A woman who thought she had found the perfect gas saving car, found the not so perfect hybrid.

The 36 year old victim told Murfreesboro officers that she found a 2007 Toyota Prius on Nashville CraigsList. She even spoke to a man identified as "Jim" through text messages about the car.

Prior to making arrangements to meet, the seller told the buyer that his son just passed away and that he needed to spend some time with his grandchildren. The man then told the victim that he would touch base with her later.

During another conversation, the victim and the seller agreed to meet at Red Lobster in Murfreesboro to look at the car.

When test driving the car the man known only as "Jim" mentioned something about hybrid car batteries and how they could be replaced. Evidently, Jim's statement raised a little suspicion. Regardless, the victim moved forward with her purchase and bought the car for $4,600 cash.

As the woman drove the car onto the interstate, it decelerated and all of the vehicle alerts came on. She then called her husband.

Upon a trip to a Toyota dealer, they were informed that a number of things were wrong with the car including water damage to the computer and batteries. They felt as if the damage was concealed with spray paint and called Murfreesboro Police suggesting that they were the victim of fraud.

Despite the report being filed, the trip to the dealer occurred after the purchase was made. That said, there may be little if any recourse the so called victims can pursue. While car dealers have an obligation to sell a sound vehicle, individuals selling cars do not fall under the same laws.

View: Tennessee Lemon Law Information

Source:

MPD Incident 18-12078