Bad Dealer Dealings - List Your Bad Dealer Experience

[DarkMossJustin]

Young Kia, Layton Utah.
I called and inquired about the ordering process. Gal I spoke with said 2 months for an SX-P, and that they were MSRP if I financed with them. After our conversation she text me and apologized and told me that they were actually 6-9 months out, and that she thought I was originally talking about the Sorentos.
A different sales person called me back 30 min after I inquired, telling me that there was great news and a model very close to the one I wanted was on the lot and that the original buyer had backed out. It was available! I asked what the sticker was and he said around $55k. While I talked to him I looked on failcat and saw that the MSRP was actually about $48k. I then asked him what the MSRP was and he told me it was indeed $48k, but that there was a market correction. When I asked about them selling at MSRP he said that they did for orders, but that this unit would save me a 13 month wait. I said “Huh? The other person text me and said 6-9 months”. He said “the other person has worked here for two days, it is definitely a 13 month wait“. I thanked him for his time and left feeling completely jerked around by incompetence and misinformation.
There‘s better dealers out there.

Bad information followed by bad information followed by bad news and possibly a "13 month wait"?

They obviously don't know how to run a dealership and coordinate a sales team...

Hmmm.

Most legit places will have daily sales meetings or at least quick team updates (everyone-in) so that everyone's on the same page, veteran salespeople, new hires, sales managers.

 

[sv129]

Winn KIA in Fremont.

I inquired about ordering a Telluride. They responded that they had one in stock. I asked if there's a markup, he responded that "All tellurides have markup".

I asked if they would order one for me at MSRP. Person said "We can't right now. The Factory in Korea closed on Thursday for 3 months because of a COVID outbreak". When I asked what factory he was talking about ( google yielded no news about KIA shutting down their factory), he replied "The factory that makes the parts before they're sent to the US?".

At that point I was done with them. If i'm already being lied to in the first call, i'm not gonna work with them for 6-12 months to get my car.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

Winn KIA in Fremont.

I inquired about ordering a Telluride. They responded that they had one in stock. I asked if there's a markup, he responded that "All tellurides have markup".

I asked if they would order one for me at MSRP. Person said "We can't right now. The Factory in Korea closed on Thursday for 3 months because of a COVID outbreak". When I asked what factory he was talking about ( google yielded no news about KIA shutting down their factory), he replied "The factory that makes the parts before they're sent to the US?".

At that point I was done with them. If i'm already being lied to in the first call, i'm not gonna work with them for 6-12 months to get my car.

Thank you @sv129, for sharing your recent experience with that awful dealership.

This is useful information.

Best of all, it directly helps your fellow Telly shoppers arrive at better decisions.

Hopefully, you'll find a better dealership to work with.

What's going on in Silly Valley?

Check my signature for a good NorCal dealership.

MSRP + tax/title/license + documentation fee under $100 is reasonable and fair, and they have better communication.

Can't speak to the wait list, but I'm sure it's really long, just like any legitimate dealership selling at MSRP.

Good luck!

 

[sv129]

Thank you @sv129, for sharing your recent experience with that awful dealership.

This is useful information.

Best of all, it directly helps your fellow Telly shoppers arrive at better decisions.

Hopefully, you'll find a better dealership to work with.

What's going on in Silly Valley?

Check my signature for a good NorCal dealership.

MSRP + tax/title/license + documentation fee under $100 is reasonable and fair, and they have better communication.

Can't speak to the wait list, but I'm sure it's really long, just like any legitimate dealership selling at MSRP.

Good luck!

Its as Silly as ever =). Funny enough that's the dealership I ended up ordering from! Moe has been very good at letting me know what to expect. Only "downside" is that its a 8-12month wait so i'll have a while to go. Like you said though, that's not their fault and just speaks to the demand of the telluride!

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[mohanlal2000]

Southwest Kia - Round Rock, TX is charging a $10k "market adjustment." for SX and $ 5-7 K for EX. When I said I would start negotiating when they dropped the $10k fee they encouraged me to look elsewhere. Also, they will not give the price over the phone and make you visit the store.

 

[rararattlers84]

Here's my bad experience with Werner Kia in Tallahassee, FL. I had just started looking at Tellurides, just started poking around the forum here, etc., and decided I might as well test drive one. Werner Kia actually had two SXPs at the time, both NFE--Wolf Gray and Black Copper. So we decided to check it out. The prices online of course are just MSRP, but with an asterisk, so I knew it was likely they would charge a markup. The salesman we dealt with was super nice; we test drove the Wolf Gray (which I was skeptical of the color at the time), and asked about the $6K or so markup on a small square of paper next to the window sticker on the car. Our very nice salesman said oh, we'll sell it to you for MSRP. I'm pretty sure I asked him, are you suuuuuure? And he said yes. When we asked about ordering one, they acted like they had no idea what we were talking about, which was probably another red flag. I wasn't prepared to buy at that point, wasn't so sure about the Wolf Gray or Black Copper, and said well, let us think it over, we are really more interested in other colors (at the time, Everlasting Silver and Gravity Gray). So, we went home. I got on here and realized that getting MSRP without sometimes significant wait and travel is no small feat, and that weird Wolf Gray color would not leave my head. So that night I decided, what the heck, let's try to buy it. We called the next day and said, if you'll sell the Wolf Gray for MSRP, we're in. They hesitated to send us anything in writing before driving back to the dealership, which should've been the first (or second or third) bad sign. Of course, once at the dealership, the manager or whoever said no, you misheard, we charge a $6K markup on all Tellurides and we'd never sell for MSRP because we can get X at even an auction, etc. The salesman we dealt with, for what it's worth, was super apologetic and fully admitted he told us they would sell at MSRP. But we walked. Anyway, I was angry, and I think this entire process is why I decided to get the Wolf Gray SXP in particular. We ended up going to i25 Kia in Longmont, Colorado, and I'm heading over to the GOOD dealership thread to add something for them.

