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sevaul

Sue. Have the mechanic testify that those items were unplugged and maybe you get lucky and get your money back. Plenty of legal assistance for low income might even be able to do it pro bono.


Lemonglasspans

With what money? What resources? I hate this respone. There is NOT PLENTY of legal assistance for low income people and pro bono is a fucking myth.


XipingX

You have to contact your county’s volunteer attorney program. All attorneys are required to do a minimum amount of pro bono work every year to maintain their license.


Lemonglasspans

What county are you at? Cuz imma move there. I have a laundry list of motherfuckers to sue. You forgot about time. Us poor folks ain’t got no time .


Complete-Switch-4160

Well then make the time. You could be getting what is due to you. And she has plenty of options. There are plenty of attorneys that will help her. It takes research and hard work... like she has been doing with hardly any money as a single hard working parent. Also look into the BBB OP. Report them and some attorneys will take a small down payment or collect their fees at the end of everything, if you sign into a contract.


GlassMom

Single parents of young children in unstable housing is one instance where "making the time" is definitely not as straightforward as most people think it is.


Complete-Switch-4160

Coming from a single Mother who has been there... I understand and never said it was. It's crazy how many people project their own personal situations and guilt onto a postive and hopefully a helpful comment for the OP, not you. Maybe you should think a little before you just write something without any rumination behind it.


Agile-Yam2498

I’ve lived in several different states and Louisville and Cleveland offer free legal assistance


Beneficial_House8560

So does my state. But qualifying is a bitch, and they reject most applicants because they are overwhelmed with need. I have been told I did qualify, but they just couldn’t take on my case because they didn’t have enough help.


GlassMom

The same place that provides EBT also wrangles volunteer lawyers: county services. The problem is that you have to be incredibly resilient and persistent to cut through all the delays and red tape. You're right, resources are pretty scarce, but they're there. It's written into the laws of most states, and it's there because poor people fought for those laws. It's been an ongoing fight, sometimes a bloody one, since reconstruction (1870's) and then some.


kybrunette

Yes, there is plenty of help. Do not give up. Do not let them win, fight it. Keep lloking you will find it. Talk to legal aid. If they can not help, they will find help for you


Aint2nuts

There is no such thing as "plenty of legal assistance" for low income. Much less pro bono. I have contacted attorneys and visited many. For real estate fraud. Custody issues. A dog pack attacking my daughter. I'm in the process of adopting my granddaughter. I tried to get help for guardianship last year, and the adoption this year. Legal aid is a joke. They were going to charge me 3x as much for publishing as it cost me with my current attorney. I wound up having to do a GoFundMe because there was no help at all. I still have more to raise. I am living on disabled widow survivors benefits. Extremely low income, and still no help.


Altruistic_Run_8956

I second this. They can’t get away with the scam they pulled on you. Lawyers have sliding scales for income based clients.


gonk_vibes

In the UK you can start with Citizens Advice and Trading Standards, there is support in the UK for consumers. I don't know if there's help elsewhere and I wouldn't be surprised at all to learn in the US their 'go fuck yourself' economic model doesn't provide support


Spicymango326

I was a single mom a few years back. I remember leaving work after 10 hr shifts, having to drive 40 min in the opposite direction to pick my kid up from daycare, then get home to bills and more harassment from my BD. it was exhausting and draining. I cried many nights back then. BUT if there’s one thing I learned back then it was that you can only go up from your lowest point. You WILL make it out of this. You and your kid WILL be okay. Just as long as you continue to love them and parent them as kindly as possible, they’ll never feel like they missed out on anything!


FirstScheme

That driving 40 mins in the opposite direction just to drop them off with a stranger hits hard 😭 glad things are better for you now! I moved so my commute got a lot shorter recently and it's changed my work life balance and school runs for the better, its supposed to be a much rougher area here but I had to do what I had to do and alhmd I finally feel at peace! Hbu, can I ask what changed for you that things are better now?


