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ABC NISSAN   Phoenix, Arizona  -  Nissan Frontier 2000 [04/16/00]  "I leased this truck yesterday, but the dealership didn't truthfully explain the details; they just said that it was a great deal.  I asked them for a pick up with no power, just air conditioning and a tape player.  After all the paper work and six hours, they brought up a truck fully loaded with all kinds of option packages.  On the way home with the truck, I knew that I'd just made a very big mistake;  there was no way I could afford it.  I returned to ABC Nissan the next day, having put no more than 20 miles on it.  They refused to let me out of the lease.  I tried to explain that I couldn't afford the truck, and was crying.  The man I was asking for help only smirked at me and said, 'There's nothing I can do...you signed the papers!'"
"I've had an oil leak in this vehicle since the first week I bought it.  It's been 'repaired' by Acella Chrysler five times, but it's still leaking."
ACELLA  Staten Island, New York  -  Jeep Sportster 2000 [06/21/00] "I placed a down payment on a new Jeep at this dealership,  but two days later came across an ad from another dealership offering the same vehicle for $3000 less.  I returned to Acella and explained what I'd found, but they refused to negotiate.  I then asked for my refund money back.  I was told that the manager wasn't available at that time,  but they would send me a check.  A week passed without the check so I called and talked to the manager.  He refused to return my deposit money."
ADVANTAGE CHEVROLET  Hodgkins, Illinois  -  Chevrolet Tahoe 1999 [06/28/00] "We bought this 'GM Certified Used' vehicle in February, 2000. We made a down payment, plus three payments between February and May 15, 2000.  On June 13 we attempted to renew our license plates, but were informed that there was a hold on the title; we'd have to contact the Secretary of State for a transfer card. Ultimately it was discovered that our vehicle was an unrecovered stolen vehicle. The Secretary of State confirmed this.  At the time of purchase, we'd asked to see a title history, and also requested from the dealership to know where the vehicle came from. Advantage Chevrolet explained to us that it had been traded in a week earlier, and that clear title was in hand. Later, we learned that this had been an auction vehicle instead. We contacted Rick Zureich, finance manager at Advantage Chevrolet, and informed him that we'd be returning the Tahoe to them that night, on the advice of the Secretary of State, State Police and Country Companies Insurance.  Zureich told us that this car had not been stolen, but that he was going to look into the situation when he had the time. Until then, we'd just have to wait. We repeated to him everything we'd been told by the various agencies, including Country Companies Insurance who had settled the claim. Zureich's response was, 'I'm not going to believe you or a police investigator until I have the documentation.' After a police investigator personally confirmed the theft to Zureich, he did acknowledge it.  Due to Advantage Chevrolet's sluggish response in this matter, we contacted Chevrolet customer service and were offered several compensations.  However, during meetings with Zureich and Desmond Roberts, owner and president of the dealership, we were told that Chevrolet Corporation had not control over the dealership. This was confirmed by Chevrolet Corporation; they didn't want anything to do with the issue.  Roberts told us that he'd be getting his money back from the auction company that sold him the Tahoe, plus expenses involved.  He offered us a deal on another vehicle, but when we asked Zureich for details on the finances involved he said that he was tired of working with us, and that he was turning everything over to the insurance company and our attorney. At this point we asked for our money back, but again Zureich told us that our attorney would have to deal with it.  At this time Advantage Chevrolet also demanded the return of the loaner vehicle they'd been providing. Even though they've recovered their money from the auction company, Advantage Chevrolet has taken the attitude that we shouldn't be afforded the same right. Rather, they've tried to show us as consumers trying to get something for nothing. At this time we've returned the stolen Tahoe, but received nothing in return. Several 'watchdog' organizations have been contacted, including local TV stations, and we've filed a claim with our own insurance company."
AMERICAN RENTAL CAR SALES / Preston Motors Boardman, Ohio  - Oldsmobile Cutlass 1999 [04/18/00]  "The service guarantee by this dealer stated that they would supply a loaner car and take the Cutlass to an Oldsmobile dealer for any necessary repairs.  Subsequently, the driver's-side front brake caliper began sticking, causing excessive heat and steam. American Rental Car Sales advised us that an appointment had been made with Taylor Oldsmobile in Austintown, Ohio.  I took the Cutlass in to American Rental Car Sales, and got a loaner car from them...a 10-year old Cavalier in poor condition, with no passenger side mirror, door handle held together with masking tape, etc.,.  Although we were told that we'd get a call from the mechanic at Taylor Oldsmobile, and we'd even given him my husband's toll-free number, we were not called..  Later on we got a voice-mail message from John Metz at American Rental Car Sales that the Cutlass was ready; both front calipers had been checked, he said, and nothing found wrong.  When my husband picked up the Cutlass at American Rental Car Sales, he noticed that some 98 miles had been put on the odometer.  Also, he found that the lug nuts, which are made from a plastic material, showed no evidence of any tool having recently been used on them. He then went to American Rental Car Sales and talked to the owner, who told him that the Cutlass had actually been taken to a dealer in New Castle, Pennsylvania, not to Taylor Oldsmobile in Austintown, Ohio. He also said that he had no paper work of any kind to show what, if any, work had been done. He was quite rude, and kept asking, 'Well, what do you want me to do? What do you want, new brakes?'  I then contacted John Metz at American Rental and asked for the phone number of Taylor Oldsmobile where the car was supposed to have been taken.  He said that he'd just found out that it had gone instead to 'their store,'  Preston Motors, a Pontiac dealership in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  He also said that his boss had offered to put new brakes on the car. I told him that my husband had been told the exact opposite by the owner of American Rental.  I will next be calling Preston Motors for a copy of their work order.  Finally, we did have the front brakes checked elsewhere...the brake pad on the driver's side was almost down to the metal.  Absolutely nothing had been done to the Cutlass!
