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Report: #66938

Complaint Review: Old Ben Franklin Motors - Ted Russell Ford - Knoxville Tennessee

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  • Reported By: Sevierville Tennessee
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  • Old Ben Franklin Motors - Ted Russell Ford 9711 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee U.S.A.

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I purchased a 1995 Ford Windstar van from Olde Ben Franklin Motors. This van is a complete LEMON. Basically the transmission went out, the motor is going to blow, the airbag system does not work and the electical system is shot. They charged me $7995 for this piece of junk. I contacted them on several occasions to get a different vehicle or my money back.

When I was contaced by their General Manager, Mike Menser he told me that I could not have my money back and basically to sum it up that I was a low life piece of garbage that deserved what I got and if I wanted a different car I would have to come up with a cosigner. When I pointed out to him he was completely missing the point he got rude and ended the conversation.

I have turned them into their parent company Ted Russell Ford who I have been told by many individuals in the auto industry in Knoxville that he is a very slippery business man who is into lots of bad deals. I have tried to trade the vehicle in and none of the dealers will take it in trade because of who sold it to me and who has financed it. The finance company who financed it is also owned by Ted Russell Ford.

I told them I refused to pay for the piece of junk until they corrected it, instead they sent a repo man approximately 2 weeks after our last conversation to my place of employment to pick up the van. The van was sitting in front of my apartment undriveable because the transmission had went out and motor was getting ready to blow. He verified my address. Approximately 7 days later, they came to get the van.

No more calls from them and also no resolution. I am going to contact the Tennessee Attorney General's office and a lawyer. I will not sit back and let them take advantage of me and god knows who else. I want to expose them for the criminals I believe them to be.

Barb
Sevierville, Tennessee
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 09/14/2003 06:18 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/old-ben-franklin-motors-ted-russell-ford/knoxville-tennessee-37922/old-ben-franklin-motors-ted-russell-ford-im-a-single-parent-and-they-sold-me-a-lemon-and-66938. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
11Consumer
5Employee/Owner

#16 Consumer Comment

Contacting The Attorney General Will Do You No Good Because...

AUTHOR: Karl - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 23, 2007

even the people at the HIGHEST BRANCHES of the Government are not going to fight the Auto Industry! These people are being 'WINED AND DINED' and PAID MILLIONS of dollars to keep their mouthes shut! Do not trust ANY ATTORNEY!

PROOF: 'Google' the name- JOHN DAVID ROY ATCHISON

He is an Attorney! These Attorneys are among the most CORRUPT group of people in the USA! What do you think ALL POLITICIANS are??

T.V. EXPOSURE is the solution!! Go to the RICHMOND TOYOTA STORY on the Toyota page and mail your ripoffreport to ALL NEWS STATIONS listed in the Rebuttal.

You can also put a small display ad in your Local Newspaper that says this:

GO TO ripoffreport.com and read my story about OLD BEN FRANKLIN MOTORS!

This ad will be DEVASTATING to that Dealership!

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#15 Consumer Suggestion

Another person riped off

AUTHOR: Brandonp605 - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I made my own post but i saw were Mike had made a comment all i can say is the more i look into ole ben franklin the more i find that this place should be shut down the ONLY PEOPLE YOU HELP MIKE IS YOUR SELF you take advantage of people that are in a bad situation and for the most part make it worse.. you people lie and scam your right as you said to me your not a typical car lot YOUR WORSE but thats ok i am working on getting a lawer and i am going to get my money back and probably have you and a few other people put in jail on fruad charges and the sad thing is it would have been alot cheaper in the long run just to give me my down payment back its time you payed for all the people you have screwed over and im going to see to it justice is served and if i have my way about it id rather see you people in jail and shut down rather than have my money back

