DriveTime Reviews

After 2 days being without a car, I was finally told that this great "warranty" that I had, would only pay for the motor mounts but left me holding the bag on the remaining problems. I was given an estimate with additional issues that had been found of $1900. The car now rides like a Sherman tank, not to mention sounding like one. And oh yes, leaks like a faucet. By the time I got the car back, my 5 day return policy was up. DriveTime… you don’t help people, you take advantage of people who in my case fell on hard times and had no other recourse than to go to you for help. I've had the car for 2 weeks and stuck with a car that needs some major repairs. If I could have afforded to go to a different dealership who has some semblance of integrity, I would have. I am now saddled with a car that requires $1900 of mechanical work... problems that were there long before I even decided on buying the car. Where are your ethics???

I had written a review regarding DriveTime and and they did respond..... and phoned. All I want to say is this..... RUN fast and run FAR from this place. They are crooks and very dishonest. Their response to my review was this: "The car was given a 52 point inspection and everything that needed to be fixed was fixed before it was sold." REALLY????? If that were the case regardless of it being a used car not, how in the world was I able to do so much destruction on a car, in less than 24 hrs???? DriveTime just know, what goes around comes around. This will all come back and bite you.... and not necessarily from me!

The purchase amount of the vehicle was $13,231.62 with taxes and everything it came to $14,531.50. Keep in mind that this is a 2001 vehicle. After looking over my paperwork, I will be paying DT a total of $ 22,239.91.. That is ridiculous!!! I was feeling okay with this company, but after reading some of the reviews and seeing how this company is, I am now feeling very taken advantaged of by Drivetime.

Next, ask the salesperson for a copy that you can take with you of their 52-point inspection. Third, tell him or her that you insist on taking the car to any mechanic for a thorough inspection. If you get refusal upon asking for these very basic consumer issues, walk out. If not, begin to do your research. Once home, find out the Kelley Blue Book price. Then do a Carfax using the VIN. Return to the dealer and tell them you MAY consider doing business if they will honor the Blue Book price, skip the warranty fee, let you take the car to the mechanic before signing, with the understanding that you will agree to pay their 21 percent interest, with payments of a no less than 15-day grace period and repossession only after default of two months.

You can also negotiate lower if the mechanic finds problems. Get an itemized bill detailing the problems and retail consumer price to get the items fixed. Then refuse to purchase the car if the cost of repairs is not deducted from the KBB price. With all this, they may not sell you the car, but at least you will have opened their eyes to what informed consumers are looking for. And, if they do agree, even though you will have paid a high interest rate, at least you will have gained quite a lot of leverage.

Within the first week, the power to the lights was going out and my car was sputtering and it sounded like my engine is bad. I was getting about 6 miles to the gallon, but I needed my new job and I no way had $100 extra with $170 a month car insurance, $300 every four weeks for the leasing price and $400 a month in gasoline. Now realize the van is a 2004 Dodge Caravan.

Since it was a minister who's father is also a minister who is leasing me this car and is moonlighting at DriveTime, I figure that this young minister would not lease me a van like this especially since I just totaled my car and have a new job. I am sad to say that even a minister sometimes might make decisions that are not in your favor in these hard times. Maybe he didn't know they will charge you the diagnostics fee for taking the vehicle in and they decide the parts are not covered under their warranty. I don't have that money, do you?

Well, all the electrical arcing that blew out my car battery, when I install this new battery just might be enough to blow the engine. I have electrical arcing that is draining the battery and causing the engine not to fire on all cylinders. All the smoke and heat and loud noises this van makes and how it stalls out all the time and eats batteries. Maybe the next customer will be lucky if there is a car fire before my next payment is due in two weeks. And maybe I will have to call this minister and let him know that in less than 35 days I have been out so much money I did not have. Maybe his church can take up a collection because answered prayers are much needed at this point.

I said not a problem, give me a week. I put down 250 to hold my car. I paid. Then in a week, I came up with 750. So when I went to the dealership, they gave me no reason as to why they sold my car I put on hold. Oh freaking hell, I was mad. So they said I could get the Yaris. I would never do an American car. So I was cool with this. Then they told me, "Hey you need insurance to drive it off the lot." I said, "Well, you could have told me this before I showed up here." So I called every insurance company under the sun. Eventually, I got insurance. Drove the Yaris off the lot. Was happy until they called saying, "Hey, your first payment did not go through." Upon further look, the lady got my routing number wrong so I paid my late payment and the next payment early. I thought I was in the clear. No more phone calls and no letters saying "You're late and you're in jeopardy." My account was green on my online account with Drivetime. My car was repossessed. I went to get items out of my car. And where was my car? Not where I parked it. I called the cops, and I found out my car was in repossession.

I called Drivetime (FYI they don't have 24 hour customer service). They told me I could go into redemption to get my car back. I said, "No, I have made my payment and I don't want to go to redemption because I have paid my bills." I said, "You better put my car back in the same parking space you took it from." They said, "No. Because you called, you automatically go to redemption." I said, "Whatever, I need my car back." The lady said, "I'll have them call you back." No one called me back, so I called the next day. And I was told, "No, you won't be getting the car back, and it's because we feel that you're a financial risk". Well then why in the hell did you give me the car in the first place?

So I have lost my car and my job. All because they are stupid. The only person who has been up front and honest was the repo guy who gave me all my items out of my car. Never get a car from Drivetime. They valued the car at 14,000 plus and my loan was for 24,000 plus. KBB values the car at 6,000. Also it had a slipping belt and needed an oil change and new tires. Oh well, I learned and I hope whoever may read this will see all the other comments and mine and see Drivetime is no good.

I called the total loss department and was told that the so called GAP insurance was only if you purchased a new car from them. That if I purchased another car from them, the 6800 would be wiped clean with the 500 deductible but if I chose to buy a car elsewhere I would be stuck paying the 6800. What I don't understand is my insurance paid the Kelly Blue Book value of the car and then some. Of the 6800, at least 2500 is for the warranty. Why would I pay the warranty now that the car has been totaled? But this GAP insurance that they claim you have only benefits them. Such liars who prey on people who are already struggling. I will eat the 6800 but I will take my sweet time paying it.

We have just recently gotten stuck again with another flat tire at 1 in the morning after picking up my husband from work with my 5-year-old and my 8-year-old. My husband placed the Jack in the area it needed to be and checked the jack three times. He started to loosen the bolts when the Jack collapsed and the van went backwards almost killing him. And now we have to spend more money that we don't have to get the two front tires replaced, the alignment, brakes done.

The rep he talked to that day was very rude and didn't tell my husband what account number they had on file for him. The rep told him he had 48 hours to come up with almost 900 dollars to get the car back. This went back and forth for few days. On Thursday, someone called from DriveTime because I had complained to the BBB about them. I asked why the rep couldn't just tell us the account number they had on file. She told us that reps don't have access to that and for my husband to give her the account number to see if it matched what they had. My husband told her the account and routing number. She said that is what they have on file.

I told my husband he should have had her read off what she had down for him because I don't trust them. With all the customer complaints they have against them already. Where everyone is complaining about the same issues. They don't send out no letter letting you know anything is wrong. They claimed they called several times but I'm a stay at home mom and didn't see anything from DriveTime come up on my caller ID. We are out of our down payment plus a car. Aug 8, 2013 was the deadline they gave us to come up with 877 dollars. My husband told them he won't have that until next Thursday when he got paid. She said she could not extend it until then, so now we don't have a car.

The check engine light came on (carbon cleanout = not covered), the brakes were squeaking (brake replacement = not covered), broken motor mount (future repair = not covered), brakes are making a horrible noise (future brake booster replacement = not covered), starter went out (covered!), and today, the battery died (not covered). None of things were MY wear and tear. These things had to have been present within the car when I bought it. All of these things, except the battery (which should have been new) presented in a matter of 7 weeks.

I have spent $500 dollars on repairs and I will have to shell out $1,100 before the end of the year. Not how I wanted to spend my extra money. You will find that when you are at the desk purchasing the vehicle, the warranty company and Drivetime are very closely related, but when you want to make a claim, Drivetime will throw the warranty company under the bus....immediately. Get your car checked out immediately, and either bring the car back or have the stuff fixed within the first 5 days.

I've had the vehicle to 3 separate repair shops including an authorized Dodge dealer. The entire process has been an uphill battle, fighting for coverage for every repair. A gentleman from their warranty dept named Will went so far as to call one of the shops my truck was at and flat out LIE and tell them I was bad mouthing them and was demanding a second opinion when it was the warranty company all along that wanted the second opinion. The vehicle still will not pass emissions (a problem Drivetime has been aware of since the day of purchase) and continues to randomly stall (You know, like when you're driving 60 mph on the freeway). I cannot rely on my vehicle for the basics let alone any type of road trip or vacation. Their own recommended mechanic said the vehicle is a "death trap... a rolling time bomb" and after spending two hours with me listening to me go into detail about the issues with the vehicle, the manager of the location I purchased it from said today, "This is just wrong... You don't do this to people".

I've been a loyal customer to Drivetime (this is my second vehicle purchased from Drivetime, the first one I had minimal problems with) and I'm timely with my payments. This issue was brought to the attention of the following upper management personnel: Nicholas **, Chris **, Joseph ** and Alexander ** with the end result being... in a nutshell... a big fat, OH WELL. I spent hours there today attempting to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution to this problem to no avail. I will now use social media to become the proverbial squeaky wheel. I will contact every local news station I can think of. I will be contacting my councilman, the attorney general's office and my own lawyer. I may not be able to gain satisfaction where my own vehicle is concerned but I can do my part to ensure no one else gets screwed like I did.

The repairs took 8 hours of labor and of course, Drivetime wouldn't pay upfront for a rental or provide a courtesy car or allow me to get another vehicle. Besides the monthly oil changes due to the constant oil leakages and the consistently broken engine fans, coolant reservoir and not being able to use the air condition in the 90 degree Georgia weather, Drivetime never has obliged or assisted me. Yesterday, July 16, 2013, as I was driving home at 715pm from work, my engine blew up and of course, the "Roadside Assistance" wasn't available and the Warranty Department basically said, "Here's a list of approved mechanics and tow companies and kiss it." I BEG OF ALL READERS...DO NOT BUY A CAR FROM DRIVETIME...BUS IT...THUMB IT AND SAVE AT LEAST UNTIL YOU CAN GO TO A REPUTABLE DEALER AND TRY ELSEWHERE!

So I get the car back on Monday, July 1st. On July 3rd, I am on the highway with my baby in 116 degree weather and the gas pedal just won’t work or let the go over 10mph! I had to wait in the heat for an hour and 20 minutes for a tow truck to bring it to the same shop! At first, they couldn't find anything wrong with it then they finally diagnosed it as the catalytic converter was clogged! It will cost $1,500 to fix and guess what, even though the car won't run without it, it's not covered under warranty! So there sits my car in the shop. I have missed 2 more days of work! I was told their escalation team will be calling me! The moral of this story is that Drivetime is ripping people off with their piece of ** cars!!! DO NOT PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM THEM, YOU WILL BE SORRY! I was told by their recommended shop that they have tons of major mechanical problems and Drivetime is not willing to fix the problem! I have gone to the BBB and the Attorney General. Oh yeah, and our local TV station! So we will see what happens!!!

When I asked to test drive the car, they went and got the keys and tried to turn the car on but the battery was dead and they assured me that the vehicle had been standing with no problems and just needed to be run. So we went for a test drive while he informed me that the vehicle had warranty and roadside assistance already with it and I was reluctant but the more he kept talking about how the warranty covers a lot on the first year and that it had maintenance as needed, I really thought that I was making the right choice for my 3 kids and me. The company even notified me that I could pay off some of the interest if I would only send in extra cash to knock off the interest.

