All I am familiar with is VA law with car dealers, which is a bit more protective of car dealers than in any other state - or so I'm told.

If you think the passing of a check and the accepting of a deposit is enough to act on, then start calling lawyers.

 

if they cashed the deposit and partial payment.. then I think you should start calling lawyers.... by cashing anything... its basically sealing the deal

have they even made an attempt to start giving you the money back?

 

I'll start looking for a lawyer on Monday. I was hoping to avoid doing so but I think its in my best interest.

Every person that I have spoken to about this is outraged...the girl from my bank said she would go there and punch their faces in...not exactly the response I was expecting not only from a women but also a bank representative...I got a chuckle out of it though.

Thanks to everybody that has offered help, support, and recommendations.

Complaints have been filed with: USPS, BBB, FTC, and CPA

I'll update on Monday.

 

I really feel for your situation. There's no worse feeling than dealing with someone in good faith, and then being screwed.

Assuming you've been forthright with all the details [and I'm not claiming you're not,] the fact you have a signed purchase contract and a cashed deposit bodes well for any case you pursue. Another important assumption is you've met all the specific performance requirements of the contract yourself.

The reality of the situation is not as happy. The legal system is not what you see on TV. Lawsuits tend to take many years to resolve. Being right is sometimes a footnote in a lengthy process. If the dealership wants to be a "jerk", they can basically force you to waste your resources on an Attorney [not return phone calls, skip meetings, etc.] If the Attorney takes the case on contigency, you're probably out a serious chunk of cash, too.

I know first hand about this. 12 years after buying a new house, I'll have my day in court in May. Needless to say, my attorney [a good guy who has performed admirably] is driving a metaphoric S2000 he purchased with my bills. Or maybe better said, driving a new '05 S2000 after trading in a '02 after a couple of years!

My suggestion to you is to aggressively contact people with the news. One link is below
http://www.wkyc.com/target3/ . I'm sure you can search the internet for other contacts.
Talk to someone, don't send e-mails.

It gets better if the car is still on the lot. You'll be able to fax your contract to the news people, and they can interview people at the dealership on film. Great tv news for them with virtually no work. The key is to this quickly, and find a media ally. Remember, the news people need to get max "splash" for minimum effort on their part. Make their job easy.

Be very careful interviewing attorneys. Have a clear understanding of what your costs will be, and what you will receive in return.

I hope everything works out for you!

 

Got my loan and cashiers checks back, FedEx delivered them.

Had a meeting with the SF City Attorney'd Office today. Dropped off a bunch of papers to them. I only met with them for a couple of minutes said they would get back to me right away with suggestiongs or plan of action.

Going to call the dealer one more time and give them a last chance to make good.

Left a voice message for the GM they said he is out sick...

 

Damn....I hear so many horror stories with us s2000 owners....I don't know how you guys handle a situation like that....I'd lose it....I'd be in that place as fast as I could get there and they would have to tear me off the jerk who did that. I know tempers don't get you anywhere but thats rediculous.....it reminds me of the other recent post about the guy who had his seats stolen...then his whole car stolen....AT a Honda dealership. I wish I had enough money to just buy you a new s2000. Find out who got the car in the end and give me his address. I'll jack the car and deliver it to your doorstep. (joking.....or am I?)

 

I hope the attorney is good and can get you some extra cash out of this... I mean, if the attorney is good enough, you can get some extra out of it due to pain and suffering. haha. just kidding... but, I hope everything goes well!

 

update?

 

I'd be complaining to the dealer's network too. Is this a Toyota dealership (I skimmed the posts)? I'm sure Toyota America would have something to say about this, or whatever auto company this dealer sells for - its way bad PR and the auto companies don't need or want it. Another good way to put heat on this place.

 

I've thought about it. In the united States only one thing is legal tender. Cash, dollar bills NOT a check.