Bad Dealer Dealings - List Your Bad Dealer Experience

[bcjenkins]

No worries, I was @ mentioning him to the conversation. Mitch is a sales guy at the dealership in Inver Grove Heights and is on this forum. Super easy to talk to. I'd recommend calling the dealership and asking for him. 651-240-7347

 

[HairyMilkshakes]

I know it has been mentioned before but I wanted to experience it in person - Kia of Cerritos. $16K markup with no wriggle room on a $49K Nightfall edition. I laughed when they gave me the same spiel on last one on lot, selling like hotcakes line. Manager didn't appear too amused though.

 

[ccorry21]

Not sure if above MSRP can be categorized as “bad” versus “normal” these days...but for the record, Bronx Kia in NYC is selling 2k above for an S model, 3k above for EX, and 5k above for SX. They had my ordered model incoming, so thought I’d take a shot, but not that desperate.

 

[dsmclone]

No worries, I was @ mentioning him to the conversation. Mitch is a sales guy at the dealership in Inver Grove Heights and is on this forum. Super easy to talk to. I'd recommend calling the dealership and asking for him. 651-240-7347

Thanks for the recommendation. Just placed an order with him.

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[IATelluride]

Thanks for the recommendation. Just placed an order with him.

What model and color did you go with?

 

[dsmclone]

What model and color did you go with?

Grey Wolf SX w prestige, nightfall, towing, and a few other options.

 

[HairyMilkshakes]

I know it has been mentioned before but I wanted to experience it in person - Kia of Cerritos. $16K markup with no wriggle room on a $49K Nightfall edition. I laughed when they gave me the same spiel on last one on lot, selling like hotcakes line. Manager didn't appear too amused though.

I also forgot to add that the salesperson pulled the Nightfall from around the corner which was obviously very dusty and looked as if it had been on the lot for quite some time - light brown dust all over, and tells me that these sell so fast within 3-5 days that they can't keep up with the inventory depletion. All meanwhile we're standing in front of an inventory of I would say over 75 Tellurides lined up in the parking lot.

During the test drive she couldn't even answer half of the questions I had regarding the UI or what the buttons do - it was actually a test for me to see how knowledgable the saleperson was and I definitely wasn't disappointed. I probably knew more than she did regarding the Telly inside and out.

I get it - you need to make money, but this is the best way possible to leave the worst impression of both a dealership and for the brand at the same time. Bravo to this dealership. Oh, it also has 2500+ Google reviews and currently sits at a 4 star.

 

[WatchNWait]

I know it has been mentioned before but I wanted to experience it in person - Kia of Cerritos. $16K markup with no wriggle room on a $49K Nightfall edition. I laughed when they gave me the same spiel on last one on lot, selling like hotcakes line. Manager didn't appear too amused though.

I live in Texas now but Cerritos is my hometown....hurts my heart to hear how sucky that dealership is.

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[WatchNWait]

I also forgot to add that the salesperson pulled the Nightfall from around the corner which was obviously very dusty and looked as if it had been on the lot for quite some time - light brown dust all over, and tells me that these sell so fast within 3-5 days that they can't keep up with the inventory depletion. All meanwhile we're standing in front of an inventory of I would say over 75 Tellurides lined up in the parking lot.

During the test drive she couldn't even answer half of the questions I had regarding the UI or what the buttons do - it was actually a test for me to see how knowledgable the saleperson was and I definitely wasn't disappointed. I probably knew more than she did regarding the Telly inside and out.

I get it - you need to make money, but this is the best way possible to leave the worst impression of both a dealership and for the brand at the same time. Bravo to this dealership. Oh, it also has 2500+ Google reviews and currently sits at a 4 star.

I just checked their website out of curiosity and they show 124 Tellurides in stock....how is that even possible LOL.

 

[NvrHr]

When buying my telluride I didn’t see any info about Sands Kia in Surprise AZ. I bought from them bc they were getting my model within 2 weeks instead of months of wait. All I will say is... wait. Do NOT buy from them. Worst experience ever. Hopefully the next person that searches for them finds this.

 

[G-508492]

Let's allow our members and readers to SKIP the bad dealers and give their business to those dealers who've treated you RIGHT.

Please take a moment to reply with your bad experience so we can steer other buyers away from that dealership...

GOOD experiences go HERE.

