Complaint Review: Toyota Of Long Beach

After having a conversation with a saleman Theo Jarvis R, the night before about an upcoming sales event, I entered the dealership parking lot September 9, 2004.

Since Toyoto of Long Beach had advertised two vehicles for $39.00 plus tax and license, I decided to purchase a cheap car for the salesman Theo Jarvis R. I arrive too late, two teenage boys arrived at 2 a.m., and had first picks when the gates open at 9 a.m..

Since the original plan failed I decided to purchase a vehicle for myself. I eventually purchased a 1997 Toyota Rav4 at the great price of $5418.96. After communicating I had bad credit the salesman decided to attempt to get me finance anyway. I offer to sign the government check I recieved in the amount of $867, over as a deposit.

Eventually, I paid $1,000. as a deposit which included insurance. I used a ATM for the remaining balance. I attempted to complete a reference page when I received approval that the offer (terms; deposit plus agreement up to $400. a month) was accepted by the General Manager.

I was escorted to the finance department when I met with Jaime Perez the Finance Manager. I immediately asked Jaime about getting financed for a vehicle that had 178562 thousand miles. Jaime claimed they had no problem getting me finance with bad credit or for a vehicle with a lot miles.

Next, the Finance Manager Jaime Perez had me sign several documents including a Rescind Contract. However, Jaime assured me the dealership NEVER rescind on a contract unless the customer do not pay as promised. Again, Jaime explained I do not have to worry in fact, my monthly payments up to $400 was decreased to $289 a month for (2) years. I agreed.

Jaime also explained "the vehicle was covered for 3,000 miles or 30 days" when I asked about the "Get Ready Instructions" contract I signed. When I asked about the $498. charge on the "Sale Contract," Jaime explained that was a great feature we incorporate in the contract consumer pays if the vehicle is stolen and the windshield is broken. The dealership will give the contract purchase owner $3,000.

I was escorted to another office where I met with a broker insurance rep who completed the insurance paper so I could drive off the lot. I enjoyed free food and drinks for three hours before putting my bike in the back of vehicle and left the dealership.

Immediately, I had the vehicle's engine and transmission check. After completing an oil change, I returned to the dealership to have the vehicle service for the problems I discovered. Also, I needed the rear view mirror replaced. The dealership gave me the run around on two seperate visits. The third time I was flat out denied. I took the vehicle to a friend who replaced some rings connected to the engine. I put in a new stereo system, purchased new matts, emergency kit, tire cover and more insurance.

Without warning I received a letter explaining the dealership was rescinding their contract due to financing. I called the dealership to confirm the intention. I explained to the manager I disagree because I'm going to suffer a loss resulting from their false promise. I had change classes in school and got preapproved to purchase a house, cancelled transportation to and from the airport for a flight I had scheduled months in advance resulting from the purchase of the vehicle.

The company that aggreed to finance me a 100%, preapproved my home loan before I purchased the vehicle. The finance company also explained I could raise my credit rating if I finance anything for six months which is the last reason I purchased the vehicle through financing.

The dealership start making harassing phone calls several times a week, from several phones. The first call the person claimed to be an investigator with the Long Beach Police. I contacted the Fraud Investigator department and spoke with Officer Cummings. The Officer explained the department was not investigating me and my name was not in the system for any warrants or court appearances.

Next I receive a phone call from the saleman Theo Jarvis R on his personal cell phone begging me to return the vehicle or he was going to be terminated. The General Manager, Gary S. Towmbley, accused Mr. Jarvis and I of trying to scam the dealership. Then several women from Toyota of Long Beach called claiming to be from other Toyota dealerships.

The dealersip eventually mailed my deposit minus the insurance. I responded with a letter explaining I refused to accept the details of rescinding the contract by accepting a portion of my deposit. Again, Toyota of Long Beach refused to be responsible for the losses that would occur as a result of returning the vehicle. Also, I explained the dealership failed to get me financed as promised which is why I completed the Sales Contract.

What frustrated most of all is when the General Manager called my 73 year age Father in Saint Louis, Missouri and led him to believe I was going to be arrested for not returning the vehicle. My father worried, until I had a Policeman call him directly and explained I was not in trouble with law.

Everytime Toyota of Long Beach dealership threaten me with getting the police involved, I visited the police department to report and seek assistance for unethical practices and unprofessional threats I received.

Finally, after a third visit to the Long Beach Police department and being told the case was civil and we had to attend court for a solution, Toyota of Long Beach had the vehicle repossessed under the pretext, my account was delinquent. I immediately called the police at 2:30 a.m. to report the car stolen. I had an incoming call from the Police Department notifying me the vehicle was being repossessed.

The next morning I went to Toyota of Long Beach, dressed very professional, to retrieve personal items (school books and computer) from the vehicle. I met with the General Manager Gary S. Towmbley and explained I need my personal property from the Toyota Rav4 that was repossessed early that morning.

Gary shouted with joy, jumped up from his desk and stated I'm glad they finally got the vehicle back. This was a month and two weeks after purchase. Gary then started explaining how he tried to work with me, and I explained that was a lie. I continue to explain, "Working with me means financing the vehicle I originally purchased. Not calling me claiming to be a police investigator, or calling my father and telling him I was going to be arrested is not acceptable.

Gary became irritated and yelled, "GET THE HELL OUT OF HIS SHOWROOM FLOOR BEFORE I HAVE YOU ARRESTED!" I immediately called the police for assistance. Officer Gary Bruyere, badge 5583, arrived to handle the complaint. After listening to both sides Officer Gary Bruyere start calling me stupid before explaining how ignorant I was for thinking I had a right to the vehicle without paying. I told the officer I had no problem with paying but he company failed to finance as promissed.

The Officer told me he didn't care about financing but I had to leave the dealership or I would be arrested for trespassing. I Officer did get contact information where I can later call to retrieve my items. I waited in the rain until a cab arrive to came to pick to pick me up take me home.

Two weeks later, I receive yet, another letter from Toyota of Long Beach claiming the vehicle was repossessed because I failed to submit informatiom confirming income as stated in the application I signed. Although, I clearly recall the income confirmation, I immediately recongnized the dealership was attempting to changed the reason justifying the repossession.

Toyota of Long Beah obviously forgot they sent a letter rescinding the contract due to inability to get me financed. I responded with a letter stating, "I have no problem sending documentation confirming my income provided you send me a copy of the application I signed promising you a stated amount and information pertaining to the company responsible for financing the 1997 Toyota Rav4 with 178562 miles.

Resulting from the loss of the vehicle, I lost a computer, had to drop classes, lost a home loan, and suffered a money lost for the completed work and stereo I had invested in the vehicle.

To add insult to injury, Toyota of Long Beach placed a stop payment on the check that was issued as a portion of my deposit. The government check I gave as a deposit was cashed two days after original purchase. I later learned the Toyota Rav4 purchased could not be financed because it had too many miles for 1997. Now, the only way I could get finance is that I purchase a almost new vehicle with very little miles.

Currently, I'm attempt to purchase a small Land Rover (6 cylender) with 24,000 miles, therefore, any assistance I receive from this company is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
disable veteran/ student/ victim

Maurice
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.

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