Tempe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram NEVER BUY A USED VEHICLE FROM TEMPE DODGE ! Tempe, Arizona

The individual who responded to you was very kind, compassionate and insightful....I do appreciate someone who would take the time to try and help.  However, as a former dealer, there are no lemon laws that apply to vehicles.  You bought it "as is" as does everyone else.  Small claims won't help either...again, you bought it "as is".  That protects the dealer because all they're doing is selling you and everyone else a machine that are designed to break down.  That's why warranty companies exist...to reduce your risk WHEN your car breaks down.  I'm sorry my friend, but unless that dealership wants to do the right thing and split the cost in some way or fashion, you have no recourse. 

I wanted to thank the nice person who responded to my rip off report about Tempe Dodge, Mitsubishi & Kia.  I appreciate the information you submitted for me as far as options go with Tempe Dodge.  I will try to file a report with the Attorney General.  I thought the lemon law was only for new cars, I wasn't aware it applied to used cars as well.  I don't know if you believe in bad luck but that truck has caused me nothing but bad luck and heart ache since I got it.  I took it to 2 different mechanics after Tempe Dodge, finally got the clutch in (which wasn't the easiest thing I have ever done) and unless the clutch was put in incorrectly, it was doing the exact same thing as it did originally so basically it never got fixed.  I bought a truck to begin with because I have an antiques business and because I didn't want to have to rely on other people to help me when I needed to move something big.  Since I lost my job (that took me a year to find) because the clutch went out and I couldn't get to work at 5am, I had to eventually move out of my apartment because I couldn't pay rent and it was down to the wire to get my stuff out of the apartment and had no way to do it except my truck.  Even though it wasn't working right I drove it anyway so I could at least move my stuff and it stalled in an intersection and a lady hit me and totalled the truck.  I only had liability so I had to end up selling it to the tow company for $1,000.  The insurance companies are battling it out but they say I ran a red light since it stalled in the intersection so I don't know what will happen.  So now the $17,000 vehicle I bought with the money my Mom left me when she died I ended up with no vehicle at all and I am riding a bike now.  All this because Tempe Dodge wouldn't repair the clutch less than 30 days after I got the vehicle from them.     

I am sorry for the issues with this company.  I do appreciate your report.  This helped me and my husband feel better about walking out yesterday.  However, I feel bad for your situation.  I am offering you a few options that may help your situation.  These are based on the information you have provided. 

1.) I would contact the Attorney General on the dealer's lack of concern.  They will take the facts and investigate.  Tom Horne is not very happy with deceptive tactics of today's sales people.  Yet, since most people do not know their rights or how to resolve a situation, he is not notified until alot of complaints have been filed. 

Here is the site for the Attorney General. 

http://www.azag.gov/publications.html#1

I would recommend filing a complaint with them.  Even if you don't get a firm resolution, you may help others from getting screwed over. 

2.) Your quote: "I left and a few weeks later I got a call from them asking me to bring the truck back because they had "forgotten" to have it emission tested."

Arizona does has a lemon law on Used Cars.  Please see Title 44 at

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/arizonarevisedstatutes.asp

You could file in small claims court (justice court) or district court for compensation.  

Small claims is usually a $40.00 charge and will handle disputes less than 10k.  However, depending on the jurisdictional dynamics, you may have to file in district court.  In some cases; to protect your consumer rights, they may be able to waive the fees. 

3.) Most today (like myself) cannot afford the time or expense with legal professionals (attorneys).  That is why  the Arizona Bar Association has attorney's line that offers advice for 40.00 and in some  cases may provide pro bono legal help. 

This is the site to gain access to that, you will have to call them and ask them for that information. 

http://www.azbar.org/ContactUs

You may also contact an attorney to see if they can get a free consultation.  Some attorneys may pick up your case on a contingency basis.  However, I have to admit, sometimes they are as bad as dealers.  I would recommend sticking to the Arizona Bar. 

4.) If you decide to do get the clutch work done, I found that specialty mechanics are WAY cheaper than dealers.  I would recommend finding one that ONLY FIXES clutch problems.  I found a long time ago that they often do the work for half the price of regular mechanics and sometimes a 1/4 of what dealerships charge. 

I wish I could help more. I am truly sorry for your trouble.  I am sickened by dealers these days.  It is a shame.  After a carfax, a mechanic looking it over and doing all the research...in the end no one can be sure of a dealer is telling the truth. I have just decided when I go on the lot I will lay down the terms or walk.  I may not get a deal. but I won't get screwed.  lol