On December 15, 2009 I purchased a 2007 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona with a mere 5000miles on the odometer via internet sales from Peterson Super Center located in Boise, Idaho for the total of $26, 000.00. I arranged to have this vehicle shipped to my home in Arizona via Northwest Auto Transport, to the cost of $650.00. In the past, I have purchased several vehicles “on-line” and have never had any issues, however when this vehicle arrived on 12/17/09, the transport driver, my wife and I searched the vehicle for the usual envelope containing the keys/fobs (w/remotes) and owners manual, temporary 15day permit (all promised by the salesperson). Much to our surprise, not only were they not anywhere in the vehicle, but during our search for these items, the spare tire, jack and tools were also missing. I was prepared to reject the vehicle (the transport driver witnessed the missing items and signed a paper stating what we knew was missing at that time.) however it was late and the dealership was closed and besides I had been searching for this particular auto w/low miles for some time), so I accepted it, hoping that the dealership would make good for the missing articles.

To make the story brief, after notifying with the dealership, I finally agreed to accept a check of reimbursement for $500.00 to finalize the bickering (which barely covered the cost of the keys, fobs w/ remotes and having them cut & programmed), but better than nothing. Finally, I was able to get the vehicle safely on the road with a spare tire, wheel, jack, tools and have use of the keyless entry. I am a senior citizen and don’t have a lot of “savy” for all the “bells and whistles” that were allegedly on this vehicle, so I took the vehicle to a local electronics store to have them explain how to use the navigation, serius radio etc.

Upon examining the vehicle, I was informed many things were missing that were listed on the internet advertisement.These are expensive things such as the Navigation system, Sirius radio, remote start, 322watt amplifier and sub-woofer, I contacted a Mr. Michael Domer (General Sales Mgr.) and submitted a letter with everything that was missing (and fully acknowledging the $500.00 reimbursement), was informed that he and the General Manager were not willing to refund any further funds.

I have a copy of the internet ad and have been slowly as I can afford it, getting all the things replaced and needless to say that even purchasing these items from places like Ebay has been a huge cost to me.

I have written several organizations (such as the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission) without any success as to resolving this issue. I got a call from the local Senior Center informing me to write to the Arizona Attorney Generals office, which I did and was notified that because the transaction took place in the state of Idaho, that my letter would be forwarded to Idaho (Attorney Generals office), as of yet I have gotten no response.

Local attorneys have informed me that being the purchase was made in Idaho, I would have to seek an attorney in that state?

This should not happen to anyone, let alone a senior citizen and I hope you will be able to assist in putting a stop to this type of fraud.$26, 000+ is a lot of money when you’re retired and on a “fixed income”.

I have a paper-trail a mile long with the dealership internet listing and other pertinent information including a audible recording from my answering machine in which the salesperson is physically describing the vehicles components that did not exist as well as all correspondence from the dealership.

I requested what I felt was a reasonable amount of compensation for my out of pocket expense which would make the vehicle acceptable to me (minus the $500.00) or if they would rather, I would take the vehicle to a authorized dealership of their choice (within a reasonable distance) and have the advertised items installed at their expense. Of course that was denied and I was then accused (via letter) by the General Manager of “holding them (the dealership) hostage or extortion”. Needless to say, that I am appalled at this accusation and would truly appreciate any advice as to how this issue can be put to rest in a legal manner.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.