Toyota West Rip-off! I overpaid by $5,000! Where is my V6? Statesville North Carolina
Here's a doozy. My fiance purchased a 2002 Toyota Solara SLE-V6 from Toyota West for me (I was unable to get the vehicle financed in my name by myself). Unfortunately months down the road we broke up. He wanted the car out of his name, so thought it would be best to trade it in, and I'll walk away with a vehicle in my name (my father cosigned to help me get a better interest rate). My ex contacted Toyota West to ask them what they could do for us, and this is where the fun began...
My ex told me to call Toyota to see what they had up there (I live 35 miles from the dealership). The salesman I spoke to said that I chose the right time to get a car. He told me that they had exactly what I had (Solara SLE-V6) but in the 2004 model that was their demo. He told me it would be in the same price range (maybe a little higher) that I brought my old Solara for. I had heard that you can get great deals on demos, so I told him that I'd be up after work to check it all out.
I get there, and they already had my old car (technically my ex's car) already inspected and ready for trade. They gave him payoff for it ($17400). I asked the salesman if I could just buy it back, and he said it would just be too much paperwork, and since the bank wouldn't be paid until tomorrow for the pay off, he couldn't do that.
I was shown the demo and it was just as nice as they told me it was. It had a a few imperfections (it had 5200 miles on it, a cigarette burn on the driver's side floormat, a small ink stain on the leather, and a two small scratches on the interior). The salesman told me, my ex (before i got there), and several other customers (whom of which I am aquainted with that came to the dealership and spoke to him while I was talking with the manager) that the vehicle was a top of the line, V6. But they told me that they would give it to me for $23,000 (I knew this was a good deal because I had booked it at $29,500 before I came to the dealership). I also purchased their EasyCare plan (free oil changes for the first 3 years of ownership, extended warranty, roadside assistance, etc.) for under $10/mo.
So I filled out my portion of the paperwork, the rest was to be sent to my dad in CA the next day for him to sign and send back. They told me that I would get my EasyCare card in the mail along w/ my paperwork. So I went home that night so excited that I got such a good deal (I have no family here, so I was calling everyone). In fact the next day, I dragged a friend up there to see what kind of deal the salesman could work for him. The salesman asked how my racecar was doing, and if my friend wanted wanted the V6 Solara that I had, or if he wanted something smaller like a Corolla. He also told my friend that my car comes in a 4 Cyl. if he wanted a car like mine, but was concerned about gas mileage. Needless to say we didn't get a car that day since my friend couldn't get a loan... I'm glad in a way though.
Two weeks ago, I went to check my oil in my car. I opened the hood and to my surprise I see "16 Valve"... WHAT!?!?!? But my car is the 24 Valve muscle car... HUH! Guess Again!
The sticker was never on my car... in fact there was nothing on the window when I bought it, except V6 written which was taken off by the salesman before the car was off the lot... I booked my car on the internet and it booked for $24K! I GOT RIPPED-OFF!
To make matters worse I never received my copies of the loan docs, or my EasyCare info. The EasyCare stuff was sent to my dad in CA (DUH!), which he didn't get until about 3 weeks ago (over 60 days after the purchase).
I was heated. I called Toyota Corp. and told them of the situation. They filed a complaint with the dealer. They told me that the dealership should satisfy what they told me I paid for. The dealership's cust. relations person called me. She said she was aware of the situation and the dealership would having a meeting about it the following Monday (this was on a Friday)..
Monday she called and said it was postponed for Tuesday, but she also asked me what I expected out of this. I told her they could take the car back, pay it off and get me something else. Or they can give me what i paid for, a 04 Solara SLE V6.
Tuesday she called and said that the manager decided to trade my car out for what I was supposed to get. I was ecstatic. I was going out of town and told her I would be in on the following Monday.
