Bad Dealer Dealings - List Your Bad Dealer Experience

[Lucas & Craig]

Dan O'Brien Kia Norwood MA $4,000 markup. Pride Kia Lynn. $4,000 markup; said would sell for MSRP $49020, went there yesterday with money and paperwork in hand (including dealer Veteran's special of extra $500 off for Veterans) the manager Eric said he would not sell for MSRP and I wouldn't find a dealer with out a markup. He denied they had an extra Veteran's incentive (see attached).

Here is the email confirming that we could get the car for MSRP:
Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 7:54 PM
To: tgrey@pridemotorgroup.com <tgrey@pridemotorgroup.com>
Subject:White Telluride grey interior

Hi, Tony,

Just to confirm, we want the white Telluride grey interior that we test drove Saturday, for the MSRP of $49020 (see attached). Doc fees $300, KMF 1000 for financing. Registration, inspection, title $179. I will want the veteran's plates - U.S. Army - do we need to get those ourselves? I will bring my DD 214 just in case. We will be adding the Telluride to our existing insurance for our other cars.

First off, Thank You for serving our Country. So nobody is discounting Hu? Pretty amazing you won't honor what you offer. I can always order one in for you. KIA offers Veteran discount as long as it's still going on when vehicle arrives and it should. Let me know if we can help.

 

[Superbenj]

Dan O'Brien Kia Norwood MA $4,000 markup.

I popped into Kia Norwood quickly to check out the Telly in real life. I will not be back, you could feel the sleaze and slime dripping from the walls

To be fair they were very upfront about not selling them at MSRP though!

 

[Lucas & Craig]

I popped into Kia Norwood quickly to check out the Telly in real life. I will not be back, you could feel the sleaze and slime dripping from the walls

To be fair they were very upfront about not selling them at MSRP though!

LMAO!

 

[Stoney]

First off, Thank You for serving our Country. So nobody is discounting Hu? Pretty amazing you won't honor what you offer. I can always order one in for you. KIA offers Veteran discount as long as it's still going on when vehicle arrives and it should. Let me know if we can help.

I am trying first finding one on the lot ready to go; if no luck will order one (although I would be happier if Kia would join the agreement to honor California emissions and mileage goals). Looking for an SX AWD white with gray interior and trailer hitch. Don't need floor mats (we buy the better Husky floor mats - just sold my 2008 Pilot still looked like new, inside and out). If you have one or get one, it wouldn't be a problem for me to come and get it so long as you commit to the exact Telluride and price in writing ahead of time (would need a reciprocal sales tax form so I can register it in MA). It will be tough to give up the extra veteran's incentive but still better then paying an unjustified markup.

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[Lucas & Craig]

I am trying first finding one on the lot ready to go; if no luck will order one (although I would be happier if Kia would join the agreement to honor California emissions and mileage goals). Looking for an SX AWD white with gray interior and trailer hitch. Don't need floor mats (we buy the better Husky floor mats - just sold my 2008 Pilot still looked like new, inside and out). If you have one or get one, it wouldn't be a problem for me to come and get it so long as you commit to the exact Telluride and price in writing ahead of time (would need a reciprocal sales tax form so I can register it in MA). It will be tough to give up the extra veteran's incentive but still better then paying an unjustified markup.

We probably will not be getting one. Unless the God's bless us with a unit. You can do Costco and Veterans discount together.

 

[Schlegel]

Dan O'Brien Kia Norwood MA $4,000 markup. Pride Kia Lynn. $4,000 markup; said would sell for MSRP $49020, went there yesterday with money and paperwork in hand (including dealer Veteran's special of extra $500 off for Veterans) the manager Eric said he would not sell for MSRP and I wouldn't find a dealer with out a markup. He denied they had an extra Veteran's incentive (see attached).

Here is the email confirming that we could get the car for MSRP:
Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 7:54 PM
To: tgrey@pridemotorgroup.com <tgrey@pridemotorgroup.com>
Subject:White Telluride grey interior

Hi, Tony,

Just to confirm, we want the white Telluride grey interior that we test drove Saturday, for the MSRP of $49020 (see attached). Doc fees $300, KMF 1000 for financing. Registration, inspection, title $179. I will want the veteran's plates - U.S. Army - do we need to get those ourselves? I will bring my DD 214 just in case. We will be adding the Telluride to our existing insurance for our other cars.

