My wife found a car online that she liked. We called to make sure that the car was still for sale (i.e. in stock). Rachel personally checked the car and confirmed that it was there and they were showing a lot of activity on the car so we needed to get there right away. As many men that adore their wife, I took 2 hours off and immediately drove to this dealership from Hartford, CT. I was very specific when I called that I wanted to be 110% sure that the car was available because taking time off for me is big money.
When we arrived, surprise... there was no car. There never was a Blue Accord. The car is now Black and beat up. After traveling almost 2 hours in traffic I was not in a good mood and I immediately let the sales manager know that the Attorney General, the DMV Commissioner will be hearing from me in the morning and that my legal folks will ensure that I recover my lost time and costs for this bait and switch/scam.
Brian Benstock (VP of BS) at first pretended to understand the issue and wanted to have a few days to locate the car. He didn't locate anything and I am pursuing legal action. Thanks to all of these reports I will seek punitive damages as well because these people at Paragon are scammers and need to be corrected. Mr. Benstock does not realize that I rarely make people a project, I made him and his company my project now and I will make sure that any and all consumer protection and regulatory agency will make them a priority.
8 Updates & Rebuttals
Karl
Highlands Ranch,Colorado,
USA
NATIONWIDE HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALERT: Make sure to....
#9Consumer Comment
Tue, November 16, 2010
'Google' this- CAR SALES: TRICKS OF THE TRADE- CONSUMER ALERT, and watch the video where Tori is scammed when she goes to buy a car.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
I respect the reponse...
#9Consumer Comment
Tue, November 16, 2010
..as usual..two sides to every story. I do know based on so many complaints lodged here and all over, that many dealerships do in fact tell a customer the car they want is there..and when the customer takes time off from work..and travels a large distance (and sometimes even sold their car and were depending on the one they are going to buy being there to drive home)...only to arrive at the dealership..and, surprise...switch a roo...the car is gone.
In this case it seems the dealer is admitting they made a mistake...were willing to make concessions, and the customer is the one being unreasonable...
Who to believe? I do not know but I can say by the dealer at least responding, does show a sign of good faith. Has far as the honesty of the reply...no one but the dealer and the OP know for sure.
While I agree a customer can not sue just because a dealer lied..if bait and switch tactics are used, which are supposed to be illegal and at the very least unethical..I would respect the decision to go after any business that is really using it. Most just get mad and blow it off, or end up purchasing the "switch" and later regret it and find no recourse..because they signed something..so the activity continues on unfettered. Once in a while someone needs to stand up..that is IF it is truly warranted. This case is in question for sure, I am tending now to lean towards the dealerships side..but with caution.
CharlesA
Stamford,Connecticut,
United States of America
Not exactly
#9Author of original report
Tue, November 16, 2010
Dear Brian:
Brian b
Laurel Hollow,New York,
U.S.A.
Paragon Honda is here to help.
#9REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, November 15, 2010
Please be advised that Paragon Honda, Rachel and I take the accusations of any customer very seriously. The consumer complaint posted by a gentleman from Hartford, Connecticut is, however, misleading. The facts are that this individual contacted an employee at Paragon and an employee, Rachel, did personally check to ensure that the referenced vehicle was available. Rachels inquiry confirmed its availability, and she so notified the customer. When the customer arrived, it was then discovered that the vehicle that he requested was available; however, the vehicle was not a blue Accord but a black Accord, which was otherwise identical to the described vehicle. The mistaken information regarding the availability of a black Accord as opposed to a blue Accord was not intentional, but based upon information that Rachel received upon making an inquiry into the inventory. When this matter was brought to my attention, I endeavored to rectify the situation with the customer, including offering to compensate him for the costs expended in traveling to and from the dealership. The customer and I had three conversations pursuant to a resolution. Rather than accepting a possible resolution, the customer has chosen to disparage the dealership. Please note that an automobile dealership, like other companies, is not infallible. However, please consider that upon making a mistake, all that an entity can do is to try and work out a reasonable resolution. These attempts by Paragon Honda, and the individuals who are employed by Paragon Honda, apparently do not comport with this particular individuals agenda. Paragon Honda remains amenable to working out a resolution with this individual and will continue to endeavor to meet its clients expectations with the absolute understanding that its customers time is extremely valuable.
Very truly yours,
Brian Benstock
General Manager
718-507-5000 ext 271
Flynrider
Phoenix,Arizona,
USA
Kinda humorous
#9Consumer Comment
Mon, November 15, 2010
While I despise these kinds of tactics, it still strikes me as amusing that someone is going to sue a dealership because a salesperson lied to them. What a novel argument! I'd be willing to lay down some cash that this goes abolutely nowhere (unless the OP has deep pockets and a hungry lawyer). The whole premise is a non-starter unless the OP has a concrete admission from the dealer that they lied.
Good luck
coast
USAAlert not Brain Dead
#9Consumer Comment
Mon, November 15, 2010
I agree that car dealerships use bait and switch. The OP verified the car was available 2 hours earlier. That is why I asked if the car had just been sold. The OP has not answered the question. Without an answer to that question it would be unjust to the dealer to assume it was bait and switch.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
What did they say????
#9Consumer Comment
Mon, November 15, 2010
...This is what they said Mr. brain dead..."We called to make sure that the car was still for sale (i.e. in stock). Rachel personally checked the car and confirmed that it was there and they were showing a lot of activity on the car so we needed to get there right away."
"I was very specific when I called that I wanted to be 110% sure that the car was available because taking time off for me is big money..."
This is typical SCAM dealer bullshit bait and switch..or form thereof.
I SINCERELY hope the OP is not blowing smoke..and WILL proceed with FULL vigor to attain recourse for the bait and switch SCAM that this dealer who has NO consideration for others time..like so many other "stealerships" we read about here and elsewhere.. do indeed and in FACT..pull on prospective victims.
Apparently, this poster had half a brain and did not purchase or be sucked into the "switch"..but decided on behalf of himself and other victims past, present and future ..to take ACTION.
I HIGHLY commend this.
coast
USAWhat did they say?
#9Consumer Comment
Sun, November 14, 2010
How do you know that there never was a blue Accord? Did they tell you that? Did they claim the car had just been sold? Maybe the black car was a different car.