Limo letdown for bride and groom

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - A Woonsocket couple says their wedding day almost took a wrong turn when they hired a local limo company they found online. Things went from bad to worse when the limo showed up -- in terrible condition, and without the proper permits for the vehicle.

Valerie Enos, the bride, found Southern New England Limousine online months before the wedding -- but when the happy day came, "the limo was terrible," she said.

Before, of course, "The limos that [the company's owner] adverised online seemed okay, the write up of what he offered the day of the wedding seemed perfect," so over the phone, Valerie reserved a ten-passenger white limo for the cost of $387.

What pulled up was a limo letdown: "We noticed right away that it was absolutely filthy on the exterior. There was rust, there was body rot, there were pieces of duct tape painted white... It was disgusting."

In photos Valerie's mom took, you can see the limo had a 2-year-old outdated inspection sticker, bald tires -- and even a "DEALER" plate. To operate in Rhode Island, it has to have a "LIVERY" plate, according to the Division of Motor Carriers.

Not only that, but: "When she asked for proof of registration he couldn't provide any."

That did it. Valerie sent the limo away.

When the newlyweds tried to get their money back, the owner, Scott Youman, refused. The couple decided to Call 12 For Action.

Problem Solver Susan Hogan and crew went to the address listed on the company's website. The owner was nowhere to be found. What was there were limos with expired inspection stickers -- rust -- even a flat tire.

Not exactly "kept in excellent condition," as the company's website says all its vehicles are.

Call 12 For Action also learned that Southern New England Limousine and Youman are not licensed in Rhode Island with the Division of Utilities and Motor Carriers.

"We've heard far too many stories from either promgoers or brides-to-be, of their special day being ruined by the wrong company," said the division's Terry Mercer.

Call 12 For Action called Scott Youman several times. Every time he hung up on us.

The bottom line: Before you hire a limo company, go and visit the company in person and look at the limos inside and out.

Also, check to make sure they are licensed. Click here to check with the state of Rhode Island.