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  • Report:  #464388

Complaint Review: Chuck Van Horn Dodge

Chuck Van Horn Dodge, Bob O'Connor Close Call/ RIP OFF!!! Plymouth Wisconsin

  • Reported By:
    Francis Creek Wisconsin
  • Submitted:
    Wed, June 24, 2009
  • Updated:
    Wed, July 22, 2009
  • Chuck Van Horn Dodge,
    3000 Eastern Avenue
    Plymouth, Wisconsin
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    920-893-6591
  • Category:

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - Close Call !!!! We ALMOST got RIPPED OFF!!!

I went to look at a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited on June 23, 2009. This is for my son who will be getting his license soon. The Jeep was OK but needed new tires, brakes were squeaking, tranny hesitated when shifting into reverse. Power Moon Roof did not work, had to be opened and closed manually. Also...body damage on rear passenger quarter panel, (dents and scuffed paint) and one of the Jeep emblems was missing from that rim.

Jeep was marked "sale price" as 7995? I was working with Bob O'Connor. (Look out for this guy - he had record sales in 2007 for a reason - HIGH PRESSURE sales person!) I told him it wasn't worth what they were asking so he wanted to go inside and talk.

We talked about the price, I offered 6800 (tax title & license included).He came back with 7400 and I got up to leave. The guys behind the desk were yelling "Go ahead Bob, give her the 6800" so he came down to my price and everything seemed OK.

The did the paperwork (we were prepared to pay cash). I expected the total to be approx. 7,000 (they said there was a $199.00 processing fee) Well.... the total was over $7,500.00!!!!! There was NO WAY that I was going to sign a check for that.

Bob and the finance person positioned themselves near the door so I could not get up and leave the office. They told me I could write a check for $7,000 and another check for the balance - - - they would "hold it" for me for 45 days.... no problem. I said NO> I belive that is against my personal ethics. They offered to set up financing for the remaining balance. Again I said NO> I will not take out a loan to buy a vehicle. They offered to let me put the balance on my credit card....

By this time, my Son was about to freak out. I had to do something, so I started to cry. I knew the security camera was on, so I kept crying and saying NO until they let me out of the office.

I was no more than 5 miles away when my cell phone was ringing... Bob wanted me to come back and look at a different Jeep that was less expensive... This guy is relentless!!

BE WARE of this DEALERSHIP!!!! They ARE liars, and will pressure you to buy!!! I will never go back there.

Zack's mom
Francis Creek, Wisconsin
U.S.A.

11 Updates & Rebuttals


T. Farnsworthy

Milwaukee,
Wisconsin,
U.S.A.

Tax, title & license?

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 22, 2009

Aside from the rebuttal arguments (you know what they say about arguing on the internet, right?) it's likely that sales tax, title fee, license fee & prep fee added up to $7,500. The sales tax alone (assuming only 5.1%) is about $350. Add $75 for plates, another $50ish for title and $200 prep fee (typical) totals $7,475. If Plymouth is part of the stadium sales tax district, that adds another 0.5%. So in reality, the OP didn't do their own math, not that the dealership was trying to rip them off.


T. Farnsworthy

Milwaukee,
Wisconsin,
U.S.A.

Tax, title & license?

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 22, 2009

Aside from the rebuttal arguments (you know what they say about arguing on the internet, right?) it's likely that sales tax, title fee, license fee & prep fee added up to $7,500. The sales tax alone (assuming only 5.1%) is about $350. Add $75 for plates, another $50ish for title and $200 prep fee (typical) totals $7,475. If Plymouth is part of the stadium sales tax district, that adds another 0.5%. So in reality, the OP didn't do their own math, not that the dealership was trying to rip them off.


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

You are clueless

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 01, 2009

I have read my own posts. I quoted the OP when she said the staff was standing in front of the door to prevent her from leaving. I merely advised her that if that was the case, that would constitute kidnapping (which it would).

I already posted above that it is not possible to "steal" a car from a dealer. The dealer always has the option to say no, just as the customer SHOULD have the option to get up and walk away if the deal doesn't meet their expectations. Stupid dealer tactics like blocking doors, holding keys and licenses are not part of a fair negotiation. They are meant to indimidate those with less assertive personalities.