Well, I sent 2 extra payments and never heard from them about my interest change so I waited and tried to contact them but I was always put on hold and then the issue of the car's mechanical started and I contacted them for assistance but was just given the run around because they did not have a place for me to take it in my area. Then, when I finally got a hold of someone about the extra payments, I was told that I waited too long, that I can't take it off and that they would just give me credits for future payments but refused to credit me making it seem as though I had not paid my payments. And they started harassing me at work and at home. I kept explaining to them and finally I got fed up and told them to send my payments back and I will make my payments to them on time for the future payments.

Well, the mechanical problem still isn't resolved and other issues are arising because every time they ask me to take it to a place to fix it, the warranty never covers it. I'm stuck with paying out of pocket for the car to keep it running and now I'm so broke that I'm barely feeding my 3 kids.

Near the end of August 2010, we took a road trip down to Alice, TX, as my wife's grandmother lives down there. It's about a 4-hour drive from our home in Canyon Lake, TX. We had the SUV packed with my mother in-law, father in-law, brother in-law, wife, 6-week-old son and me. It had been 6 weeks since we bought our 2005 Mazda Tribute from drive time. We were on the way back to Canyon Lake and we were driving through George West, TX which is roughly about 170 miles away from home.

The transmission totally went out and the car was no longer drivable. We called the warranty dept and requested they tow it back to town seeing as how we had not had the car even 2 months. DriveTime told us they only cover up to ten miles and that we would be responsible for the rest. So I had to pay to have it towed 160 miles to San Antonio. DriveTime fixed the transmission and then 6 months later, it totally went out again. They fixed it again; 6 months later, it went out again. I had the transmission totally overhauled 3 times in less than 2 years and DriveTime kept telling me it was because I was breaking it.

I come to find out they had paid and told the mechanic that they had sent us to and made us go there; DriveTime told these guys to put used parts back in the transmission and paid the bare minimum and that's why the transmission kept going out. DriveTime did it that way so every time the transmission would go out, we would have to pay the $150 or $200 to the warranty department to fix the car. They were deliberately screwing us and I called them out on it and nothing was ever done about it. They were actually trying to make it like it was my fault. Then we finally got rid of the Tribute and bought a 2007 VW Jetta. Now 7 months later, the spark plugs went out as well as the ignition coils and wires.

DriveTime told me that all that stuff is considered routine maintenance or tune up. The spark plugs are routine but not the ignition coils or wires. I just got off the phone with DriveTime and they said the coils and wires are not routine, but they are not on the warranty list things that are covered. So now I've got to spend $400 on the repair, not to mention having to have it towed 50 miles because DriveTime only covers 5 miles now. We have not had the car even 7 months. Then I come to find out the spark plugs are rusted out which means there could be worse problems.

I have filed close to 20 complaints with the company and have not received anything from anyone. If you want to get screwed, lied too, blamed, being accused of breaking things and also paying about 5 times as much for a car, then go with DriveTime. They tried telling us our 2007 Jetta with 84000 miles was selling for almost $20,000. They are scammers, liars and thieves. So now, this month, instead of my normal car payment, I get to add $400 on top of it. So my car payment this month is more like $900, for an 07 Jetta with now 100,000 miles, and DriveTime is sitting back laughing knowing they didn't inspect the car the right way and lied on the inspection sheet. They don't inspect any cars. They just lie and say they did because your average person isn't going to take the time to look at every detail; they are just excited to be getting into a car and that someone finally told them yes, and they just want to get driving.

DriveTime uses that and plays on people and takes advantage of people who truly believe they are getting a good deal and a good car. They take advantage of honest, hardworking people and have no problem doing it. That's why this car dealership is a joke and needs to be shut down due to stealing and some might even go as far to say they are committing fraud. So if you want to get screwed, lied too, and want to buy a lemon, shop here!!

Flash forward to 2/13. I took the vehicle to Sears for a regular oil change. I was told that they didn't have the parts to change oil on a MINI. I told them to find the parts and miraculously they did. They did tell me not to bring it back to them, though, despite being the only place I can get oil changes done per DT's warranty. Later that afternoon, I was waiting to pick up my son from band practice and my car overheated. I parked and called DT to send out a tow truck, once again. Before the tow truck arrived, I checked the coolant reservoir in my car and found that it was empty. I called my friend, whose husband is a Mercedes/Infiniti Master Tech and had her bring me some coolant. That seemed to fix the problem, so I cancelled the tow truck and kept an eye on my car for a few days. She seemed to run fine and she wasn't leaking coolant.

Two months later, I started noticing a horrendous squeal when I would be in low RPMs. One night on the way home from work, my car just stopped. The Check Engine light came on. I coasted to the shoulder and turned the ignition off. I was panicked but I remained calm and tried to re-start my vehicle. It started and I was able to drive it. I was only three miles from home so I took it very slow and I made it home, safely. I let it sit for an hour or so and then I went to start it. It started fine and the Check Engine light was off. The following morning, I took my car to a DT authorized service center and told them about the squealing, the break-down, another noise it had been making, and asked if I could please get an air filter change.

After having my vehicle for 24 hours, I was told that the S-belt was too big so they replaced it. I was also told that I was basically imagining the other noise it was making and that they "don't know how" to change the air filter in that car. They did tell me that I needed new brakes, which would cost me $550. I never asked them to look at brakes and I didn't have any sign of brake issues. I picked my car up and as I was about a mile from the service center when my car began squealing, again.

I let it go for the meantime, thinking I'd get it to a different service center when my schedule slowed down. On May 25, 2013, my daughter's boyfriend borrowed my vehicle to take some lunch to my daughter, who was at work. About ten minutes after he left, I got a call that my car was dead in the middle of a very busy road. I had my friend drive me to my vehicle and I called DT. They wanted to send a tow truck to me and it was going to cost $25 in overage to get me the 13 miles to a service center. I left in such a hurry that I left all my money with my husband. I told DT I would call them back after I secured the funds. My friend drove back to where my husband was, got the money, and came back to where I was. I called DT back and because it had been more than 30 minutes since my original call, they had to treat it as a brand new call. I was told there would be no overage for the towing company that responded to their request because they only charge $3 per mile and the service center was just 13 miles away.

Since they cover up to $75 in towing, I was more than covered. This was great news! It took the tow truck almost three hours to arrive, which put me out in the blazing sun for about five hours, total. I was so sunburned that I could barely move and ended up having second degree burns on my arms and scalp. Once we arrived at the service center, the tow truck driver stuck out his had and said that I owed him $40 for what DT wouldn't pay. I was livid! I only had $25 with me! I was flat out lied to by the warranty person on the phone! Fortunately, my daughter's boyfriend had his ATM card and there was a Walgreens across the street from the service center so he went and got the rest of the money I needed.

The tow truck driver became extremely intimidating when I told him that DT had told me there would be no overage. He told me, "I'm not going anywhere until I get my money! " I was actually scared for my safety at that point. I got my car signed in with the service center and was told they would contact DT and let me know what was going on the next Tuesday. They were closed for Memorial Day weekend. When I received the call, I nearly passed out at work. The mechanic told me that it could be the transmission or it could be the clutch. He said the transmission was covered under warranty but the clutch was not. He just wanted to let me know that the diagnostic would be $430. Before he even knew what was wrong, I was already $430 in. I completely lost it. I called DT back and was told that the mechanic was correct, but if it was the transmission then I would be refunded the cost of the diagnosis. Several days later, I was notified that it was, indeed, the clutch that needed replaced. The cost? $800. I told them to go ahead and do it and that I would probably have to leave my vehicle at the service center for several months before the bill could be paid.

Last Friday, June 7, I was at Auburn University with my daughter, getting her registered for fall classes when I decided to call and see what was going on with the progress of my vehicle since it had been well over a week since I had talked to anyone from the service center. The mechanic told me that he had not started the repairs because he found some other things wrong with the vehicle. The flywheel was bad and had to be replaced, so the bill was now $2,000! I completely flipped out! The mechanic told me that sometimes DT will tack on the repair costs at the end of the car note so I should contact them. This began five days of the most stress I have ever been under. I went back and forth with warranty and supervisors and the dispute department. I finally turned it all over to my husband, as I felt as if I was getting nowhere. My husband talked with a few people and finally, today, we got a response.

DT has agreed to cover all the costs of the repairs, minus $500. We were told that due to our good payment history, they would be happy to help us out. In addition, they also suspended our payments for the month so that the money we use for our payment could go to pay the repair costs. So, the service center has been notified and my car should be repaired within a few days. I am extremely grateful for the end result in this situation

When I purchased my vehicle in October of last year, the sales staff at the DT location could not have been friendlier. The entire staff was helpful and excited for me to be getting the car that I really wanted. We never felt pressure to get into one vehicle over another, and our down payment was extremely low ($400). I can't say enough positive about the actual buying experience. I have had to call customer service with questions about my account and they are always polite and helpful. The warranty department could use a little polishing, though. I have not been exceedingly pleased with them.

The thing I think most people fail to understand is that this is a high-risk business. DT is there to make money and they don't need to have tolerance for people's sob stories when they don't make their payments. As a business, their purpose is not to feel sorry for you when you lose your job, get injured and can't work, lost your house, etc. They want their money and you signed a contract agreeing to give it to them. You have to put yourself in their position and understand that they are only doing their job. The finance company my husband's vehicle is financed with is a complete nightmare and I only wish they were as easy to deal with as DT has been. This will not be my last DT vehicle, as I feel like they made up for their errors and did the right thing to take care of me and my vehicle. I wish all of you who have had truly negative experiences the best of luck and I hope you are able to resolve your issues with DT.

With more than four years to go on payments, I opted to do a voluntary repossession and requested these crooks pick the car up. After two months, they finally picked it up and on my credit report, it stated they repossessed the car. It was better for me to turn that car in than pay for a lemon for four years. My mother out a brand new Honda Civic in her name for me and I'm very happy and fortunate but beware buyers. These people sell lemons!!!! It's better to take your chances at the dealer and get the tiniest economy car they sell with your bad credit until you build it back up rather than buy a lemon from these people. Trust me.

In the meantime, I have no car and Drivetime has my money. The manager at the dealership on Randolph Blvd. was kind enough to tell me that I'd be responsible for whatever their warranty didn't cover. This van was never inspected properly by Drivetime. They knew they had a lemon and waited for the chance to pawn it off on someone. I know my credit score sucks but that doesn't give them the right to sell me shoddy transportation. "Approved, Approved, Approved" and now we know why.

When the 15th came, I called them to make the payment. They told me that they did not want to do business with me anymore and that I had to return the vehicle. The managers were rude. They threatened and told me if I didn't surrender the vehicle, they would take a class 6 felony against me. When I did speak to someone who knew how to talk to me, she told me to re-fax the receipts and they would see what they could do to work it out. I did and that morning, when I got ready to go to work, they picked my car up and refused to take my payment. So now I am out $1,700.00.

I am so pissed with this company. I could go on a streak and burn each one down. Anyone, do not go there. They are the worst and I used to work there. All they care about is making a sale. They don't care about anything else. Stay away.

Cottman assured me that the vehicle showed that the parts were the original parts the vehicle came with straight from the manufacturer. So you tell me who is telling me the truth here. Then not a few weeks later, my driver window (which happens to be power only) would not work. So once again, I am spending money on this vehicle when I should not have to be. This is not considered normal wear and tear for a vehicle they claim to have rigorously tested and made sure was up to standards to sell on a lot. Then just a few months ago again, the vehicle was sputtering and stalling. Only this time, lights were coming on telling me that something was wrong with the engine. So I took it elsewhere and they told me that the coil was bad and the plug and cables were all bad as well. Well, it's funny when I asked Cottman what they replaced just 5 months prior and they said they replaced the very parts that I had to spend $400 on yet again. Lies were told.

