A Baltimore County woman is getting help from her delegate over claims a local car dealership is forcing her to purchase two cars she can?t afford and doesn?t want.
Del. Emmett Burns Jr., D-Baltimore County, said he is launching a campaign including legislation, media briefings and public protests at the Russel Toyota dealership on Route 40 in Catonsville, where he said Evelyn Campbell purchased two used vehicles in January.
When Campbell?s credit union denied her financing, the dealership forced financing with a high interest rate without her signature and towed the cars to her house, he said.
“They drove them to the house and left them there ? I kid you not,” Burns said. “She said, ?They can?t do this to me,? and I agree.”
Burns described Toyota Russel managers, whom he said he contacted three times, as “recalcitrant.”
But Wade Sterry, the dealership?s general manager, said the Better Business Bureau, state?s attorney and Campbell?s attorney agree her complaints are invalid.
Campbell drove one car off the lot they day she purchased it and left one for leather installation, Sterry said.
Campbell signed a hold contract to delay the processing of the sales contract she signed for three days, and a delivery contract, which she said she thought allowed her to return the cars if financing was denied.
But Sterry said Campbell understood she could not return the car unless the seller agreed or for legal reasons.
“Once you buy a car, it?s final,” Sterry said. “There?s no changing your mind.”
