Complaint Review: Toyota Motor Finance

I bought a 2007 Sienna from Toyota Motor Finance in May 2007;  From May 2007 through April 2008, all my payments were made on time.  

In April 2008, I was unexpectedly medically retired from the Navy due to an injuries sustained in the line of duty (Shattered foot/Double Vision).  When I bought the vehicle, I was told I signed up for the credit protection, however, it was left off the contract.  For the next year, I had late payments due to delays in getting my disability payments, moving and obtaining new employment.  Payments never went beyond 60 days late.   I am the father and sole support of six children. 

In June 2009, I relocated and obtained new employment which would have allowed me to get back on track, government job with higher pay.  I asked for a deferment in order to get my finances in order, which they refused.  However, I was able to work a payment arrangement with them to catch back up.  In July 2009, I was 60 days late.  I agreed that I could pay one payment before July 22, and make two payments in August before my August 22nd Due date, which would have had me caught up. 

I made one payment on 14 July 2009 for $640.00.  I have the bank statement, cancelled check and documentation from Toyota Motor Finance which audited the account, which shows the payment was made.  My agreement was to make two payments on 22 August 2009.  I intended on making that payment on 19 August 2009, which was my next scheduled payday.  They repossessed the  vehicle on 17 August 2009 without warning.

I called them immediately, and they would not recognize the 14 July 2009 payment, saying I failed to meet payment arrangements.  The only option they presented was to pay the vehicle balance in full $26,000.00.  They were inhuman, almost to the point they enjoyed the predicament I was in.  Similar to the scenario on the Movie WISEGUYS - F&*& You - PAY ME!!   

They would not accept bringing my account current on that date.  Now we were restricted to one old vehicle in which our entire family could not fit.    Four months later, AFTER they sold the vehicle, they notify me of the auction where they sold the vehicle for 9K.  Which they were suppose to give me advanced notice.  Leaving me with a 16K balance to continue paying. 

I've made formal written requests for arbitration and copy of documentation which they will not respond; saying it's all been turned over to a collection agency, which has no records, just want the money.  They are inhuman and have no compassion;  not realizing the damage they have done to my family.  As a result of their clerical error, which has had a negative effect on my credit score, which now limits my ability to provide for my family. 

As a disabled veteran, I would say - Thank you Toyota.  It's hard enough to support a family, but you don't want to just take the food out of my children's mouths, but you want to prevent me from being able to support them  and put a roof over thier heads.