So now today, my vehicle was working just fine on Saturday, yet on Sunday, when I went to put it in gear, nothing happened. And what does Drive Time do? They charged me $30 to have it towed to a facility 21 miles away from where I live when they are the ones that lamely don't have a facility near me. Frankly, I think they should pay for it since that is where they want it to be seen. Now, they will charge me yet another $50 just to have a mechanic look at it. I am so done with this kind of false representation of a company. I do not think that we should have to be nickel-and-dimed after they tell us that the vehicle was in good shape; not to mention the vehicle showed no sign of any issues and I have no clue why it is stuck in park. Honestly, I feel that this vehicle is a lemon whether it is used or not. How do I know that the vehicle has not been in a wreck that damaged it causing these issues?

On top of all these issues, the vehicle showed tell signs that it may have been in an accident as the driver door is not flush with the body and the paint on the roof of the back hatch door has been peeling off. There are panels inside the vehicle that are missing. So not a very good rigorous test, don't ya think? They do not deserve a rating from me and I think that they are poorly running their business. Thanks to them, I am without a vehicle and I have no way to get my children to their destinations, let alone perform my job.

With business practice like this, no one should want to buy a car from Drivetime! They talk good, not very trustworthy! In my opinion, the company is a rip-off and I hope a class action lawsuit happens in the near future so that no else is losing their hard earned money! The warranty I paid for, they didn't want to honor! Drivetime never offered to make the repairs within the first thirty days! My opinion, they are a scandalous rip off.

Two days ago, the suction hose for the a/c system busted and all the fluid leaked out while I was driving. I had it checked into and hoses were not covered by warranty, which was no surprise. I called the Dodge dealership to price the part - $157 plus tax. While I had them on the phone, I inquired about the price of a key fob and having the whole thing installed. He said it would take a lot of work and money and highly suggested against it. We talked for a few minutes and he asked why I didn't get that option to begin with because it would be easier. I explained that it was a used car and didn't have the option. He asked me for the VIN and looked up the original purchase order and what the van came with. It turned out it had come with key fobs with the previous owner (which is a rental car place in California). He then asked me how I get into the van because it came with a key fob and the way to turn the van on. I told him I have the key they gave me to unlock the door and then open the rest. He then said, "It doesn't have a key, just a black little box that slides into the ignition with a chip in it but no real key."

Well, it turns out the key I was given was a valet key. I thanked him for the information and hung up. My concern grew at the thought of a key fob and key with chip floating around somewhere out there. I know the chances are slim that someone still has them and knows my exact location. However, in the security field, I have seen stranger things happen. So I know a %1 chance is still a chance. I called up Customer Service where the first lady didn't seem to understand what I was asking for. I said, "I am not looking for you to give me a free key fob because it originally came with one. I am, however, asking that you have the code for the key fob erased and the ignition changed if possible so the chip from the other existing key will not work on it." The only reason I asked for them to do this is because I specifically asked the manager at the location I purchased if there had been any others attached, and he said no.

We went around for 15 minutes before I asked for a manager. She could not produce one. I called back later and spoke with another lady who again could not produce anyone higher up. I said, "I am not asking for free upgrades of any sort, just peace of mind." I pleaded my case again and said, "I don't think I am being outrageous in asking this." I was lied to and would have made another selection given the proper information or opted not to buy. She said that I wasn't lied to; they do not know if there were key fobs or keys lost from before. I said that I understand that but I was flat out told not there wasn't, not, "I'm sorry; I don't have that info," or anything to its likeness. With all conversations, it seemed to be scripted because they all said the exact same things. I once again pleaded with her that I have purchased with them in the past and may in the future; I just want peace of mind and had I gone into this knowing, it would be different, but I was told otherwise. Her reply was, "Do you have full coverage?" I said, "Yes, of course. The van is still being paid off." She said, "Well, there you go, peace of mind."

Angry and frustrated I turned to the dealership thinking, honestly I don't know, but hoping because I have good standing with them from this, the last van, and the car my wife got from them 4 months before I got this van that they might be a little more understanding knowing that I am an unsatisfied customer and would not spend my thousands of dollars there again. Not like the script of the two ladies before, the answer was basically buyer beware. I don't know if anything illegal was done here. Frankly, I am just another low credit customer that they really don't care about, because there are so many others in my situation and they will make money elsewhere. I'm trying to be level-headed in all this, trying to see it somewhat from their side, but a lie is a lie. I will have to pocket the cost of that as well as the new hose.

If you read this, know that I am not saying do not buy from them, but beware of what is to come with them. Customer service is basically not there. There is no concern for you leave with a contract. I guess the only reason I didn't notice the last time was because there were no issues. Now I know and recommend that anyone who does buy from them record the entire session, let them know you are doing it and get everything you can in writing. I never thought that the question I asked needed to be written down for proof, but I was wrong. By the way, just to be fair to DriveTime, I was offered a suggestion of help. The manager at the dealership offered to allow me to bring my van back to them and get out of the contract; it would only go on the credit report I am trying to improve as a voluntary return (repossession) basically. Again, I will never buy from them again, but if you do, be cautious.

I returned the car the next morning. They inspected the car and told me to have a seat while he gets my refund ready. When the general manager walked over to me, he said, “This paper entitles you to a full refund,” and “Sign it here.” He said, “You will be receiving your refund in 10 to 14 days.” I asked him why this paper about the refund was not in the folder with all the other thousands of papers I signed. He refused to answer me at first and then he responded, “I think it is in there.” I said, “No. It’s not in there.” The only paper that’s in there is the one that tells you about the 5-day/300-mile. He starts stuttering and telling me they don’t have any cash there. I said, “That’s fine. I paid on my debit. So just like y’all swiped it to take it off, swipe it to put it back on.” As of this day, I’m still waiting (had to), ending up paying for a rental car now up to two hundred dollars and counting. Can I sue for the expense they are costing me to rent this vehicle?

We bought a 2003 Ford Windstar minivan in August of 2011, a month after our youngest daughter was born. $700 for a down payment and $400/month? Not bad until a week later when the brakes started making a horrible noise and the warranty department said they don't cover brakes and we should have looked them over better before we signed. In November I was driving the van and it stopped on the highway, leaking oil, smoking, etc. We called Drivetime and they called a tow company to have it towed to their preferred mechanic an hour from where we live. Two weeks later the van is done and for $50 we get the van back. Great? Not really. It was the transmission and all the guy did was basically put a Band-Aid over it because in July of 2012 it started to stall out again. So this time we took it to our mechanic and we were told it had a cracked manifold and the catalytic converter had to be replaced, not to mention we also had to fix the rear brakes!

I informed Drivetime that our payment for August would be late considering this new problem. The very rude woman on the phone said that if our payment was late, they would come and take the car. I said, “Fine, here's our address!” We still have the van, but it no longer runs well. We have had to take it to a Ford dealership for recalls that I researched and found. I never got any kind of notice from Drivetime like they said they would. It has cost us more to keep this van, so we have decided that it is worth it just to give up the van and let it go on our credit. If anyone out there is filing a class action lawsuit against them, count us in!

Then Monday came and I went back to Drive Time, so the manager could send me to a repair shop (I went there and got the car fixed). Now I had an emergency where I missed about 2 weeks from work, so I called Drive Time to inform them of my situation and that I was just getting back on my feet and would have a payment to them on Feb 1, 2013. They told me I had to provide them with the documents saying that I was in the hospital with my payment. So I faxed the documents over and they told me that it was not good enough. So I said, "Well, I'll just make a payment," and they refused my payment.

As of now, they want to repossess my car and not take my money for a payment and it's my first payment. I put $1200 down payment and they told me that they use all that for a restocking fee (bs), not to mention that the dealers told me that my payment was $200, but I come to find out they changed it to $400 a month. I'm getting a lawyer and my local media involved to stop them. If you would like to help me stop this from happening again, please e-mail me.

Also, after the purchase deal was closed, the dealership in Houston, Texas basically stopped communicating with us. Every time we tried contacting the sales person who sold us the vehicle to tell them about the problems with the vehicle, she was either gone, on another line, or some other lame duck excuse not to talk to us. We finally stopped calling them and started to communicate with the corporate office, Drive Time Finance company. They charged us over $13,000 for a used 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx that had a several problems: steering problem, missing seat latch, one key, no owner’s manual, no remote for the vehicle which has a factory alarm, only driver side door lock works, and a sticking starter that keeps turning sometime when you start the car.

When we first informed the company of these problems, they finally said the steering problem was covered under their warranty. They told us to take the vehicle to one of their certified service shops, NLine Automotive in Houston, Texas. Later on, when we contacted Chevrolet Company about the steering problem which they fixed for us, we were told that NLine Automotive wasn't even a GM certified dealer. This was just about two months ago. When we first took the car to Nline, they charged us $50 and said they could find nothing wrong with the steering system. We’ve always known from when we first noticed the problem because the instrument panel would always tell us there was a steering problem. When we were on the freeway, we could feel the play and rattle in steering column. The second time we took the car to their dealer, Nline, they said that they found a steering problem and it the estimate to fix the problem was around $900.

So, at first, Drive Time Finance said it was not covered under warranty, but when I talked to another customer service agent, I was told that it was covered under the supposedly lifetime free warranty; we just needed to go to Wal-mart and pay the $250 to, I think they said Nline, and they would pay the rest and add to the loan. By then, we really knew that we had been frauded. Also, a few weeks ago, while unloading the back of the vehicle, the left driver side gate latch slipped from the rusted sock and fell down with great pressure which caused me to fall and injure my already damaged back and hit my friend in the head. I now have to see an orthopedic specialist because of my back pain associated with the defective latch. I can furnish pictures. I'm definitely considering filing a federal complaint in U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas.

This is a company that called us continuously until they got us to the dealership to sell us a car that they basically chose for us, and after the deal, basically neglected to follow through on the promises of their sales person; which I felt then were totally unnecessary. We realized their free warranty is really not worth the paper it's written on and their TV ads representing a free warranty with purchase of one of their cars is actually a limited warranty; every time you have a problem with the vehicle, you have to pay their certified dealers a $50 diagnostic fee, and there’s no telling how much more you need to actually pay to have the vehicle repaired.

That night when I turned on my lights, I noticed that a few of the dash lights weren't working but when you hit a bump or something, they would pick and choose when they wanted to work. The next morning, I had a conference at my school and my mom and I had to drive separate cars because she had to go to work right after. As soon as I turned on the car, the coolant temperature light came on and then immediately started blinking red. I informed my mom right away and she said she would call warranty.

A few days later, my airbag light came on which meant that my airbag was turned off on the driver's side. Warranty advised us to take it to Sears because that is the qualified mechanic for the dealership. Sears said that the coolant light was coming on because my car had to warm up before I turned on my heater, but I wasn't even turning on my heater right away so I saw this as a bunch of BS. I had also asked them to take a look at the dash lights and the airbag and they said they couldn't do anything about it. They did have to replace my Axle boot which shouldn't have been bad because my car doesn't have that many miles on it. The car did fine after that but then a week before Christmas, my car was making a weird popping noise so I took it back to Sears and they could hear it but they couldn't figure out what the problem was.

A few days later, my engine started to make this ticking noise and every time I would accelerate the car, it would make the popping noise and continue ticking. This was freaking me out as I was by myself on the other side of town from where I live and I couldn't figure out what it was. Then when I would put the car in reverse, it would pull and make this awful grinding sound. I called my mom and she called Warranty again and they sent us to a different Drive Time mechanic. I informed the mechanic of all of the problems Sears couldn't figure out along with the new problems. They had my car for a weekend and then we got a call from them.

All four motor mounts were going out on my car along with an air bag sensor. They said that it looked like someone had clipped the bolts on my mounts. Let me remind you that I've only had this car for 56 days and it has been in the shop 4 times since I bought it. To repair the car, it was going to be $2,000. They had called Warranty to get the job approved and they denied the request. My mom raised hell.

