Driver Fights for Car-Buying Legislation

When Bobbi Taylor bought a Volkswagen Jetta in 2010, she had hoped it would help her in the snow. As soon as she realized that the car wouldn't get up her driveway in the snow, she regretted her decision.

"I went back to Patrick Motors in Auburn (which also has a location in Shrewsbury), where I bought it and they wouldn't let me get out of the deal," said Taylor, of Worcester, who still drives her black car, but now it sends a message. "I really feel like they conned me and they wouldn't let me give the car back."

Taylor said currently there is no return period when a consumer buys a vehicle in Massachusetts. She said she tried to work with Patrick Motors both in Auburn and Shrewsbury and was unable to return the car and get out of the deal.

"In other states, there is legislation to give consumers three days to return a car," Taylor said. "And the more people I talk to, the more I realize I'm not alone and it is imperative more people support this legislation."

Taylor said she called multiple times and felt like the salespeople and managers were dodging her calls.

Since then, she has painted the windows of her car with sayings such as, "Patrick Motors conned me," and "Scammed by Patrick Motors."

But, Patrick Motors disagrees with Taylor's claims and says they tried to work with her.

"She came in wanting a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Jetta," said David Patrick, owner of Patrick Motors in Shrewsbury. "They don't make an all-wheel-drive Jetta, and we were working with her. We offered to credit her the full purchase price of the car and get her in another car of the same value, but she started talking that she wanted triple damages."

Patrick said she wanted her trade-in vehicle back, but it was already sold at auction.

"We're not a high-pressure, high-volume dealership," he said. "We work with the customer and make sure they get what they want. Ninety-nine percent of the time we are successful, but Ms. Taylor is the 1 percent."

Rob Bernier, business manager for Patrick Motors, said she also tried to work with Taylor. "I've worked with other customers who have had problems like a leaky sunroof and other problems and we've worked very hard to make the customer happy," he said. "But that was impossible with Ms. Taylor."

Taylor can be found driving her black Jetta with writing on the windows and back windshield around Shrewsbury.

"There's nothing more we can do," Patrick said. "It's really sad."

Taylor is hoping to get support from consumers for passing Bill 2845, which is in front of the state's Judiciary Committee.

"I spoke with State Sen. Harriet Chandler," Taylor said. "But we have to keep getting word out and make sure this doesn't happen to others."

Taylor said that with the down economy, some people are being taken advantage by car dealerships.

"I feel like they pulled the bait and switch and now I'm stuck with a car that isn't what I want or need," she said. "And now I can't afford to replace it."

If you are interested in supporting the bill, email Bobbi Taylor at pmscams@gmail.com or call your local legislator.