EAST FORD  Jackson, Mississippi  - Ford Taurus 1997  [06/01/00] "I bought this car in 1997, and several months later began having trouble with the transmission slipping, and the 'Service Engine Soon' light would come on.  I took the car back to East Ford over and over, but they said they couldn't duplicate the problem unless the 'Service Engine Soon' light came on.  Then the transmission failed completely while I was on the interstate.  If East Ford had properly diagnosed the initial trouble, this would never have happened. They put in a new transmission, but now I'm still having transmission troubles."
EAST TULSA DODGE  Tulsa, Oklahoma  -  Dodge Shadow 1994 [06/05/00] "The driver's-side window came loose and fell down into the door.  I contacted East Tulsa Dodge and talked to a service advisor named John about the extended warranty that we'd purchased.  He entered the car's VIN into his computer and advised us that the window was under warranty.  We took the car in at 7:00 a.m. as advised for the warranty work.  At 3:00 p.m. I contacted the lead service advisor, Paul Brewer, who said that they were having trouble finding the necessary parts.  He said that he'd call me back about the price.  I objected by telling him that we'd been told that the warranty coverage would take care of everything.  I called back later after not hearing from Brewer and was told that the parts were being ordered from Dallas, TX.  He also said that he was waiting for computer confirmation about our warranty, at which time I again told him that we'd had the coverage verified earlier by John. Brewer said that the warranty coverage was for electric windows,  not for manual windows. He then wanted to know if they should go ahead and order the part or not. I didn't answer that question, but just retrieved the car."
E and J  FOREIGN AUTO REPAIR Chicago, Illinois  -  Suzuki Sidekick 1989  [03/24/00]  "This car was advertised in the ENJ Mini-Pilot (...an employee newsletter): 'Runs good...$2200.00 or best offer. Contact Debbie or Mike.'  I called the number and was told that someone named Luther Thomas had the vehicle.  I called him and was invited to come in and test drive the car.  I drove it for several blocks. The brakes were sticking and the engine idled high.  Luther said this was just because the car hadn't been driven for some time,  but after I'd driven the car for some time if the brakes didn't loosen up he would replace them.  I offered $1800.00 for the car and it was accepted.  When I returned later to pick up the car I noticed that the back door didn't lock, and the horn didn't work.   On the way home with the car, I noticed a swooshing noise coming from the right rear tire, and the car was hard to control.  Also there was gray smoke coming from the tail pipe.  Then I found out I had no brakes!  I managed to get home.  E and J was closed, so I called Luther the next day.  He told me to bring the car in and he would fix it...but he wasn't going to pay for the work.  I tried to contact Debbie and/or Mike, but their lawyer told me that it was my problem, not theirs.  I took the car to a mechanic and learned that the cylinders are leaking, a bearing is bad, the gear box is bad, and the car just isn't worth putting $3000.00 in to. E and J Foreign Auto Repair is a rip off, but now they have other cars advertised.  Beware!  They don't mind putting your life in jeopardy for money."
EDISON AUTO SALES  Fort Myers, Florida  -  Pontiac Sunbird 1992 [04/12/00]  "I purchased this car on February 29, 2000 (..$833.00 down payment..$420.00 in payments so far) and it's been broken down since March 29, 2000.  I've already put $294.25 into it for repairs, with another $589.87 estimated. This dealer isn't willing to fix the car, exchange it, nor refund my money.  I was never informed by this dealer that the car had been in an accident; my personal mechanic discovered this when he found that the hood is cracked and its cable snapped.  All I want now is my money back."
ELMHURST KIA  Elmhurst, Illinois  -  Kia Rio 2001 [08/15/00] "The dealership told me that the color I wanted for this vehicle was on back order.  He had me trade in my Chevrolet for a Kia of a different color.  A few days later, I was told that it would take a few weeks so I should bring back the Kia and drive the dealer's Sportage. During this time I asked for my Chevrolet back a number of times but was told that I couldn't have it because the car now belonged to Elmhurst KIA.  Then, three weeks later, I find out that they never paid off the Chevrolet's remaining balance which puts me two months behind on my car payments."
MEL FARR FORD  Oak Park, Michigan  -  Ford Probe 1993  [03/31/00]  "My Ford was stolen in June, 1999 with still 1 more year left on the lease.  My insurance company paid off Mel Farr in July in the amount of $3555.00.  I obtained a finance-information-payoff form from Triple M Finance on August 17, 1999 showing the amount remaining on my account of $3508.50; this amount was what I had to pay in order to settle my account.  Now that I'm trying to buy a new car,  Triple M Finance has told me that the amount remaining they'd shown was a mistake...they say I really owe $9939.00.  My credit report now shows this amount as unpaid.  Triple M also demands that they will accept the $3508.50 no-later-than April 10, 2000, and it must be paid in cash!  After that, they say, the $9939.00 will remain on their books."
FAULKNER PONTIAC Trevose, Pennsylvania  -  Pontiac GrandAm GT 1996 [06/29/00] "I took this car in for repair after the entire computer system shut down.  Also, the power windows closed much too slowly, and the buttons for the power door locks fell inside the door. Three weeks later, the car won't even start, and the other problems weren't taken care of at all."