How could the car be under warranty still and them not cover a job that involves the engine? I am 18 years old and this car was putting me in danger. We towed the car back to my house and had a different person look at it. When my car was shifted away from park, my whole engine would fall forward. How could these idiots supposedly do a thorough inspection on the car and not catch this? My mom called and went crazy on Warranty, the GM of the dealership, and the dealership itself. They said, "I'm sorry but it doesn't cover it just like before."

When my mom got on the phone with the GM, he blamed the damage on us saying that we did it to the car. Why would my mom crawl under my car and cut the bolts on my engine mounts and endanger her own daughter? These people are utterly insane! He told her that all they would cover is $400 of the job and no more than that. How could they let an unsafe car drive off their lot especially knowing that a teenager will be driving it? I'm going to college in a few months. What if this would have happened while I was on the road to college or while I was at college and left me without a car?

These people just care about money. They don't care about consumer safety and they never will. My car still has not been fixed after two weeks of fighting with them. My mom refuses to pay on a car that we can't even drive and that they won't fix. If the car gets fixed, how do we know this won't happen again? Drive Time is an awful dealership. Do not purchase a car from them! They don't live up to their warranty and they charge outrageous prices for used cars that are pieces of crap! Don't rush. Go elsewhere for a car. If you don't, you'll just get screwed in the end just like my mom and I.

My spouse and I agreed to give them another chance and looked at other vehicles on the lot. We found another Dodge Caliber, a much newer model with less mileage, and it was cheaper than the last vehicle per Drive Time. The balance owed to me would be applied. We test drove the vehicle around the block again, no problems were noted. The vehicle was driven 4.2 miles to get home. The next day the vehicle wasn't driven until that night around 7 pm. The vehicle was driven a additional 16 miles away from home. En route back home, the engine light came home, the vehicle was driven home a total of 32 miles. Drive Time was contacted the next morning. I was told to contact Warranty department to find out where to take the vehicle and that they would only cover a rental if kept for 3 days. I shared with Drive Time I did not want to contact anyone, I just wanted my money back. I was told I needed to speak with the manager. I then asked to speak with him, then I was told he just left. I told them to not worry, I would be returning the car between 4:30 and 6:30 and to have my cash money available and I hung up the phone.

While waiting for my spouse to get off from work so we could take the vehicle back, I decided to take it for the free Diagnostic Check when engine light is on. I was given a printout of all the things that was going on. I was totally shocked at what was showing up on the printout for a vehicle that had been inspected less than 30 days ago. I was able to return the car later that evening. Of course, again, they were trying to sell me another car. I told them I had no desire to get anything else from them and would not be referring anyone else to them, I only wanted my money. Of course no cash was given. I was told check would be cut and mailed out to me as soon as I cancelled the contract that night and to check back in 7 days. After waiting 7 business days, no check had been received. I called Drive Time for several days after the 7th day, then was told they would call me. After a total of 15 working days, I was contacted that the check was in the office. I picked up the check, then had to wait a total of 10 business days for check to clear. I felt all of this was a bunch of hog wash, never again.

I have called numerous times to Drive Time to get the matter resolved and the warranty dept. keeps telling me to take the van back to Meineke. It's quite clear that the work is out of Meineke scope of practice due to the ongoing problems with the van. The make and model is a Dodge Grand Caravan 2006. I purchased the van in February of 2011. Since then, I have replace the rotors, brake calibers, water pump, O ring, 2 power steering pumps, rack in pinion. It's an ongoing problem with this van. I would like for them to give me another vehicle or my money back.

They gave me a rental for 5 days and they didn't even want to pay Enterprise their money when I dropped my rental back. I still had to pay $120 for the insurance, so after giving them a down payment, I still had to spend more money 3 days later. In the place (AAMCO) where they fixed my car, they didn't even put on there what was wrong with the car. I would tell everyone to please do not get a car from Drivetime. They are a piece of ** car lot. Keep all your paperwork too. I regret getting a car from them. Now I'm stuck with a payment for the next 4 years on a car I do not want. I am going to call the BBB. My car has been in the shop for more than it's been out. Shop around. Don't be in a rush to get a car.

Again, they can't fix the problem either. But Sears did give me print out and I took that to Drivetime. They just keep giving me the runaround. The warranty department is telling me to find a mechanic that will accept the warranty. I did my part. They have three vendors in Little Rock, AR and they do not fix major things. I asked to speak with the supervisor of the warranty department and she did not help at all. Why do I have to ride around town asking all these companies to fix my car? That is what the warranty department is for. She said that I'm asking them wrong. She even said that the exhaust is not covered under warranty. I've been trying to get this fixed since 10-10-12, so it was covered under warranty. They will not give me another car and told me I have to find someone to fix it. It's now 11-16-12 and I'm still going through the same thing with them. Do not get a car from Drivetime.

One day while on the highway with my grandchild in the back seat, the truck stopped. The call center told me to take it back to the shop and let them look at it. All of this in 2 weeks of having this truck. I made the payment but kept asking to please exchange the truck. The third week of having the truck, the left side had a bad oil leak. They only fixed that side a week later. The right side had the same oil leak. They claim to have done a 5-point inspection. But yet my truck had lots of problem. I was told by one of the warranty department staff, Chris, that I would not have to make a payment. The next thing you know, I’m behind on a payment due to a manager overturned what he told me. I lost my job. They claim to work with you; the lady had my car repossessed for one payment. She felt it was best for them.

I had to wait until the next day to get it towed to the other shop and come to find out, they couldn't check it because it had to do with the engine, so I had to get it towed back to the other shop. I had the vehicle for only one day and after that, it was just headache after headache. It just wasn’t worth it, so I just had it towed back to Drivetime to get my money back, but even that I couldn't get back. I have to wait 15 days to get my downpayment back when I paid them cash. So now, I’m left with no money and no car. Don't go to Drivetime.

Now the first time I took it to Sears was 03-10-2012 and I took it back 03-17-2012 to get my brakes fixed. I called DriveTime right before Sears did to make sure that DriveTime would fix my car and I was told yes, that DriveTime would still fix the brakes on my car. Later on Sears called DriveTime to confirm that they would fix my car but DriveTime denied my claim and would not fix my car. So, I talked to DriveTime to find out why and they told me that I had gone past the 30 days and they will not pay for it but I had told DriveTime about my car before the 30 days. I said they should fix my car but they refused.

Later on I filed a complaint about my brakes and how they would not fix my car and they called me back and told me the reason why my claim was denied was because I went over a certain amount of miles but that was not what I was told before. Then on 07-12-2012, all of my brakes lights went out at the same time. I called DriveTime about that and they told me if it was electrical they would not fix it. Later on I found out that Hyundai had a recall on the 2007 Elantra for the problem that I was having with the brakes lights and Hyundai fixed free but DriveTime had this car in 2011 when Hyundai had another recall on the 2007 Elantra and DriveTime did not take it to Hyundai to get what needed to be fixed on the car fixed.

On 07-17-2012, I took my car to Hyundai and they found other things wrong with my car. My transmission fluid is black and needs to be flushed as well as my coolant and my timing belt is also bad and needs to be changed. I went to DriveTime to let them know what Hyundai had found and asked them to fix my car and they told me I needed to call the warranty repair line to file a claim and also he slipped up and said that all the things that is wrong with my car should have been fixed. So, I called and talked to my case worker that was assigned to me and I told Denise (the case worker) about the new problems with my car and Denise told me to take it to one of the repair shops, that they could look at my car but I have to pay 50 dollars so they can look at the problems with my car.

At the time, I did not have the money to pay 50 dollars so I waited until I had the money and I've been down through this with DriveTime already once before. So, I called back to make sure my car would be fixed and I was told that if it is a maintenance problem that they would not fix it and they said that they don't do maintenance on cars, that they just fix broken cars and basically told me that I would have to wait until my car breaks down for DriveTime to fix it. I told them, "What if I was driving and my car breaks down? I would be stuck on the side of the road," and that I am telling DriveTime about the problem now for them to fix it before it happens.

They said that if that happens, that is why they offer road side assistance. So DriveTime still will not fix my car and the gentleman at Hyundai, Gene **, told me that DriveTime should not have sold me a car in bad condition and that my car should have been fixed before they sold it to me. He also said that the timing belt on my car should have been changed at 60,000 miles but was not changed. DriveTime did the inspection on my car on 09-28-2011 and did not check or overlooked the fact that this car needed work done on it. Now all the things that is wrong with my car I could not have done because I just got this car in February and DriveTime refuses to fix my car. DriveTime sucks. Don't buy a car from them.

I have picked my minivan up 5-6 times with problems each time that require me to return the car to the repair shop. I can't afford to get a rental car that is big enough to hold my family of 6 but even after over 50 days of not having my car, DriveTime refuses to step in and help me get into a rental car that will hold my family. They are also doing nothing to help force the repair shop to take the proper steps in order to ensure that my car will be fixed properly this time.

I dropped my van off again today only to be told by the shop manager that he has, and I quote, "No idea what is wrong with the car". How is it that he can run a repair shop, fix thousands of cars, but he can't figure out what is wrong with my car after 50 days. DriveTime as a company is a joke. They rip you off at every turn. I have had multiple rental bills to be reimbursed for and to this point, I have only received the reimbursement for one receipt.

My payment date falls on a Saturday every other week, but DriveTime is closed on Saturday. So unless I remember to call and pay the payment in advance, then they charge me almost $12.00 a day in interest fees for Saturday and Sunday because they are closed on Sunday also. So, every other week if I forget to make the payment on the Friday before I am charged $24.00 because DriveTime is closed. I have called and requested that my payment date be changed only to be told no, that they can't do that. I am so sick of dealing with DriveTime! Please do not consider ever buying a car from this company. They do not help rebuild your credit. They hurt you even more and they don't care about the customer.

When you hit a bump, the car continues to bounce after and sometimes bounces me into the other lane. The car has an odor or antifreeze, the sunroof no longer wants to completely close, there is a horrible squeak and all of these just within one week of owning. I emailed my sales rep and after a week of no response, I contacted her manager (only to find out she was no longer with the company). The manager only told me my tags were in (keep in mind, the list was not this long then but it continues to grow daily). I decided to write the company a letter explaining the situation and asking for a resolution of these problems. That was not over 2 weeks ago and still no response. I am now taking matters in my own hands to get this resolved before the car falls apart.

A week later, my service light came on for some oil when they told me it did not need oil. So I went to their service provider, Sears, for an oil change. The next day, I called and even emailed the company customer service department, warranty department, and sales department to see if I can return the car and get my money back, and to pay the restocking fee of $250. So weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds, with no reply back whatsoever. I called and called again, no response. And the minute I decided not to pay my note on the day it was due, I magically got a phone call from one of the departments so quickly but never had responded back to my inquiry about returning the vehicle.

Two months go by, the brakes go which makes it 2 and half months of having the car. The alignment was off. And I needed new brakes so I notified the warranty department, and the brakes are not part of the warranty. And the lady insisted that they couldn't do anything about it, or recommend me to a place to get it fixed.

So now, I got rid of the car and their services. The car was breaking down little bit by little bit and they could not help with anything but yet it’s a warranty on the vehicle I do not understand that philosophy. They are a waste of time and waste of money because you will put more down and the price of the vehicle is over priced by $4k to $5k. For example, they have a 2010 Dodge Caliber that is on average market under $12k to $13k but they wanted $15k to $18k for the vehicle. They are overpricing their used products and also are not reliable and mind you their cars come with lots of mileage! Please do not use them at all for services. Take it from those who experienced what we have experienced.

Now into my 3rd month, and lo and behold, the timing and water pump went out as well as the air conditioner (again). The new shop said this car is a piece of crap and recommended that I get rid of it. But because they rob you blind with the contract and payment on this crap, I can't do anything without being in a complete loss of funds! I understand I did sign the contract and my prior car from them was great (6 years ago). Now, it's just sad that they prey on the helpless who need help!