There HAS to be a way to report these clowns! I heard O'Brien KIA was bad news. Someone reported that they has like 10+ Tellurides on the lot at one point. Probably because they are such scum. For car dealerships you can file a complaint with MA Consumer Protection agency, State Attorney General and with the Federal Trade Commission. Especially if they are deceptive and if you have that paper trail it will be a solid complaint.

 

[Stoney]

There HAS to be a way to report these clowns! I heard O'Brien KIA was bad news. Someone reported that they has like 10+ Tellurides on the lot at one point. Probably because they are such scum. For car dealerships you can file a complaint with MA Consumer Protection agency, State Attorney General and with the Federal Trade Commission. Especially if they are deceptive and if you have that paper trail it will be a solid complaint.

I am collecting photos of the labels on the windows with the "+ $4,000" or whatever the markup is. Will be following up...I also get listings for class action suits where attorneys are also looking for class actions and class action plaintiffs - you can bet I will be following up! With the AG to help other people, and with the class action lawyers as I will be a great representative plaintiff especially because of the veterans thing.

 

[Tellmeride]

I can understand why people get upset when they are promised MSRP over the phone only to show up to do the deal that they are suddenly hit with a $5k markup. I get it, I would be pissed too.

But if they tell you without shame right off the bat that it’s going to be $5k over, I don’t think there’s much of a case there for y’all. Know that I’m saying?

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[Stoney]

Actually, there are implications under several laws. Price gouging laws - charging more then the regular price when something is in short supply, price fixing when groups all agree to charge more, deceptive acts and practices when the window sticker is posted online but doesn't mention or show the markup, giving you one price to lure you in but a higher price when you go to buy or offering a different product or model (bait and switch), joint venture when many dealers agree to overcharge or it is being done and the manufacturer overlooks the overcharging, and can even be a RICO offense if the right facts are there. There are additional penalties when it happens during emergencies, during a crisis, or a shortage of things like medicine and water and can result in criminal charges. Just because "you can" doesn't mean "you should" and often, there are laws that punish people for trying to get away with what they can. Here is a good general list of actions that are prohibited. The Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law

 

[alexdrums]

You can’t expect to get a deal on a high-demand vehicle that is “right off the truck...or still on the truck!!
Actually, whenever you hear the phrase “right off the truck“ from a dealer, be prepared to run away or open your wallet.

 

[sdbonez]

Actually, there are implications under several laws.

I filed a complaint with Kia regarding one dealer near me. Advertising one price but charging another. The applicable laws in California are usually:

• California Business and Professions Code § 17200: Defines unfair competition as, among other things, any unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading advertising.
• California Business and Professions Code § 17500: Prohibits false and misleading advertising.
• California Civil Code § 1770: Lists a number of deceptive acts that are deemed to be unlawful, including, but not limited to, advertising goods or services with the intent not to sell them as advertised, and knowingly making untrue or misleading statements in advertisements.

..I honestly hate being 'that guy'. Need dealers with more honest business practices.

 

[alexdrums]

I am confused. Was it you that deleted the original post regarding Chula Vista Kia? Whoever it was, I don’t like these dealers anymore than you guys, but to be arguing about the price of a car over the phone with a dealer when the car hasn’t even reached his lot yet...this seems a little silly.
Just because you desire something really bad at a certain price, doesn’t mean the seller has any legal obligation to give it to you at that price. After all, it is a SUGGESTED price. If they can sell it to someone else for a higher price, why wouldn’t they? Unfortunately for you—and for me—there are plenty of someones out there that will pay more than MSRP for a Telluride.

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[Schlegel]

I filed a complaint with Kia regarding one dealer near me. Advertising one price but charging another. The applicable laws in California are usually:

• California Business and Professions Code § 17200: Defines unfair competition as, among other things, any unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading advertising.
• California Business and Professions Code § 17500: Prohibits false and misleading advertising.
• California Civil Code § 1770: Lists a number of deceptive acts that are deemed to be unlawful, including, but not limited to, advertising goods or services with the intent not to sell them as advertised, and knowingly making untrue or misleading statements in advertisements.

..I honestly hate being 'that guy'. Need dealers with more honest business practices.

Actually MORE consumers need to file complaints. Then maybe someone will decide to finally listen and protect consumers!

 

[sdbonez]

I am confused. Was it you that deleted the original post regarding Chula Vista Kia? Whoever it was, I don’t like these dealers anymore than you guys, but to be arguing about the price of a car over the phone with a dealer when the car hasn’t even reached his lot yet...this seems a little silly.
Just because you desire something really bad at a certain price, doesn’t mean the seller has any legal obligation to give it to you at that price. After all, it is a SUGGESTED price. If they can sell it to someone else for a higher price, why wouldn’t they? Unfortunately for you—and for me—there are plenty of someones out there that will pay more than MSRP for a Telluride.