MIKE FINNIN FORD  Dubuque, Iowa  -  Ford Taurus GL 1998 [03/27/00]  "On a Saturday we put down a $500.00 deposit on this car and took it home without completing any paperwork.  We told Mike Finnin Ford that monthly payments were not to exceed $315.00.  I called every day to find out what progress was being made towards closing the deal, but no one ever got back to me until the following Thursday.  At that time I was accused of stealing the car!  When we got to the dealership, Cherri told us that we had been financed at 20% for 4 years.  We asked for our $500.00 deposit money back but this was denied; instead they wanted us to pick out a cheaper car.  Instead we bought the Taurus.  A week later we took it in to the service department because the right seat belt and the clock didn't work.  Mike Finnin's service department gave it back to us a week later without anything being repaired.  After struggling with them, the dealership finally took care of these problems after keeping the car for another month.  We then moved to Wisconsin,  where we noticed that the top of the car was sagging.  It would cost $500.00 to repair this because we purchased the car without a factory-installed sunroof.  I called the dealer and spoke with Vernie, one of the rudest persons I have ever met in my life.  Needless to say they didn't want to take care of the sunroof problem,  but instead recommended an upholstery shop.  Mike Finnin Ford took care of the bill,  but the repair work was not acceptable to us.  I called Mike Finnin himself,  then went to the dealership; he said the work looked okay to him."
FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA   Folsom, California  -  Toyota Tacoma 1995 [06/28/00] "Since buying this  'Certified Used Vehicle' in December, 1998, I've had nothing but problems with it.  Besides a recall for head gaskets, I've had to replace the fuel injector pump, and now it's been in the shop for over a month because the rear suspension springs completely flattened, even though I've never carried heavy loads."
FOSTERS AUTO SALES  Scottsburg, Indiana  -  Pontiac Sunfire 1996 [06/01/00]  "I'd purchased a warranty with this car, and some time after buying it I had trouble with the vehicle.  I didn't have the phone number of the warranty company, so I asked Foster Auto Sales.  They were unable to help me, so I'll probably be out $600.00 for repairs." 
FREMONT FORD  Fremont, California  -  Ford Mustang 1998  [03/24/00]  "In February (..2000) I began having serious problems with the factory-installed alarm system:  the kill switch would engage while the engine was running,  even though the alarm hadn't been set off.  I brought my car in to Fremont Ford where I'd bought it.  Billy Martin, the service manager, said that I should have it back in 2 days.  10 days later and $500.00 in rental car costs (..they wouldn't give me a loaner car) I picked up my car after waiting for 1 1/2 hours.  I was told that they had made a mistake and had called me about someone else's car...my car was still in pieces. That meant another rental from Ford for $29.00,  even though I'd been told it would be free because of their foul up. Billy Martin had sworn, though, that my car would be ready the next day and it would be working beautifully. Next day, just as soon as I started the engine, the kill switch once again engages and the car dies.  All this after waiting 11 days!  Now they told me that they should have replaced the processor, which was supposed to have been done in the first place. Next week, Billy Martin called and said that the car is ready...the processor had been replaced.  Next morning, the kill switch engages and my car is dead again!  However, in their attempt to make it look like they did what they had promised,  they had removed the valet switch to the alarm.  I had the car towed back to Fremont Ford.  Service manager Benny Gomez took over this time around and promised me that this time the job would be done correctly.  He also said that he would pay for the rental car (..of course he didn't pay for the tax and insurance which cost me nearly $200.00 for one week.)  On March 16, 2000, Benny calls to tell me the car is ready.  At Fremont Ford I wait for 1 hour,  then am finally told that my Mustang has been misplaced.  Even though I'm recovering from surgery, am in an abdominal brace and my incision is hurting, Benny has me ride around their lot looking for my car.  It's nowhere to be found. Benny thinks that maybe some technician has taken it home for the night,  but he can't find anyone that knows.  After I leave I call the police and file a stolen vehicle report. Next morning, Benny calls to tell me that the Mustang has indeed been stolen.  He wants me to come in and talk to the general service manager, Jim Stafaroni.  When I get there with my father, Benny Gomez isn't in his office,  but I manage to find Stafaroni.  He thinks the whole thing is hysterically funny, and tells me that Benny, '...has been dragged off to the union over all this...don't know if he'll be back.'  Then he goes on to tell me that Fremont Ford will do nothing about my stolen car...it's my problem, and the insurance companies.  In the same breath he tells me that two Fremont Ford managers had watched my car being 'cased' for 15 minutes,  and then be stolen.  He also stated that both sets of keys were left in the unlocked vehicle which was parked in an area with no security and open to the public.  Stafaroni also said that it was his job to see that I got nothing from Fremont Ford.  I demanded to see his manager, Brook Moore who repeated everything that Stafaroni had said.  An argument ensued after my father and I questioned them about their knowledge of such things as procedures involved with bailment and gross negligence.  We then demanded to see the general manager, William Ghiringhelli.  He apologized for the theft and said that Fremont Ford was liable.  He then vowed to do his best to see that I was treated fairly, but was non-committal about their level of liability.  He did give me a free rental car and guaranteed that he would constantly be in touch.  The last time I heard anything from anybody at Fremont Ford was on March 17, 2000; Ghiringhelli nor anyone else has returned any of my numerous phone calls. I'm sickened, disgusted, and even feel violated by all the people at Fremont Ford involved in this entire affair (Jim Stafaroni, Brook Moore, Billy Martin, Benny Gomez, the technicians who left the ignition keys in my unprotected car, the staff members who stood by and watched the theft in broad daylight), plus of course the thieves themselves."