Where did you get the bizarre idea that I'm disgruntled because I unsuccessfully tried to "steal" a car from a dealer? Your imagination is working overtime. I have worked at dealerships and have some family members in the business. I know how the game works. I haven't bought (or attempted to buy) a car at a dealership in years. There are much better options if you need a car. Nice try, though.


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

You are clueless

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 01, 2009

I have read my own posts. I quoted the OP when she said the staff was standing in front of the door to prevent her from leaving. I merely advised her that if that was the case, that would constitute kidnapping (which it would).

I already posted above that it is not possible to "steal" a car from a dealer. The dealer always has the option to say no, just as the customer SHOULD have the option to get up and walk away if the deal doesn't meet their expectations. Stupid dealer tactics like blocking doors, holding keys and licenses are not part of a fair negotiation. They are meant to indimidate those with less assertive personalities.

Where did you get the bizarre idea that I'm disgruntled because I unsuccessfully tried to "steal" a car from a dealer? Your imagination is working overtime. I have worked at dealerships and have some family members in the business. I know how the game works. I haven't bought (or attempted to buy) a car at a dealership in years. There are much better options if you need a car. Nice try, though.


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

You are clueless

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 01, 2009

I have read my own posts. I quoted the OP when she said the staff was standing in front of the door to prevent her from leaving. I merely advised her that if that was the case, that would constitute kidnapping (which it would).

I already posted above that it is not possible to "steal" a car from a dealer. The dealer always has the option to say no, just as the customer SHOULD have the option to get up and walk away if the deal doesn't meet their expectations. Stupid dealer tactics like blocking doors, holding keys and licenses are not part of a fair negotiation. They are meant to indimidate those with less assertive personalities.

Where did you get the bizarre idea that I'm disgruntled because I unsuccessfully tried to "steal" a car from a dealer? Your imagination is working overtime. I have worked at dealerships and have some family members in the business. I know how the game works. I haven't bought (or attempted to buy) a car at a dealership in years. There are much better options if you need a car. Nice try, though.


Joe

Fairless Hills,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.

Better Read Your Own Post

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, July 01, 2009

You obviously are of those people who tried stealing a vehicle from a dealer and couldn't get it done, so you're bitter. All the OP said was that someone was standing by the door, you took it to another level and accussed the dealer of kidnapping, saying she was being held against her will. Again, anytime someone doesn't get what they want they come to this site and cry about it. There are a few ligitimate complaints, but for the most they are just rediculous storys from people like you who couldn't steal a vehicle from a poor unsuspecting dealer.


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

I didn't accuse anybody

#12Consumer Comment

Tue, June 30, 2009

I believe it was the OP that claimed that the sales staff attempted to block her exit from the room.

I see you think that holding someone's keys or license is not such a bad thing. Those tactics are the last resort of someone who can't close a deal legitimately. Your sleaze is showing, Jim :-)


Joe

Fairless Hills,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.

Not trying to sell anything

#12Consumer Comment

Mon, June 29, 2009

I'm not trying to sell you anything (You would probably offer me half of my asking price anyway). Delaying someone's keys and drivers license is a far cry from kidnapping which is what you accused the dealer of doing in your first post.


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

Not buying it, Jim.

#12Consumer Comment

Mon, June 29, 2009

You sound like a car salesman. Steal a car from a dealer? Give me a break. I've spent some time around dealerships and have no trouble believing that these salesmen tried the intimidation tactics described. I'm not dumb enough to believe it never happens.

This tactic is similar to the one where the sales staff keeps the keys to your car or keeps your drivers license in an attempt to keep you from walking out the door. It happens all the time and the reason it does is because it works. People who are not assertive will often cave in to a lousy deal if they feel they can't leave.


Joe

Fairless Hills,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.

Cry????

#12Consumer Comment

Sat, June 27, 2009

Flynnrider,
I'm amazed you actually believe these people. Anytime they can't get want they want and steal a car drom the dealer they come to this site and make up these ridiculous storys. And you're dumb enough to believe them. Believe me, no one is ever going to hold someone against their will in any office at any dealership!!!!!!


Flynrider

Phoeix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

You don't have to cry.

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, June 24, 2009

"Bob and the finance person positioned themselves near the door so I could not get up and leave the office."

This is a sleazy tactic and easily countered. Whenever a salesman tries to physically prevent you from leaving, just whip out your cell phone and call the police. I can assure you that they'll let you go before you start dialing. Attempting to physically hold you in the room is technically kidnapping and they know it.

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