Georgia couple’s dream car purchase turned into a nightmare

A Georgia couple thought they’d finally landed themselves their dream car, but it turned out to be their nightmare.

Jeanne Clark and Steve Hawes paid $15,000 for a low-mileage 2003 Lexus LS from Dream Auto Collection, a South Florida car dealership.

They first saw the car on the business’ website and thought it’d go nicely with Clark’s 2001 Lexus LS.

After reaching out, they were told their car would be delivered to them once their check cleared.

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From dream car to nightmare purchase

The couple were disheartened to learn that their car had been registered to another buyer in Kennesaw, Georgia, just days after they’d cashed their check.

The salesman they’d spoken to had told them that the car had steering issues that would require a $5,000 repair.

However, the persona who ended up receiving the Lexus told local news that it didn’t have any issues of the sort.

When Local News 10 paid a visit to the dealership, based in Hollywood, Florida, they met the co-owner, Alex.

He branded the couple’s allegations as ‘impossible’, but promised to resolve the situation.

What can be learned from this unfortunate situation?

Since the incident unfolded, the Georgian couple have filed a police complaint.

They’re even considering reaching out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which could open an investigation into the dealership, Motorious reports.

As of July 2024, the dealership had its license suspended after similar accusations were launched against them.

Another customer had alleged that they’d taken $275,000 from him and never delivered his car.

Florida seemingly has form for being the stage for unusual investigations.

There was this case a while back in which pieces of a plane were found on a road in the state.

Hopefully Jeanne and Steve get their money back.

It just goes to show that everybody should be diligent about who they buy cars from.

And it’s not dealerships you have to keep an eye on, as mechanics can also pull the wool over your eyes.

Fortunately, this mechanic made a video advising people how to avoid a common garage scam.

Stay vigilant out there, folks.