ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County couple claims a used car dealer threatened to repossess their vehicle, even though they never missed a payment. They could lose a big deposit, Action 9 learned.
When the family couldn't get answers, they called Action 9's Todd Ulrich for help.
Debbie Alvarez and her husband bought and financed their used truck at 1st Class Auto Sales in Apopka.
Now, they claim the dealer threatened to repossess it and keep their $2,000 deposit, even though they had not missed a payment.
“I feel if I purchased the vehicle and make the payments, I should be able to keep it,” said Alvarez.
1st Class Auto Sales had sold the couples loan to a finance company that contacted them about the transfer. Alvarez told the new lender the truck had serious mechanical issues, including a bad radiator. The lender rejected the loan.
“They told us they did not want to deal with this headache, we're going to take it (the loan) back to the dealership,” said Alvarez.
The couple thought they kept making payments to 1st Class Auto Sales, but said when they heard differently from owner Gail Hedglin.
“And her response?” asked Ulrich.
“Was 'No' and she hung up the phone on me,” replied Alvarez. They considered fixing the truck so the new lender would accept it, but changed their minds thinking the dealer had to accept their payments.
Instead, Alvarez said the owner threatened repossession and would keep all their cash.
1st Class Auto Sales is rated F at the Better Business Bureau for unanswered complaints. Florida's Division of Motor Vehicles has two open complaint investigations against the business.
“I have questions about Debbie Alvarez,” Todd Ulrich said to Gail Hedglin at 1st Class Auto.
“Can you repossess even if they're making payments,” asked Ulrich.
“This is a place of business, I'm calling the Sheriff's Office,” replied Hedglin as she forcefully pushed the camera.
Later, she blamed the couple for interfering with a loan transfer. Hedglin would not say if the vehicle is still being repossessed.
“They're trying to keep our money,” said Alvarez.
The couple filed a complaint with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Debbie Alvarez says she was also upset her loan was sold to a finance company since it was a buy here pay here dealer's contract.
Cox Media Group