PEOPLE THE ONLY THING YOU WILL GET FROM OLE BEN FRANKLIN IS A SORE A**

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#14 Consumer Suggestion

Another person riped off

AUTHOR: Brandonp605 - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I made my own post but i saw were Mike had made a comment all i can say is the more i look into ole ben franklin the more i find that this place should be shut down the ONLY PEOPLE YOU HELP MIKE IS YOUR SELF you take advantage of people that are in a bad situation and for the most part make it worse.. you people lie and scam your right as you said to me your not a typical car lot YOUR WORSE but thats ok i am working on getting a lawer and i am going to get my money back and probably have you and a few other people put in jail on fruad charges and the sad thing is it would have been alot cheaper in the long run just to give me my down payment back its time you payed for all the people you have screwed over and im going to see to it justice is served and if i have my way about it id rather see you people in jail and shut down rather than have my money back

PEOPLE THE ONLY THING YOU WILL GET FROM OLE BEN FRANKLIN IS A SORE A**

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#13 Consumer Suggestion

Another person riped off

AUTHOR: Brandonp605 - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I made my own post but i saw were Mike had made a comment all i can say is the more i look into ole ben franklin the more i find that this place should be shut down the ONLY PEOPLE YOU HELP MIKE IS YOUR SELF you take advantage of people that are in a bad situation and for the most part make it worse.. you people lie and scam your right as you said to me your not a typical car lot YOUR WORSE but thats ok i am working on getting a lawer and i am going to get my money back and probably have you and a few other people put in jail on fruad charges and the sad thing is it would have been alot cheaper in the long run just to give me my down payment back its time you payed for all the people you have screwed over and im going to see to it justice is served and if i have my way about it id rather see you people in jail and shut down rather than have my money back

PEOPLE THE ONLY THING YOU WILL GET FROM OLE BEN FRANKLIN IS A SORE A**

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#12 Consumer Suggestion

Another person riped off

AUTHOR: Brandonp605 - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I made my own post but i saw were Mike had made a comment all i can say is the more i look into ole ben franklin the more i find that this place should be shut down the ONLY PEOPLE YOU HELP MIKE IS YOUR SELF you take advantage of people that are in a bad situation and for the most part make it worse.. you people lie and scam your right as you said to me your not a typical car lot YOUR WORSE but thats ok i am working on getting a lawer and i am going to get my money back and probably have you and a few other people put in jail on fruad charges and the sad thing is it would have been alot cheaper in the long run just to give me my down payment back its time you payed for all the people you have screwed over and im going to see to it justice is served and if i have my way about it id rather see you people in jail and shut down rather than have my money back

PEOPLE THE ONLY THING YOU WILL GET FROM OLE BEN FRANKLIN IS A SORE A**

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#11 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Another Victum

AUTHOR: Connie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 16, 2006

MY NAME IS CONNIE AND I AM FROM KINGSTON TN. I READ BARBS STORY ABOUT OLD BEN FRANKLIN, AND IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY STORY. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE IS FEBRUARY, AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AFTER HAVING IT NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOWED MY CAR THERE TO GET IT FIXED. I TOLD TONY, THE GUY I TALKED TO, THAT I HAVE 100 HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE, AND HE SAID IF THEY FIXED IT I WOULDNT HAVE TO PAY IT. WELL THEY MADE ME PAY IT ANYWAYS, AND THEY PUT AN ALTINATER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED, AND I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT: THE WINDOW SOMTIMES WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE DASH LIGHTS DIDNT WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OR HESISTATING, AND THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION IN FRONT END. THEY AGREED TO FIX WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL NOT FIXED. SO I GOT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. SO ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT TRIED TO QUIT ON ME IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I GOT TO WORK CALLED MY PARENTS, AND ASK THEM TO COME AND GET THE CAR SO I DIDNT BRAKE DOWN AGAIN COMING HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, WELL IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM AND THEY HAD TO PAY $65 TOW BILL. I CALLED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED UP THERE AGAIN. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT AFTER A FEW DAYS. THEN CALLED ME RIGHT BACK AND SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED. THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $100 DEDUCTABLE. WELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS FIXED, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR, THE FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT IN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THEY FIXED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE SHORT. I TOLD THE MECHANIC AND OLD BEN FRANKLIN THE FRONT END WAS NOT FIXED THE SECOND TIME HE GOT IT THERE, AND HE SAID HE COULD GET ME A GOOD DEAL ON SOME ROTORS. I TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGREED TO FIX THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. I ALSO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK FROM MIKE MENCER. HE TOLD ME NO AND HE WANTED TO END OUR CONVERSATION TOO. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD TUARUS WHICH IS NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. THEY REALLY GOT ME GOOD. I HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, THEN WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLED MY CAR. I NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND BACK. MAYBE IT WAS MY FAULT FOR RUSHING AND NOT TAKING TIME TO SHOP FOR A CAR, BUT I WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE AND HE FOUND A SUCKER IN ME.

