Lithia Ford review: car purchase

I will be 80 years old on October 18, 2018, so when my son and I visited Lithia Ford on Monday, May 14, 2018, I had no interest in buying a new car. My 2008 Kia Amanti, in excellent condition, with 58, 201 miles, was paid for, so my only purpose for coming into Lithia Ford was to collect the "prize" Lithia offered through a mail solicitation to my home. I also knew that I would not qualify for a car loan because my total monthly income from Social Security is only $1, 194 a month.
Nevertheless, Craig Hall, a fast-talking, high-pressure salesman (who I subsequently found out didn't even work for Lithia Ford but was a temporary salesperson working for a company called "Rush Hour Events" - a company that contracts with car dealerships to provide additional sales and closing staff during special promotional events) badgered me for over three hours until I agreed to buy a used car. I tried to leave the office several times but Mr. Hall persisted. Mr. Hall stated I could have the car for $138 a month, after two initial payments of $352. He told me that I would be given $7, 000 for my Kia Amanti and I would get a $100 gas card and was given two smart watches as a prize.
Then, I was introduced to another "Rush Hour" employee, a Mr. Dave LaRue. (In a subsequent conversation on July 23, 2018, between my neighbor, Kathy Williams, with a Lithia representative by the name of Mr. Devin Engebretson, Mr. Engebretson referred to Mr. LaRue as a "closer.") Mr. LaRue also informed me my car payments would be $138 month plus three payments of $352 and I would be receiving $7, 000 for my Kia Amanti. Something called GAP insurance was added to the contract along with a 2-year warranty, neither of which were explained to me. Mr. LaRue "rushed" through the paperwork and did not mention any of the details of the paperwork, neither the contract nor finance agreement. He just kept pointing to places for me to sign and initial. Since I was told by both Mr. Hall and Mr. LaRue my payments were going to be $138 a month and because I was both mentally and physically exhausted after over three hours of negotiating, I signed and initialed all the paperwork I was told to sign. I did not meet at that time with Mr. Steven Hagen, Lithia finance manager, even though all the paperwork has either his name, signature or initials on them. Again, to clarify, the only two people I dealt with at Lithia Ford on May 14, 2018 were Mr. Craig Hall and Mr. Dave LaRue.
When I got home and had time to look at the contract carefully, I was horrified to see that my monthly payments were $318.64. Realizing I couldn't afford the car, my son and I returned to Lithia on May 16 and asked to speak to the manager. I was told he was not available. On entering Lithia Ford, I ran into Craig Hall, the "Rush Hour Event Sales" contracted employee and when I told him I couldn't afford the payments he told me I was too late and that I had only 24 hours to return it. I told him he was going to force me to live in my car with my cats and he rudely replied, just think what you'll save on gas.
I also spoke to two Lithia Ford employees that day, the first one I don't remember his name and the second one was Mr. Steven Hagen, Lithia Ford finance manager. The first gentleman asked Mr. Hagen if he was the one who signed the contract and Mr. Hagen said he was.

However, I never met with Mr. Hagen during the signing process. The only two people I dealt with on May 14, 2018 were Craig Hall and Dave LaRue. I told them I wanted my car back. The employee told me that my old car was sold the same day they received it. I was also informed that North Dakota does not have a cooling off period, so the sale was final.

On Friday, May 18, my son and I again went to Lithia Ford. This time we spoke to a woman by the name of Melissa, who I believe was also a contracted Rush Hour Event person. I told her I wanted my car back and couldn't afford the payments. She said I couldn't get my car back.

Since then, I have learned that there is possibly an exception to the no cooling off period clause - in the case of home solicitation sales. This is clearly stated in the contract I signed, a copy of which I have included. Since I bought my car due to a home solicitation, this means that Lithia Ford should have voided my contract, returned my car payments, and given me back my car. This would have been the legal, ethical, and moral thing to do. Instead, Lithia Ford, with the aid of their contracted "Rush Hour Events" personnel, Mr. Hall and Mr. LaRue, used predatory tactics to trick me, a vulnerable and elderly person, to buy a car I obviously could not afford.

Since I cannot afford the car payment, I am faced with two unpleasant alternatives. First sue Lithia Ford for breach of contract and fraud, which would increase my anxiety and force me to hire a lawyer, an expense I cannot afford. Second, file for bankruptcy, which would leave me with no car and a ruined credit rating.
If there is anything that you can do to assist me in this urgent and very stressful situation? All I want from Lithia is the contract voided and my car and car payments already made returned. Although I have endured much pain and suffering from this matter, I am not requesting damages.
Sincerely,

Roberta Smith
1224 Walnut Street Apt. 124
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Home Phone: [protected]
Cell Phone: [protected]

Please note, my neighbor, Kathy Williams, assisted me in writing this letter. You have my permission to contact my neighbor with any questions or response. I'm not that computer savey and she's completing and sending this form using her email.