GALPIN MOTORS  San Fernando, California  -  Ford Explorer 1998 [08/09/00] "I purchased this vehicle about 1 1/2 years ago.  It took Galpin Motors 2 months to install all the features they'd promised, and then they did a horrible job.  Not only did I have to fight with them to install some of promised features, but I had to take time off from work to get them done.  When I did get my vehicle back the moonroof leaked excessively; another day off from work for them to repair that.  Galpin Motors did nothing about the smell of mold and mildew left behind due to the leaking; I had to take more time off from work and have that taken care of at my own expense.  Now, a year later, the roof still leaks, the inside molding around the windows keeps falling off, and the wood paneling around the center console is popping up.  Galpin Motors won't even return my phone calls about these things. I paid $36,000 for my 'dream car,' but it's turned into a nightmare, now with engine and transmission recalls."
GANDRUD Green Bay, Wisconsin  -  Chevrolet Impala 2000 [06/08/00] "I turned in a previously leased car two months early at Ganrud's suggestion. They claimed that they'd make my last two payments.  After numerous phone calls and trips to Ganrud I got my credit report showing delinquencies by GAMC.  I called Ganrud again about this and they were both rude and unresponsive."
GANLEY VOLKSWAGEN-MAZDA-SUZUKI-HYUNDAI Parma, Ohio  -  Ford Probe GT 1994 [05/09/00]  "When I bought this car in 1998 I thought I was being smart by purchasing the extended warranty.  My salesperson told me that it covered everything.  Less than 4 weeks after getting the car it was in the shop because the engine warning light came on.  Nothing wrong was found.  A month later the mass-air-flow sensor failed.  At Ganley I was told that this wasn't covered by the extended warranty, but would cost me $300, labor included.  My boyfriend then called Ganley and was quoted $900, minus labor.  My car is now in the shop because the water pump, timing belt, and two cam shafts failed.  The extended warranty doesn't cover the timing belt nor the cam shafts because the timing belt should have been changed at 60,000 miles, and the entire engine would have to fail before the cam shafts would be covered. Of course, none of this was explained to me when I bought the car."
GARTNER BUICK-HYUANDI-SAAB  Aurora, Illinois  -  Hyuandi Elentra 1998 [05/18/00]  "This vehicle was brought in because of transmission problems at 24,500 miles.  They told me that the transmission fluid was probably just dirty. Less than two weeks later, the transmission failed completely.  Gartner Buick-Hyuandi-Saab refuses to refund the money spent for the earlier transmission 'service,'  even though they overlooked a serious problem that almost ended up killing me."
GENERAL AUTO MARKET  Urbana, Illinois  -  Mercury Cougar 1987 [06/04/00]  "I drove this car just one day after paying $2000.00 for it before it broke down and became totally inoperable.  General Auto Market refuses to assume any responsibility for the costs of repair even though they'd promised to do so at the time of purchase; now they keep saying that I bought the car 'as is.'  Their advertisement, though, says 'All cars sold with a warranty.'"
LARRY GEWEKE FORD  Yuba, California  -  Ford Focus 2000 [04/27/00]  "This new car was purchased in late February.  Since then it's been in the shop 15 days, and the problems are still not corrected.  Trunk won't pop open with the 'clicker' key, then it won't shut properly."
GIG HARBOR FORD Gig Harbor, Washington  -  Ford Escort ZX2 S/R 2000 [07/11/00] "This car was part of a special promotional sales event. I purchased it with dealer-arranged financing on July 1, 2000. The original price was about $17,860, marked down $4000 for the sales event which ended on July 5.   Also, there was a rebate of $1500 included.  The interest rate was 6.9%  I signed the first contract for payments of approximately $300.88/month, and took delivery of the car.  On July 3 the dealership notified me that they'd made a mistake and could not sell the car under the terms agreed upon; they changed the interest rate to 10.25% and extended the loan to 6 years. This lowered the monthly payment, so I was in agreement with the change and signed the second contract.  Then, four days later, the dealership contacted me again, saying this time that they'd made another mistake; they wanted me to sign still another contract...#3...for 5 years at $325.95/month.  When I signed this third contract I noticed that the date was the same as for the second contract I'd signed on the 1st. I was told that this was done so that I could receive the rebate.  I also noticed that the 'special promotional' sales price had mysteriously jumped from $13,870 up to $15,395. My experience with Gig Harbor Ford has convinced me never to do business with them again, and I've contacted the State Attorney General's office to proceed with filing a complaint."
GLENDALE MITSUBISHI  Glendale, California  -  Mitsubishi Galant 1999 [06/12/00] "Glendale Mitsubishi said that I needed to fill out their credit application just so I could take the car home while my credit union processed my loan application.  Ultimately, the credit union refused the loan because of a problem with the blue book price.  In the meantime though, Glendale Mitsubishi had run their own credit check and now tried to force me into a loan at 22% APR."