CONNIE
KINGSTON TN

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#10 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Another Victum

AUTHOR: Connie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 16, 2006

MY NAME IS CONNIE AND I AM FROM KINGSTON TN. I READ BARBS STORY ABOUT OLD BEN FRANKLIN, AND IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY STORY. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE IS FEBRUARY, AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AFTER HAVING IT NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOWED MY CAR THERE TO GET IT FIXED. I TOLD TONY, THE GUY I TALKED TO, THAT I HAVE 100 HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE, AND HE SAID IF THEY FIXED IT I WOULDNT HAVE TO PAY IT. WELL THEY MADE ME PAY IT ANYWAYS, AND THEY PUT AN ALTINATER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED, AND I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT: THE WINDOW SOMTIMES WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE DASH LIGHTS DIDNT WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OR HESISTATING, AND THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION IN FRONT END. THEY AGREED TO FIX WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL NOT FIXED. SO I GOT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. SO ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT TRIED TO QUIT ON ME IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I GOT TO WORK CALLED MY PARENTS, AND ASK THEM TO COME AND GET THE CAR SO I DIDNT BRAKE DOWN AGAIN COMING HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, WELL IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM AND THEY HAD TO PAY $65 TOW BILL. I CALLED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED UP THERE AGAIN. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT AFTER A FEW DAYS. THEN CALLED ME RIGHT BACK AND SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED. THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $100 DEDUCTABLE. WELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS FIXED, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR, THE FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT IN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THEY FIXED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE SHORT. I TOLD THE MECHANIC AND OLD BEN FRANKLIN THE FRONT END WAS NOT FIXED THE SECOND TIME HE GOT IT THERE, AND HE SAID HE COULD GET ME A GOOD DEAL ON SOME ROTORS. I TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGREED TO FIX THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. I ALSO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK FROM MIKE MENCER. HE TOLD ME NO AND HE WANTED TO END OUR CONVERSATION TOO. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD TUARUS WHICH IS NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. THEY REALLY GOT ME GOOD. I HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, THEN WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLED MY CAR. I NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND BACK. MAYBE IT WAS MY FAULT FOR RUSHING AND NOT TAKING TIME TO SHOP FOR A CAR, BUT I WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE AND HE FOUND A SUCKER IN ME.

CONNIE
KINGSTON TN

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#9 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Another Victum

