Possible Vehicle Fraud - Similar Story? CBC Marketplace wants to hear...

HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM OF A POSSIBLE FRAUD IN RELATION TO THE PURCHASE

OF A VEHICLE.

HERE'S MY STORY....

I bought a 2000 Ford Expedition in October 2000 from Wood Motors in Halifax.

I was told it was a "demo" and had been driven only by John Gwynne-Timothy's wife during the first 19,000 km. This was the mileage that was on the vehicle when I bought it.

A "demo" is able to be sold as a new vehicle and that happens all the time. A vehicle that has only ever been owned by a manufacturer or a dealer qualifies as a new vehicle. All others qualify as used vehicles.

In October 2000, I was sold this "demo" as a new vehicle, and I purchased a new vehicle extended (ESP) warranty with it.

In 2002, I had a problem with a broken tie rod, which Ford fixed. In

2003, I experienced major engine repair problems and Ford would not fix it under warranty. After conducting a bit of research I determined that my vehicle was not a "demo" but rather had been owned by Avis prior to me purchasing it. Instead of being driven by just one person (as I had been promised), it is possible that it had been driven by as many as 200

people prior to me purchasing it.

Since finding this information out, I have contacted Ford, Wood Mortors Ford (which is now Steele Ford Lincoln), John Gwynne-Timothy (who used to own Wood Mortors and whose wife I had been told was the driver of my vehicle for the first 19,000 km) and I have received no satisfaction regarding this misrepresentation that have been the victim of.

I have contacted the Halifax Police Department to file a possible fraud complaint and I was laughed at by the commissionaire, who told me that he used to be in the car business and that sort of stuff goes on all the

time. Whether they are doing any investigation or not now is unknown by me. I have filed the complaint.

I have a website at "

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" with copies of mypaperwork that depicts the injustice that I hve suffered so far. I havealso included various court cases regarding similar cases in other partof the Country (including a very large criminal fraud case in Ontariowith similar circumstances). Because all parties point the finger at the other..., and because John Gwynne-Timothy absolutely refuses to contact me at all (afterall, it is he who could clear the air regarding who should be responsible)...., I have contacted various outside agencies that may be interested in this story.

The Automobile Protection Association and CBC Marketplace are interested

in the story. This is obviously an example of a possible scam that is quite common at certain automobile dealerships. If you go to my site and

click through to the Court Cases, you will find them to be quite an interesting read.

If you feel that you have been ripped off in a similar fashion and would

like to tell you story, please drop me a line.I will be having a discussion with Marketplace producers this coming week and I would like to be able to provide additional information.

Check your glovebox for a sticker that may have been used by a car rental agency to identify your car in their inventory. It is a barcode sticker. Do not peel it off, as the black could stay on the glove box plastic and only the clear tape will come off. Take a picture, if you suspect one.

Anyways, check out my site and let me know if you feel you are a victim of a possible rip-off.

David snipped-for-privacy@woodmotors.info

PS I have heard that John Gwynne-Timothy is about to open a new dealership in Kentville, and that he is assisting another Ford operation

in Windsor.

Reply to
The MacDonalds
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One thing you haven't disclosed is the reason for the need to replace the engine. And you paid $10K for a replacement engine? Sheesh.

Reply to
Matt Macchiarolo

I think he's in Canada.

Reply to
Mark

Even in Canada you have to check your oil every so often...

Reply to
Matt Macchiarolo

I admit that I didn't review every link on your site there. However, I saw no reference to your PROOF that the vehicle was owned by Avis or rented by them. Just exactly what does your "research" involve? Did you hear it from the porter at the dealership? You glossed over the key piece of information in the case.

Reply to
Al Bundy

Yes - Even Canadian's know that oil must be changed - and it was...

After having problems with the warranty issue, I decided to check into the history of the vehicle by referring to CarFax website and paid the fee to search the VIN. It listed 5 transfers without details (I assume manufacturer to dealer, dealer to rental agency, rental agency to auction house (or manufacturer), auction house (or manufacturer) to dealer, and then dealer to me). I thought this was weird and so then I checked the other car I bought on that same day for my wife and it had only been transferred twice (manufacturer to dealer, and dealer to me).

I then tried to find out who the various owners were through the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Registry of Deeds and neither could tell me. I then attempted to hire a private investigator (thinking that he/she would have better contacts with me to access such infornation). Finally, I walked into the old dealership building (with new owners) and simply asked the question "who owned my vehicle before me?", they punched something into the computer and up it came - Avis. This verified a sneaking suspicion that I had after finding a strangly worded card under my rear seat the year previous.

I then went to the local Avis office, with whom I did other business and confirmed that it had been an Avis owned vehicle (it was them who told me of the sticker in the glove box). I was then informed of other details that ensures to me that this was a well-used vehicle that had been rented out as a "daily rental".

David

Al Bundy wrote:

Reply to
The MacDonalds

history of the vehicle by

transfers without details (I

auction house (or manufacturer),

this was weird and so then I

been transferred twice

Motor Vehicles and the

private investigator (thinking that

Finally, I walked into the old

my vehicle before me?", they

sneaking suspicion that I had

confirmed that it had been an Avis

then informed of other

rented out as a "daily rental".

Thanks for posting the added information David. You really were screwed. I was a company auditor at one time and we found a dealer where dozens of rental cars were "rolled" and resold. Some owners did discover the scam. One guy found a rental contract under the seat. Most of the cars also had a couple new transmission claims for work never done. Hundreds of cars were involved over the years. The principles considered having a fire at the rental agency to destroy records and we were followed continually during the audit. In the end the car manufacturer acted outraged and went through the motions, but very little changed. An individual such as yourself has to go it alone pretty much as you are doing.

Reply to
Al Bundy

seems like the only person you have to contact is your attorney and then sue them... the new owner of the dealership should be responsible for any actions of the previous owners.....if not then your attorney can tell you if you can sue the previous owner.. if the papers say NEW car on the title and its not then you should have cause to sue....

Reply to
dbird

Reply to
Seller

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