GRAND HONDA  Elmhurst, Illinois  -  Honda Civic EX 2000 [05/04/00]  "In the Chicago Tribune I saw an ad from this dealership for the new 2000, 4-door Honda Civic EX for $15,195.00 with 4.9% financing.  The fine print stated that sales tax and a $46.99 doc fee were extra.  I talked to Luther at the dealership and he assured me that not only was the ad true but that they had several in stock in all colors. I then called another Honda dealership and asked if they could meet the same deal offered by Grand Honda; they said that they could not. I went to Grand Honda and asked for Luther, the salesperson I'd talked to about 90 minutes earlier. The receptionist said he wasn't available, and provided another salesperson, Aamir Kamal,  instead.  I showed him the newspaper ad and he assured me that they had several to show me.  First, he showed me a Honda EX with an automatic transmission; I was surprised that the advertised price was for an automatic, but Aamir Kamal corrected me by stating that the ad was for Honda EX manual transmission models. Finally he showed me a 4-door EX, and Aamir Kamal said that this was the model from the ad, but the only one they had.  I was ready to take it immediately, but Aamir Kamal insisted that we take it for a test drive.  I declined but I was on my lunch hour.  Aamir Kamal then mentioned a couple of things:  (1) there was a 'Chicago market price adjustment involved of about $800.00 (2)the car had mud guards and door guards for another $300.00.  I told him that all this was ridiculous and that I wanted to see the sales manager, Juan Andino.  He went through a sales pitch, but when I told him that it was all just so much b.s., he retorted with,  'You f---ing scumbag!  Get the hell out of my dealership! He advanced on me and threatened to physically throw me out and call the police.  Just then another man entered the office and said that he was the sales manager.  He also demanded that I 'Get the hell off the lot.'  I've since filed a complaint with Honda of America."
GRAND PRAIRIE AUTO NATION  Grand Prairie, Texas  -  Dodge Stratus 1999 [05/01/00]  "This car is less than 6 months old and we've had several problems with getting repairs done that are listed under the warranty, mainly to the brakes.  The car has been in to this dealer's service department several times, and each time they say that they've corrected the problem but really have not."
HUBLER COLLISION REPAIR CENTER  Shelbyville, Indiana  -  Chevrolet Astro 2000 [05/18/00]  "After getting two estimates for repairs of damage to this vehicle, a friend recommended the higher estimated because he new someone who worked at Hubler Collision Repair Center.  After the repair began, they said that the inner bumper needed to be replaced because it was slightly bent.  The other shop that had given the low estimate had said that they had planned just to straighten this inner bumper.  I repeated this to the Hubler Collision Repair Center representative,  but he said that it was illegal just to straighten a bent bumper.  I have thus far found no other agency or repair shop that can confirm that statement.  I believe that Hubler Collision Repair Center was just trying to drive the cost up, and then re-use the old bumper for some other repair."
HONDA CARS of BOSTON  Everett, Massachusetts  -  Honda Accord 2000 [06/01/00]  "Because of a rattling sound from somewhere on this car's passenger side, I dropped it off at this dealership.  They had it the entire day, then called to tell me they couldn't find anything wrong.  I then went to the dealership and showed them the problem, and in less than a minute they pinpointed the source of the rattling.  They wouldn't fix it then, though, because it was too near closing time.  I took the car back the next day,  and within about 20 minutes they said it was ready.  Shortly after leaving, I heard the same rattling noise again, and also found a cigarette burn in the rear seat; I don't smoke, no one else in my family smokes, and I don't allow anyone to smoke in my car.  I returned to Honda Cars of Boston and spoke with the service manager about all of this.  He promised to call me, but as of this date (..June 1, 2000) I haven't heard from anybody."
HONDA of FRANKFORT  Frankfort, Kentucky  -  Honda Accord 1992 [06/30/00] "I bought this car new. It's a navy-blue 4-door.  I've had it hand-waxed twice a year, and then in the spring of 1998 Honda of Frankfort waxed and buffed it.  Soon afterwards, the finish on the car was turning white.  I called Chris Miller at Honda of Frankfort who told me that he had a factory recall on '92 Accords with navy-blue paint.  He said that he'd have my car repainted.  Later, while away on a long trip, the car began having mechanical problems.  At the local Honda dealership, trouble was found with the distributor.  They informed me that there was a factory recall in effect for this item.  When I got home I called Chris Miller because I wanted to know why I'd never been told about this recall.  He explained that it was because my name wasn't in their computer!  This even though I'd bought the car at Honda of Frankfort and have had it serviced there repeatedly. I also asked about having the car repainted like he'd promised, but now it turns out that Honda will only pay half the cost, and then only for painting the upper surfaces.  I called to Miller's attention the fact that I'd bought a 5-year extended warranty agreement for $1000; I have a coupon that states that I will receive 100% reimbursement for work if the coupon hadn't been used by May 5, 1998. The coupon has NEVER been used, but Miller said I couldn't get reimbursed because of the warranty work done on the distributor. This doesn't make any sense because the distributor was not only a factory recall, but Honda of Frankfort had failed to let me know about it in the first place.  Ultimately, Honda refused to pay any more than $400 towards the repaint."
HEYWARD ALLEN TOYOTA  Athens, Georgia  -  Toyota Tacoma 2000 [05/12/00]  "I was told by the finance manager, Allen Hale, that my financing was for simple interest.  He lied to me!  After I'd signed the contract, and received my payment statement, I noticed that I was not being charged simple interest, but interest based on a rule of '78.'  In other words, I was paying 2/3 towards interest and only 1/3 towards the principle of the loan.  I called the finance company and they informed me that the dealership should have disclosed the type of interest up front.  I then called Heyward Allen Toyota and talked to Allen Hale.  He told me that he wasn't aware of the fact that the loan was set up the way it was, and that all he knew was that it was based on simple interest.  He promised to get in touch with the finance company, then contact me.  He's never called, and my calls to him have gone unanswered."