AUTHOR: Connie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 16, 2006

MY NAME IS CONNIE AND I AM FROM KINGSTON TN. I READ BARBS STORY ABOUT OLD BEN FRANKLIN, AND IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY STORY. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE IS FEBRUARY, AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AFTER HAVING IT NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOWED MY CAR THERE TO GET IT FIXED. I TOLD TONY, THE GUY I TALKED TO, THAT I HAVE 100 HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE, AND HE SAID IF THEY FIXED IT I WOULDNT HAVE TO PAY IT. WELL THEY MADE ME PAY IT ANYWAYS, AND THEY PUT AN ALTINATER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED, AND I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT: THE WINDOW SOMTIMES WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE DASH LIGHTS DIDNT WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OR HESISTATING, AND THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION IN FRONT END. THEY AGREED TO FIX WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL NOT FIXED. SO I GOT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. SO ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT TRIED TO QUIT ON ME IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I GOT TO WORK CALLED MY PARENTS, AND ASK THEM TO COME AND GET THE CAR SO I DIDNT BRAKE DOWN AGAIN COMING HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, WELL IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM AND THEY HAD TO PAY $65 TOW BILL. I CALLED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED UP THERE AGAIN. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT AFTER A FEW DAYS. THEN CALLED ME RIGHT BACK AND SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED. THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $100 DEDUCTABLE. WELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS FIXED, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR, THE FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT IN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THEY FIXED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE SHORT. I TOLD THE MECHANIC AND OLD BEN FRANKLIN THE FRONT END WAS NOT FIXED THE SECOND TIME HE GOT IT THERE, AND HE SAID HE COULD GET ME A GOOD DEAL ON SOME ROTORS. I TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGREED TO FIX THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. I ALSO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK FROM MIKE MENCER. HE TOLD ME NO AND HE WANTED TO END OUR CONVERSATION TOO. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD TUARUS WHICH IS NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. THEY REALLY GOT ME GOOD. I HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, THEN WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLED MY CAR. I NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND BACK. MAYBE IT WAS MY FAULT FOR RUSHING AND NOT TAKING TIME TO SHOP FOR A CAR, BUT I WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE AND HE FOUND A SUCKER IN ME.

CONNIE
KINGSTON TN

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#8 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Another Victum

AUTHOR: Connie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 16, 2006

MY NAME IS CONNIE AND I AM FROM KINGSTON TN. I READ BARBS STORY ABOUT OLD BEN FRANKLIN, AND IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY STORY. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE IS FEBRUARY, AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AFTER HAVING IT NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOWED MY CAR THERE TO GET IT FIXED. I TOLD TONY, THE GUY I TALKED TO, THAT I HAVE 100 HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE, AND HE SAID IF THEY FIXED IT I WOULDNT HAVE TO PAY IT. WELL THEY MADE ME PAY IT ANYWAYS, AND THEY PUT AN ALTINATER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED, AND I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT: THE WINDOW SOMTIMES WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE DASH LIGHTS DIDNT WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OR HESISTATING, AND THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION IN FRONT END. THEY AGREED TO FIX WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL NOT FIXED. SO I GOT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. SO ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT TRIED TO QUIT ON ME IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I GOT TO WORK CALLED MY PARENTS, AND ASK THEM TO COME AND GET THE CAR SO I DIDNT BRAKE DOWN AGAIN COMING HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, WELL IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM AND THEY HAD TO PAY $65 TOW BILL. I CALLED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED UP THERE AGAIN. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT AFTER A FEW DAYS. THEN CALLED ME RIGHT BACK AND SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED. THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $100 DEDUCTABLE. WELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS FIXED, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR, THE FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT IN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THEY FIXED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE SHORT. I TOLD THE MECHANIC AND OLD BEN FRANKLIN THE FRONT END WAS NOT FIXED THE SECOND TIME HE GOT IT THERE, AND HE SAID HE COULD GET ME A GOOD DEAL ON SOME ROTORS. I TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGREED TO FIX THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. I ALSO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK FROM MIKE MENCER. HE TOLD ME NO AND HE WANTED TO END OUR CONVERSATION TOO. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD TUARUS WHICH IS NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. THEY REALLY GOT ME GOOD. I HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, THEN WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLED MY CAR. I NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND BACK. MAYBE IT WAS MY FAULT FOR RUSHING AND NOT TAKING TIME TO SHOP FOR A CAR, BUT I WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE AND HE FOUND A SUCKER IN ME.

