Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

E-F-G-H

Back

EL CAJON MAZDA-KIA, El Cajon, California - "I agreed to buy a vehicle from this dealership for $16,100. I filled out their paperwork at which time they noticed I was paying cash. All at once the price jumped up to $16,277! The extra $177 isn't the point here, but that El Cajon Mazda-Kia acted dishonorably. I walked away from the deal completely and left to try and find an honest dealership."
ELITE AUTO SALES  Seminole, Oklahoma -  Chevrolet Corvette 1975 [06/03/00]  "After a representative of this dealership test drove my trade-in I discovered that the seat had been sliced.  My salesman agreed to have the seat repaired after I showed him the 3-inch cut.  I've called them almost continuously for the last three weeks but get nothing more than another promise, this one to call me back."
ELK GROVE FORD, Elk Grove, California - "I bought a 2001 Chevrolet Corvette at Elk Grove Ford and paid $2,800 for a '24/24,000' extended warranty.  Within a few days of taking possession I noticed the ABS warning lamp coming on intermittently. Elk Grove Ford agreed to take care of this just as soon as I could bring the car in.  However, at this point the financing hadn't been finalized,  even though I was assured that the verbal agreement I'd made with Elk Grove Ford's finance department was locked in. I decided to wait until the financing was formally completed before bringing in the car; no sense in wasting time on that if there was some chance I'd have to give up the vehicle. Two weeks went by, and still the financing had not been approved and completed. During that time I noticed the smell of burning oil. I took the Corvette to a Chevrolet dealer, thinking that I'd use the extended warranty I had bought with the car. The Chevy dealer informed that that my car needed new piston rings, a differential-axle seal, a water pump, and a steering-angle sensor. Total estimated cost--$5,000! The warranty administrator, Universal Warranty Corporation in Omaha, Nebraska, refused to cover any of the cost except that for replacing the water pump. The nearly $3,000 I'd already paid for the extended warranty was wasted money. Elk Grove Ford did take care of the steering-angle sensor problem but, like Universal Warranty Corporation, refused everything else. They had the nerve to blame me for driving the car too many miles (2,644 in 3 weeks) before bringing it in for repair work. If their finance department functioned with at least a hint of efficiency in getting my financing completed there wouldn't have been any delay! More proof of what a slip shod operation Elk Grove Ford's finance department  is comes from the fact that it took 6 phone calls, 2 letters, 2 visits, and 2 months before I could squeeze a refund out of them for the worthless extended warranty, and then I had to bypass them completely and hand-carry everything to the right people within the dealership hierarchy. Yes, the financing for the Corvette was finally completed---at  a higher interest rate and higher payments than negotiated. Because of my experience with Elk Grove Ford, I'll never buy another Ford or any other make from any Ford dealership."
ELMORE TOYOTA, Westminster, California - "An online sales manager from Elmore Toyota emailed me a price quote on a 2005 Toyota Camry LE of $15,900 (base price). However, when I got to the dealership they refused to honor that quote, even after I showed them a printed copy of the email from their online sales manager. It had just been a mistake on their part they said, but I was the one who paid for it in wasted time, lost work, gas, etc.,."
JOHN ELWAY TOYOTA, Centennial, Colorado - "I wanted to terminate a lease I had on a 2001 Toyota Corolla.  I chose John Elway Toyota because they're supposed to have a good reputation. On my first visit I liked a no frills Corolla, but the salesman told me that it had already been sold. He said that he'd order another one for me. He never called me back as he said he would, and when I called him he developed a sudden case of amnesia. A call to the sales manager didn't bring any better results. He said that the simple Corolla I wanted wasn't on the lot, nor would it ever be. Instead he tried to sell me one with spoilers and other gawdy gadgets which brought the total price up considerably above what I was willing or able to pay.  Later on I made another visit to this dealership and selected a lease  on a 2005 Corolla, but as the deal progressed the finance officer kept tacking on so-called 'special' features, such as Gap Protection, tire service, 6-disc CD changer, etc.,. I never understood that any of these things were options, and that I could waive any or all of them; they were things I needed I was told. When we began negotiating I was quoted a payment of $175, significantly less than what I'd been paying on my old lease. However, after all was said and done, that $175 payment had jumped up to almost $400. At this point I was ready to head for the door, but they told me that my old leased vehicle had already been sold! Furthermore they demanded I write them a check for $2,000 because that's the amount they had lost on their sale of my trade-in because it didn't have air conditioning. These people who had earlier been all warm smiles now became very belligerent and hostile, and their bullying had brought me to the point where I was ready to take the 2005 Corolla and pay the $2,000 just to escape. But then, miraculously, it was announced that they'd found my trade-in; it had not been sold after all. Unless you like being bullied, lied to and cheated, stay away from John Elway Toyota!"