HICKEY MOTORS  Silverthorne, Colorado  -  Subaru Outback 2000 [05/26/00]  "We took delivery of this vehicle in October, 1999.  Within a short time we noticed that the air system wasn't completely functional, and a strange noise could be heard whenever rounding a corner.  At 3,000 miles we took the car in to Hickey Motors for scheduled maintenance, and to have the air system and noise checked out.  After waiting 3 1/2 hours, all I ended up with was an oil change and a statement that the noise was from some broken plastic part underneath the vehicle for which I'd have to pay to have replaced. Also, the air system was missing some part, but the person I talked to didn't know for sure what it was. It's now the end of May (..2000), and we're still waiting for the parts to arrive that are needed for the under carriage.  And while we wait and wait and wait, other pieces have begun hanging and dragging."
DANNY HOLDER MITSUBISHI  Clarksville, Tennessee  -  Mitsubishi Galant ES 1997 [04/16/00]  "I bought this car with only 21,000 miles on it.  Before it got to 40,000 everything had been replaced except the engine:  compressor, transmission, water pump, blower motor, power steering pump, door locks (3 times), and the transmission control module.  Danny Holder won't do anything, and I've made several complaints to the service representative of Mitsubishi and the president of Mitsubishi Motors."
INCREDIBLE AUTO SALES  Billings, Montana  -  Mercury Sable 1992 [06/12/00] "I've had this car for two months, but I can't seem to get my title, which means I can't get license tags for it.  Every time I've called Incredible Auto Sales they tell me that it should be about a week, but this has been going on for two months! They also told me that the former owner had a lien on the car.  My question is, how can they sell a car to me when there was a lien on it and the bank won't release it."
IRVINE BMW (formerly Saddleback BMW) Irvine, California  -  BMW 318i 1997 [06/13/00] "During negotiations for this BMW, my salesman and I added some things on a due bill: alloy wheels and a handwritten line item to rub out the paint.  A few days later I dropped off the car to have the paint rubbed and the wheels replaced with alloys.  One of the service guys took me to the parking lot, where I was shown a car similar to mine.  His English wasn't great, but the service man pointed at the wheels. I asked if they were the same as I was to get and he said yes; they were the 17-inch 'sports' model, with Michelin Pilots. When I came back that evening to pick up my car, the paint hadn't been rubbed out because the specialist had been ill. Also, the replacement wheels were not what I'd been shown that morning but instead were of much lower value, plus they'd been damaged and repaired; gouges were still visible in the rims.  My sales representative allowed me to select another car with the same wheels, although I couldn't have the 17-inch sport wheels because they were too costly; as he explained, our original deal was just to get BMW alloys on the car.  These wheels were installed at a nearby tire outlet, but when I left it was evident that the wheels were out of round, imbalanced, and not aligned. Although this has since been rectified, I still haven't gotten the car's paint job rubbed out, and the handwritten line item about the alloy wheels has vanished."
ISLAND FORD  Bluffton, South Carolina  -  Ford Mustang 1995 [05/17/00]  "I recently received a recall letter from Ford Motor Company that my model Mustang could develop premature head gasket failure.  At Island Ford it was indeed determined that my car was subject to the recall.  Steve from the service department told me that they'd have to keep the car for as long as 5 days.  I asked how they would help me with my transportation needs during that time, but Steve told me that this wasn't their responsibility.  I've called every division of customer service that Ford Motor Company has and asked to speak with supervisors; I just get the run around. The company's customer service is worthless!"
J.L. MOTORS of NEW YORK (Croton Dodge)  Croton, New York  -  Ford Windstar 1996 [06/12/00] "Since buying this vehicle 2 1/2 weeks ago,  the 'check engine' lamp has been on almost constantly.  This dealer tried to fix the problem but couldn't then sent the vehicle out to a Ford dealership.  The problem persisted so I went to the dealership and asked for my money back.  They refused unless I bought another car from them.  On my way out of the show room, I warned some of the customers present about this policy.  The business manager came out of his office and, while calling me dirty names, threatened to '...beat the s---' out of me."
KAISER BROTHERS DODGE-CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-JEEP-EAGLE  Muncy, Pennsylvania  - Dodge Intrepid 1993 [07/19/00] "I took my Dodge to this dealership for an inspection, recall replacement, and because of an intermittent transmission problem.  The service manager indicated to me that the car needed struts, front tires, an alignment, and rear brakes before it would be able to pass the state inspection.  He also told me that I needed a new transmission and various other things that 'should be repaired.'  The total cost estimate for all this was $5,200.  The cost just for readying the car for inspection was estimated at $800.  I next took the car to two other independent dealers for second and third opinions.  Neither dealer was aware of what Kaiser Brothers had told me.  Both dealers, and a Pennsylvania state police officer from the fraud division confirmed that the vehicle passed the inspection, and that no repairs were necessary.  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has suspended Kaiser Brother's inspection authorization for two months as a result.  The state Attorney General's office has indicated that charges may be forthcoming against this dealership."
KEARNY MESA TOYOTA  San Diego, California  -  Toyota Camry 2000 [03/26/00]  "First, I bought a used 1999 Toyota Camry from this dealership,  but a week later found  that thousands of dollars in body work had gone into it.  After a long struggle with them and Toyota, the car was returned  and I bought the 2000 model.  After buying this car I began hearing loud thuds from the gas tank when it's 1/2 full; after that, the noise disappears.  I've taken the car to this dealership 5 times already, and now they say that this noise is normal due to how the gas-tank baffles are designed.  I know that baffles are designed more to prevent this kind of noise due to the fuel sloshing around; I've never had a car that made this kind of noise before."
