Vinita Car Dealership Taking Heat

Several people who recently bought new vehicles and traded in old ones, at C.R. Moore in Vinita claim the dealership has not lived up to its word. The News On 6's Chris Wright reports C.R. Moore has been a fixture in downtown Vinita for nearly 80 years. But some of its customers now say they've been betrayed by the dealership.

Both the Sturgeon's and Buchanon's have new trucks, but both also say they are still paying for their old ones.

"Of course it's going to ruin my credit.  I'm 65-years-old and I've never had anything like this happen to me," said Bob Sturgeon.

"But we can't make a house payment, school loan payment truck payment and Durango payment.  Plus all your normal bills with children.  You just can't," said Crystal Buchanon.

The couples say the trouble started earlier this year when they bought trucks at C.R. Moore. As part of a trade-in, they say the dealership agreed to pay off the loans for their old vehicles. But they claim that never happened, and they are now stuck with bills they can't afford.

Vinita attorney Josh Lee says they are not alone. He's represented several other people who have been stiffed by C.R. Moore.

"That's part of the shock for these people.  You go into buy a car; you don't expect this to happen.  Especially from a reputable dealership that's been here forever," said Lee.

C.R. Moore employees, who did not want to go on camera, say they are in the midst of an ownership change. They say the trade-in troubles are tied to the previous owner, the Moore family, but they hope the matter can be resolved.

For the Sturgeons and Buchanons, that can't come soon enough.

"I just want to know we're going to get a title so we can move on with life, not having this hang over our head," said Crystal Buchanon.

"We didn't do this.  We traded it on good faith. They were supposed to take care of us and they didn't," said Sue Buchanon.

Vinita Police are investigating the claims.