Nutley Kia , NJ, they sell on MSRP. i got it from them. nice dealer. i think they might be the only one sell on msrp in nj

 

[Caius]

In September, 2020, I placed a custom factory order for a Telluride with ALM Kia South in Union City, GA. I paid a large down payment ($20k) with them at the time of the order. On 10/28/20, they provided me with the VIN for the vehicle, a scan of the window sticker, and an estimated delivery date of 11/16/20.
On 11/16 I called to see if the vehicle was still arriving that day, and was told that it had been delayed until 11/19. On the evening of 11/18, ALM called me and said that due to delays at the factory the vehicle was pushed back until January (lie #1). I asked how it could be delayed at the factory if the delivery was supposed to be tomorrow. Their reply was that the vehicle coming the next day was the wrong interior color (lie #2). I told them that I had the window sticker indicating the correct color. They replied that the car coming did not have the Nightfall package I ordered (lie #3). I again repeated that I had the window sticker indicating it was the correct package. The sales rep stated they would have to ask the manager tomorrow. I told them I wanted to physically see the car and I would decide if it was the correct one.
In the meantime, @StephenCantrelle found the invoice stating that the car with my VIN was attached to my name and listed as sold to me. He sent me a screen shot. I confronted ALM Kia South with this information and was finally told that my car had come the previous weekend, I was not contacted, and the car was sold to another buyer. They stated "someone had dropped the ball," an excuse of which I am skeptical.
At this time ALM Kia South has refunded my down payment. However I am leaving this report here in case this is actually a business practice instead of a mistake, in case other similar reports come out.

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[bcjenkins]

Sorry to hear that and thanks for sharing the story and the warning!

 

[Jpzy17]

I called Napleton KIA of Carmel, north of Indy, to ask about incoming units. They have MSRP listed on their site and no indication of any adjusted market value, so I was hopeful. Quickly found out they are charging a $10k markup. I was willing to drive the 6 hours to get one, but not to pay a $10k premium.

 

[Skrrt_Skrrt]

I’m sure they have been mentioned before, but Koons Kia in Woodbridge, VA is the worst experience I’ve ever had looking for a car.

Won’t name names but I was initially told that they sell at MSRP, so decided to give them a chance. We were interested in reserving an incoming EX Nightfall and was told that they take a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Said I would not do anything without terms of sale set in advance and a clear breakout of fees. We are given a print out that shows MSRP plus an additional destination fee of $1190 (higher than destination Kia charges). They tried to say they subtract it then add it back in itemized which makes absolutely no sense and was clearly a lie. They also have an $899 processing fee and the price sheet included a $1,000 rebate not even offered on the Telluride.

Salesman kept dodging simple questions like the double charge for destination and even just the color of the interior on an incoming vehicle and kept trying to get me to put a deposit down or buy an SX for “a small markup”.

I received a call from someone else at the dealership and explained my problem with their shady pricing and poor follow up and was told they would look into it and call me back (they didn’t). I followed up one last time and was then told all vehicles are first come first serve and they would let me know when it arrived.

From what I can speculate, they most likely bait people in claiming MSRP, then trap them with non-refundable deposits and layer on fees or markup after the fact. When they get called out it’s easier to change the story and wait for other people to take advantage of.

Avoid at all costs.

 

[Mcsey2k1]

I'm not particularly eager to bad mouth anyone but stay away from DARCARS Kia of Frederick, MD, and they should be on this list. Let me first say that they are very wonderful people, very polite. My problem with them is they had an SXP on the floor due to a buyer had lost their job, and the MSRP was $50K. When they went over the final numbers, they marked it up to $10K, making it a $61K = deal. I am not going to lie, I was tempted, and that's when I went on this forum and ask if that type of markup was normal. Short story, I pulled out of the deal. I just ordered that same model and options, with the rear-entertainment for $51K, on NowCar.com.

I was willing to pay $2K over MSRP - I even ask them what about $5k over MSRP, they said "no." The lowest they would go is $9K over MSRP. I will never recommend them. They have lost my business. The original buyers lost their job due to COVID, and this dealership took complete advantage. Here is the worst part, I called back and told them that I am about to order that same model, plus extras at MSRP. Are you willing to move from your $9k? They said "no". There is nothing worst than price gouging during a world crisis.