The following Monday I went up there. I was greeting by a salesman who took to the salesmanager who didn't know his head from a hole in the ground. They didn't do a darn thing. I would had more done for me at any other dealership. He wanted me to trade (so bury myself) what I had and buy what I was supposed to get (what I was told I was buying to begin with, and I have witnesses)... BUMP THAT!
He also broke down all my finiancing stuff for me to try and justify what a good deal I got eventhough my car was a 4... and revealed to me that they only gave my ex $14000 for the trade... They shoved the payoff difference in my car, which I had no idea about since I had no hand in the trade in (I had no right in the matter since it wasn't in my name). I walked out feeling annoyed, ashamed, and so badly wanted to pop the guy who sold me the car in the head... I WAS SO MAD!
So I called Toyota Corp again. They said they don't get in the middle of the sales aspect (which I can understand) and will file another complaint about Toyota West. They suggested that I go to a local consumer affairs bureau... so far I have contacted 2 in the last 2 days.
Lesson learned? Never buy from Toyota West, they are dirty crooks. Never believe a thing that a salesman tells you, or what's on the car windows for that matter. Make sure you inspect your purchase thoroughly. Make sure you have someone with you when you go. I don't have any family near where I live, and a handful of friends, and I wish I would havegrabbed one of them to come with me. Boy, did I learn my lesson!
Rachael
Charlotte, North Carolina
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Toyota Dealers and Products
10 Updates & Rebuttals
Rob
Trenton,New Jersey,
U.S.A.
What they did to you is called a straw purchase and illegal.
#11Consumer Suggestion
Tue, November 02, 2004
Well, I'm a finance manager, and have been insulted pretty good on this site, but I do try to clear up misconceptions. In your case, since you are the primary driver, you are supposed to be the first name on the loan paperwork. If all your extended care paperwork went to your father, they have him first on the loan. Try talking to Toyota about why your supposed cosigner is listed first on the loan when he is unable to even drive the car being that he lives across the country. Also, check your buyer's order and contract to see if it lists an engine size or type. If so, that's strike 2.
ps.. stick, some of what jim says makes sense. Just because we say things that stick up for a dealership doesn't mean we work there or condone ripping people off. Growing up with just my mom, I would NEVER take advantage of a single woman making a car purchase. Not all of us are crooked. Still though, it blows my mind that people don't read everything they sign.. READ EVERYTHING PEOPLE. If you have questions, ask them before you sign.
PS, why was my last reply deleted?
Rachael
Charlotte,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
I think you may have smacked into one of the trees! I see the forest for what it is just fine thank you. But you may need a little better look though.
#11Consumer Comment
Mon, November 01, 2004
In response to the person who posted the previous rebuttle... Hey Pal the next time you rip on someone, make sure you actually READ the whole story (would you like for me to pronounce that that for you?)...
Don't you think I would have dragged my 'DADDY' there if he lived in the same state as me... wait, maybe the same side of the continent? Oh so its also ok to falsely advertise? (you may want to read all the words next time) I've been dealing with the real world on my own for quite sometime thank you, and for a single person of my age I do a pretty good job... One of the main reasons that I posted this was so others don't make the same mistake as I did. If you are a single young person (and I hate to say this, but take heed especially if you are a young female)
DO NOT TRUST a friend to sell you a car... Make sure you look it through it thoroughly yourself before making a final call... I agree, yes I should have looked under the hood, but unfortunately I took a friend for his word (too bad you CAN'T trust that anymore). But Cory a word of advice, the next time you make a judgement call and try to show yourself, you better take a look at all the details of the big picture (I've learned that. However, based on your comments, I don't think you have-you're sounding a little hypocritical there aren't you?)...