CONNIE
KINGSTON TN

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#7 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Another Victum

AUTHOR: Connie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 16, 2006

MY NAME IS CONNIE AND I AM FROM KINGSTON TN. I READ BARBS STORY ABOUT OLD BEN FRANKLIN, AND IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY STORY. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE IS FEBRUARY, AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AFTER HAVING IT NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOWED MY CAR THERE TO GET IT FIXED. I TOLD TONY, THE GUY I TALKED TO, THAT I HAVE 100 HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE, AND HE SAID IF THEY FIXED IT I WOULDNT HAVE TO PAY IT. WELL THEY MADE ME PAY IT ANYWAYS, AND THEY PUT AN ALTINATER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED, AND I TOLD THEM EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT: THE WINDOW SOMTIMES WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE DASH LIGHTS DIDNT WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OR HESISTATING, AND THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION IN FRONT END. THEY AGREED TO FIX WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL NOT FIXED. SO I GOT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. SO ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT TRIED TO QUIT ON ME IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I GOT TO WORK CALLED MY PARENTS, AND ASK THEM TO COME AND GET THE CAR SO I DIDNT BRAKE DOWN AGAIN COMING HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, WELL IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM AND THEY HAD TO PAY $65 TOW BILL. I CALLED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED UP THERE AGAIN. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO COME GET IT AFTER A FEW DAYS. THEN CALLED ME RIGHT BACK AND SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED. THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $100 DEDUCTABLE. WELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS FIXED, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR, THE FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT IN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THEY FIXED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE SHORT. I TOLD THE MECHANIC AND OLD BEN FRANKLIN THE FRONT END WAS NOT FIXED THE SECOND TIME HE GOT IT THERE, AND HE SAID HE COULD GET ME A GOOD DEAL ON SOME ROTORS. I TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGREED TO FIX THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. I ALSO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK FROM MIKE MENCER. HE TOLD ME NO AND HE WANTED TO END OUR CONVERSATION TOO. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD TUARUS WHICH IS NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. THEY REALLY GOT ME GOOD. I HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, THEN WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLED MY CAR. I NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND BACK. MAYBE IT WAS MY FAULT FOR RUSHING AND NOT TAKING TIME TO SHOP FOR A CAR, BUT I WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE AND HE FOUND A SUCKER IN ME.

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#6 Consumer Suggestion

sorry to hear about that.... there is no lemon law in tennessee

AUTHOR: Kenny - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Like the previous person stated , when you get a used car make sure !!! you take it to an ASE certified mechanic , or mechanics specializing in certain cars i.e Dennis Hall's Honda , does the best job with Hondas ... so on so on

but on another note the reason why ted russell can get everybody financed for such a huge amount *which clearly you were upside down* with a high interest rate is their base office *if im not mistaken* is in georgia so the tennessee laws do not apply!!!!! and also the laws that do apply *lemon laws etc...* there is no lemon law in tennessee , hopefully this will help you out abit!

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#5 Consumer Suggestion

I to am a sigle mother with a Ted Rusell / Old Ben Experience.

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004

Barb,
I am sorry you had such a difficult experience. I wanted you to know that I have purchased two vehicles directly thru the two companies that you mentioned and I couldn't be happier. I know this board is for posting Rip Off's and complaints and I am very grateful to this website for the information it contains.

With that said, I also feel strongly about complete and factual information. As Mr. Mencer stated there are two sides to every story and as the old saying goes the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

In late 2000, I purchased a 2001 Ford Explorer off the showroom floor of the Parkside location via a lease agreement directly through Ford Motor Credit. The service I received was excellent; I was treated with courtesy and respect by everyone I encountered from the salesman, to the Finance Manager, to the Detail person that presented me with my keys and SUV.

In 2002 I had severe complications with a pregnancy that caused time loss at my job, I was out of work for 5 months on bed rest. NO / ZERO income and nothing to fall back on for additional support as this was an unexpected situation. I had two previous pregnancies without an ounce of complications, not even heartburn.

Needless to say this was a financial disaster, I in turn traded the vehicle for something more affordable. But because of the situation I no longer qualified for Ford Motor financing, I was also as with Jeffery advised to go to Ole Ben.