 

[millertyme44]

East Meadow (NY) dealership - would not even consider placing an order @ MSRP, they told me I would need a $500 non-refundable deposit to place the order AND they couldn't tell me how much over MSRP they would be charging me until the car came in (and If after waiting 4 months I don't like the answer I also lose the deposit).
They also tried to charge me $1500 for the self leveling suspension when I informed them the entire towing package which included that was only $700

Way too many good dealerships within reasonable 3-4 hour driving distance to put up with this nonsense

 

[ScottyMKC]

I just left a good dealer feedback in the thread for that, but here's a bad dealer from my buying experience: Cable Dahmer Kia in Lees Summit, MO. No thank you. I took my wife to test drive a new Telluride and they had three on the lot. With a car this popular in my area, that should have been my first warning sign. Other dealers can't seem to keep them on the lot. I quickly figured out how they were able to keep multiple on the lot. During my test drive the salesperson informed me that they are asking $8K over MSRP on the Sangria SXP we were driving. $8K? I understand market adjustment, but $8K. I like money and am willing to drive across town to save $8K. Ironically, that seemed to be one of the few things that the salesperson knew. Many other things he told me were incorrect. I like to research my big purchases more than most, hence why I joined this forum. I guess it comes from my frugal nature. The saleperson told me that the GG EX on the lot was a Everlasting Silver. Meh, ok, honest mistake. Then he told me that it was an EX premium, which the 18 inch wheels clearly indicated it was not. He was incorrect about a ton of little things like blind spot camera, UVO being the remote start method, etc. As we are finishing up I mention that another Kia dealer in town will offer a Telluride at MSRP and he tried to throw shade at them by accusing them of selling your ordered car out from under you. I ended up at that dealer and they did no such thing and I paid not a dime over MSRP. After we left, my wife even said I noticed how bad you wanted to correct him on a number of things but just gave me "the look."
This on the heels of our last experience with this dealer trying to trade an in-law's 1 year old Optima bought at that dealer for a Sportage and they absolutely failing to offer any kind of reasonable trade value. I ended up at a Nissan dealer on that one getting a Rogue Sport.
So overall: Exhorbitant cost over MSRP, poorly educated sales people, bad mouthing other KIA dealers and offering unreasonably low trade in. Hard pass on all that.

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[DarkMossJustin]

I just left a good dealer feedback in the thread for that, but here's a bad dealer from my buying experience: Cable Dahmer Kia in Lees Summit, MO. No thank you. I took my wife to test drive a new Telluride and they had three on the lot. With a car this popular in my area, that should have been my first warning sign. Other dealers can't seem to keep them on the lot. I quickly figured out how they were able to keep multiple on the lot. During my test drive the salesperson informed me that they are asking $8K over MSRP on the Sangria SXP we were driving. $8K? I understand market adjustment, but $8K. I like money and am willing to drive across town to save $8K. Ironically, that seemed to be one of the few things that the salesperson knew. Many other things he told me were incorrect. I like to research my big purchases more than most, hence why I joined this forum. I guess it comes from my frugal nature. The saleperson told me that the GG EX on the lot was a Everlasting Silver. Meh, ok, honest mistake. Then he told me that it was an EX premium, which the 18 inch wheels clearly indicated it was not. He was incorrect about a ton of little things like blind spot camera, UVO being the remote start method, etc. As we are finishing up I mention that another Kia dealer in town will offer a Telluride at MSRP and he tried to throw shade at them by accusing them of selling your ordered car out from under you. I ended up at that dealer and they did no such thing and I paid not a dime over MSRP. After we left, my wife even said I noticed how bad you wanted to correct him on a number of things but just gave me "the look."
This on the heels of our last experience with this dealer trying to trade an in-law's 1 year old Optima bought at that dealer for a Sportage and they absolutely failing to offer any kind of reasonable trade value. I ended up at a Nissan dealer on that one getting a Rogue Sport.
So overall: Exhorbitant cost over MSRP, poorly educated sales people, bad mouthing other KIA dealers and offering unreasonably low trade in. Hard pass on all that.

Thank you for the detailed feedback.

Multiple top trim AWD Tellurides sitting on the lot for days is a big red flag.