About 6 months later, we get a call saying that our payment was late. I said no, it's not, we have paid you all. She said no, your payment dates have changed and I said I didn't authorize a change, she stated that their computer system can change the dates and it will automatically generate a letter with your new payment dates. I explained that I didn't get a letter and that didn't matter because they couldn't tell me I have to pay on weeks I don't get paid. She explained to me that they wouldn't be changed back and the late fees would add up.

I asked to go to monthly payments and then she said okay and that it was fine. So, I made my 1st monthly payment about 8 months later. I got another letter stating that my payments are behind again. I said no, I paid late fees and just made my monthly payment. The Rep who was very rude, out of the Atlanta, GA office tells me that I still have to make my bi-weekly payments until they have switched me over to monthly payments. I stated that's what the last rep, 2 months ago did. He stated that I still have to make my bi-weekly payment along with my monthly payments for 4 months before they switch me. I said to him no, they can't triple bill someone and I was going to report them to the BBB and the Tennessee Governor’s Office to be investigated. He tells me that it doesn't matter anyway because they have more offices than just the one in Madison, TN. I said okay, I am going to report you and hung up.

Two days later, I get a call from someone in their collections department, asking me what I am going to do about the late fees. I said I wasn't going to pay them because the computer shouldn't have changed my dates, if it really does that and also, I had been making my bi-weekly payments and a monthly payment. She said that this was in collections now and when am I going to pay them? I said I have other bills to pay, so they all will continue to get paid once a month like me and what the rep had setup. She then yells at me, what you mean other bills? You obviously don't pay your bills otherwise your account wouldn't be in collections. I told her to get me her supervisor, she hung up the phone.

I called back and spoke with a supervisor who stated, look I don’t care what happened between you and that rep when are you going to pay us. I said you all have been paid and I am disputing these late fees. He asked when will I make my next payment. I said my next payday is on the 5th. He said that wasn’t good enough and that I better come up with something else. I said that's when my next monthly payment is due and that’s when you’ll get paid. He then tells me, look, I don't have time for you to wait on your welfare check or to sell your food stamps. You need to get this money the best way you can. I said, excuse me, I don't get food stamps nor do I receive welfare you all contacted me about doing business with you and not the other way around. He said, look, are you making a payment today? I said no and I want your supervisor. He said that he is the assistant supervisor and doesn't have to transfer me to anyone and hangs up the phone.

The next day, I get a call from a manager asking me what can they do to get me to keep the car and that they want to keep me as a customer. I said what are you talking about, he said that he sees a note here that I called in yesterday and told them to come get the car. I stated that wasn’t true and I told him what happened and told him that I want to file a complaint. He told me that I have to call back to the complaint line and that he will speak to this manager.

I called to file the complaint and the lady acts like she doesn't want to be bothered. I asked her why I didn't hear any typing, she tells me because the keyboard is quiet. I called the next day and they claim to have no record of my complaint. I finally get a good caring manager who was just as upset she corrects everything on my account. I had a $300 credit from over paying, she apologized and I told her that I never want anyone from that company calling unless it's her. Well, lo and behold, I guess because she cared about customers and customer service, she is gone. So, I got a call from another supervisor and I told them I don't want anyone from this company calling me ever again and hung up.

That was about 8 months ago, since I quit answering calls from them and they now call up to 6 times a day just from different numbers. They also told me that per federal law, all military are to have no more than 6% interest on them. They stated several times that it is up to the company whether they want to participate or not and they are a company that doesn't. So, I had to get legal in on that and when they realized they were going to get in federal trouble, they fixed that, but the customer service and the whole experience was horrible. They contact you to do business with them and then they act horrible. This company definitely needs to be investigated.

Well, this problem happened about 4 other times and the same results, "There is no problem." The engine light has been on this whole time. So now, it has been 6 months and I am taking it back for the fifth time. Now, they tell me that the evaporator canister and purge pump is bad and needs to be replaced. Drivetime warranty will not cover the $750.00 that is need to do this repair, and now, a year later, I need to get my car inspected and it will not pass because the check engine light is on. I don’t see why I should pay the money to have this car repaired. So now, I am paying for a $16,000 car that I cannot drive!

How can they get away with harassing calls and selling people vehicles like that? I will never buy a car from them ever again. At the time I needed a car to get to work and school but never again!

A week after driving the car off the lot I needed new brakes; also, car was sold to me with broken components of the roof rack. I got the brakes from a non drive time warranty approved mechanic, simply for my own safety, as the mechanic they wanted me to go to was in a very scary neighborhood I was not willing to be in. A couple months later my car needed motor mounts. I paid for them without bothering to call warranty for a runaround and being sent to an unsafe environment, and so that my car would actually get fixed. Just under 4 years past, in November of 2011 I lost all financial aid from school due to too many units. I thought after a perfect record of close to 4 years of on time, overpriced payments where I had already paid the blue book value of the car in full at least 3 times over, that maybe I could get a loan extension. DriveTime would not work with me and they added another 10 months to my contract without me knowing, saying that now my maturity date is October of 2012.

I signed a four-year contract. I believe my documents were doctored. I never seem to get to the same person twice at DriveTime and after answering the same questions and telling the same story at least 12 times when they call, I gave up. I was threatened about effects to my credit "like it could get worse" and was basically told I had two days to come up with money I just didn't have. After neglecting eating and borrowing money I didn't have from other people, I made the payment they demanded immediately. And then I started getting calls 4 and 5 times a day and emails. I replied to the emails. That went to a direct person’s inbox with no reply from DriveTime. I have the emails saved as proof for when they try to say I didn't email them. I have asked for them to stop the harassing phone calls and communicate through email only. My request was ignored. In fact, I just got a call while writing this complaint.

So let's see. I was lied to about my contract, sold a lemon, robbed of money over 4 times the value of the car and now myself and family members are being harassed by phone. I have told DriveTime to come and get the car if they want it so badly. I no longer wish to sink another dime into a piece of ** I’m paying BMW payments for. This company is robbery in how-it's-legal-I-don't know form and I am angry to say the very least. I am very interested in seeking legal representation for this matter. Does anyone know how to start a class action law suit? They have bled me dry.

I eventually had to spend $1500 to get that part fixed, then turn around and something else goes wrong. I was so frustrated with that car. I contacted the Better Business Bureau and was told the lemon law only applies to new cars, not used cars. I showed all my repair receipts to prove that I made numerous attempts to fix the car. Because of the repairs, I got behind with the payments. I was told that they would put the payments on the back of the loan but that didn't help me because I still have to repair the car myself. After that situation in about 6 months, here I go again making serious repairs again. After this last time of making repairs, I was at Walmart and trying to leave; the car wouldn't start.

I got so frustrated with the car because I was paying more for the car than the car was worth. I called them again and again there was no assistance. I told them where the car was and to pick it up because I was done making payments on it. Now I have a judgement on my credit report for over $9000. I tried to do a settlement to get this issue resolved and was told by a very rude person that I would have to pay half the balance. That is hard to do when you are on unemployment. It is a wonder this company is still in business. There should be a class action lawsuit against them.

Now, the car gave me problem with bearing in both from tire Drivetime denied my request, I run two paid late to try to fix the car and I received calls with attitude. We are client not a child.

I want Drivetime to take the vehicle back. I will hire a lawyer for bankruptcy because they threat me to put me in court for money I owed. I'm tired spending money for repair and make payment.

I thought, "Cool, that would be three years." I didn't need to worry about my truck, I just have to keep up on the pm,oil change, tires, brakes etc. Less than 45 days, the thermostat goes bad. I had to fight with the warranty department to get it fixed and I ended up paying part of it not to mention the day of work I lost while it was getting fixed.

So, I haven't missed a payment twice a month for a year in a half, I just put new brakes and tires and a battery less than six months ago. Then one day after work, I went to start my truck, it started but really rough and before I could get out of the driveway, I see a lot of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe so I stopped. I work for a trucking company so I asked the mechanic to look at it, he told me it was the head gasket and another mechanic agreed that was the problem.

So I parked the truck, called drive time warranty department and told them what happened. They told me it was covered and gave me the number of the nearest repair shop. I called them to set it up and called the warranty department again, told them what they said, it was going to cost between thirteen & eighteen hundred bucks and I doubled check that it was covered. The next morning when I called roadside assistance they told me I wasn't covered.

So I called the warranty department back and they told me it wasn't covered. I was out of warranty. I told them I have a 36-month warranty, then the said or 36k miles I was just over that but I don't remember them ever saying 36k miles it was just 36-months. They deceived me on that, then they don't want to help fix it. I paid 15k for that truck.

I am a single father, single income household. I don't have 200 dollars for towing and 1500 dollars for repairs. I borrowed money from my boss to get my truck fixed because if i can't get to work I would lose my job, my house etc. So, I lost two days of work while it was getting fixed. I drove the truck for a week and it was running great then coming home from work it lost power. The ** motor blew up.

I had a mechanic check it out, and he told me, easy 5k to fix it. I called drive time, talked to them, they told me they would loan me the 5k to fix the truck. I said I would if they pay half they said, "no". I said I am not paying 15k for a truck that I have had a year in a half then have too take another 5k loan to fix it come get it.

They then said, "We are not in a habit of picking up vehicles." I said you do, when payments aren't made and I am not paying to tow it back to you either. Now 30 days later I get 3 or 4 phone calls a day from different people all the time with the same concern, "You're late with your payment". I tell them, I cancelled the ins and I'm not paying another dime for that lemon come get it.

I have had this vehicle for a little over 1 month. I checked the engine light on. On my way, my left front wheel flew off the car while driving on the freeway. I had it towed to the Jeep dealer. They informed me that due to rust, lug nuts broke and caused front end damage. I was also told that a new catalytic converter was put on the vehicle. But it was the cheapest, smallest one they could find just to pass it through smog. And it needed to already be replaced.

The issues with the air condition system were the least of my worries. I was told by Drivetime, "Sorry tires are not covered". And they told me that I should call my insurance. I contacted customer service chat so I would have it in writing. They told me: "Our thorough inspection process insures that all safety systems, such as brakes and tires are in good condition. No immediate repairs are necessary. And every factory option is operational and in good working order." I guess tires are not a factory option. Drivetime refused to swap for a safe vehicle.

That's when I called the warranty department myself and spoke to Edgar. Edgar, a warranty department representative for DriveTime, began to argue with me in a hostile fashion saying that it is an uncovered item and that I would have to fit the bill myself, despite the fact that I was a new customer. DriveTime boasts of having a "36-month warranty or 36,000 miles" which is limited. They don't cover what is wrong with the car that you purchase! After a very long discussion with Edgar, my claim was resubmitted for a second consideration, in which several hours went by before a decision was reached.

DriveTime informed me that I had to pay the labor charges for the repair and they would only pay for the parts of the repair. My cost would be $300.00 on a car that I had just purchased and literally had just made one payment on! I called the salesman at the Pinellas Park location and told him of the situation. His exact words were "Uh, I don't know. Uh, I don't know." The manager at the dealership was also of no help other than just repeating that the "warranty claim was under a second review." DriveTime boasts of "quality cars" and a 36 month warranty but it's not the case at all! They obviously sell vehicles that have major problems and will not back up their "52 point inspections" that they say that they do on their cars!

The car guzzles gas like it's an 8-cylinder truck, the brakes have slipped, the interior lights flick on and off and A/C belt is rotten. The ultimate happened last week when I tried to lower my convertible top. The whole rear window crushed and glass went everywhere. Needless to say, this shouldn't have happened. I took it to one of the approved car repair facilities and paid the $50 deductible. Of course, they can't find anything wrong. None of the issues I experienced are covered under their "warranty".

