We’ve all been there — driving that 20-year-old truck with over 200,000 miles, trying to stretch every dollar while chipping away at debt and building savings. One thing breaks, then another, and suddenly the repairs are piling up. Add in the challenge of living in an apartment complex where you can’t fix things yourself, and next thing you know, you've sunk over $4,000 into a $3,000 vehicle — in just four months.

That was the story of my beloved 2006 Ranger — affectionately known as the White Wolf. Eventually, I had to accept that it was time to move on.

Shopping for a replacement wasn't any easier. I initially set a budget of $10,000 for a truck or SUV with under 100,000 miles — I need something practical, reliable, and capable of handling off-road work. Unfortunately, that dream evaporated fast. The market made it clear: I’d have to spend more to get less. My budget ballooned to $15,000… then $20,000… and even then, nothing really impressed me.

Then came May 22, 2025.

While out inspecting job sites, I heard a deep rumble from the engine. The oil light came on. I limped the truck back to my apartment and checked things out. It was two quarts low, and new oil stains were forming under the vehicle. After letting it cool, I added oil and the light went off — but I knew the clock had run out. The White Wolf had howled its last.

In urgent need, I hopped online and looked for something nearby. Up popped a newly listed 2014 Ford F-150 at AutoNation Subaru of Scottsdale. Their “no hassle 1Price” was $18,000 — and according to the listing, it had just been traded in. I reached out and received a quick, friendly reply: “Thanks for your interest in the 2014 Ford F-150 — that’s a great choice!”

On their website, AutoNation boasts that all their used vehicles undergo a “rigorous inspection” and include a vehicle history report so buyers can feel confident they're getting a “Worry-Free” vehicle “ready for the open road.”

Desperate, I scheduled a test drive that same day.

I gave the truck a quick visual once-over — nothing jumped out to a non-mechanic like me — and took it for a drive. It seemed fine. Relieved to finally have a "Worry-Free" option, I came back the next day to seal the deal. Four hours later, I drove off in my new-to-me F-150.

Then the Arizona summer heat rolled in.

A couple weeks in, I noticed the A/C was sluggish. On June 12, I took it to a nationwide repair facility near me for a checkup. That’s when the real story began.

The shop informed me that just five to six weeks earlier — in early May — they had inspected this exact truck for the previous owner. At that time, they provided an estimate for nearly $16,000 in needed repairs, including:

• Suspension system overhaul

• Turbocharger replacement

• Cooling system repairs

• Routine high-mileage maintenance (tune-up, transmission service, differential fluids, etc.)

No work had been done. AutoNation accepted the trade-in and sold it to me without disclosing any of these issues.

So much for “Worry-Free.”

Assuming this had to be an honest mistake, I contacted AutoNation on June 16, shared the inspection report, and asked if they’d like to resolve the matter directly. I received an initial response asking for the report, which I sent immediately.

Since then: on June 18 I received an email from AutoNation asking "if I knew of anyone who would appreciate the same level of service I received."

A week later, I took the truck to another repair shop I trust for a second opinion. On June 23, they confirmed the same list of problems — albeit with a slightly lower estimate: around $12,000 in repairs.

So here I am:

• One month after purchasing a “Worry-Free” truck

• Over $1,000 already spent in diagnostics and minor repairs

• Facing another $12,000–$16,000 in necessary work

• Instead of the “White Wolf,” I’ve got Turd Ferguson

So what’s going on here?

Let’s consider some possibilities:

1. AutoNation really did inspect the vehicle — and somehow passed it

2. They inspected it, saw the issues, and sold it anyway without disclosure

3. They don’t actually inspect vehicles as thoroughly as advertised

4. Their “Worry-Free” slogan is just marketing fluff to move inventory

5. A magic repair force field surrounds their lot that disappears the moment you drive off

6. They’re too embarrassed to admit they knowingly sold a lemon and are now just ghosting me

7. They simply don’t care

Whichever it is, the result is the same: I bought an $18,000 problem child from a national dealership that promises peace of mind and delivered a money pit.

If you're in the market for a used vehicle and see a tempting listing from AutoNation — do yourself a favor:

Keep scrolling.
Buy from someone else.