My own father could not have treated me better, they were AMAZING!! They didn't make me feel bad or degraded. It was less than two years before I could have purchased anything on the lot without a cent down. I was upset about the situation and I was required to put additional funds down, but Mike Mencer told me not to worry or be upset, what happen to me happens to everyone at sometime or another and in a couple of years I would be back on track and would once again be in a good financial status.

He made me feel very comfortable and I left there knowing that they had MY best interests at heart. I drove away with a 1999 Ford Windstar, is it my loaded Explorer that I drove off the showroom floor. No. But it was what I could afford and I am a better person for having gone through this experience, I am thankful that it was with a dealer that cared about me as a person and not just a $$ sign.

I made this purchase in 2003 and I have not had a single issue with the van, it is a Godsend as well as Ole Ben. While I am on this subject let me continue to add my comment concerning Mr. Russell. I don't know him personally but what I do know I like, I am a very big supporter of the Breast Cancer charities. The money this man donates and the service/time that he provides is unbelievable. This man is a Saint, I mean it.

I will not disclose an exact dollar figure but it would make your heart warm. So, having heard him called a slippery businessman really makes me sad. If you only knew what he does, you would never think of him in a negative manner and when I go to purchase my next vehicle, I will drive no further than to Ted Russell Ford. I hope you have a better experience in the future.

This is a great avenue to turn to with assistance in the future. Good Luck and God Bless!!
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Dr.
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48121
Toll free: 1-800-392-3673
Web site: www.ford.com

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#4 UPDATE Employee

there two sides to every story

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, October 08, 2004

hi im mike mencer the G M OF OLE BEN FRANKLIN MOTORS. WE HAVE BEEN OPERATEING BUSINESS IN KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE FOR 18 YEARS AN HAVE HELP THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE START THERE CREDIT OR REBUILT IT DUE TO HARD TIMES OR MEDICAL REASON WE TRY TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY THAT BUY A CAR FROM US IT IS A SHAME THAT WITH ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE HELP THAT A PERSON OR PERSONS COULD GO ON A WEB SITE AN PUT THIS INFORMATION IN WITH OUT GETTING THE DEALER REPONSE. SO HERE IT IS WE HAVE NEVER TOLD A CUSTOMER THAT THEY OR STUCK WITH A CAR THAT THEY JUST PURCHASE AN OR HAVING PROBLEM WITH IT IN THAT SHORT OF AMOUNT OF TIME AN NEVER WILL WE RUN A GOOD DEALERSHIP AN WERE NOT A BUY HERE PAY HERE LOT WE ARRANGE FINANCING FOR PEOPLE THAT HAS HAD SOME BAD LUCK AN GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO START OR REBUILT THERE CREDIT AN GET THE CREDIT THAT THEY DESEVER PUT ON THE CREDIT BEREAU. THERE OR NO BUY HERE PAY HERE LOTS THAT CAN DO THAT. AS YOU CAN SEE AM ANSERING THIS LETTER WITH SOME RESPONSE AN AN WOULD HAVE RESPONSED TO HER IF ONLY I WOULD OF HAD THE OPPERTUITY.AGAIN THERE OR TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY.

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#3 Consumer Comment

I tried to get a car loan from ted russel ford

AUTHOR: Jeffrey - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, April 16, 2004

Well, I can definitely see where you are coming from. I don't have the best credit in the world, and I am assuming Ben Franklin motors is also a secondary finance company. I tried to get a car loan from ted russel ford and was directed to old ben franklin motors. I have gone though these "buy here pay here" companies before and like you, I was sold a lemon. I learned my lesson the first time so I am doing a backround check on this company. It didn't take me more than 1 minute to find this site and i will definitely do my math before I decide to go to this place. I would like to thank everyone for the advice, I will definitely take any car I am thinking about purchasing to a reputable mechanic for a check--up. Thanks again, your feedback helped me out.

