AUTO DRIVE 1 CAR DEALERSHIPS, SCAMS, BUYER BEWARE, EAST PROVIDENCE , Rhode Island

Back in September I went into to Auto Drive 1 to see if I qualified for a car. First I went in filled out an application they then called me later to come in to fill out paperwork. From what the salesperson told me I was filling out paperwork to determine how much I would have to pay and things of that nature. We agreed to a specific amount and filled out paperwork for that amount then the salesperson told me to come back in and said the amount has now changed and made me fill out new paperwork for a lower amount. I agreed because he told me we can refinance in 6 months because if I wanted he can fix my credit for me. This sounded like a good idea.

He asked for a down payments of about $500-$1000. I told him I had $700. I put down the $700 thinking it was going to my car payment. Then the guy told me $200 was for him doing he credit and some of the paperwork that he had me sign
included a separate contract for him fixing my credit. I picked up my car on 09/27 and had to bring it to pep boys because the battery died that day. Then on 09/30 it was in the shop because white smoke as coming out of the exhaust it
turned out the problem was a pcv valve. My car was in the shop for 3-4 days. I then get a call from  the agency that
will be collecting my payments informing me I had a payment due on 10/09. I was furious when I received this call because I haven't even driven the car for a full week but yet I had to make a payment. I then ask more questions since I
obviously was not fully informed by the dealership. I find out my interest rate can change daily (none of this is on the copy of the paperwork that was given to me) I call the dealership and complain about the car and payment due date. I asked if they can change it. they told me that I cannot. We went back & forth on a few phone calls about this matter. I was furious because one of the ladies at the main office was completely rude to me and felt like she was antagonizing me. I was then contacted by Dave whom explained to me why it could not be changed but informed me they will fix the problem with the car. The
probably was fixed then on 10/09 the check engine light came on. I sent Dave an email that never received a response which prompted me to go to the store. I went and asked if they can switch cars since this car was obviously causing me too many problems and I  just got it.

Dave stated I cannot change cars and they will fix any issues within the first 6 months (my boyfriend was with me when he said that(. Dave had a device that check the engine light. He told me the check engine light can come on if I pump
gas while the car is running. He turned off the check engine light and told me to wait a couple days to see if it comes back on and to call back after the following weekend since he would be on vacation. I waited and it came back on.
I informed Dave & he told me to bring it to pep boys & they will cover it. I told Dave that I have to first find a ride to work since I work 20 minutes from my job. Before I had a chance to take it to pep boys Auto Drive 1 was calling me because they needed me to bring the car in between Mon-Fri fro the hours of 9 am - 1 pm to get the VIN number checked. I informed them that I haven't even brought it in to get fix because I don't have a ride to work. I cannot leave work to get a VIN number checked that should have been done before I took the car. So for a few weeks I was driving around with expired temp plates. I was finally abled to get the VIN number checked and then they told me that since my license was from CT I had to get it transferred to RI. I work the same hours to DMV is opened. I had to wait another week before I could do this.


I finally got my car registered. I found a ride to work this month and was able to drop my car off at pep boys. They told me it was the catalytic converter and it would cost $1600 to fix!!!!! pep boys contacted Auto Drive 1 who gave them the runaround for 2 days then finally told them they will not cover it since it is not within the warranty period. No one from Auto Drive one called to tell me this Pep Boys had to do it. I then called Auto Drive 1 explained to Tony that this problem  was during the warranty period ( per I went in and Dave check the light for me!) he said I waited too long to fix it and dismissed me. Hence the reason for this complaint. Also the said they will refund me the $200 I paid to "get my credit fixed" since the original sales people I dealt with have both left the company! Also I just want to note that when I was there I overheard people complaining about the check engine light on in their car and they gave those people the same BS line I was given "It could be the way you pump your gas"