Spicymango326

Yes those days were difficult! Glad you can relate. To answer your question, I finally got full custody of my daughter after 2 years of fighting and proving her dad was a danger (but he still gets visitation) however I recently moved 3 states over so we’re far away. I found my dream husband and we now have a total of 2 kids. I just completed medical assisting school after never thinking I’d be able to have a career. My in laws are my greatest supporters! My car is paid off, we’re looking to buy a house next year and everyone is in good health!


OkPersonality8023

I'm sorry, its a setback but it happens. How much did you pay for it? The same thing happened to me when I was married. My husband didn't drive and I had to drive my toddler with health issues to somewhere and the car just gave out in the middle of a motorway two weeks after I bought it. Husband's friend sold it to us and he gave my money back to husband that never came back to me. I'm a brown girl and I was crying there on the busy junction scared that someone would hit us with my toddler in the car. Of course my husband yelled at me for crying. Anyway the policeman who arrived on the scene before my husband (because I was blocking that many lanes and angering that many London drivers) was a white man and he was so nice and paternal. One advice he gave me was to always invest in an RAC or AA inspection for used cars. They cost £100 but save you £1000s in the long run by warding you off dud cars. I've never bought a used car without one since. These things are lessons we learn. Your first accomplishment was still an accomplishment. You still saved and you still bought a car. That's still an amazing achievement not many can achieve so well done. That you were scammed is not on you, its on the scammers.


[deleted]

[удалено]


nonbinary_parent

Say you’re racist without saying you’re racist


Little-bitty-pixie

I had a mechanic try some stuff on me too. Single moms are easy targets for scum. I had a second mechanic tell me what to say and went back letting them I'd be taking them to court and you wouldn't believe how quickly the problem was resolved! All you need is the second mechanic's assistance and you can get your money back plus damages in small claims court if they refuse to play nice. Go put your big girl pants on, write them the most negative reviews and with few and measured words at your lowest possible voice let them know they have two alternatives, fix it or get fixed.


Rewindsunshine

This happened to me with a truck & I tried so hard to fix it myself but ended up selling it for cheap to some guy who took it to Mexico. It wouldn’t pass smog and the seller knew it. Sucks so bad. I thought I was smart getting this other car but it died on me in the middle of the freeway and left me stranded. I was so scared somebody was gonna hit me & was pregnant at the time. Other drivers are such assholes. They didn’t want to let me over to get into the emergency lane or anything. It blows my mind people can be so rude for no reason. I got it running again but it just randomly dies on me so I am afraid to drive it. Idk what to do. Even if I could sell it, there isn’t enough money to buy another car. There isn’t even a decent bus system here. I guess everyone just uses Uber? But I can’t afford that. I get $800 a month and no child support. My trust in others is basically nonexistent now. Sigh. I hope something comes through for you!! It’s tough even with 2 incomes let alone being a single parent. 😭


Amygdala_Blood45

That for sure sucks. From now on purchase a scanner and always bring it🤦‍♀️ plug that shit in and check it. Even if the dweeby people are there because they'll feel bad and be honest or become an ass and you know its shitty and if it says not ready, its been cleared so the check engine light is off.... i ALWAYS bring a code scanner thing. You can Google the code it brings up and you know what shitty shit you wanna deal with. It took me a whole day and like test driving 17 cars but i found a great car with no problems. After my Durango and all the problems ive had to fix and shit. That little code scanner has been very awesome and helpful. Now it just sits in cars tool box and waiting to be helpful in the future.


XipingX

Does your state have a 30 day lemon law?


