I’m a disabled woman on a limited income who was sold an unsafe car. The dealership claimed to replace key parts, but AAMCO confirmed they didn’t. I left the car with them for an extended period and was still misled. I need help to replace the catalytic converter, complete repairs, and seek legal justice. Any help or shares mean the world—thank you!

Hi, my name is Sally.

I’m disabled and living on a very limited fixed income in Winterville, North Carolina. I’m reaching out because I was scammed by a local dealership in Pitt County and I can’t fix this on my own. I’m now stranded with an unsafe car that stalls and shuts off while driving, and I’m desperate for help with repairs and justice.

The Problems Started Day One

The very first day I drove the car home the check-engine light came on. I took it straight back to the dealership multiple times. Each time they told me not to worry — they said the catalytic converter was covered and they would fix everything. They even kept resetting the diagnostic codes to hide the real problems.

The Car Became Dangerous

Soon the car started losing power, stalling, dropping to 0 RPMs, refusing to accelerate, and shutting off completely — sometimes right in the middle of the road. I was terrified and stranded multiple times. I begged them to fix it properly.

Here are two photos I took of my dashboard while this was happening.

In the first one, I was still trying to drive but the car suddenly started losing power and speed — the “Engine Power is Reduced” warning lit up and the RPMs dropped so low I could barely keep moving.

The second photo shows what happened right after: the car completely stalled and wouldn’t move at all. I was stranded in traffic, scared and praying it would start again. This is exactly what I was dealing with after the dealership said everything was fixed.

What They Claimed vs. What Actually Happened

I finally left the car with the dealership for an extended period so they could “fix everything.” They told me they replaced the fuel pumps and the catalytic converter. When I picked it up the same problems came right back. I took it to AAMCO (the warranty company’s approved shop) The mechanic confirmed:

• The dealership never replaced the catalytic converter or did the work they claimed.

• The diagnostic codes had been deliberately reset multiple times.

• The car could never have passed a legitimate safety inspection — meaning the pre-sale inspection was fraudulent.

Here are the official AAMCO estimate pages (shown in three images for easy reading):

Page 1 shows the full list of problems and confirms the catalytic converter still needs to be replaced.

The next image is the top half of Page 2, showing the “Catalytic Converter Remove and Replace” labor and parts details (front and rear).

The final image is the bottom half of Page 2, showing the total cost of this repair: $2,388.08. (All quotes are only valid for 30 days.)

This proves the dealership never did the work they claimed they did. This is exactly why the warranty company won’t approve any other repairs until the catalytic converter is fixed out of pocket.

(Tap or pinch to zoom on each image for full details)

Stonewalled and Dismissed

When I tried to get answers, the dealership argued with me, ignored me, and finally told me the car was sold “as is” — even though they never said that during the sale. They washed their hands of it and told me to deal with the warranty company.

A DMV Inspector Says I Have a Strong Civil Case

I followed AAMCO’s advice and went to the DMV inspector. She reviewed everything and told me I have a strong civil case. She has already started her own investigation into the dealership.

Where This Leaves Me

Because the catalytic converter was never replaced, the warranty company won’t approve any other repairs. I’m stuck with:

• A car that is unsafe to drive

• Insurance and car payments I’m struggling to make on my fixed income

• No safe transportation for doctor appointments or daily needs

• No way to get the rest of the repairs done until I pay for the catalytic converter out of pocket

Why I’m Asking for Help

I’ve tried everything — free legal aid, pro bono lawyers — but nothing has come through yet. I don’t like asking for help, but I truly have no other options. Your support will go directly toward:

• Replacing the catalytic converter so the car is safe and the warranty can finally kick in

• Completing the rest of the needed repairs

• Temporary transportation (Uber/Lyft or rental) while the car is in the shop

• Legal fees to hold the dealership accountable under North Carolina consumer protection laws

This dealership has a troubling history. A few years ago when the current owner’s brother owned it, there was a local news story about employees rolling back over 1,000,000 miles on odometers. I have all the texts, AAMCO report, and documentation to prove what happened.

Any amount truly helps — even $5 or $10 adds up. If you can’t donate, please share this page. Every share helps get my story in front of people who might be able to help me fight back.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and for any support you can give. I just want to feel safe driving again and get my life back on track.

With gratitude,

Sally Karako

Winterville, NC