Complaint Review: Kasper Buick GMC dba Kasper Auto Group

The following is a detailed accounting of my personal experience with Kasper Buick GMC in Sandusky, Ohio.

To All Consumers:

On Thursday, Nov. 12^th I arrived at Kasper Buick GMC for the express purpose of purchasing a 2007 Cadillac Escalade (Silver). Despite the fact that I preferred the color black or pearl white, I went ahead with the desision to purchase this one since it was located in Sandusky, OH (for sentimental reasons). You see, I was born and raised in Ohio and purchased my first brand new car (a Datsun 280ZX) at the age of 21 from the dealership next door. Just prior to arriving a little late I might add, I had called previously and spoke with Jenny (sales manager) and explained that I wanted the buying experience to be as seamless as possible. You see, I used to wholsale cars in Arizona with a business partner and know the business quite well. My request was simple. I wanted to 1) pay by credit card (if the price was right) or 2) take out a short term loan to conserve on my business credit card.

Since I could not arrive at the dealership in time before Jenny had to leave I, my Executive Assistant phoned ahead and advised her that we were enroute at approzimately 1730hrs. (that's military time for 5:30 pm). Needless to say, we arrived just after 6:00pm and were met by Rob Griggs (Internet Sales Manager) an outstanding gentlemen, who stayed after hours knowing we were enroute. Needless, to say, I felt very comfortable and was even offered a cup of Starbucks coffee which was freshly brewed. Both my exeuctive assistant (along with her 8yr. Son) and I sat down began to discuss the details of the purchase. However, I simply wanted to “kick the tires” for a bit and go for a short ride to determine if the Escalade was in need of any major repairs. After taking a “spin” I immeddiately noticed 3 things (although minor in my mind). The SUV needed a new muffler, the engine compartment needed a thourough cleaning, and the arm rest release mechanism was missing and/or broken. Not a problem. Since I am very well versed on mechanics and simple repairs. Furthermore, I knew the vehicle had 90, 931 miles on it, which for a luxury SUV, it's not bad.

When we returned, I explained that I wanted to possibly pay with a combination of credit card and/or short term financing. I explained that my credit score was at least 800-850 and that it wasn't a question of whether I'd qualify or not, it was just a matter of what option would be best suited for me and my company. My goal was to simply keep my cash outlays to a minimum. Since it was getting late and my assistant's son had to get to bed and get ready for school the next day, I decided it would be best to return the following day and discuss the details. By the way, I forgot to mention that the Finance Manager, Bart Barna, had introduced himself to me and assured me that he would obtain the best source of financing for me through his many “financial institutions”. More about this character later.

The following day, I returned with my Executive Assistant and began to discuss what we could do to complete this transaction in less than an hour because I had an important conferene call with one of my Aviation Consultants on the West Coast. I was assured that they would “get on it” as soon as possible. Bart Barna sat with me and my assistant and proceeded to request financial information from me, which expected. He obtained my Arizona drivers license information, my address, and then asked me to produce a utility bill from my home in Ohio. I explained to him, that my birth certificate has my “legal” first name in Spanish but that all of my other documentation including my U.S. Passport, my social security card and my financial institutions have my first name listed under the American translation of my first name. He appeared to be unsattisfied with the fact that I produced my utility bill for my cable, phone and internet listed under my Spanish name, online in front him as I signed into my Time Warner account from my tablet. Well, I then asked him what other documents would he require. He said that I needed to show proof of income, a current utility bill (in my name) and last years IRS Tax Returns. I proceeded to explain to him that becuase of a Federal Investigation into identity theft committed againt me in Arizona, that most of my financial information would be unavailable to him (and for good reasons). He asked me to produce my social security card to which I replied, “Nobody gets to see that card expcept for the financial institution which will be financing me”. He appeared to be annoyed at the fact that I didn't produce to him. The simple fact is, after having gone through the horrible experience of “Madoff-like” scam, I am exptremely protective of that information. And the fact is, the only individuals who get to see that information are high level Governmental Agencies (that have a three letter abbreviation) and well known and respected financial institutions like Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan Deutshe Bank Alex.Brown, who administrate my retirement services.

Needless to say, my executive assistant and I walked out yet again without the vehicle I wanted to purchase but to keep my word, as my grandfather taaught me, I assured the salesperson Jeff who originated the transaction that I would return the following day with my own financing from my Credit Union.

Now, fastforward to the following day, my assistant and I went to my Credit Union and I decided I wanted to give my niece a nice holiday gift, a personal prepaid credit card so that she could purchase what ever she needed for the Holidays. Upon further examination, my personal banker asked me, “Did you attempt to purchase anything lately, like a car?”. I replied, yes, I was in Sandusky at Kasper Buick GMC. She then proceeded to tell me that my credit score had dropped from 850 to less than 700. At that point I looked it up on Credit Karma and sure enough, I discovered that Kasper Buick GMC had made not one, not two, not three but at least 8 – 10 “hard inquiries” on my credit report. Now, as most of you all well aware, whenever you have “hard inquiries” on your credit report, your credit score goes down. Needless, to say I was not a “happy camper”. I left the Credit Union and decided to do a little due diligence on this Bart character. Interestingly enough, I discover that he had looked me up on Linked-In (a professional networking site) which I am a member of. Since I'm a premium member I am able to see who inquired about me and who they represent. Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, this Bart character happens to be a Financial Advisor for Fitzwilliams Financial http://ffinancial.net/ according to his LinkedIn page Bart Barna. Well, as the I was taught by my late Grandfather (mentor) and decorated WWII veteran (UDT, now known as Navy Seals), trust but verify. I did just that. As a footnote, I followed in my Grandpas footsteps. ;-)

One more thing. I discovered just this morning that Ripoff Report already has a “jacket” (a file) on this “character” Taking advantage of a 90 year old veteran. At this point, as we like to say in the business, “the gloves come off”. Anytime, ANYONE who goes after my Grandpa's legacy or that of ANY other Veteran who served his or her country, well let's just say, my close friends will back me up...

Signed,

ANGEL-EYE