FINDLAY TOYOTA, Henderson, Nevada - "I wanted to buy a 2005 Toyota Prius at this dealership, but none were in stock. They asked for a deposit in order to secure the next one that arrived on their lot. I put up $500.00 as a deposit and was assured that as soon as the car arrived it would be reserved for me. A few days later they told me that the car I wanted had arrived, but someone who had NOT placed a deposit was interested in buying it. I told the salesman that I would be by that afternoon to purchase the car on which I'd already placed a deposit. When I arrived I found that the car had been sold to someone else. Now Findlay Toyota wanted me to leave my $500.00 deposit in place so that I could buy the next car that came in. I declined!"
FOOTHILLS NISSAN, La Crescenta, California - "I spoke on the phone with a salesman at Foothills Nissan. I explained that my credit profile had suffered in recent years due to some personal setbacks, and that I didn't have enough for a down payment. The salesman proudly proclaimed that Foothills Nissan specialized in financing people with credit difficulties. After asking for my Social Security number and checking my credit profile on line, he enthusiastically assured me that it would be no problem getting me financed. I repeated that I did not have a down payment. He said that they might required just $500.00 down, but that I shouldn't worry because they could and would work it out; I could stretch out any down payment over a few months. It could well be, he said, that a down payment would not be required at all. I explained that I lived a long distance away from the dealership, but he continued to assure me that it would be worth the drive because without a doubt Foothills Nissan would get me financing that would fit my budget. I told him when my next day off would be and he said that he would be at the dealership that day, looking forward to helping me drive off in a new car. I drove two hours to get to Foothills Nissan where I was greeted by another salesman who told me that the one I'd spoken with was not there. Further, they didn't know where he was because he made his own schedule, nor could they call him on his cell phone. What followed was the rudest treatment I have ever experienced at any car dealership. Despite the earlier statements that credit problems were their specialty they treated me like I had some infectious disease. I was told that I would need at least $2,000 to $2,500.00 on the spot to get a car. When I told them what I had been told on the phone by the first salesman, and that I had just driven for two hours to get there, I was told to '...have a nice trip back.' My experience with Foothills Nissan is that their employees are not only rude but liars as well. Indeed, Foothills Nissan is by far the most rude, most unprofessional dealership I have ever encountered."
FOOTHILL FORD  Pinnacle, North Carolina  -  Ford Taurus 1999 [05/02/00]  "My mother was told by this dealership that she needed a co-signer to buy this car.  I agreed to co-sign for her.  I also pointed out to the sales manager, Chuck Simmons, that my husband and I were going to buy a new van.  Chuck Simmons said that my co-signing for my mother would not affect our ability to buy.  We later found out that my name was placed as buyer on the contract for my mother's car and she was shown as the co-signer.  I confronted Chuck Simmons about this , but he denied ever discussing anything with me, and told me that it was, '..your problem. We're just here to sell cars, not deal with problems.'"
FORD MOTOR COMPANY  Lincoln Mark 8 1993 "The engine has aluminum cylinder heads and steel spark plugs. Ford Motor Company recommends a tune up and plugs at 100,000 miles.  The problem is that after uncounted cycles of heating and cooling, the steel spark plugs adhere to the threads of the cylinder head.  At the 100,000 mile plug change, removal of the plugs also removes a portion of the threads off the cylinder head;  new plugs are installed into weakened threads.  This sets up what happened to my engine:  about 17,000 miles after the new plugs were installed,  the left cylinder head blew plugs right out the head, taking the threads with them.  After another 5,000 miles, the right cylinder head did the exact same thing.  Ford Motor Company denies responsibility for this design defect."
