News Summary
The abrupt closure of Geaux Autoplex in Zachary, Louisiana, has left multiple customers unable to access their vehicle titles, causing significant financial and logistical challenges. One affected customer, Eric Forest, faces mounting repair costs for his Yukon Denali XL while waiting for the dealership to address title issues. With the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission reporting 15 affected vehicles, the situation underscores the precariousness of dealership operations and their impact on customers. As efforts to resolve the matter continue, many are left feeling vulnerable and dissatisfied with the situation.
Zachary, Louisiana – A used car dealership in Zachary, Geaux Autoplex, has abruptly closed, leaving numerous customers struggling to retrieve their vehicle titles. The closure has created significant difficulties for affected individuals, including Eric Forest, who purchased a 2015 Yukon Denali XL from the dealership.
Customers, like Forest, are facing challenges after investing substantial amounts of money in their vehicles. Forest made an $8,000 down payment and financed an additional $5,000 for his Yukon Denali XL. However, the vehicle soon required repairs, and dealership owner Shane Starns assured customers that these issues would be addressed promptly.
Unfortunately, the Yukon sat at the dealership for weeks awaiting necessary parts, causing temporary registration tags to expire. Once the repairs were completed, Forest discovered that the transmission needed replacement, which was not covered under warranty. This unexpected repair has led to additional expenses for Forest, who has spent thousands to fix the vehicle. Compounding the issue, he currently cannot access the title to officially own the car.
Forest has expressed his frustration regarding the situation, particularly emphasizing the complications surrounding the vehicle title. His difficulties are not unique; his son, who also purchased a vehicle from Geaux Autoplex, is experiencing the same issues related to the title. The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission has been made aware of the situation and reported that 15 vehicles from the dealership are affected by title problems.
The closure of Geaux Autoplex was attributed to difficulties with its floor plan, which is a form of credit dealers use to purchase cars for resale. Following the dealership’s abrupt closing, the property has been cleared out and a “for rent” sign has been posted outside.
Despite attempts to contact Starns, Forest has not received any responses to his inquiries, leaving customers frustrated and seeking resolution. At present, the lien holder for Forest’s vehicle has sent a lien release, indicating he no longer owes money on the car. However, the title complications have left him unable to recover the funds spent on repairs and have rendered the vehicle unusable without proper documentation.
As a temporary solution, the dealership suggested that Forest apply for a bonded title. However, this option is not available in Louisiana, further complicating the process for those affected.
In light of the situation, Starns has stated that he is working with the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission to address the closure protocol. He remains confident that titles will be delivered to customers eventually, but the timeline for resolution remains uncertain as customers like Forest wait for clarity regarding their vehicle ownership.
For many affected customers, the closure of Geaux Autoplex not only poses immediate logistical challenges but also leaves them feeling vulnerable and dissatisfied with the handling of their vehicle purchases. As the situation unfolds, impacted individuals are left in a state of limbo, unsure when or if they will receive their vehicle titles and regain access to their purchased vehicles.
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