A family in Butler County, Pennsylvania, is appealing for assistance after purchasing a wheelchair transport van they claim is defective. The family says they are now stuck with a non-functional vehicle and a significant financial burden.
Lisa and Scott Geibel needed a specialized van for their 33-year-old daughter, Catie, who is in stage 4 renal failure. Lisa Geibel explained that Catie requires a kidney transplant, and the van is essential for her post-transplant care. “After her transplant, she will now not be able to lift herself because the way the operation is done, they’re afraid it would mess up the viable organ they’re going to give her,” Lisa Geibel said.
With new vans costing up to $90,000 the family looked for a more affordable solution. They found a used transport van at 1st Quality Auto Mall in Tallmadge, Ohio, from a salesman named Ranko Veslinovic. According to Lisa Geibel, they were offered a 2010 Chrysler van for $11,000.
“The outside appearance looked great, and the inside looked great,” Lisa said. However, the Geibels were unable to inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle before purchasing due to another car being on the lift. The family says they were unable to even reach home before the van began experiencing issues. Upon inspection in Pennsylvania, they discovered significant problems.
“There’s a hole in the frame that’s filled with puddy. There are holes in the floor. There’s rust, it’s covered with black spray paint and tar and looks to be spray foam insulation,” Lisa Geibel detailed.
The Geibels contacted 1st Quality Auto Mall, requesting that the dealership address the issues. However, according to the family, Veslinovic told them that all sales were final. “It’s as is, and basically, he’s not doing anything,” Lisa Geibel said.
The family then contacted the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General but were told the issue fell under Ohio jurisdiction. They contacted the Ohio authorities, who informed them that Ohio legislation differs from Pennsylvania’s, which protects dealers. “Ohio has an as-is law that protects the dealer, not the consumer,” Lisa Geibel stated.
KDKA-TV reached out to Veslinovic, who said the Geibels signed the paperwork and understood the vehicle’s condition, adding that the business offers no guarantees. “I was just here to sell the vehicle. We’re not Walmart. We don’t take returns,” Veslinovic said.
Lisa Geibel expressed her disagreement, saying, “He’s pretty much become a predator of people with disabilities at this point.”
As matters stand, the Geibels are out $11,000 and lack the van Catie needs for her transplant. “You put your head down and just keep going,” Lisa said, expressing the family’s determination to move forward.
