one. Also, I'm still having the same problems UNLESS I drive in overdrive all the time like I am now. I refuse to let them have it one more time as I need it for my business.

After a while, Michelle sent me nasty letters threatening me with legal action if I did not pay them the other $500.00, which was a crock. I still have not paid them, nor will I. She had their attorney, who is a foolish one, file a lawsuit against me. He served it wrong, served it with improper information contained in it, gave the wrong amount of time to file an answer, etc. It was very unprofessional to say the least. I called him to advise him of his errors. He apologized and said he would re-serve me. A few days later I received a MAILED service, but not personal service which is required. He also refered to me by a female name, not mine. His files were mixed up to say the least. This is an attorney??? Oh well, I checked with my attorney who sent him a nice letter showing his faults in service. We never have heard back from that attorney of Auto Town's..lol.

My advice is to RUN as fast as you can away from Auto Town and their scams. The buy cars at auction in Texas, ship them up here and fix them up, or rather cosmetically fix them up so the buyer is not aware of the problems until after the papers are signed and they have their money in the little grubby hands. They prey on people who have had to file bankruptcy with their scams. Beware...stay away from Auto Town, Inc. in Milwaukie, Oregon!

David
Portland, Oregon
U.S.A.