FORT WALTON BEACH AUTO BROKERS, Fort Walton Beach, Florida - "I bought a 1999 Acura from this dealership.  Four days later the SRS light stayed on, meaning that the air bags would not deploy if needed.  I took the car back to Fort Walton Beach Auto Brokers, but they said that they had no way of checking out the problem. I then took it in to an Acura dealership and was told that repairs would cost some $1,100. I passed that information on to Fort Walton Beach Auto Brokers, but they refused to do anything about it at all except to tell me not to get in an accident. Any dealership with even one ounce of integrity would have at least offered to pay half the repair bill."
FREMONT TOYOTA, Fremont, California - "I thought I'd go to a reputable car dealership that sold a good product and picked Fremont Toyota. My mother and I strolled onto the lot, knowing what we wanted to spend. We already had printouts from Kelley Blue Book and Vehix.com on a 2003 Toyota RAV4 with all the 'bells and whistles.' Kelley Blue Book listed it at $22,040.00  Our salesperson, Leo Alansalon, said that the 2003 RAV4 I was interested in was priced at $22,000.00.  We negotiated that price down to $19,000.00 with a $2,000.00 down payment, but the sales manager wanted a higher down payment. We doubled it to $4,000.00.  The sales manager wrote down on a piece of paper, 'Okay, you win," even though there were no dollar amounts written in. We thought that a firm agreement had been reached for $4,000.00 down on a $19,000.00 total price. We'd be financing $15,000.00. Exhausted and convinced that the sales manager, Lee Ward, was taking care of us, we signed the papers.  Finally, after all the t's were crossed and the i's dotted, it was revealed to us that the price had leaped upward to $25,999.00. All attempts to rectify this huge discrepancy, or at least get an explanation, were fruitless. Now I'm stuck with a $494.00 payment on a $25,999.00 balance. I could have bought a brand new RAV4 for that price, and that's what Fremont Toyota was asking for the 2005 model. I originally picked the Toyota line because the company manufactures dependable, economical cars. The staff at Fremont Toyota is NOT dependable; they took full advantage of two women. I don't regret buying the Toyota, but I am definitely disappointed at the staff and feel that we were taken advantage of and treated in an underhanded, dishonest way. Since Fremont Toyota isn't listening maybe Toyota corporate will listen to me; maybe the Better Business Bureau will listen; maybe KTVU will listen; maybe 'Seven On Your Side' will listen; maybe my friends, family and neighbors will listen. Maybe my network of real estate professionals from the San Francisco area to California's central valley will listen."
NORMAN GALE, Cedar Knolls, New Jersey - "We have been loyal customers of Norman Gale since our purchase there of a 2000 Yukon XL. Some time ago I took our vehicle in for a $64.00 oil change. When the vehicle was picked up, the total bill had balooned up to $1225.00 for some unauthorized work. We were furious, but after talking the whole thing over with the service manager and the owner we agreed to pay $800.00. This month the vehicle was left with Norman Gale for another oil change. They contacted me a short time later and said that a new battery was needed. I said absolutely not, because I knew beyond any doubt that the battery was good; it's charge was rated at 14, and the engine always started immediately. I told them just to finish the oil change and we'd be in later to get the vehicle. Again they called me, now saying that the vehicle wouldn't start at all. I told them not to put in another battery and just to push the vehicle into their lot and we'd pick it up next day. We did so, and the engine started at once. It was obvious they were trying to rip us off again! When I complained to Mike McQuoid the service manager he was extremely rude and asked me who I thought I was, the FBI. The people of Morris County New Jersey would do well to stay away from the Norman Gale dealership."
