Texas Auto Pros rip-off! Failure to disclose Used Car Buyers Guide, knowingly sold bum car. Garland Texas
On 09/03/2004, 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?
Roberto
DeSoto, Texas
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
John
Rhinlander,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
kendrick... How can you justify him getting burned unless you are one of those guys doing the screwing?
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, September 22, 2004
The guy got ripped off, we aren't talking about
2 or 3 weeks later here. How can you justify him getting burned unless you are one of those guys doing the screwing? I'm sure he realized it was a ten year old car, but come on! You are apologizing for the bad guy here. Yeah, people can be dumb-asses, that doesn't mean they should be ripped off.
KENDRICK
CHARLOTTE,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
LETS BE REALISTIC
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, September 21, 2004
I read reports often on this site where people purchase 8,9 or in this case, a 10 year old vehicle and then act shocked when they have major mechanical problems. Older vehicles will have problems. You get what you pay for. Posted or not, did you really think this car had the remainder of the manufactures warranty after 10 years!? Let's set the record straight one last time. You do not have the right to return the vehicle once you sign the paperwork. I don't care if it's just been an hour since purchase. The dealer, unless in writing, has no responsibility for repairs after you buy the vehicle. Quit blaming others integrity (or lack thereof)for your bad judgement. You made the deal,you signed for it, you bought it! I could surmise the same about a man that makes a deal then wants to break it and his lack of integrity.