Don't these pricing gouging dealerships realize that when the SXP becomes more accessible, in a shorter period of time, that they will be remembered for price gouging, and their reputation will be damaged. "You can make your money today, but you will lose repeat business."

Thank you for letting me rant!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[jnarmstrong]

Was really hoping to not have to post to this thread....

Do not purchase a car from Lawrence Kia (Lawrence, KS). I had an agreement with them to purchase a Wolf Gray SXP Nightfall, it was at a good price, actually $1800 less than MSRP. (I should have known that this was too good to be true, but it was all documented in email so figured they would stick to it)

I just got a call from the sales rep I was working with and was informed that "it turns out Kia does not allocate Wolf Gray SXP to orders" and this is nearly 60 days since putting the deposit down and coming to the agreement. He then informs me "that they just got a wolf gray SXP but it has a 7k market adjustment above MSRP". So odd that they got a wolf gray on the lot at the exact time I was expecting my order, with the exact same options.

He instead tried to get me to agree to a different color to arrive some time in the future. The Wolf Gray was obviously my car from the order, and they are simply choosing to back out of our deal and sell it at a higher price. I requested that they either honor our deal or give me my deposit back, which I'm sure will also be a chore.

I will update as I go along.

Sigh....

 

[t-kog]

Hey all spread the word. Kia of Duluth is selling them at MSRP. I just bought a 2021 Kia Telluride sx Prestige with the nightfall for 49 and change. I have the areas first dark moss with nightfall. Car is beautiful. Ask for Gordy. He is there Telluride man. They offer a 2year 200k warranty bumper to bumper for 4k. I will now give the shit show of this. ON the second day of owning this beaut. the nav screen went blank. From there it would intermittently turn on and off at it's leisure. I called immediately Monday morning as we picked it up Friday afternoon. I got the stupid salesman bullshit that we've seen this before quick update call you right back. Well 5 hours later I call him back and same salesman bullshit "I've tried calling all day!" Like, no you haven't Ive had my phone by me all day. So he's says I have to bring it in to create a ticket. I said no. You come get it that's bs order me a new damn head unit. That night my wife hits the unlock on the passenger side and the whole button assembly falls through the door.... Im pissed!!! they do and a week later they call me to tell me I have to bring my car in so they can create a ticket they've been waiting for it. I replied no.... you already ordered the parts and talked to KIA HQ. So the service guy gives me a run around. I called immediately to the sales manager told him what was going on and that I was dropping off the car, I expected a decent rental on the house and call me when my new 50k dollar car was ready. He of course said absolutely. My wife was coming off a 24 hour shift at the hospital and they did a quick exchange. They now have my Telluride. I get a call a week later asking me to bring in my car so they can work on it. My jaw hits the floor as I decide how to answer that he has my car..... All said and done the next day I show up to get my ride and the door is scratched, the lock buttons aren't fixed and the dash looks like it has been scratched. .Back in it goes. The next day all is finally fixed I picked it up today. All aside from this shit ass tire kicking they did a great job making it right. This seems like I had a one of a kind experience. I will tell you Gordy and his team worked hard to make it right.
TK

 

[Mweiland]

Was really hoping to not have to post to this thread....

Do not purchase a car from Lawrence Kia (Lawrence, KS). I had an agreement with them to purchase a Wolf Gray SXP Nightfall, it was at a good price, actually $1800 less than MSRP. (I should have known that this was too good to be true, but it was all documented in email so figured they would stick to it)

I just got a call from the sales rep I was working with and was informed that "it turns out Kia does not allocate Wolf Gray SXP to orders" and this is nearly 60 days since putting the deposit down and coming to the agreement. He then informs me "that they just got a wolf gray SXP but it has a 7k market adjustment above MSRP". So odd that they got a wolf gray on the lot at the exact time I was expecting my order, with the exact same options.

He instead tried to get me to agree to a different color to arrive some time in the future. The Wolf Gray was obviously my car from the order, and they are simply choosing to back out of our deal and sell it at a higher price. I requested that they either honor our deal or give me my deposit back, which I'm sure will also be a chore.

I will update as I go along.

Sigh....

We have a gray wolf incoming in available at MSRP in February. Email me if interested

 

[bruehlt]

We have a gray wolf incoming in available at MSRP in February. Email me if interested

What trim / packages does it come with?