I've spoken to supervisors in warranty and filed a complaint in customer service. I've been riding around with no rear window for the past week because I can't afford to get the $600 window replaced. This is just an invitation for a thief to break into my car. Nothing pisses me off more that I paid $1000 down (which was all I had) and paying a car note for a car that looks like it belongs in a junk yard. They offered to defer a payment, however, I think they should be responsible for at least paying for the window. Apparently, it's defective and I shouldn't be having this type of issue two months into having the vehicle.

It's unfortunate that companies like this can set shop and prey on people with bad credit. All consumers have rights, even the ones with bad credit. I'm afraid now that buying this car will leave me in a worse predicament than I was in before. I'm considering just returning the car back to them but I've wasted so much money on the down payment and car notes. If anyone has any advice, it would be much appreciated. I'm so upset!

Tell me why this is allowed to happen? I faithfully paid my car on time and never had to be contacted once about payment. So I went through all of that only to be denied in the end because of credit score. You all know my payment history. You also know that I'm a faithful payer. It is within your power at corporate to say yes or no and review my file and history and tell me why I can't get another car or truck.

I'm ready to get one but not if I must put money down and lower monthly payment.

From what I was told, I would get a full tank of gas; it didn’t happen. The manager named Morgan could only do $15.00. They have changed the date of payment and the down payment amount also changed. Last but not the least, at the end of this deal, I said, “I will write you a check for $601.00.” I was then told they don't take checks. This had not been disclosed to me prior to me taking possession of the vehicle. There were no signs posted in the location at 9645 North Freeway letting the customer know any of this information.

I bought the vehicle to the shop but it still had the same problems. I refused to pay $50 because every time I took it to them they said that car has no problems. On June 21,2011 the car overheated, I took it back to the shop and they told me it was the engine even if I only had the car for three months.

I couldn't believe they had my car for three weeks! I missed my doctor's appointment, my therapy appointment and I had to use my vacation money to rent a car so I can go to work and travel out of town. On August 8,2011 they took the car back to the shop and they said that they will keep the car for a day and a half but I didn't have means of transportation so I had to keep my car then.

On July 6,2011 I got the rental car returned and I paid $10 a day to get to work. Then I picked the car up from the shop on July 12,2011, however the next day, the steering wheel locked while I was driving so I had to take the car back. When I took it back they said that the power steering was broken so they repaired it. But then the car was still shaking. When I went to work the engine light came back on. I called the shop again and they told me to bring it back at shop again. I did. Then the lady at the shop told me that they had to reset the car because of the new engine.

When I was going home from work, the car didn't start. I called Drive Time and told them about it, they told me to bring the car back before they close at 6pm, it was already 5:45. I still looked for a jump for the car, when I was finally able to find one, it was already 7pm. I went home instead and rented another car so I could go out of town. When I got home from that out of town, the car still did not start. I took it back to the shop and they said they tested it and that the car needed a new battery. They informed me that it was not covered by the warranty and that I had to pay for the new battery.

I asked the shop why is it shaking if its only problem is the battery, they answered that they forgot to tighten a screw. I spent $127 on the battery plus the labor cost $50. After that, the engine light was still on so they told me to bring it to the shop but they informed me that I'd be paying another $50 so they can fix it.

Upon contacting the company for assistance, they continually refer me back to the mechanic and tell me they need to discuss the claim with them, not me, the consumer. Today, the vehicle stalled six times while driving in traffic with a car full of children.

He could see us maybe getting a fuel injection treatment, but wasn't necessary. He suggested using a higher grade of gas, and this should fix the sputtering while driving. We used 89 gas for a week, and still had the same problem, so my husband called the Warranty Department back and they sent us to the another service company they deal with for warranty work. The next day, we dropped the truck off at American Transmission (7am) and left it with them all day. My husband called them at 5pm after not hearing anything back from them that day, to be told they did not have a chance to look at it.

We picked the truck up from them and was then told to bring it back on Monday morning because they are less busy and could get to it then. Two weeks later they guy from American Transmission called to find out what were our plans for bringing the truck back, I told him to call my husband. We made another appointment to bring the truck in through the week, which meant we have to take off work. We took the truck in and it came out that it needed a major tune up that would cost $350, the Warranty Department refused to pay and we didn't have the money right then and still had to pay the $50 for them to check the truck out.

My husband called the Warranty Department back and they agreed to pay for the spark plugs. Really, spark plugs? That's a whopping $10, if that. Fast forward to today June 9 and the truck is at the Jeep dealership because the engine light came. Jeep now says we need some sort of shift gear replacement piece and the Warranty Department once again is saying it's not covered and they won't pay. So, we are looking at $800 now to replace this part and don't have the money to invest. We pay car payments on time and keep insurance on this truck and don't have the extra money to put into this truck. The real sad thing about it all is, I traded in a van that was paid off for this debt!

They charged the loan off and I only owned $2400.00 left and I was taken out of work and put on disability and they would not work with me and help me out so I can keep my car. They would call 7-10 times a day and give my personal information to my 13-year-old son and my daughter’s mother-in-law and my daughter without content. I’m not sure what this company is doing, but they’re breaking every law. They don’t go off their contact, and also they just came and repossessed my car. I’m a single mother and paid on this call for a while and now they can just do what they want, and we, as the buyers, have to sit there and take this because we have bad credit. It’s not right and I’ll be bringing this to the newspapers to open investigation, or if you can help me. Thanks.

the Carmax report that Hyundai gave me, says that the car is a junk that title could have been washed. The report I got from Drive Time during the time of purchase doesn't say that and they use autocheck. I went to Drive Time, asked them for an explanation and they say they couldn't help me, that I needed to get in contact with experian automotive because they where responsible. Contacted experian automotive by e-mail and nothing, because there's no direct number. So, in reality, I don't know what to do.

Okay, so I took it to the designated place and they told me it was just the ignition coil and I needed new plugs. They wanted to charge me almost 400 bucks to fix it and pay no mind to the oil leaking in to the cylinder. I said no and still had to pay the 50 dollar charge for them looking at it. I understand that vehicles have problems every now and again. But seriously! I have had this thing for 5 months and I shouldn't have to be fixing this! According to Drivetime, it's not internal engine parts. Do not buy from Drivetime, you will pay out more in fixing the car than driving it. Ugh!

They agreed to set up a time to come and pick the car up. They stopped calling me for one week and then they started back calling 3 to 4 times a day. When I spoke with one of the people from Drivetime, they told me they would not come get the car and I would have to bring it back to them. I advised them I had some people looking into where the car came from because it had severe work damaged to my engine which caused all the problems I have been having with the car.

They told me, they would continue to call me everyday until I bring the car back to them and I advised them it was harassment for them to keep calling me after I made arrangements for them to come get the car. They advised me they will keep billing my account and putting it on my credit and that is what they have been doing for the past month. One lady stated she will keep calling my job, neighbors, friends, and whoever else she has to call until they get the car back. I should not be the one to return the car to them if I was advised they would come pick it up.

As of October 31, 2010 I paid them $3300.00 which was my balance. They came back saying I needed to make payments and sent me a notice saying I owe an additional $1510.79 to get my title and I was told if I had any questions to call the number at the bottom on the page on November 22, 2010 it was mailed to me . I received the notice on November 28, 2010. I called the number which was the wrong department they hung up on me and gave me the run around then Friday December 3,2010 they picked up my car and are holding it ransom until I pay some $1510.79 fee they added to my account after I paid it off.

This is **! I hate Drive Time I wasn't even 90 days late when they charged off my account and they refused to help me with my account when I couldn't pay because my loan was too close to being paid off and balance was under $5000.00. I was told by Sara the Manager that Drive Time don't have to tell me about any fees they apply to my account or the terms if my account is charged off that I have to pay the outstanding balance.

Drive Time bills late fees on your account and don't tell you and then when you and make a regular payment Drive Time will apply your payment to the late fee first and cause your payment amount to be shortened and then DT will bill you another late fee. If you over pay or pay early on the account and have a late fee your payment goes to all late fees first and then your normal payment. Drive Time had late fees on my account that rolled over from 2006 to March 2010 after I found out it was on my account. Don't Buy from Drive Time Go to a real dealership. They will steal your hard earned money and car.

7/5/09, car needed wheel alignment steering was shaky and needed tightening on rt. wheel installed front/rear brakes recently. 4 new tires, battery, it needs a mass air flow filter since April 2010. I have to keep pulling the positive cable off the battery to reboot the computer in the engine to start it it keeps stalling out with all kinds of codes and had to be towed about 6 times within the past 6-8 months .

Also the drivers door last year, locked up and I can't open it up from inside/outside (a spring broke in the door-- its too expensive to fix so I left it since last July 2009. This is the worst car I ever had in my life. I would not recommend it to my worst enemy or anyone else to buy a Kia car anywhere. They should take all these Kia cars off the market. They are garbage. The manufacturer should be responsible enough to compensate the people who are putting their lives in jeopardy driving/owning one. I hate to say this but Kia meant kick in **!

Get this; I paid more a month on a 2003 Mercury Sable at $400.00 per month then my Friend did for a 2009 BMW 325i at $315.00 per month. How is this legal? Isn't this targeting a certain social class? Don't we pay taxes to have representation against those who thrive on keeping the poor poorer? Why would you charge the socially challenged more? The risk you might say? The risk doesn't come close to being charged over 5 times what a vehicle is worth. I understand there are risks involved in handing over keys to someone who might not pay. That's what repos are for. Okay that's another $1,000.00 fee tops. So justify charging me over 5 time the bluebook value of the piece of crap vehicle that's been giving me hell since I got it. I was not a mechanic and didn't have the slightest idea about cars. I was desperate and ignorant.

Now it's insult to injury. I fall a couple months behind because I'm laid off. I have already paid over $ 12,000.00 into my vehicle and they repo me this morning. Crazy thing I started a new job. What are they going to do resell it for $ 10,000.00? It's only worth $ 1,000.00 tops. It needs electrical repairs totaling $1,000.00 (It dies about 5 times a day on the freeway, etc.) Not even worth trying to get back. Or is it for credit purposes?

What I don't understand is how our elected officials allow such interest rates targeting the poor and credit challenged. Hello, we are poor. Why do you assume we should pay more for a vehicle than those with more money or good credit?! Get this, I paid more a month on a 2003 Mercury Sable at $400.00 than my friend did for a 2009 BMW 325i at $315.00 per month. How is this legal?

I understand there are risks involved in handing over keys to someone who might not pay. That's what repos are for. Okay, that's another $500.00 fee tops. So justify charging me over 5 times the blue book value of the piece of ** vehicle that's been giving me **l since I got it. Get this, I fall a couple months behind because I'm laid off, I have already paid $12,000.00 into it and they repossess on me this morning.

What are they going to do, resell it for $10,000.00? It's only worth $1000.00, tops, to repair maybe $1000 ( it dies about 5 times a day on the freeway, etc. ) It's not even worth trying to get back.

After two years on a four-year contract, my transmission went and boy was I mad. I called them and they started treating me bad. They were very disrespectful and nasty, basically saying that I still owe them and we won't pay our payments. My payments were $198 every two weeks and I told them that they need to come get this!

I'm doing a voluntary repossession and they didn't want to hear that. They keep calling my job and in the evening, being nasty to my co-workers, and they called all the people on the reference paper, even threatening them and being very nasty. I told them come get it and I am not paying for this car since the transmission blew. I was wrong when I got nasty, so the lady cursed me out and said that if I can't afford it, then bring it to them. I told her if I could drive it, I would. The transmission blew and we'll have someone come get it and asked when I am going to pay for the vehicle. If they fix the transmission for free, then I will submit a payment. She said that it's not gonna happen, so I said the same thing, just come pick this up.

It took almost a month before they came and got it, but the calls kept coming. I even sent emails to their corporate office, wrote a few letters, but they kept harassing everyone I knew. I wouldn't recommend anyone to get a car from them and even a wagon if they sold those. The transmission blew and I was still forced to pay.

