Craige Motor Company of Durham, Inc.

The car sold to me was a lemon. Since it was a used car, lemon laws are not effective. I am out of money and out of a car. I purchased a car in March. 2015 with this dealership. I put down 2000.00 for this car, and I was making payments of 300.00 a month for a [redacted]. The car started to give out in June of 2015. One hot summer day it started to leak anti-freeze. I paid to have the car towed to the dealership to see what the problem was, and was informed that there was a crack in the engine block and the engine would need to be replaced. I let the car stay in the shop due to the fact I didn't have 1500.00 more to invest in this car. My down payment along with my 300.00 monthly payments had reached the 3000.00 dollar mark. I request that I be allowed to use the car due to me having to miss work due to transportation issues. The engine on the vehicle eventually locked on a busy Road in rush hour traffic. I was in fear of my safety and one again had the car towed back to the car. The car no longer starts up. I was informed that after only 4 months, the car was a total loss if I didn't pay 1500.00 to get it fixed, and to get another car I would have to put down another down payment and start from scratch. This is truly a disappointment and has been a major set back. To not even be allowed a credit for exchange of another vehicle or any other reasonable options is very upsetting. Who has the ability to make a 3000.00 down payment in 4 months plus 300.00 a month. This situation is bleeding me of my finances. I understand that I bought the car as is so no remedies legally has to be made,but I had no idea it would break down so soon. I also take ownership for not having the car inspected or not taking a male with me. I only drove the car to work and home. Occasionally taking my children to school. Desired SettlementAn exchange for another car without the hefty down payment, or a store credit on another vehicle or lower financing terms as they offered in house financing. I do not have bad credit and should have negotiated better financing terms but as I stated this was my first car and I agreed to anything. Business Response Hello, This customer did purchase a vehicle from us, it is unfortunate she had issue with the vehicle. We offered the customer to drop off the vehicle so that we may find out the problem. Craige Motor Co was informed she did not "have the time" to drop off the car during business hours and could not schedule a time. Once we informed that the car was overheating she stated again she was unable to drop off the car. Once on the lot, she was informed by the staff if she continued to drive the car the engine would fail. Against advice the continued to drive the car until the headgasket failed. Also, we have offered to work with the customer on another vehicle to which she declined. We would still be happy to work with the customer.