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Can't See The Forest For The Trees
#11Consumer Comment
Sat, October 30, 2004
I agree that you were ripped off. That being said, we see what was more important to you. It was a demo. It had 5200 miles on it. It had a cig. burn on the driver's floor mat. It had a small ink stain on the leather. It had two small scratches on the interior. Jeez, if you had spent any time looking at the engine instead of the little crap, you would have picked up on the fact that it was a 4 instead of a 6. Did you even open the hood? You spent all that time inspecting the minor, simple things, never checking for what was important. You wrote that you paid $23,000 for the car and it booked for $24,000. Then you go on about the loan doc and the easy care stuff being sent to your father. Grow up, quit whinning, take daddy with you next time to buy a car. Wecome to the real world.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Can't See The Forest For The Trees
#11Consumer Comment
Sat, October 30, 2004
I agree that you were ripped off. That being said, we see what was more important to you. It was a demo. It had 5200 miles on it. It had a cig. burn on the driver's floor mat. It had a small ink stain on the leather. It had two small scratches on the interior. Jeez, if you had spent any time looking at the engine instead of the little crap, you would have picked up on the fact that it was a 4 instead of a 6. Did you even open the hood? You spent all that time inspecting the minor, simple things, never checking for what was important. You wrote that you paid $23,000 for the car and it booked for $24,000. Then you go on about the loan doc and the easy care stuff being sent to your father. Grow up, quit whinning, take daddy with you next time to buy a car. Wecome to the real world.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Can't See The Forest For The Trees
#11Consumer Comment
Sat, October 30, 2004
I agree that you were ripped off. That being said, we see what was more important to you. It was a demo. It had 5200 miles on it. It had a cig. burn on the driver's floor mat. It had a small ink stain on the leather. It had two small scratches on the interior. Jeez, if you had spent any time looking at the engine instead of the little crap, you would have picked up on the fact that it was a 4 instead of a 6. Did you even open the hood? You spent all that time inspecting the minor, simple things, never checking for what was important. You wrote that you paid $23,000 for the car and it booked for $24,000. Then you go on about the loan doc and the easy care stuff being sent to your father. Grow up, quit whinning, take daddy with you next time to buy a car. Wecome to the real world.
Mitchell
Statesville,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
Unfair / Deceptive trade practices
#11Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
Rachael:
By way of information only and NOT AS SOLICITATION, consumers have two good options when they are harmed as a result of sales misrepresentations: either contact an attorney or the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Department.
NC law provides two excellent legal theories of recourse against companies whose deceit causes harm to consumers -- Fraud and unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Fraud
As mentioned in a prior post, one defense to fraud is that the purchaser had an opportunity for a reasonable inspection, but did not take advantage of that opportunity. This is commonly used as a defense to fraud cases.
Ultimately, however, a jury will usually have responsibility for deciding whether or not the purchaser made a reasonable inspection under the circumstances.
If a customer can prove fraud, then she can also request special damages called punitive damages. Punitive damages are capped by NC law at the greater of three times your actual damages or $250,000. This figure is also usually determined by a jury.
Unfair or deceptive trade practices (UDTP)
In order to prove UDTP you simply need to prove that the dealership engaged in deceptive or unfair acts that caused you damage.
Fraud automatically amounts to UDTP. But it is not necessary to prove actual deception in order to win a UDTP case. In order to prove UDTP, one must only prove that a business act or practice had a "tendency to deceive".
Of course, once a consumer has provided evidence which supports deception, she then must provide specific evidence of the damages caused by the business' deceptive conduct.
The UDTP statute provides tremendous benefits to NC consumers, including, among other things, an award of attorney's fees if the defendant is deemed by the judge not to have made a reasonable attempt to settle prior to trial.
Each of these causes of action, however, have a statute of limitations. This means that claims which are not brought in time will be barred forever, regardless of merit.
To learn more about your rights, you should contact an attorney or the NC Attorney General's office. The Attorney General's toll free phone number (for NC residents) is (877) 5-NO-SCAM.
I hope this information has been helpful. Good luck with having this matter resolved.