PAUL KEMPER DODGE  Cincinnati, Ohio  -  Dodge Dakota 1997 [05/15/00]  "Four months ago I asked the service department at this dealership to do a brake inspection because they felt mushy.  They said that I still had 40% left on the front brakes, and 60% on the rear.  Three thousand miles after that, I went in for an oil change, tire rotation, and to have them check the brakes again.  This time they said that I needed new pads and rotors.  I also pointed out that the air conditioner wasn't working properly.  They said that I needed a new compressor because  a rock had hit it which meant that it wasn't covered under the warranty.  Instead of having Paul Kemper Dodge do the work, I went to another shop where the brake rotors were found to be just fine, and the compressor only had a bent fin. Thank God I got a second opinion because I saved nearly $1,000."
KEYES TOYOTA  Van Nuys, California  -  Toyota Camry 1997 [06/18/00] "My wife and I each purchased a 1997 Toyota Camry.  Since then, we've both complained about the terrible grinding noise the brakes made.  We were told by Lucho, our service person, that this was normal due to the 'hardness' of the brakes.  Months later it was impossible to drive the two cars because of the screeching from the brakes; it felt like there were no brakes at all, just metal against metal.  I brought my wife's car in first.    Next, the brakes on my car were replaced under warranty; the odometer reading was 11,454 miles.  One year and 8177 miles  later, I brought my car in for service and was informed that the front brakes were worn and needed to be replaced.  I was shocked!  After some fifty years of driving, I'd never had any car that needed brakes after only 8000 miles.  Lucho said that because I'd had the original problem of screeching brakes and that had been, he'd said, due to 'hard brakes',   the replacement brakes were 'softer,' and that whoever had been driving the car had just worn them out.  I was infuriated, but still allowed them to change the brakes to a 'harder' type.  At 20868 miles I brought my car in for repairs and mentioned to Lucho that the brakes were grinding again.  When I picked up my car, Lucho said that the brakes had checked out okay.  At 24477 miles I brought my car in for service again, and this time Lucho told me that the front brakes were worn out and needed replacement, but not under warranty. He claimed that they were worn out because they were 'soft' brakes, and that the car's driver had worn them out.  I reminded him that the brakes were not the 'soft' type, that the last replacement had been done with 'hard' brakes. Lucho disappeared for a time, then returned with an apology. The mechanic, he said, had written 10% wear instead of 10mm wear; the brakes were actually in good condition.  On another note, on one occasion when our two Camry's were in for routine maintenance, we had to return later because sufficient brake fluid hadn't been added. Also they do work that hasn't been requested and/or approved, like rotating and balancing tires."
KEYSTONE CHEVROLET Sand Springs, Oklahoma  -  no vehicle given [04/10/00]  "Customer service at this dealership is absolutely atrocious!  I bought a vehicle, or thought I did, about a month ago.  Since then they've made me come back and sign a very different contract, and now I find that the financing wasn't even in place when I drove the vehicle off the lot.  When Keystone Chevrolet had me sign this new contract, the vehicle price had changed, the interest rate had changed, and the price of the warranty had changed."
BOB KING VOLKSWAGEN  Wilmington, North Carolina  -  Volkswagen Beetle 1998 [08/13/00] "About 10 months after buying this car, it was involved in an accident.  Bob King Volkswagen handled all the repairs which were to the front end.  It took them over 3 months to get the car back, but the work wasn't satisfactory.  They told me that they didn't know how to do the repairs.  Now, a few months after the accident, I've had to go back for more work so many times I've lost count.  Also, my two-year warranty has expired and I'm having to pay for major repairs due to Bob King Volkswagen's lack of knowledge. The staff haven't been at all helpful either; I would not recommend their service. On one occasion I even had to jump start the car while it was still on their lot."
RENN KIRBY MITSUBISHI  Frederick, Maryland  -  Mitsubishi Galant 1999 [04/24/00]  "After owning this car for less than a month, I brought it in to this dealer because of brake problems.  Now, seven trips later, I'm still having brake trouble.  Renn Kirby Mitsubishi has been very rude, and today they even hung up on me."
BILL KLAUS PONTIAC  Norwalk, Ohio  -  Pontiac Grand Am GT 1998  [05/14/00]  "The owner of this dealership was upset because my wife had responded to a survey and had made some comments on it.  The owner called my wife and told her that her business wasn't welcome."
LABRADOR CHRYSLER  Labrador City, Newfoundland, Canada  -  Jeep Cherokee Limited 1990 [05/19/00] "Chrysler Canada and this so-called dealership are a group of shysters and crooks who take advantage of unwitting consumers!  I've invested over $5000 for repairs to my Cherokee since I purchased it, and it seems that Chrysler won't accept any responsibility."
LAKESHORE CHRYSLER  Slidell, Louisiana  -  Chrysler Sebring Convertible 1999  [05/30/00]  "While negotiating with the salesman, I asked several times about the vehicle's history.  I was told that it had been used by the dealership's upper management staff, but the salesman couldn't tell me exactly who.  I stressed to the salesman that I purchase a new vehicle every 1 1/2 to 2 years.  Since purchase, this car has been in the shop just about once every week.  Right now it's been in Lakeshore Chrysler's shop since May 18, 2000, but I haven't had so much as a courtesy call from them.  Furthermore, I've learned that the vehicle had actually been a lease vehicle and never used by anyone at Lakeshore Chrysler."