Sunday, March 21st, 2010, while on our way to church, a police officer pulled us over for no plates. He took my info and said that, "[He] could see that the registration and license was good but for whatever reason, my plates were in lieu and hadn't been released." The officer seemed puzzled at the entire case, and gave me a fix it ticket for July 6th, 2010. Then he urged my husband and me, to call the DMV and our dealership.

Monday, 03/22/2010, I called Drivetime and the DMV about the situation at hand. Both representative attempted to blame one another for the delay of sending out my plates, registration, and tags. The DMV rep stated that they had never received information for the items. While Drivetime admittedly professed that they had sent those documents off in 11/2009.

Fast-forward to the morning of Wednesday, June 30th, 2010, I was pulled over by Hawthorne Police on my way to work while entering the N405 FWY from Imperial. The officer asked, "where are your license plates?". I proceeded to tell him of how I never received them or my tags. He then requested my license, and registration and proof of insurance. I told him that I never received my registration, and I gave him my license. He came back to my vehicle and stated that my license was expired and suspended (which I wasn't aware of) and that he would have to impound my car. He gave me a ticket that said license suspended. Nothing about why he pulled me over initially being no plates.

Plates, tags, and registration that obviously DMV or Drivetime never sent. I called the DMV and told them what happened, they said that they saw in their system where the plate number on my Title belonged to a 2000 Honda, but my car purchased from Drivetime is a 2003 Buick Century! The DMV rep also claimed that they had never received ay paperwork from my dealership and I requested another address change to get my plates sent to me once and for all. The rep then said that I had a failure to pay for a 2006 ticket in San Bernardino County Barstow Traffic. I paid that ticket in full ($812.00) and the affidavit to remove the hold. She said to come down to the DMV and pay to reinstate and renew my driver's license and receive my driving record, all totaling $91.00. I did so on 07/02/2010.

I then drive down to the Hawthorne Police Traffic Bureau to show them my paperwork, only to be told by the Officer in Command that, "We need your registration. Something is wrong with it. This car has not been registered to an owner since 2006. You need to contact you dealer." I exclaimed that, "I have been paying a $400.00 car note since 09/2009, and never once ever receiving any tags, registration, or plates!" The officer then stated, "I suggest you call your dealership, because as far as we are concerned, you've been paying for a car that isn't registered to you and has been registered in over 4years to anyone. You might have a legal case on your hands!" I also paid to reinstate my insurance ($129.00).

I called Drivetime and requested an extension to make my car payment and made them aware that my car had been impounded due to never receiving my plates and that the Hawthorne police stated that my Dealership never registered my car. I then stated that I would not be paying them any more payments until they could show me proof that they had sent off the required documents to register me as the owner of the car. Drivetime faxed me a copy of the title. I took the copy of the title, reinstated and renewed driver's license, and print out of driving record and attempted to get a copy of registration.

The agent then said, "it [the system] will not let me update the registration, because the plate number on the title doesn't match what the DMV records have." I asked what the discrepancy was because I shouldn't have to pay for replacement tags, plates, and registration that I had never received in the 1st place. I paid for those services to be followed thru when I bought the car ($161. Tags,registration,title; $15.00, plates), in good faith that it would be done. She then replied, "Well I cannot do that anyway, because the two numbers don't match, plus your registration has been suspended! "I cried, and said that I couldn't understand how every corporations Department is seeing something different. She then too responded, "You need to contact our dealership!"

In all, Drivetime wants me to pay a total of $729.00 just to get my car back; on top of the $65.00 + $10 per day storage fee the Manheim California Auto Auction in Fontanna (909-922-2261) is charging me since last Friday, 07/09/2010; to hold my belongings and car!!! I refuse, because I feel that from the beginning the DMV and Drivetime had confusion between their entities! I am requesting the help of someone in Consumer Affairs. They are threatening to auction off my car if I do not pay them buy 07/30/2010, and then they expect for me to turn right back around and pay them a car note by 08/03/2010! Please help me, as I feel that Drivetime has dragged their feet with other customers as well!

In addition, i must pay the auction $395.00, because they made a key to my vehicle (for which they charged me $200.00) without even contacting me to ask me for the key. Plus, I have to pay storage fees all over again which is $195.00 with a total of $395.00. I was not behind on my car note. Yet DriveTime made me pay them for paying a repo man to tow my vehicle from Long Beach to Fontana, California.

i then called Drivetime, which told me to call the claims number again. I did, and the first guy I spoke with said that the paper that the guy faxed to them with the problem on the car wasn't covered. Then I called them back and spoke with a lady who referred me to Cottman on Blanding Blvd.I showed him the paper that the guy gave us, and he said that everything on that paper was not relevant for my car.

It's all wrong. I'm not experiencing any of those problems, and it's not my transmission. He said it's my engine, so he referred me to an engine guy next door to him. I'm getting the run-round, and I only had my car for 3 1/2 months. My car is still under warranty.

I'm five months with a four-year-old son. I'm scared that the car will stop while were driving to school and work. I can't drive it on the highway, and I still have to pay a car note every two weeks when I work as needed. I worry that I might be paying for a car that won't move and I end up losing my job.

I stayed in constant contact with DT Repair and told them the car drinks oil like water. But I was told that’s because it has almost 100,000 miles on it. I continued to keep an eye on it. I took it in for its regular oil change on 2/7/09 to the Oil Stop. New air filter. I’ve had the car about a year now. The light comes back on. I check the oil and the water weekly now as I’m a bit skittish. I called DT repair again, and after waiting another 3 weeks, I finally got hold of someone. I told them about the car drinking water and oil and they say again, “Take it in.” So, now its March 24. I get home from work and as I always do, go check the water and oil. This time, my oil is whitish. I called my Dad, a former mechanic and he said I have water in my oil. I called Balser’s in Kerrville and have the car towed to them on March 25. Initial report from them showed only a misfire on the code, and that the oil is fine, no water in the engine. I told them that’s got to be a mistake. I saw the oil and I know the car is not exhibiting any leaks or black smoke, but the oil keeps dropping as does the water. A few hours later, they called me back and said sure enough, they find a cracked head gasket most likely from years of previous damage, engine overheating, etc. I told them the engine had never overheated on me. So he checked and found a faulty thermostat. DT is so kind, I only have to come up with $750 to get the repairs started, then I can pay out the rest, $750, over the next few months on top of my $450 a month payment.

I got the car back a couple of weeks later. More oil changes on time. The last good oil change was 9/28/09 by good, I mean it reflected in the paper work. The oil level was good before they changed it, all looked ok. Then in November 2009, while driving to work, the car just completely loses all power. It’s still running, but it will not accelerate. I pulled to the side of the road and was able to get a ride with a co-worker. That evening, Bryan came to pick me up, car started up and made it up the hill. He said it seems ok. So we headed home. I went about 3 miles and once again, car loses all power. We pulled it to the side of the road and left it as we have plans with friends. The next day we went to pick up. (The Sheriff’s office had called that morning at 6 am to make sure we knew it must be moved within 48 hours, nice). The car started, but again, has no power. We decided at that point to tow it. So we’re moving it and all of a sudden, it started running like nothing’s wrong. We got it home and parked it. Again, we have it towed to Balser’s, this time we’re told it’s the catalytic converter. It needs to be replaced to a tune of over $2000. We brought the car home, parked it and left it.

In December, Kirsten and Brandon came to get the car. They towed it back to Lubbock. They were quoted $350 to get the catalytic converter changed. We got the parts ordered. Then, before the parts came in, we took it to another shop for one more opinion as there is such a gap between the $350 and $2000. This time, the guy pulled in his shop and the car is making an awful noise. He said it’s the engine, it’s cracked and done. As they go to back the car the out of the shop, it threw a rod and there is oil everywhere, all over the guy’s shop. We towed the car back to Kirsten’s house and told DT to come get. I got a letter from DT on 3/10, sold at auction for $1700, they now want it closed to $12,000 to pay off the loan. We have already paid well over $15000 on this car and now we have nothing to show for it. By the way, I tried to trade it in 4 times, every time the most they would offer was $3000, but our payoff was well over $10,000.

Carcomplaints.com logs 299 engine complaints alone. 159 excessive oil consumption, 52 catalytic converter failure, and 21 blown headgasket. Forums.automotive.com has over 450 complaints about the engine and catalytic converter problems. As you continue to do your research on this car, there are over 16 recalls on this vehicle. Complaints against DriveTime are even more numerous. And what’s really interesting, all the complaints deal with defective cars! All the time!

There is no security in a useless warranty. It's all about the sale and screw the buyer. I have a car that takes SUV money's worth of gas and that may or may not start often because they didn't bother to fix a fuel actuator, maintenance (they call it) that should have been done during the tune-up they supposedly did before I purchased the car. I don't know how long I have before it just won't start at all and they say it's not major. If the car doesn't start, that is major. So basically I will be paying for a parked car. That's so foul! To add insult to injury, sometimes the trunk closes and sometimes it doesn't. It closed the day I bought but wouldn't the day after. Disclosure is everything! My whole purpose for reporting this is to let others know that DriveTime is not the honorable company they claim to be, please don't get suckered like I did.

When I sent them the estimate for the coil, they refused to pay. So I told them to pick up the car. When I asked about the payment that was going to be deferred, they said it was not going to be deferred and it was going on my credit as a voluntary repo if I did not pay the balance. They also said the car was never in an accident nor was it reported stolen. I have paperwork that says different.

Two days later, right after dropping off my daughter at school, I go by there and show them what the AC was doing and for them to listen to the noise the car was making after I turn it off. This is without counting that they had to keep the car all day and get an approval from Drivetime before they could do anything to it. I had to find my way around there because this is the only vehicle I had. I only had few friends (just relocated to Tampa) and three kids to take care of; it was very hard for me to do, but I did. They called me and told me that they could not find anything wrong with the AC, but that there were a few other little things that were wrong with the car, but there is nothing to worry about because Drivetime was going to take care of the bill. He also mentioned that there was a lot of rust in the car, but nothing to worry about (but what do I know about cars).

Well, that was ok. I got my car back, but the AC problem and the noise was still there. I'm working 60 hours a week, I spend my only day off every week at that car repair place, and they could not find what was wrong with the car. The noise in the car is getting louder, and it sounded like boiling water. Once again, I called this place and nothing was done about it. Few days later, at this point, I only owned my car less than a month. I come home from work and my car just shakes and starts smoking/steaming from the hood. Next day I called this place again, they tell me to bring the car in and at that point they said, "Oh my! The radiator blew up. You shouldn't be driving this car." They fixed the car after two days and of course, Drivetime paid for the repairs, but not for my rental that I had to get for two days. My AC is still doing the same thing, but I just let it go because at this point, I didn't have the time to spend there every week.

A few months later, I had to spend $500 for new tires because the tires were never good from the beginning. I called them, and they said that’s maintenance and is not included in the warranty. I understand is maintenance and it was not part of the warranty, but when you have put less than 3,000 miles in this car and it already needs new tires, that is called your responsibility. I needed my car so I spent the money and put the new tires in. Now, we are in the middle of the summer in sunny Florida and my AC is still doing the same thing. My brakes started acting weird, and I think it’s the pads (but what do I know about cars), but I don't pay too much attention to it. I called again, but they said, "No, that’s maintenance." I said ok, and I will wait for some money, and I will take the car in to fix the pads.

I took the car to another company because I moved, and I didn't live by Auto Clinic anymore. I tell them that my brakes were not working properly, and they did a full check up of the brakes. They called me in and they said your pads are ok. I was like cool, but then they said that the whole breaking system is bad and blah, blah, blah. That’s all I heard after the whole breaking system is bad. The repairs were more than $2,500.00. I called DT services again, in a depressed and panicking stage, because I didn't have the money and my brakes needed to be fixed. After 20 minutes of arguments, all they could say to me was that my warranty was over 6 months and there was nothing they could do about it. I only fixed the breaking system for around $1,500 and the other blah. I couldn't fix them because I didn't have the money to do it.

