Complaint Review: Stevenson Honda Wilmington NC

My wife and I have been loyal customers of Stevenson Honda for 23 years.   We have always gotten fair treatment and excellent service from this dealership.  That is, until now!!!  Our last purchase of a used 2009 Honda Fit was a nightmere.  The deal was sealed by a promice from sales manager, John Sandlin, who agreed that I could pay bak the loan driving dealer trades.  He stated that dealer trade drivers earn from $800 to $1,000 per month.  This would pay off the loan in less than 2 years.  Taking his word on it, I agreed, thinking that my past experience had been favorable and fair.  I waited anxiously for calls to drive.  At first I got a few, but not enough to makey the monthly payment.  Then months went by with no calls.  After finally informing sales management of my dissapoointment, I got a few calls to drive, but nothing steady.  Each week I'd visit the dealership reminding managemnt that I had received no calls.  Still nothing steady.  My best month was May when I nearly made the monthly payment earned from dealer trades.

When I checked the Blue Book and Edmunds value of the vehicle, I discovered that I owed far more than it was worth and there would have had to be a depreciation of at least $2,000.  The depreciation rate of the Honda Fit was far less than that figure.  Upon sending my letter of discontent to general manager, Patrick Koballa, my wife and I were contacted by Ms. Peggy Roberts, director of business development, who assured us that Honda will take back the Fit in favor of a lease on a new Honda Civic.  We even took a test drive in a new Civic while Ms. Roberts worked out the details.  We were delighted that Honda took accountability for Mr. Sandlins misstatements.  Two hours later Ms. Roberts informed us that the Stevenson would not make the deal (why did it take so long for people who make deals every day?).  Her solution was that I continue driving dealer trades with her promise that I'd be called more often.  This was unacceptable based on previous expectations. There was no solid foundation for her solution. Waiting around each day anticipating a dealer trade drive was frustrating causing many postponed doctor appoinments, not attending family events and putting off ordinary daily errands.

Upon informing Ms. Roberts that her solution was unacceptable, I wrote a letter to Mr Kuballa offering 2 solutions, either of which would be favorable to both parties. I received no response from a man who pitches, "If it has our name on it, you have our word on it."  My wife and I are seniors in our 70's.  Perhaps Mr. Kuballa's word does not apply to older, loyal customers who trusted his word.  My message here is a warning that Stevenson Honda of Wilmington does not abide by fair business standards.  Prepare yourself well before stepping into its showroom