Jason, check out this link. They seem pretty shady.
Edit link don't work. Here is a copy from the BBB about Texas Direct Auto.
Texas Direct Auto
Yahoo Map
1915 Hwy. 90 A
Missouri City, TX 77489
The BBB reports on members and non-members. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.
Original Business Start Date: 09/19/2001
Principal: Rick Williams
Phone Number: 281-499-8200
Fax Number: 713-937-0258
Email Address:
rick@texasdirectauto.com
Web Site Address:
www.texasdirectauto.com
www.texasdirectauto.reliabilitymall.com
Membership Status: This company is not a BBB member
Type of Business: Auto Dealers-Used Cars
Additional Business Names:
Northside Texas Direct Auto
Texas Direct Auto Sales
BBB MEMBERSHIP
On June 6, 2007 this company's membership in the BBB was revoked by the BBB's Board of Directors due to failure to participate in BBB arbitration and/or mediation despite pre-committing to do so. It is an ongoing requirement of membership in the BBB to mediate or arbitrate unresolved disputes and to follow through in accordance with the agreements reached.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Please note that the company claims all cars they sell are sold "As Is". In the State of Texas the Lemon Law covers brand new cars only, not USED cars. If a car is sold "as is" the company has no obligation to repair any item on the car once it is sold. Please check out the following link for information on Lemon Laws in different states
http://www.123car.com/lemon/lemonbystate.html
Please have your own mechanic or a service check out the car before you make a purchase. There is no 3 Day Cooling off period for car purchases.
When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company's size and volume of business. The number of complaints filed against the company may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the company handled them.
The BBB processed a total of 46 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 46 complaints in the last 36 months, 27 of those were closed in the last 12 months.
Complaints Concerned
Advertising Issues: 4
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 2; Unresolved: 1; Administratively Closed: 1
Sales Practice Issues: 3
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 3
Delivery Issues: 2
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 1; Administratively Closed: 1;
Repair Issues: 6
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 4; Administratively Closed: 2;
Service Issues: 4
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 2; Unresolved: 2;
Customer Service Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Resolved: 1
Product Issues: 7
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 3; Administratively Closed: 3; No Response: 1
Refund or Exchange Issues: 16
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 7; Unresolved: 5; Administratively Closed: 4;
Contract Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Resolved: 1
Billing or Collection Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Resolved: 1
ADDITIONAL TRADENAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
This business also uses the following names, addresses and/or telephone numbers:
(713) 937-0252
(281) 914-7875
(832) 947-9955
Northside Texas Direct Auto
Texas Direct Auto Sales
This is not necessarily a complete list.
EDUCATIONAL/GENERAL COMMENTS
Most used cars are sold "as is", which means that the car comes with no guarantees or warranties, implied or otherwise. When you buy a used car "as is", you are agreeing to take the vehivcle in its present condition, inheriting any problems that it has.
Since you will probably have no guarantee from the used car dealer when you buy your car, it is extremely important to know as much as you can about the condition of the car before you make the purchase.
Before purchasing a used car, you should always have it inspected by a mechanic. However, there are many things you can check yourself before paying a mechanic to inspect the car, such as the following:
* Exterior: Be sure the body appears even, with no irregular spacing between the body joints. Also check for rust, and for signs of brake fluid leakage on the inside of the tires.
*Interior: Check for badly worn carpeting or upholstery, which may be a sign of use. If the seats have covers, look underneath. Turn on the ignition to check the warning lights, and check the brake pedal for free play.
*Engine: Pull out the oil dipstick. If it is dark and dirty, the engine may not have been adequately maintained. Check the hoses and belts for cracks and wear. If the transmission is automatic, check the transmission fluid to see it is dark or has a burned odor.
*Electrical System: Check all electrical accessories, such as the lights, wipers, and horn, one at a time.
*Springs and Shocks: Push down on the fron and rear corners of the car. If the car bounces several times, the shock absorbers are worn.
After going through these visual inspections, start the car and take it for a drive. Does the engine make any unsusual noises? Does the car idle and accelerate smoothly, or does there seem to be some hesitation?
Drive down a straight and level stretch of road while holding the steering wheel lightly. Does the car consistantly pull in one direction?
Also, be sure to pay attention to how the brakes are working. Does the car pull to the left or right while your are braking? Are the brakes responsive, or does the car seem to require an unusual amount of time to stop?
If, after your inspection, you are pleased with the car, have a mechanic check the car thoroughly. He may be able to spot problems with the car that you could not detect.
Be sure you read thoroughly any contracts or documents you sign, and be sure any promises the salesperson makes are in writing. If the car is not being sold "as is", what kind of warrenty or guarantee is available? Be sure to get these details in writing. And if you are financing the car, be sure you understand the terms before you sign the contract.
Also, if you should have problems making payments later on, contact the dealer or lender holding the note. Do not fall victem to an auto equity. It is a felony in Texas for a person to take your car with the intent to arrange the transfer of the car to another party without the written authorization of teh vehicle's lienholder.
ID: 13004084
REPORT DATE: 02/06/2008
COPYRIGHT DATE: 2008 BBB of Metropolitan Houston
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the BBB from other sources.
STANDARD DISCLAIMER
As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
BBB reports may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.