Too many assumptions here but I'll clarify. First off, I didn't delete the Chula Vista Kia post - it's still right here. They actually got that car in over the weekend and true to form, they had it heavily marked up and weren't willing to budge. My original conversation was with them over the phone and they were the ones that hung up on me. This weekend I called back and they were at least pleasant to speak with - but still weren't budging. No formal complaints on them, I just didn't like being hung up on as it was unprofessional.

The later post (and what you're referring to) is actually a fully different dealer (who I'm not naming yet as I'm mulling my options) - and all communication with them has been in writing. They are advertising one price (and not as MSRP) and refusing to honor it (in writing) while also telling me that the car is available for sale, and to me (in writing) - just not at the price advertised. It has nothing to do with MSRP, anything over the phone, my desire for it at a certain price, etc. It has everything to do with how they are advertising which is at a minimum, deceptive, anticompetitive and false.

It's much more similar to walking in to store, selecting a product on the shelf advertised with a sale price of $1.00 and then going up to the register to pay and they charge you $2.00.

 

[sdbonez]

Actually MORE consumers need to file complaints. Then maybe someone will decide to finally listen and protect consumers!

I couldn't agree more. I think many people just suck it up and think that they have to take it without understanding what their actual rights are.

 

[Superbenj]

It's much more similar to walking in to store, selecting a product on the shelf advertised with a sale price of $1.00 and then going up to the register to pay and they charge you $2.00.

Pretty much what happens in my experience, only its the tax thats getting added. As a foreigner (UK), I still get a shock when a 99 cheeseburger etc... actually ends up costing more than a dollar!

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[mlraymond]

Had a similar experience with Tony and Eric at Pride. Tony dragged Dan O'Brien for selling over MSRP - said they don't do that. Then Eric came in with a ridiculous number (did I mention that they also had me testing a FWD vehicle). Go to Lev Kia in Framingham. They're selling for MSRP, as they understand that's the only way to get repeat customers. I placed an order earlier in October, then got a call last week that a buyer backed out of an order she placed for almost the same exact car I had order (SX AWD, Dark Moss, Dark Espresso leather). I picked it up on Saturday and couldn't be happier. Lev Kia even paid off my last two lease payments!

 

[mlraymond]

Had a similar experience with Tony and Eric at Pride. Tony dragged Dan O'Brien for selling over MSRP - said they don't do that. Then Eric came in with a ridiculous number (did I mention that they also had me testing a FWD vehicle). Go to Lev Kia in Framingham. They're selling for MSRP, as they understand that's the only way to get repeat customers. I placed an order earlier in October, then got a call last week that a buyer backed out of an order she placed for almost the same exact car I had order (SX AWD, Dark Moss, Dark Espresso leather). I picked it up on Saturday and couldn't be happier. Lev Kia even paid off my last two lease payments!

 

[Stoney]

Had a similar experience with Tony and Eric at Pride. Tony dragged Dan O'Brien for selling over MSRP - said they don't do that. Then Eric came in with a ridiculous number (did I mention that they also had me testing a FWD vehicle). Go to Lev Kia in Framingham. They're selling for MSRP, as they understand that's the only way to get repeat customers. I placed an order earlier in October, then got a call last week that a buyer backed out of an order she placed for almost the same exact car I had order (SX AWD, Dark Moss, Dark Espresso leather). I picked it up on Saturday and couldn't be happier. Lev Kia even paid off my last two lease payments!

I am definitely calling them back today...we need to be posting this info in the "good dealer" section of this forum!

 

[Superbenj]

Had a similar experience with Tony and Eric at Pride. Tony dragged Dan O'Brien for selling over MSRP - said they don't do that. Then Eric came in with a ridiculous number (did I mention that they also had me testing a FWD vehicle). Go to Lev Kia in Framingham. They're selling for MSRP, as they understand that's the only way to get repeat customers. I placed an order earlier in October, then got a call last week that a buyer backed out of an order she placed for almost the same exact car I had order (SX AWD, Dark Moss, Dark Espresso leather). I picked it up on Saturday and couldn't be happier. Lev Kia even paid off my last two lease payments!

Good to hear LEV are good, they’re my local dealer, so if/ when we come round to ever making a decision I won’t have far to travel.

will look out for a moss green with orange lights if your local!