Exclusive: Cape Coral car dealership sells Jeep for $1 to man in need

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

After a Fort Myers father lost his only way to get to work, a Cape Coral car dealership stepped in with an unexpected lifeline, selling him a 2014 Jeep Cherokee for just one dollar.

In December, Gulf Coast News told the story of Jeremy Smith. Fort Myers police pulled over the young father right before Christmas, not for speeding, but because his car was literally falling apart. His 1999 Honda Civic, with 250,000 miles, deployed airbags and had no windshield or bumper, was unsafe to drive, but was his only way to get to work.

"I knew I was in the wrong, but I had no other choice," Smith said in a previous interview done by Gulf Coast News.

Smith's car was towed and left in a junkyard, leaving him without transportation. Just this week, Joshua Clinton, managing partner at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, saw Smith's story done by Gulf Coast News on his TikTok For You Page and decided to help.

"We've all been through some kind of struggle," Clinton said. "I said, I think there's something we can do to help him. The fact that we have the ability to help, you know, just the opportunity presented itself. And I figured, why not?"

On Thursday, Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sold Smith a 2014 Jeep Cherokee for one dollar.

Clinton expressed optimism about Smith's future, saying, "Today we found out Jeremy's a mechanic. So you know what? Time will tell. I think he's going to be able to keep it running for as long as he can. And, maybe he even comes here and works here for us, so that'd be cool."

Smith was overwhelmed by the gesture.

"I'm speechless," he said.

He shared a message of hope, saying, "Try not to, you know, be down in dumps or stay down because some day it will get better. And you never know what can happen."

Clinton said, "Cars have never been less affordable than they are right now. And the dealer can only do so much. So having the opportunity to help somebody like this in this situation was great. We're here to help, be your friend in the neighborhood, and do what we can to give you a great deal and get you on the road."

"Jeremy had mentioned that he has a son. So I figured something that was going to be reliable, but also offered him the ability to, you know, accommodate him and his family would be perfect," Clinton said.

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