Paul Blanco's Fresh Start Credit Program

I'm just trying to get information, if there's anything my father can do about his vehicle. In May 2011, we went to Paul Blanco to see if they could help my father get a vehicle. He didn't have the best credit so he didn't think he had much of a choice. They financed him a 2004 PT Cruiser with an extended warranty. The warranty is supposed to be valid up to 122,000 miles.

The vehicle is roughly at 107,000. The timing belt has broken and they said the warranty isn't any good because they said he was supposed to have the belt fixed at 105,000. He was never informed of this and now they want him to pay $800 or more to fix the problem. Is there anything that he can do? Please get back to me.

I purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Vin Number ** on September 1, 2010. The Dealer Stock Number ID is 7313. I have had problems with the vehicle every month since. I have never missed my monthly insurance or car premium payment. However, on Saturday, May 21, 2011, my transmission went completely out on my vehicle without a prior notification or vehicle warning.

My vehicle was immediately taken to the SpeeDee/Midas Automotive Shop on May 21, 2011 and was in the shop from 8:30 a.m. - 2:36 p.m. where the mechanic diagnosed that the transmission has completely malfunctioned and recommended that the transmission be rebuilt. I have all the documents of work performed on the vehicle. I have had regular oil changes on the vehicle and maintained the adequacy and efficiency of this vehicle.

I had surgery a few years ago as a result of an accident while on Sac State's campus (not my fault) and due to medical bills, I had to file bankruptcy. I've been rebuilding my credit since. Recently, my 1999 Chrysler began running poorly, so I went online to PaulBlanco.com and was approved for their "fresh start" program.

The first salesman told me 1)I needed my male friend (who happened to be with me) to co-sign because he must have money; 2) after reviewing my bank account, asked me what I spend my money on, and 3) asked me if I could drive a stick-shift, then answered himself with a "no" (I can't).

The second salesman had me test drive a car they said I qualified for. But as soon as we got back, they said I didn't qualify for it, and switched me for a Ford Taurus. After I drove it and agreed, they put $1,000 down payment through on my credit card, then came back with a different Ford Taurus and said they "accidentally" had the VIN Number wrong, and tried to switch me to this car with an additional 45,000 miles on it.

I explained that this seemed very much like "bait and switch". They laughed and said I could have the first Ford Taurus for another $750. I asked the Sales Manager for the General Manager, and he said "you don't need anyone but me, honey." I asked again for his boss, and he just stood there chewing gum and smiling at me.

I am of the believe that Paul Blanco worked hard for his reputation of helping others get decent cars even at high interest rates, but I find it difficult to believe that he encourages such dishonesty and discrimination.