Mitchell
Statesville,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
Unfair / Deceptive trade practices
#11Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
Rachael:
By way of information only and NOT AS SOLICITATION, consumers have two good options when they are harmed as a result of sales misrepresentations: either contact an attorney or the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Department.
NC law provides two excellent legal theories of recourse against companies whose deceit causes harm to consumers -- Fraud and unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Fraud
As mentioned in a prior post, one defense to fraud is that the purchaser had an opportunity for a reasonable inspection, but did not take advantage of that opportunity. This is commonly used as a defense to fraud cases.
Ultimately, however, a jury will usually have responsibility for deciding whether or not the purchaser made a reasonable inspection under the circumstances.
If a customer can prove fraud, then she can also request special damages called punitive damages. Punitive damages are capped by NC law at the greater of three times your actual damages or $250,000. This figure is also usually determined by a jury.
Unfair or deceptive trade practices (UDTP)
In order to prove UDTP you simply need to prove that the dealership engaged in deceptive or unfair acts that caused you damage.
Fraud automatically amounts to UDTP. But it is not necessary to prove actual deception in order to win a UDTP case. In order to prove UDTP, one must only prove that a business act or practice had a "tendency to deceive".
Of course, once a consumer has provided evidence which supports deception, she then must provide specific evidence of the damages caused by the business' deceptive conduct.
The UDTP statute provides tremendous benefits to NC consumers, including, among other things, an award of attorney's fees if the defendant is deemed by the judge not to have made a reasonable attempt to settle prior to trial.
Each of these causes of action, however, have a statute of limitations. This means that claims which are not brought in time will be barred forever, regardless of merit.
To learn more about your rights, you should contact an attorney or the NC Attorney General's office. The Attorney General's toll free phone number (for NC residents) is (877) 5-NO-SCAM.
I hope this information has been helpful. Good luck with having this matter resolved.
Stick
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Rachael pleasee read this. Might help you ..I am willing to bet that Rachael is not an auto mechanic.
#11Consumer Suggestion
Mon, August 02, 2004
Hey JiminOrlando,Florida are you are car dealer's employee? You seem to come here and somewhat defend the car dealers.
I am willing to bet that Rachael is not an auto mechanic.
Rachael go to this report below, read it real good, and look at the 2nd pic. Think about a CREDIT APP being changed behind the car buyer's back. Call it banking FRAUD. Try to get your finance company to send you a copy of the credit app that "THEY GOT" from your dealer.
If you find false and untrue info on your credit app that "YOU DID NOT" write on your credit when you bought your car, you are a VICTIM of FRAUD!
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff52158.htm
I want the public to know more about the auto industry. I also want to the public to be informed before they are taken advantage of. Car dealers in EVERY STATE play the deception game and it's time to EXPOSE their dirty games.
Rachael if you get a copy of your credit app from your "lender" and find FALSE info on it or info that is not in your hand writting you are a VICTIM of FRAUD. Great law suit that is easy to win!
Rachael
Charlotte,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
The salesman that sold me the vehicle was an old friend of mine
#11Author of original report
Mon, August 02, 2004
I left out another detail from this whole entire ordeal, which is probably another moral to this story. The salesman that sold me the vehicle was an old friend of mine, whom of which I hadn't seen in about a year. So, I trusted what he told me. No I didn't look under the hood, but when V6 is written on the window, and your "friend" tells you the vehicle is what it is, I didn'y second guess.
Which probably leads to another lesson, don't trust a friend anymore than you would any other salesman.
Jim
Orlando,Florida,
U.S.A.
Never buy, what????
#11Consumer Suggestion
Sun, August 01, 2004
Never buy from this dealership? After all, its their fault, isn't it? Did you ever bother to check this car out? NO. Did you check to see if it really was a 4 or 6? NO.
You bet the dealer should have made certain what they were selling but sorry, YOU have responsibility in this too! I can not possibly imagine how you could not have checked this? What some of you people do regarding cars is absolutely INSANE. And then you blame the dealer!