While I'm struggling with the payments and fixing the other problems, a new symptom emerges. Now, we are close to Christmas, and I don't have money to put into the car. In January, I go back to my car repair place to start looking at those things that needed to be address because I was going to get my tax refund, and I could fix some of those things. The day I got my refunds, January 30 2009 at 4:30pm, my car died. I took the car back into my car repair place and they tried and tried. They keep giving me the car back over the weekend, but the car kept stalling until they told me to take it to Chrysler because they don't know was wrong with the car. They fixed part of it, but they ended up giving me my $1,000 back because none of that fixed the stalling in the car.

By the way, the check engine light was on for like 5 months and Drivetime kept blaming the gas cap. Now, I take the car to Chrysler in a tow truck, paid by my insurance, and Chrysler tells me that my car repair place was close to what it was, but it was a combination of things and the repairs were $2,025 on top of the $1,000 my car repair place put into the car; all just to make it run and that it was the other issues with the car that needed attention in the future. I have been talking with DT services and Drivetime, and they all play me around; nobody cares to help.

My car still at Chrysler, and me with no money to fix it. On top of that, I have to rent a car because I have to go to work and take care of the kids. It is now 4:00am, and I'm still up because I'm stressing out about my car. All I wanted from the beginning was for them to give me another car. In three weeks, all they kept saying is that I had the vehicle for 3 weeks, and there was nothing they could do about it. Now, I'm stuck with the payment, the bill, the not knowing that if I fix it will it break gain or not, and with the stress and the helpless feeling of not knowing what to do. Please help. By the way, until this day, the problem with the AC was never fixed.

Because I was not working I could not afford to pay the tickets so they added fines to the registration fee, which made the situation worse! The car was parked on the street and it got towed because of no registration. I was not driving it, I was afraid if I got caught I would end up in jail for driving with no registration or insurance. So like I said I was not driving it. However, I had no place to park it but in the street. The tow company called the finance co. and they (DriveTime) came to get the car. DriveTime stored it somewhere. Even though I did not have the car in my position I still made the payments on time. Daniell called me. Told me she could redo the paper work on the car. That they had it etc. I took the bus down there and did the paperwork although now I do not know why she wanted to redo the loan because at this time I was not behind in the payments.

I thought it was because of the reposition. I just thought that is what they had to do for me to get the car back. She said they repossessed it because they got it from the tow yard. She said I would need 685.00 to start the paperwork to get the car back. I got a job getting signatures for the election and got the money together to pay the 685.00. Which I did. She redid the paperwork and I made the payments. But I could still not afford to pay the registration or get insurance because the signature place got all the signatures they needed so that job ended. She said they would keep position of the car until I got the money for registration and insurance. She did not tell me of any time limit. Evidently I had to have it all taken care of by the 31st. She did NOT tell me that.

She called me to see how things were going. She said she would call me back in one week to check on it, to see how things were going. I told her I was looking for a job, which I was. She called me the next week but I had been to the dentist and was not feeling well and was sleeping. My son-in-law gave me the message. It was about 3 or 4 days before I called her back because I thought she was just checking with me and I didn't have any thing new to tell her. When I called her back she was not there and whoever I talked to said they had sold my car. I repeatedly called back to talk to Daniel to find out why in the heck they sold it, without even telling me. When I got in touch with her she did not answer me satisfactorily so I asked to speak to the manager. When he got on the phone he told me I was 45 days late making the payment which was NOT true. He also said I did not check on my car in 10 days. I had to check back with them every 7 days. Daniel told me that, he said, because they tell everyone that. She did NOT tell me that. He said they sent me a certified letter. They did NOT. I never signed for or receive any certified letter. I had no warning or any idea they were going to sell my car! I would not have let them do that. If it came to that I would have gotten a job in a fast food place if necessary to pay what was needed instead of looking for a permanent job. I loved my car.

I am allergic to something in most cars but not in that one. I could even use the air conditioner and I can never use the air in any other car I have ever had!! I still do not know why they sold my car when I was making the payments ON TIME. The manager said it was because I did not check with them within 7 days. He said it was my responsibility to call them. Daniel said she would call me. He said she did not say that because they tell everybody they have to call them. She did NOT. Just like she did not tell me I needed to check with them every 7 days. Daniel did not do her job and I lost my car because she messed up!!

They wanted me to trade in and purchase a new car from them. When I found better terms elsewhere and purchased a new car, this charge appeared. I have a purchaser for the old car, and am now unable to transfer as I can't get the clear title. I offered to negotiate on the late charges as suggested by one of their agents, and the other one said they would not do that. I have received several harassing phone calls from Drivetime. My ex-husband answered the phone in one instance, and the agent fully discussed the past due with him. It is my understanding that this is a violation of the laws protecting the consumer. They only asked his name, before disclosing the details of the account. This violated my right to personal privacy and has caused substantial stress and embarrassment.

They also told me that in order to keep my vehicle I would need to make a payment of at least $1000.00 that day(9/6/2007), and that they could not make any other arrangements. They proceeded to call me everyday afterwards threatening me that they were going to repossess the truck and take legal actions to claim the entire amount of the loan, and that they will attach my wages, etc. I recieved a letter today(9/15/07) stateing that my account is delinquent and my past due amount is $604.50. This is an amount that I would have been able to pay. But now that they've been threatening to repossess the truck and the other amounts owed, I had told them to take action and do what they said they were going to do. They still haven't taken action, and I've used the money that I could have applied toward my loan towards other bills.

It was and still is a nightmare because I am driving a car which may eventually be very unsafe. They have driven the car,allowed the rough idle, which is still there, have had the car a total of 10 days and feel that just because they stppoed the light, that it may be the last time. This was said 10 times prior.The last visit to the dealership resulted in it sitting there. They adjusted a sensor which, they say was the culprit but they also said, it had 'bad gas'.I drive the car everyday and know what is going on with it. The service manager has never apologized until the next last 5 day shop visit and that was because he had avoided me so many times before and almost did again when I went in on April 4th to get the car from its latest visit.

Up until then, it was frustration and avoidance. The customer service is poor, even when you call or send emails. No one responds. I was told that I would be reimbursed the first amount I spent on rental insurance because I had missed work and crucial doctor's appointments. When I went in on 04/04, the second stint in the shop, it went from "why didn't you ask to be reimbursed" or "you should have told me" to "I'll see what I can do." I left receipts showing I paid 83.00 and some change. I guess they were never taught that the customer is always right and I will do what I can to keep this customer happy because I am in the business as well and I never let a customer go away unhappy. I fight to get them what they want because my stores do not like complaints. I actually referred a customer to them and now I worry that they may have a problem with their car. I have never told the person about this because I would feel bad and never be able to live it down. For a company to be as large as this and have such a nonchalant attitude about the safety of a customer is beyond me. I rarely travel in the car for fear, the light comes on again and that is no way to live. I am paying for a car that I no longer am happy with.

The service is uncaring and when I left my last service visit and the service manager said they couldn't find anything wrong, I asked what happens if the light comes on again? He said to either take it back to the dealership they sent it to or PAY OUT OF MY POCKET to take it somewhere else. There is a six month/6000 mile limited warranty on the car. Why am I going to pay for this? They sold a potentially bad car and them driving it, trying to get it to stall won't completely alleviate the problem especially if the light comes on again. I won't do business with this company any longer, no more than make the payments and hopefully the car won't have the same problem again. I have filed 2 complaints with the Better Business Bureau which I don't think the company is listed with. When you have management that doesn't care and you are patronized and you are made promises that are nearly broken, then you have been bamboozled. The money and the time lost which no one wants to compensate for is by far the worst. If any other and all other mechanical problems occur with this car, I will file complaints and take it as far as I can. I don't want anyone else to spend their lives in the service repair shop of any Drivetime location. Their corporate offices are unaware of how they treat their customers because if they were, I would hope something would have been done by now. Please address the corporate office as well. Drivetime

7300 E. Hampton Ave Suite 101 Mesa, Arizona 85209.

Maybe the management there may have the ideology that customer's problems Do come first at no matter the cost. I don't think that I would ever want to have my location constantly complained about because to me, that would mean that someone(s) not looking out for the customer's best interest and that as usual, with most car lots, it is about the dollar not the safety and that could be a lose-lose proposition.

We have paid $21,000.00 so far for this car.The odomitor stopped at 89,000 miles.Do not know why.Had it checked by shop,they said there is no telling how many miles are on this car, even when purchaged due to tampering.learned the car was wrecked after purchase.Tried to get money back.No luck.Suffer fraud, misrepresentation and excessive interest payments and charges.

1: The car had been in major head on accident and the welding work could be observed from the inside. Keep in mind that drivetime gave me a title check that stated that the vehicle had never been in an accident and if it did I had a title buyback warranty, which meens they would buy the car back if that form was incorret.

2: The airbags were not functional which means if I were to get into an accident they would not deploy.

3: The hood would not properly shut and latch, it was just something temporary on there which means I could have been driving and have it fly open.

4: There was a missing motor mount? That's why the engine was trying to jump out of the car.

5: My power steering fluid compartment was glued back together or epoxied.

And Much more was wrong with the car! This is after the 52 point inspection that drivetime did on the car before it was sold to me(yeah right).

I fought for 3 months with them and finally got tired and threatened to get a lawyer, the news, the BBB, and anyone else who would listen to me. Especially since now there was contactual fraud with the title buyback warranty.

I finally was forced to get another car from them, because they would not let me out of the contract. I was told they would apply the money I had given towards the Neon in down payment and monthly payments would be applied to the new car. Another LIE.

I got a 2003 Chevy Cavalier and when I called about the other money being applied I was told that they were not going to give me any money, that they were keeping it for the time I used the Vehicle, like it was my fault that they sold me lemon. So I lost over 1000.00 dollars.

A Couple of months after getting the

new car the Chevy It would not start on New Year's Eve as I was going to a party, believe it or not! I had to get a rental and have it towed to Chevy where they found that the battery that was installed, was done so very badly with the wrong nuts, bolts, screw, etc. My car was not getting enough power and it caused all my gauges in the car to stop working. My car was also shaking badly and when they checked that they found that I had horrible tires on my car and none of them were rounded. So now I need 4 new tires, when Drivetime supposedly had put 4 new tires.

I would never recommend them to anyone, not even for the bribe they try to give and I would never purchase another car from that company. I wish I didn't have to keep the one I have now.

I also sent a complaint to the Better Business Bureau of Southern Nevada and I was told by them that they could not help me because I signed a legal contract and in Nv when a contract is signed there is nothing that can be done to break it (I guess that also applies even if the company is cheating you, which is what I firmly believe). The only thing I was asking for in the begining was an investigation into my account to find out why the finance charge raised the cost of my car by $6,970.45. I cannot afford nor justify paying $400.02 per month for a car only worth $4500 (per Kelley Blue Book) when I could have bought a brand new one for the same price of $18.000.

I have also received calls from Drivetime at home and work, the latter being a place where I am not allowed phone calls of this nature, for payments that were en route to Drivetime. There have been times when I have received numerous calls a day, each person saying there was no record of anyone calling me before them. They were told by myself on numerous occasions not to call me at work. Each time I was told it would be noted and the calls would stop. Still they continued. I was told there was no record of my saying I was not allowed harrassing phone calls at work.

They have left numerous long and rude messages on my call notes, sometimes even pleading my boyfriend, who has nothing to do with my car loan, to get me to call them.

Even when payment arrangements have been made and everything has appeared to have been worked out, there phone calls have not stopped.

I originally purchased the car in February of 2001 when the company was Ugly Duckling. It was later bought out by Drivetime. I never had these problems with Ugly Duckling and would never had bought a car with a company like this.