Natchez Ford Lincoln Mercury CONSUMER FRAUD, DECEPTION, TITLE LAUNDERING, LIES, WILL NOT REFUND MONEY, "FORGOT TO TELL ME TITLE WAS SALVAGED" Natchez Mississippi

Three years ago, I purchased a used vehicle from Natchez Ford with a "clear" title, and bought an extended warranty for $1200.00, which included a $50 deductible.

After 24 months of constant problems, I asked the dealership to trade-in the auto for something that would not be in the shop 6 months out of 12. They told me they could not trade-in the car because it had a "salvage title," and it was worth less than what I owed on the car. When I asked why they did not tell me this, they said "I forgot!"

They explained that the vehicle's title was "clear" in the state of Mississippi, but if they tried to sell it outside of Mississippi, the title would be considered "salvaged." After a few phone calls I found out this was BULL#$$#$$ !!!


Several previous employees, have explained that this company allows its employee(s) to buy cars from a "junk yard" at a reduced rate, fix up the cars, get the Mississippi Highway Patrol in Brookhaven, Mississippi to deem the auto drivable so to obtain a clear title from the State Tax Commission, and then sell this "junk" to unsuspecting customers as "used cars" with a clear title. The owner of the dealership even wrote a letter to me explaining the process (basically as described above) as one that the Mississippi Automobile Dealer's Association has tried to change, but have been unsuccessful.

After complaining, I received a letter from our honorable Attorney General's office, which states that I have no recourse from their office since their is no law in the Great State of Mississippi against "title laundering," but that I could hire a private attorney to get my money back. (This, I can't afford to do!!!)

A high official in a State office explained to me that most of the judicial representatives of our state had "their hands in the used car pie" and that it would be hard to get this law changed.

I talked to another used auto dealer who explained that usually when a dealership finds out that an auto has been wrecked or "previously salvaged" for some reason, they will return the buyer's money, and note it on the back of the title. This nice guy is obviously a minority, and is where I will do business from now on. However, The Ford dealership will not refund my money and only offered a small amount, stating that "since I have had so much trouble with the auto," I would understand this (sorry) offer.

Now, I learned that I can't even use the extended warranty at another Ford dealership for which I paid $1200, because the vehicle is considered "previously salvaged." And, the service manager at this new Ford dealership explained to me that their had only been one claim against the warranty (even though I have taken the auto into the repair shop numerous times!!!)

Did I mention that I received a copy of the Florida insurance report and it explained that the vehicle has been "completely submerged underwater, all the way to the dashboard and was deemed as "Totaled" and "Un-drivable" by the insurance company?!!"

Did I mention that the Natchez Ford dealership offered to "trade me out of my Explorer for a Ford Windstar Van with a clear title," which I took to be checked out at a body repair shop (with 20 years experience) and learned that the vehicle had been wrecked. Also, the oil change inspection sticker plastered to the inside left windshield stated the Windstar's mileage at 1,000 miles more than was actually shown on the odometer? By the way, this sticker was 6 months old? .... And the representative of the dealership was upset when I did not want the Windstar? Go figure?

Then, after I constantly complained, the owner had the audacity to send me bogus paperwork claiming the amount they paid for the vehicle at the Louisiana-based "junk yard." He said I could not sue for fraud since they did not make a tremendous amount of money on the vehicle. It seems they have all the answers!!!! But, what they don't realize is that I have the proof!!! I just have not been able to find a lawyer willing to take the case on a contingency basis, for a reasonable percentage. I offered up to 50% and one lawyer wanted 50% PLUS ALL EXPENSES!!!!

I have been working on this for almost two years. Back and forth, back and forth. At one point, I even emailed Ford Motor Company who told me they talked to the Natchez Ford dealership representative who insisted that they have filed the claim with their insurance company. At one point, the insurance company returned my call (a year later), but since I don't have a lawyer, they explained they can't "talk to me directly." It has been two years (or more) of pure Hell!!!

I could go on and on and on!!!

After looking at these Rip-Off Report statistics regarding the auto industry, one would question whether it is safe to buy an auto in America anymore!!! Look at some of these other claims!! It is ridiculous. A good lawyer could make a living just filing claims against the auto industry. Why does it have to be this way? Can't they make a living the honest, American way? Or is this what they consider an honest living? I believe we should all gather together and file a class action suit against the Federal Trade Commission for allowing this many rip-offs to happen. Then, maybe they will crack down on some of this BULL##$#$#!!!!!! I mean, who's government is this anyway??? Who's with me?

Lea
Natchez, Mississippi

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