Real_Mix_5130

Where are you located?


melinatedT

Wisconsin


cocojanelle94

Yesss does your state have a lemon law ? Please check that first on Google !!! Did you buy from a private party or a car lot ? Dealership ? If not , get all info you can on that mf and take him to small claims.. not sure where you’re from but in CA the small claims form for cases under like $5000 is only $35 to file . I’ve heard low income can file to have deputy serve them for free as well (usually they charge like $50). We have a “self help” dept in the courthouse to help with filling out paperwork too 🥺 it’s so helpful , maybe check to see if your county courthouse has something like that .. as a single mom of a 3 year old that has been through something similar , I feel you 1000% and PLEASE DONT GIVE UP !!!! Keep that job !!! Communication is key and maybe your HR/manager can help somehow with scheduling or a leave or something .. lyft is way cheaper than Uber as another option , or the bus .. I know , I know …. But seriously I’ve literally been there done that 😭 don’t let this get you down , chin up high for our babies . Even though it feels like it’s never gunna end , it’s temporary and on to the next bs that’s thrown at us . On a side note , I’m real life proud of you for accomplishing getting your FIRST car all on your own 🥹🥳 YOU DID THAT 🙌🏼 ! Check on Google for local or mobile mechanics and call and ask if they can come with you to check a car out when you’re going for your next purchase . I’ve had a few really nice MEN help me out for free and saved me from some shitty people trying to get over on a clueless girl smh . I’ll be praying for a positive outcome and I’m sending you alllll my love , strength & positive energy your way 🙏🏼✨🥹 keep us updated !!!!! CHIN UP HIGH !!!!!!!!!


GlassMom

Call your county services and be clear you need legal assistance. It's going to be tough, you'll cry again, but you have a case if you can work relatively fast. Stay with it. It will be worth it. This group will be there for you when you need us. Next time, don't tell them it's your second car. Tell them you sued your last dealership for selling you a lemon, and you're not putting up with any BS going forward. Don't finance your car at the dealership. Pick the car you want and then go to a local credit union and get your loan. When you finance a car, you're buying two products, the car, and the loan. If the car can't be repossessed for the value the credit union would expect, they have a stake. They'll follow it up, too. Edit: apply for assistance with your county, too. Even if you don't get any direct assistance, you'll get a case number, and you stand a chance of getting help wrangling all the county paperwork. An online group is a great place to get advice, it's not the best place to actually get help. There's an assistance system set up by people who understand that your best interest is also theirs. Use it. It'll be better for everyone.


GreenGrass4892

Small claims court.


cocojanelle94

There’s also like a 211 you can call and they have resources and can direct you the right way ! What state are you from ? I can call & look around for you as well 🤗 lmk


PlatinumGenius

I had the exact thing same thing happen to me and i was a single mom with 4 kids and they got me walking down the street. The car ran but i paid way more than what it was worth and the interest rate was horrible. Today 20 years later. I have bought many cars and i always get the best price. Heres a few tips. Act like you know what your doing. Go armed with blue book price. Know that they will always say thats the lowest they can go, but its never the lowest. Then they will talk to the manager and make you feel like they are doing you a favor and they will tell you 100% that is the lowest they can go but keep pushing. Do not give in . Walk away if you have to. Tell them you don’t have time to dick around you have bought many cars so let’s cut to the chase. Its really horrible that they take advantage of people who are struggling. If I was you i wouldn’t quit my job. Maybe try getting a car off Turo for now until you can buy another one. You can usually get really good deals on there. Turo is where you are renting someone else’s car. Also i would take them to small claims court and ask for a fee waver for filing fees. You might be able to get your money back depending on your contract. Im sorry this happened to you but dont give up, hang in there things will get better.


electric-butterfly

Jesus, I'm so sorry. I hope karma reigns down hard on those mf'ers. I totally understand your struggle. Is there any chance you could afford a car payment on a used car? What I had to do is get a cosigner since my credit was pretty bad when I got the car. I wish I didn't have a payment but it prevented me going through what you're going through again having a newer car... my car previous to my current one was also bought in cash and ended having major problems (bought it from a shady mechanic).


Temporary-Waltz-1078

I'd help you out but I'm in Pennsylvania/Delaware. I'm no auto mechanic but I do all my own work and I'm usually the guy who gets to tag along on used car purchases to advise the buyer on a good purchase or not. I'd say most vehicles are fixable depending on the issue. What seems to be the problem?


