The Tuffy mechanic sent photos and invited buyer meet him at the Tuffy shop on Racetrack Rd., ... but did not allow a drive because they were waiting for a part to fix it, and then it would be "good to go."

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center in St. Johns, Florida, appears to be a nice, clean shop. ... The Tuffy mechanic said that the car was in the shop for several weeks, and after he fixed it advised that it had no accidents, is "all good" and "good to go" and that there is "nothing wrong with it" and that buyer knows "where he is" if there are problems.

The buyer drove it with the Tuffy mechanic, and noticed a bump ... in the steering, but the Tuffy mechanic stated that it was "nothing" and that he had many years of experience.

After paying, the buyer noticed a front light was broken, ... and the Tuffy mechanic admitted that he knew it, and said that he would give a free oil change and replace light if buyer purchased the part for $30, and he also offered to work on the car in the future, and even on buyer's other car at his home.

The Tuffy mechanic opened and closed the sunroof, but ... did not notice that it does not close all the way. Ford dealer mechanics noticed and confirmed that sunroof does not close, and instead of fixing it for $1000, manually closed it and disconnected switche to save money.

The Tuffy mechanic said that he cleaned it, but ... when car was picked up, the backup camera stopped working and car was still full of animal fur and trash, and buyer spent 2 hours just vacuuming the inside at the car wash, but it still smelled.

Gas was leaking out of the gas tank, and neighbors actually called the fire department, ... who placed sand under the parked car, and stated to not drive it because fuel was leaking. Another mechanic verified, and the Ford dealer confirmed that fuel tank needs to be replaced.

The Tuffy mechanic said that he would check it, but stopped responding, so ... another mechanic checked it, and in 5 minutes noted urgent repairs for steering, gas and brakes and showed that the vehicle had obvious accident damage. Estimate was received for thousands of dollars just to check the fuel tank and struts.

Tuffy's manager was shown the estimate, and stated ... that he will discuss and text buyer, but after a week, no text. Meanwhile the mechanic stated that he will not fix anything, breaking earlier agreement.

The Ford Dealer found ... $6400 of urgent repairs, and suggested to sell it to auction for $500. So the Tuffy mechanic stated that it was "all good," "nothing wrong," but the Ford dealer stated over $6000.00 to replace leaking fuel tank, broken strut mounts, NOT including, sunroof, camera, brakes and other items.

The Tuffy mechanic threatened to bring harassment charges against buyer, ... after he offered the Tuffy mechanic and Tuffy manager to take car back for $500 less than paid price, and the manager agreed to text buyer. The Tuffy manager again failed to respond, and the mechanic refused to do anything, breaking his promise of free oil change and repairing light. Additionally, the Tuffy mechanic sent text about Florida law allowing sale even with know problems and threatened to bring harassment charges against buyer.

Despite what the Tuffy mechanic said, repairing the car cost over $6000, ... not including the sunroof and other issues. The Ford dealer confirmed that the fuel tank and struts needed urgent replacement, and the camera, sunroof, light do not function, and it obviously had an accident.

After all this, Tuffy sent out a flyer stating, "Your dealership alternative," and ... "With every Tuffy purchase, you'll receive a free complimentary inspection that covers tires, brakes, fluid, exhaust system, battery belts and more."

Tuffy flyer states that they check fluids and battery, however the brake fluid was low, and the battery water was missing 8 ounces. ... Buyer added distilled water, but the battery soon died.

The buyer learned that it is better to have a Ford dealer mechanic check out a vehicle before purchase, and NOT a "Dealer Alternative" part-changer technician who made false statements and broken promises.