 

[LookingforTelly]

I posted in the good dealer thread with more info. Been shopping around since last week. Called/emailed probably 20 dealers in the mid-Atlantic area between Central PA, Baltimore, western Md and Philly. I

I wouldnt necessarily call all of these dealers bad, except maybe Cherry Hill for refusing to even discuss pricing unless I came in. Guess he figured an hour and a half drive, I wouldnt leave empty handed?

• Jones Kia (Bel Air MD) - 5k markup on EX and SX. You can probably get the lower trims without markup.
• Lutherville (Lutherville MD) 5k markup. Didn't like the salesperson attitude about paying markup.
• Cherry Hill NJ - $$Markup but would not tell me what it is, tried to get me to come in several times, an hour and a half drive, without even bothering to tell me the price. Does have inventory on the lot if you're willing to deal with the haggling antics, maybe you can get a good deal? I wasnt about to find out if I had that kind of patience (hint: I dont)
• Kia on the Blvd - $5995 Markup - Had inventory on the lot- so again, if you're looking for here and now- good luck
• Kia West Chester & Kia Coatesville - Charging $3500 Markup on EX/SX trims. Lower trims negotiable (supposedly). Marvin was good to work with, just didn't have what I wanted or what I wanted to pay.

These are charging at MSRP, but you have to get one that is in transit or as soon as they hit the lot, inventory is low.

• York Kia (York PA)
• C Harper Kia (Vernon PA)
• Buchanan Kia (Westminster MD)
• Jim Shorkey (Irwin, PA)
• Abeloff Kia (Stroudsburg, PA) - I placed a deposit here.

Hope this helps someone in the search

 

[flyckfly]

Here’s another crappy one. Kia Cerritos, SoCal. Charging 66k for a 50k Telluride. I told them that that’s absolutely ridiculous and they responded back that every other dealer is selling above MSRP and that it will be sold in a day or two. Smh

 

[MrTelluride]

Here’s another crappy one. Kia Cerritos, SoCal. Charging 66k for a 50k Telluride. I told them that that’s absolutely ridiculous and they responded back that every other dealer is selling above MSRP and that it will be sold in a day or two. Smh

Wow! I was in Cerritos last weekend and almost thought of going to Kia Cerritos. This post makes me so relived to know I would’ve wasted my time.

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[flyckfly]

Wow! I was in Cerritos last weekend and almost thought of going to Kia Cerritos. This post makes me so relived to know I would’ve wasted my time.

Oh and KIA Carson is adding 10k markup for market adjustment.

 

[yosM45]

If you're in South Florida, avoid Phil Smith Kia in Light House Point.

They have several SXP and SXP NF. Nice friendly folks great you on the phone and invite you out to the dealership.

Once your there and find the Telluride you'd like, your quickly told you can not test drive it.

You can test drive a demo but not the "actual" one you'd like to buy.

After some back and forth, the sales manager agrees to allow me the "privilege" of a test drive if we first agree to pricing.

I asked for his best price and was greeted with a $10k markup. I laughed and told them to screw off. I asked him if he thought I loaded up my wife and 4 kids to drive an hour to a dealership to play games for a Telluride that been on his lot for a month. Total prick move.

As of writing this, that same Wolf Grey SXP NF has been on the lot for almost 6 weeks weeks. So clearly, they aren't flying off the lot as they believe.

 

[PittPa]

Why do I enjoy the bad dealer thread and post more than the good dealer?

 

[what_the_what]

How do you handle a trade in negotiation with these long-distance purchases?

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[ksyrah]

I don't know if this is a record or not but, Ron Tonkin Kia in Gladstone OR (greater Portland area) has a used 2020 Telly with 15K miles and an original MSRP of $47,305 listed for sale at an astounding $59,987.

New Kia Cars & SUVs | Ron Tonkin Kia in Gladstone | Near Portland, OR

Ron Tonkin Kia has a large selection of Kia cars and SUVs for you to choose from, and our sales staff will help you find the one that most suits your needs!

www.rontonkinkia.com

 

[LookingforTelly]

How do you handle a trade in negotiation with these long-distance purchases?

The dealer wouldn't negotiate with us at all for either car we offered for trade. Got better offers online from Carmax. Not sure if we actually would have gotten if we took it there, but for one car we traded at a different dealer for the same price carmax offered. Kia offered 2k less. So, if they aren't budging, get quotes online from carmax and others. Then decide what makes more sense. I kept my old car, it's worth more than $500.

 

[flyckfly]

Why do I enjoy the bad dealer thread and post more than the good dealer?

Because you like to watch bad dealers be in pain.

 

[flyckfly]

I don't know if this is a record or not but, Ron Tonkin Kia in Gladstone OR (greater Portland area) has a used 2020 Telly with 15K miles and an original MSRP of $47,305 listed for sale at an astounding $59,987.

New Kia Cars & SUVs | Ron Tonkin Kia in Gladstone | Near Portland, OR

Ron Tonkin Kia has a large selection of Kia cars and SUVs for you to choose from, and our sales staff will help you find the one that most suits your needs!

www.rontonkinkia.com

KIA Cerritos is SoCal has a markup of 16k... over 60k for market adjustment.