GATEWAY CHEVROLET, Chicago, Illinois - "I had applied for a car loan online and Gateway Chevrolet was one of the dealers that contacted me. A salesman named George told me that I had been approved for a loan of $25,000 on a new car. I indicated that I was still shopping, but that I would call back in a couple of days. When I did this, George again said that my loan had been approved for up to $25,000. I asked if he was absolutely certain of this because Gateway Chevrolet was a three-hour drive from where I lived in Wisconsin. George assured me that I had indeed been approved for $25,000. I was still undecided, and over the next few days George called several times, each time reminding me that my $25,000 car loan was just waiting for me. I finally decided to drive to Chicago, and even while on the way there I talked to George. "Yes, definitely," he repeated. "$25,000!" In Chicago I found Gateway Chevrolet, little more than a huge warehouse with salespeople sitting at desks. I met George and filled out the paperwork. He went off for a time, and when he came back congratulated me; I'd been approved for a $7,500 loan! Naturally I wanted to know what happened to the $25,000 loan he'd repeatedly assured me I had, but he tap danced his way around that question with typical shyster evasiveness. I demanded to talk with a manager, but he did nothing more than back up what George said: $7,500. My advice to anyone in this region---stay far, far away from Gateway Chevrolet."
GEORGE GEE NISSAN, Pasco, Washington - "I bought a 2003 Toyota 4Runner from George Gee Nissan and 2 1/2 weeks later the brakes started making a grinding noise. My mechanic found that the front brakes were 'metal-on-metal', and that the rear brakes would be good for no more than another 2 months. It cost me $610 to take care of these deficiencies that George Gee Nissan should have and probably did already know about before selling me the vehicle."
GREENBROOK AUTO GMC PONTIAC HUMMER - Green Brook, New Jersey -"After communicating on line for over a week with the salesperson and test driving a 2007 Hummer R3, a price was agreed upon and presented to me in writing. Next I spent several hours at Greenbrook Auto GMC Pontiac Hummer picking out exactly what color and options I wanted, including my wish to have the light bar removed, a $1,500 option. The dealership agreed to this request.  At this time they 'discovered' a $2,000 error in the quoted price. Needless to say the error was in their favor. After complaining to the sales manager he agreed to absord the error. On the day I went back to actually take delivery of the vehicle, the $2,000 'error' was back in the paperwork. Once more I strongly objected and again they corrected the 'error.' Also the $1,500 light bar was still in place on the vehicle. They told me that it could not be removed because it was screwed in place. Finally totally fed up with the devious practices I'd encountered at Greenbrook Auto GMC Pontiac Hummer, I went elsewhere to shop."
GREENWAY DODGE-CHRYSLER-JEEP, Orlando, Florida - "I received mail from Greenway Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep on February 3, 2006. It was a private invitation valid for 3 days only. The invitation offered special trade-in offers with no down payment. Also, a $5,000 voucher was enclosed that was good for any purchase made during the 3-day period. Furthermore, the offer stated that it made no difference how much was still owed on the shoppers' trade-in vehicle. The offer was good towards either new or used vehicles. I was drawn to a deal in the offer for a PT Cruiser for $12,997, or a lease at $169 per month.  However, when I arrived at Greenway Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep no one would talk with me about the special invitational offer I'd received; everyone acted like it didn't even exist. The salesman didn't show me a single vehicle that was listed on the offer. Finally, I was told by the sales manager KEN EDWARDS  that they couldn't help me because I owed too much on my present automobile. I reminded KEN EDWARDS about the offer I'd received, and also mentioned that I had a lawyer friend who had confirmed that the trade-in value of my vehicle was far above what Greenway Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep offered. At this time KEN EDWARDS yelled at me: "What the hell does an attorney know about cars? Get the hell out of my store!" I asked him to explain what I'd done to warrant such rudeness, and he brought in eight employees to escort me out. I heard someone say, "He must be a democrat, the way he's running away!" I once again tried to talk to KEN EDWARDS, but he yelled that he was going to have me arrested, and then he pushed me."
GREENWOOD CHEVROLET  Austintown, Ohio  -  Chevrolet Blazer 1999 [08/09/00] "This vehicle has only 13,000 miles on it but has been taken in for 27 problems ranging from paint peeling , seat belt inoperability, to bad CV joints.  Many of these problems have been worked on as many as five times without success.  The service center at Greenwood Chevrolet keeps 'forgetting' to order parts, and I have to come back every other week.  I'm filing for compensation under the 'lemon law.'
