Autoland Swindling Single Mothers Out of Thousands by Selling Lemons San Luis Obispo, California

Autoland is billed as a great way to get a quality, vetted, used vehicle.  For me, a single mother who admittedly does not know a lot about cars, this seemed like a good way to find a reliable vehicle.  Not only do I not know a lot about cars, but since I work three jobs (not counting motherhood), I don't have much spare time.  Autoland is supposed to check all the cars thoroughly and  my beloved credit union (SESLOC) recommended them. This seemed like a safe way to get a reliable car. I thought I had found an acceptable option to find a new-to-me car.  I worked with a friendly guy named Matt who assured me the car looked and ran great.  The test drive seemed fine, but again, I don't know a lot about cars.  I was relying on their expertise to help me out in the car buying process. 

Big mistake, sadly.  On May 16th, I got a car I thought would be great.  For a couple weeks, things were okay.  Then it started stalling and the gears seemed to be shifting in a hard, jolting fashion.  Since I purchased the car "as is," in good faith, I followed the rules and took it to a shop myself.  The first place said it needed new sensors, so I spent over $500 on new sensors for the vehicle. 

Five days later, the transmission got stuck in third -- with two children (one mine, one a friend) in the car with me.  This car also kept slipping gears while going up a steep grade with large semis all around, almost causing an accident, with my beloved child in the messed up car with me!!  We came so close to having an accident, and it was only my many years of driving experience which kept us alive and safe.  The car is clearly inoperable in its current condition, though I purchased it only six weeks ago.

I took the car back to the shop where they said it needed a new transmission, which would cost approximately $5400.  For a sense of context, the car itself was purchased the month before for $11,000.  Horrified, I took the car to a second shop.  The second shop agreed that the transmission was trashed, and also discovered that it needs a new catalytic converter AND has not one but TWO oil leaks.  Estimated cost for these serious repairs: well over $7000. 

 One of the oil leaks was from a bad oil change; the filters weren't put on properly.  Autoland, of course, was responsible for the faulty oil change.  They bill themselves as a great company, providing you with a vehicle with a fresh oil change and all fluids properly filled -- except when they're not and your car gets an oil leak as a result of their shoddy workmanship.

Now sadly, stupidly, in an attempt to save money (see the single parent status above), I declined the warranty and purchased the car as is.  As a result, Autoland assures me that there is absolutely nothing they can do for me.  Nothing whatsoever.  I have an inoperable car in my driveway.  I've spent over $11,500 on this vehicle, and all it can do is sit in my driveway.  It's not safe for me to drive, especially with a child.  

I am so disappointed with this place, and with SESLOC as well.  I worked incredibly hard to be able to get a car for commuting and to safely take my child around, and I have nothing to show for it but a busted car and an enormous pile of bills.