Lash Auto Sales Steve Lash Beth Turner Dan Walt Using the internet to defraud seniors Lakeland, Florida

 On or about May20,2013 I bid on a vehicle advertised on Ebay. Even though it was a no reserve auction, I was informed that I didn't win. I called the dealership sales person to inquire how it could happen that I did not win but vehicle was relisted a few days later.I should have been suspicious about these people then but Dan calmed me down and said I could buy vehicle. I am a disabled, 65 year old and thought I could save money on shipping if I bought another vehicle.

I was directed to another item on Ebay #25123809**** that Dan said was in "immaculate" condition and that ran "perfect". I explained my physical disability and tried to make him aware that I could not recondition vehicle. He assured me it was absolutely perfect in every way and that I would have no problem reselling the car. I insisted that if car was NOT accompanied with maintenance records and owner's manuals that I would not be interested. He came back on the line and again assured me that everything would be with vehicle. I asked if I needed to pay through PayPal because of it being listed with Ebay and he said they preferred bank wire-transfer. I got a call from a gal who worked at dealership and she sent the paperwork. I asked Dan again to clarify condition of vehicle because these forms were really worry-some in some of the statements. I specifically said that I was not interested if car did not have records and owner's manuals because of my having open heart surgery only a few weeks earlier and being unable to deal with the stress of reconditioning vehicle. Again, he assured me that I would be amazed at the condition. I then released the funds and contracted with a transport company.

On the day of pick-up (06/07/13) by driver of transport truck, the trucking company called me to say Lash Auto was not done getting car running. They stated if another driver had to come get the second vehicle it would cost me alot of money more. I immediately called dealership and was told Dan was unavailable and was directed to Beth Turner, an office manager. She explained that mechanic detected a tick in motor and decided to change spark plug wires. After pressing her further she was very clear that it was a minor "tick" in the engine. I instructed her to put wires in car and someone here could install if they would pay. She said that would be fine. On 06-11-13 I was called by driver and he went to a Target store parking lot to deliver the two vehicles. When I arrived I was told that the BMW would not run and had to be pushed off truck. When I inspected the interior I was appalled at the condition! The cupholder was sticking out of dash and there were no pieces to be seen anywhere indicating it was already broken in Florida. There was some kind of paint on door sill and on rear drivers side seat. The trunk was full of grease on carpet and battery was pulled out of compartment with nuts and bolts on floor of trunk. The carpet on driver's side was stained with grease. I immediately called for Dan or Steve Lash and told they were not around again, I was directed to Beth Turner. She assured me that EVERYTHING would be made right. I told her of Dan's assurance that the car was perfect and she didn't know what to say. I said I was going to return vehicle to them. She asked that I talk to Steve Lash first. After several attempts to reach him he answered phone and he said "I don't understand, I wanted to give car to my daughter" I stated he must not like his daughter very much. He said he would tune up and detail vehicle. I then spent almost two weeks trying to get them to send me an email confirming they would pay. I told him I was not interested in vehicle because there were NO records or owner's manuals and only One key. He assured me they would be mailed. I constantly called or emailed (emails available if needed) asking where the maintenance records were. No one would return calls or email me. Finally I spoke with a man named W#alt who identified himself as the Complaint Manager. I explained I was not interested in vehicle in this condition and would work with them in ANY way to resolve problem. They always claimed they needed to talk to Mr. Lash but I never got a call back as promised. I tried on about a dozen occasions to reach the salesman and he refused to answer my calls. For over two months I have been ignored and no one will email me or call. I sent Mr Lash several emails begging for some solution to problem but have been ignored. I did finally receive a package that purportedly contained maintenance and owner's manuals but they were for a different vehicle. I believe they just have decided I'm an old man who is too sick to fight. I have contacted a lawyer and he sent a letter, I am assuming they will ignore it also. I am going to file fraud charges with the Lakeland police but suspect being an outsider they will also ignore me. I offered to trade this vehicle for another or would be open to a negotiated price reduction because a BMW without records is woth extremely less money. They won't even get me a key that works! I believe they used the internet to defraud any old person they got their hands on. I did some research and found out they bought this car at an auction in Dec,2012 or Jan 2013, they had it in inventory over six months and wanted desperately to get out from under vehicle. Considering that when the shop finally got it to run, the crankcase sensor was not operating, then the ABS sensors are not working, none of which was available to us until we could get it to run. The shop bill is in excess of $1600. so far and it still is not able to be in safe operating condition. I found a cupholder for over $150. + S&H. The installation for such is in excess of $200. I still have not been acknowleged by anyone in authority at dealership. Do not buy from this dealer! They are only interested in getting your money and God help you if you are a senior!

John (M)