GRUBBS NISSAN USED CARS  Bedford, Texas  -  Mazda Millenia 1997 [08/08/00] "I made a $1400 down payment on this car and signed a contract on July 21, 2000 even though the contract was dated July 19, 2000.  I've had the car since the the 21st; it's now August 8, 2000.  This dealer has called me countless times at work because, as they claim, I've not given them enough information to close the deal.  I have copies of everything that I've faxed to them with all the information they've asked for.  Today they told me that they needed $500 to $1000 more as a down payment or they'll take the car back.  They've already cashed my original check of $1400."
GUNDERSON CHEVROLET  El Monte, California  -  Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 1999 [04/14/00]  "On April 4, 2000, my Tahoe caught fire because of an electrical fault.  It only had 11,700 miles on it.  I contacted Gunderson Chevrolet to find out what steps I should take; the only thing I wanted was to find out who I should talk to about getting the vehicle replaced or getting my down payment back. Mr. Poteet told me that there was no way I was going to get anything back from Chevrolet.  He told me that the electrical problem that had caused the fire wasn't their fault,  and if I wanted he would sing me a song and do a dance, but I had nothing coming from either the dealership or Chevrolet.  I've contacted Chevrolet, but so far have had no response."
GWINNETT PLACE FORD  Duluth, Georgia  -  Ford Explorer 2000 [04/29/00]  "After test driving this demo vehicle, Derrick Augustine offered this deal: trade-in $11,500.. MFSRP $33,690.. demo reduction $2,000..factory rebate $1,000.. net purchase price $30,690.  We thought it over for a day or two, then returned to close the deal.  After about 4 hours of signing some 15 documents without any explanation of what each was for, and without ever seeing the contract itself or the purchase price, I demanded that it be shown.  The terms outlined on the contract were completely different from those offered by Derrick Augustine.  The finance representative tried to tell us that the equity for our trade in wasn't 'included,' and that the contract was correct. We asked to see our salesperson, Derrick Augustine, and were told that he was with a customer. We abruptly left the finance office and found Derrick Augustine sitting alone at his desk; there were no customers in the showroom. We asked for and got our trade in car back and left.  The next morning a phone call came from Ken Nichols at Gwinnett Place Ford.  He was, he claimed, the sales manager and asked that we tell him the reasons we'd backed out of the deal. He also wanted to know what it would take to complete the deal. This was described to him. Thirty minutes later he called back, with still another deal that was totally different. In summary, we were lied to, manipulated, and forced to wait unnecessarily for hours while employees partied in full sight."
DICK HANNAH and DICK SAYS YES, Vancouver, Washington - "I purchased a car from Dick Hannah for $11,900. Later I learned that the Dick Hannah lot I bought the car off of was supposed to be for vehicles $10,000 or less. Not only was I overcharged, but one week after taking delivery of the car it broke down. The Dick Hannah manager offered me any other new vehicle in their inventory for list price, but would only give me $6,900 on the broken down car that they'd sold me only a week earlier!"
BRIAN HARRIS CHEVROLET  Baton Rouge, Louisiana  -  Chevrolet AstroVan 1999 [05/18/00] "I was told by this dealer that they would install a CD player in this vehicle, but they did not.  I didn't get my paperwork through the mail, as I'd been told I would; instead it went to our county courthouse where we get our license tags.  After only having this van for one week, I had to take it in because of brake problems, (..I actually ran several stop signs with the pedal completely depressed) ,plus the air conditioner failed.  All day while at this dealership I got nothing but the run-around; they said there's nothing wrong with the brakes, but at the same time wanted to keep the van for one or two weeks for testing.  I live 100 miles away from Brian Harris Chevrolet, but had to fight with them to get a rental car."
HARROLD FORD  Sacramento, California  -  Ford Probe 1997 [08/09/00] "My car has only 50,000 miles on it but it won't start.  It's been in to Harrold Ford's service department 8 times but they can't find the problem.  The entire engine has been replaced, the crank-sensor replaced twice, the fuel pump, the axles, etc., but the car still won't start.  Now the vehicle is out of warranty and Harrold Ford expects me to start paying for further work."