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#2 Consumer Suggestion

You're Partly to Blame Here Too ..this model, is so well known for engine head gasket failure and transmission failure

AUTHOR: Bob - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 14, 2003

Yes, you were sold a junker but, you needed to do your homework before buying a vehicle.

The 1995 Windstar, first year of this model, is so well known for engine head gasket failure and transmission failure that many dealers won't even put one on their "buy here pay here" lots. The 1995 Windstar is a total junker and Consumer Reports would have told you that.

Second, as suggested above, you really ought to have a mechanic you know and trust inspect any possible car purchase.

Sorry you got stuck with this junker. Hope the dealer doesn't try to collect a balance from you.

Please get a good book on car buying along with the Consumer Reports April auto issue and find yourself a reliable vehicle.

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#1 Consumer Suggestion

barb The Great Thorn posted something just for you, might find what I posted for you very helpful.

AUTHOR: The Great Thorn - Consumer Advocate - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 14, 2003

Barb I am going to post info that you might want to use when exposing what you feel happened to you.

Always keep in mind when you go to ANY car dealer/"Shark Pond," that you need to always take what car, truck or SUV you plan to buy to an auto shop for a mechanical inspection.

Consumers buy cars should always have a third party inspect the auto before the car buyer signs any of the car dealer's documentation.

Even if you have to pay for the inspection it could save you a big wad of cash. Because once you sign and drive, you could become TOAST.

My motto is "your pain is their gain"

If you want, you might find this contact info posted below very helpful.

Tennessee State Offices Director
Division of Consumer affairs
5th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0600
1-615-741-4737
Toll free in TN: 1-800-342-8385
Fax: 615-532-4994
Web site: www.state.tn.us/consumer

Deputy Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
Consumer Advocate and Protection
Tennessee Attorney General's Office
PO Box 20207
Nashville, TN 37243-0491
615-741-1671
Fax: 615-532-2910

Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Dr.
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48121
Toll free: 1-800-392-3673
Web site: www.ford.com

Barb the next bit of contact info is info that I feel that your Ford dealer would never give to you. You might say that this is info I feel they do not want you to have.

If I were you my fellow American I would email these fine folks @ Ford a copy of your Rip Off Report.

I don't feel they will do anything for you. I do feel it is a sure way for YOU to tell Ford as to how you FEEL.

Angela Coletti
acoletti@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: Global News Bureau
1-313-390-1759 1-586-296-9596

Ron Iori
riori@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: Global Operations
1-313-337-2456 1-313-791-6837

John Ochs
jochs@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: New Media Team
1-313-337-3669 1-734-769-6031

I have no idea as to when you bought your car, but it sounds to me that you FEEL that your car is an unsafe car for you to drive. That being said, I feel Ford's safety folks might like to read your Rip Off Report.

Remember: This is contact info I feel your dealer would never want you to have.

Department: Environment & Safety Communications
Carolyn Brown
cbrown@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford
Department: Environment & Safety Communications
1-313-621-2963

Kristen Kinley
kkinley@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: Environment & Safety Communications
1-313-845-2709

Valerie Rosnik
vrosnik@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: Environment & Safety Communications
1-313-206-2058

Robyn Schultz
rschul16@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford
Department: Environment & Safety Communications
1-313-390-3091

Maria Sheler-Edwards
mshelere@ford.com
Brand(s): Ford Motor Company
Department: Environment & Safety Communications
1-313-248-4979

Barb I am sorry as to what you Feel. I feel it is my job to post what I feel will help you.

Car dealers have always known that in the past consumers who feel Ripped off have never had a place to post their thoughts as to what happend to them. Now many car dealers are thinking twice as to how they treat car buyers because of the existance of www.ripoffreport.com

They are also watching what kind of car deals they send to banks for approval. Deceptive car buying agreements are and will be exposed.

Soon all Rip-off Report visitors will have access to what I feel the credit industry will not want you to have. This info will help protect the value of your credit in a big way!

My knowledge of the credit industry will soon become your POWER. Stay tuned to www.ripoffreport.com for more info that can and will save you time, trouble and money!

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