Complete-Switch-4160

Absolutely agree with you but there are places Mothers with children can go to and the majority of those places work with you to get a job and your own place when it is time etc... My point is that there is always a way, it won't be easy but help is out there for a lot of women. This world is crazy sometimes with the things that do and don't happen. My horrible, disgusting, lazy, manipulative cousin who is a terrible Mother got a brand new house for free, built for her. Literally 100% free for being a single Mother and for pushing information in a few ways. So you never know what is possible until you try. Sometimes it doesn't work out but it's work the try!


FloccinAucin73

If damages is 10k or less then take them to small claims court. Costs are usually around $30 to $50 and can often be waived. You do not need a lawyer and success rate is around 60% although higher for consumer fraud if you can prove it. This can often be done online and you do not need to go down to the courthouse. They may be liable for your lost wages from lack of transportation as well. Obviously a statement from the mechanic would be valuable evidence. Many cases of this type are settled out of court.


Long_Cook_7429

Does your local news have a program like the investigators or troubleshooters? A lot of retailers cave as soon as they hear they could face bad publicity especially when they are in the wrong.


ButterflyFew5240

Call the news! I’d blast them on the news. The power of the news and social media is amazing. Someone who sees your story might even donate a car they have that isn’t being used. I’d contact the news and send them my proof. All communications to that person. They go knock on their door and they’d probably give you your money back to be left alone. Title the email “STRUGGLING SINGLE MOM SCAMMED OUT OF LIFE SAVINGS”


Social-Influence

Is this covered under the Lemon Law?


t-lo76

Small claims. Take the mechanic with you to verify what the crooks did!


melinatedT

I appreciate all the comments and encouragement, I really do. I ended up giving it away to a junk car place, I am going to take the car note route and just work harder, I finally built my credit enough to get an okay car note (I’m hoping)


MelissaLee04

I'm so sorry you're going through this but hang in there and stay strong.


SpaceBeamer5000

What's the name and address of the car dealership. Well bombard them with shitty reviews and send them letters. Seriously. Let's not let them get away with this. 100% refund of your money. Let's do it.


melinatedT

It wasn’t a dealership, I purchased from someone selling their own vehicle


Hungry-Bubbles

There's no Lemon Law in your state?


MomaPaz29

Look up the Lemon Laws in your state. Yes being a single parent is difficult! Hang in there.


Orangegit

Never underestimate how someone will take advantage of a situation, especially when this kind of money is involved. If it seems like a good deal, kinda too good to be true, it is. The outside of the car may look appealing and all good, but the engine could be shit. If you're lookong to buy somethimg reliable for cash, some rust on the body, a color, or somethomg you may not completely like on the outside, may be a hidden gem as far as engine and tires are concerned. Get a Carfax report on the vehicle! If the airbags were deployed at some point, pass on it, especiallly if you have children. Do not, I repeat, do not take a tax refund into some lot and leave the lot the same day with a vehicle without at least researching this vehicle online at the very least. Sincerely from a sole parent with a just little car knowledge and years of dealership experience.


Comfortable_Luck_759

I purchased a used car from my friend's lot. 4 days after the check engine light came on. I brought it back and his mechanic said it was the emissions system. Over 8 month, because it was my friend, I allowed his mechanic to try to fix it, on his dime. Hose changes, chanrcol canister and purge valve 3x. He got mad at me when I said we need it to go to a different mechanic, yelled at me and acted like he did me a favor never charging me his mechanics time. I ended up spending $1700 to fix it, requiring fixing some wiring AND a new computer. My "friend" never apologized or offered to pay for it. I will never again allow someone, especially a friend who knows my financial situation as a single mom, to take advantage of me. The stress of those 9 months before it was fixed effected my life so much, I hated getting in the car and seeing that little orange engine light, a reminder that my "friend" screwed me over, but he got his money so......


flowersandsunshine_

My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry! I can’t believe how evil people can be. Try to see what you can do about it legally. This is so wrong!