HEINTZ PONTIAC, Mankato, Minnesota - "We bought our 2001 Pontiac Montana van at Heintz Pontiac. We also purchased an extended warranty there. At 39,000  miles I took the vehicle in to Heintz because of a strange starter noise and strong antifreeze smell. They put in a new intake manifold gasket, but said nothing about the starter. We paid the $100 deductible for the work that was done. After driving the van some more, the starter noise and antifreeze smell were still present. After returning the vehicle to Heintz Pontiac, they replaced the radiator and starter...and we had to pay the deductible again! This is the kind of highly unsatisfactory treatment we got from this dealer where we'd already bought 5 other vehicles."
HERB CONNOLLY HYUNDAI, Natick, Massachusetts - "My daughter and I visited this Hyundai dealership  on a Friday and were soon dealing with a Mr. Connolly on a 2004 model Santa Fe with 6,800 miles on it. I completed the application as co-signer because I have a high credit rating. We were told that we could take delivery on the vehicle that very day, but by 5:00 PM we were still waiting. At that time we were told that everything would be completed by Monday. On Monday we didn't hear anything so we called and talked to a number of people at the dealership, but nothing was resolved. Finally, on Friday (one week after we'd 'bought' the car) we called and told them that we were coming in either to take delivery on the 2004 Santa Fe or to get our deposit back. Upon arrival we were greeted by a different finance manager than the one we'd been dealing with. He claimed that he'd worked the deal all day and the deal he had now was to remove me from the contract as co-signer because my good credit was hurting my daughter.  He said that because of this the bank would only finance 60 months instead of the 72 we'd been previously offerred; the monthly payment would increase by $70.00  Also, the bank wouldn't finance the 2004 Santa Fe but a 2003 model sedan with 47,000 miles on it. To us it was now obvious that Herb Connolly Hyundai had never intended to sell us the 2004 Santa Fe at all, but was practicing a form of bait-and-switch. We asked for our $500 deposit back, but got only $200 until we forced them to admit their error and return the entire amount. Some days later we visited Empire Hyundai in Fall River, MA, and three hours later drove home a 2006 Hyundai Tucson."
HERITAGE MAZDA, Huntington Beach, California - "My husband and I had only one week to find the car we wanted because he was being deployed overseas. We'd decided on a Mazda 3, and had already obtained financing from our credit union. We went to Heritage Mazda and spent three hours test-driving Mazdas. We also wanted a particular color. Finally we completed bargaining and signed all the required paperwork. Heritage Mazda said our car would be ready the next day, but when that time came we got a call stating that the car we'd picked and signed the paperwork for had been sold! Checking our copy of the contract carefully, we verified that the VIN # was the same as the car that had been sold out from under us. The dealer's response to our complaint was that we would '...have to settle for another car.' I insisted that they find another car exactly like the one we'd signed for, but they refused. My husband called and tried to talk to the sales manager, Eric, but he was rude and hung up on him. After much searching, we were able to find the car we wanted in Long Beach, CA, at Long Beach Ford/Mazda. The staff at this dealership was wonderful, and gave us the same deal we'd had with Heritage Mazda. Yesterday we received a letter from Heritage Mazda telling us that it had been ten days (actually it was six days) and they had not been able to get financing for the car we wanted---the one they'd already sold out from under us!"
HOLMAN INFINITY, Maple Shade, New Jersey - "I bought a car at Holman Infinity on 7-12-05. As of today (9-13-05) I still have not received my license tags. My temporary tag expired on 8-01-05. I have placed numerous calls to Holman Infinity about this matter, but today I'm still driving around without a state inspection sticker and with expired license tags."
HORTON AUTOMOTIVE, Norcross, Georgia - "My car payment with this dealership was $350/month.  Unavoidably I fell two months behind and Horton Automotive re-possessed the vehicle. I got my car back after working out an arrangement with them, but after paying $1400 on the back payments they're now saying that I owed another $2045. This comes out to something like 43% interest for every month I was late. Furthermore, Horton Automotive refuses to send me a financial breakdown showing my payments and on-going balance."