LAKEWAY MOTORS  Osage Beach, Missouri  - Toyota 4x4 4Runner 1990 [04/25/00]  "In July, 1999, my daughter bought a GMC vehicle from Lakeway Motors. She'd paid to have Lakeway co-sign her loan. Because of this, they knew how much her insurance had paid out after she'd been involved in an accident; they offered her another vehicle (..Toyota 4Runner) to replace the GMC.  She was not told that the loan on the second vehicle had a 'balloon' clause.  Five days after taking the Toyota, trouble developed in the transmission. It was 2 weeks and numerous phone calls before Lakeway sent someone to pick up the vehicle.  It was then taken to Springfield, MO (3 hours away from her home) and returned to her the following week.  Five days later the transmission failed again, only now the 50/50 warranty had expired.  Lakeway told her that she would have to have the Toyota towed somewhere for repair.  We located a mechanic in Jefferson City (30 minutes away) who could do the work, but Lakeway insisted that the vehicle be towed the three hours to Springfield.  Ultimately, my son transported the Toyota to Springfield himself, and the transmission was repaired.  Then, in December, 1999, the engine went out."
LAMARQUE  FORD  Kenner, Louisiana  -  Ford Explorer 2000  [03/28/00]  "Because I live closer to this dealership than to the one where I bought this vehicle (..Don Bohn Ford),  I took it in for some work.  When I got my Explorer back from Lamarque Ford I discovered that they'd replaced the Don Bohn Ford license-plate holders with their own."
HARRY LANE CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-KIA  Knoxville, Tennessee  -  Kia Sephia 1997 [05/25/00]  "I had to have the rotors replaced on this vehicle, and the dashboard melted at 30,000 miles.  This dealership won't do anything to help me with this, nor will KIA."
JOE MacPHERSON FORD  Tustin, California  -  Ford Thunderbird 1997 [05/20/00] "This dealer absolutely refused to show us the stock card on this vehicle."
MALOY FORD  Jasper, Alabama  -  Ford Expedition 1998 [04/17/00]  "I've been doing business here 25 years,  before it became Maloy Ford.  Now, I've never been treated so rudely by any dealership I've ever dealt with.  Their sales manager told me they didn't care if I ever came back."
MANASSAS DODGE  Manassas, Virginia  -  Dodge Caravan 1998  [03/31/00]  "At 22,500 miles I had maintenance-service done.  The van was returned to me with a major transmission leak.  This dealer attempted 4 times to fix it, then replaced the transmission itself.  This one caused a shudder when in reverse.  Manassas Dodge replaced the transmission again, but the same problem was still present.  This dealership and Chrysler-Daimler aren't standing behind their product.  My next step will be arbitration."
MANHATTAN FORD  New York City, New York  -  Ford Windstar LX 2000 [06/26/00] "In March, 2000 we visited this dealership and considered buying a Windstar. We explained our financial concerns to them, and they assured us that there'd be no problem. We left a $100 deposit on the vehicle. Two days later (..March 11,00), we called to inform them that we'd reconsidered and decided not to buy the Windstar just then. We also requested the return of our $100 deposit and were assured that it would be done.  That was more than three months ago, and still we've not received our refund."
PETE MANKINS  Texarkana, Texas  -  Cadillac Deville 1995 [06/26/00] "Because of a problem with the dashboard warning lights, I took my car to Pete Mankins.  They said that it was a factory defect and that there was an upgrade to correct the problem.  While installing the upgrade, they apparently shorted the wiring harness because I've had to take the car back four times in two weeks for various electrical related problems."
MARTIN CADILLAC-PONTIAC-GMC  Los Angeles, California  -  Pontiac Gran Prix GTP 1999 [04/21/00] "After 5 days of discussions, on March 31, 2000, this dealership and I reached an agreement on price for this vehicle.  I submitted my credit card information, driver's license, credit information, etc.,.  Martin Cadillac-Pontiac-GMC wanted me to be at their dealership before 6:00 pm with a check for the agreed upon amount.  I arrived on time, and after giving the salesman my driver's license and insurance card I was told to wait in a customer lounge.  Fifty-five minutes later I was taken to see the sales manager, Steve Holland.  He told me that they had sold the car 1/2 hour earlier; that would make it 25 minutes after I'd arrived.  Steve Holland then offered me a lesser car, but at more money.  This sounds like the old bait-and-switch tactic to me! Neither this dealership, Pontiac nor GM have lived up to the contract for which I spent days negotiating. This dealership also didn't honor the GM card rebate-redemption program."
MASSENA LINCOLN-MERCURY  Massena, New York  -  Mercury Villager 1999 [07/20/00] "This dealership said that they would trade me blue book-to-blue book, or in their words, 'I will blue-book your car and my car, and you pay the difference.'  They would use wholesale blue book value for my car and retail blue book value for the Villager.  I knew that my trade-in was valued at $11,300, but didn't know that there were 3 models in the Villager line.  The dealer used the blue-book value for the most expensive, but sold me the cheapest model in the line...Model 'GS.'  Ultimately, the book-to-book difference proved to be $2700.  Not long after taking delivery of the Villager I found several things that bothered me about it and asked to swap it for another of equal value. Massena Lincoln-Mercury said that because I'd already signed all the papers I'd just have to get used to it."