Complaint Review: West Coast Auto

6/8/2007 (Friday) we purchased a 1998 Dodge Intrepid from this dealer for $2500 cash plus tax and tags ($300 additional which was my daughter's money)for our daughter's graduation/18th Birthday present. We did bring it to a mechanic first to make sure it was in good shape -he said it was except that it had a minor oil leak. My daughter drove the car Friday and Saturday and she was so excited. On Sunday it started to tic and have major problems so we left it at the mechanic to see what was going on. On Monday we were told that the engine was going--we called West Coast and Randy denied it. By Wednesday the car was barely drivable. We contacted Randy who told us what did we want him to do about it? My daughter brought the car back (doing 20 miles per hour on Rte. 44 - a 60 mph road in some spots) and left it there. He said he would try to find another engine for us at the auction for a $500 cost to us and then we could pay to have it put in. He now says that he can't find another engine. I know that the car was purchased as-is--but to have a major problem in 2 days and to be told that there is nothing he can do (especially for a kid's first car) should at the very least earn him the "villan" award of the year and a sullied reputation. I think the least he could do is split the cost--I know it is let the buyer beware--but 2 Days???

Jean
Lecanto, Florida
U.S.A.