Complaint Review: General Car Leasing

BEWARE OF GENERAL CAR LEASING: In early November 2009 I ordered a vehicle through Robert Gary of General Car Leasing. I paid a deposit and was told it would arrive in 14 days.

After several expected delivery dates were blown in early Jan 2010 I was finally informed without any apology that the vehicle I ordered was not available. General Car said they could locate a similar spec car, but with different color interior and exterior. I reluctantly agreed because by then my current lease had expired.

When the dealer delivered the vehicle with the lease agreement I discovered the monthly rate was far higher than Id originally agreed. I called General Car and they said the vehicles extra value package was different, so the rate was higher.  However, they DID NOT tell me this before delivery! They knew I was desperate for a car and believed I would just sign the lease anyway. I refused delivery of the car and asked for my deposit check to be returned.

General Car said they would process the refund according to their terms - 60 business days. Nearing 60 days of waiting I began to chase General Car and after numerous e-mails I was eventually told that the check had been mailed. No check ever arrived. Again I contacted General Car and was told that they would stop check payment and re-issue a new one in 10 business days!. Despite my protests and repeated ignored requests to speak to their owner or CEO (who I suspect is Robert Gary anyway) I waited a further 10 days and still no check arrived.  Again I tried to contact Robert Gary numerous times and was told repeatedly that he wasnt in the office. 

My lawyer has since written to General Car and if that does not work I will be filing a claim in court.  I have also filed an official complaint with the California DMV as I learned after the fact that they broke at least three laws:

1. Failed to execute a written brokering agreement and provided completed copies. I never received any agreement to sign.
2. Accepted a purchase deposit which exceeded 2.5% of the selling price.
3. The final price of the brokered vehicle exceeded the purchase price listed in the agreement.

Overall my experience of Robert Gary and General Car Leasing was extremely negative.  Robert had no respect for me as a customer, he just wanted to make the sale and played on my desperation for a new car, he showed no courtesy, no professionalism and most concerning, he and his company clearly have no integrity as they have still not returned my deposit. 

Lastly, Robert would often answer the phone pretending to be a female receptionist so he could screen calls.

LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE AND DO NOT DEAL WITH GENERAL CAR LEASING!