Woman alleges auto dealership sold her defective vehicle

A woman alleges a Collinsville auto dealership fraudulently sold her a car that was unsafe and in need of major repair work.

Christina Mesey filed a complaint July 28 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Insta-Credit Auto Mart Inc., and Enterprise Bank & Trust Foundation, alleging violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.

According to the complaint, Mesey purchased a 2013 Dodge Avenger from Insta-Credit at its Collinsville sales lot for $12,598 on June 14, 2019. She claims that when she took the car out for a test drive, she noticed the vehicle was shaking and that Insta-Credit’s sales agent told her the car just needed some “minor realignment work” to be done after the purchase. Mesey alleges that within 30 days of purchasing the car, she attempted to return the vehicle to Insta-Credit on several occasions for the repair work and was told their shop “was full” and was told to return at a later date. She further alleges that when the 30 days had passed, she learned the car needed major repair work including new front and back struts, shocks, brakes and repair of the front windows, which would not roll down, as well as steering and other issues.

Mesey claims the cost to make the car drivable was $9,000 and that she missed nine days of work at a loss of $200 per day while attempting to get the car repaired, incurred rental car and Uber fees and suffered a damaged credit report due to the defendant’s actions.

Mesey seeks compensation of more than $100,000 and all other just relief.

This article was first published in Madison Record.

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