Complaint Review: Viking Dodge - Crystal Lake Illinois

Let me explain what has happened here. When bank looks at a contratc and is deciding whether or not they will "buy" the contract from the dealer, one of the things that comes into play is called Loan To Value, or LTV. A bank will generally not loan $10,000 on a car with a wholesale value of $8000. So, delaers will 'fluff" the booksheet to make it appear that the car has more value than it really does. For instance, a Ford Trcuk with diesel engine has a book value of approx. $3500 more than a gas engine. A bank looks at the structure, and sees that they are loaning $20,000 on a $22,000 wholesale value. They are happy. If you have a minimal down payment, or negative equity in your trade in, OR less than perfect credit, a bank usually wants to loan book value only. Ort evn 80% of book value. How does the dealer get a bank to loan their customer enough $$s for them to buy a car? Fluffing the book sheet. Doesn't mean that YOU got screwed, only the bank does and only if the car repos. They think they have a diesel truck worth $18,000 after a year, but in reality they have a $15,000 truck that has to be sold at auction.AND, since they loaned so much to begin with, they have a balance remaining of $17,000. Once again, you didn't get screwed by the misbooking, the bank did. Good luck

I purchased a vehicle from Viking Doge and was also ripped off. Here is how they ripped me off. My wife and I were purchasing a 4 door vehicle as my wife was 6 months pregnant with our first child. We were signing the papers together but since my wife was no feeling well I took the papers to her to sign as she sat in my car. The salesman presented a document to me as loan insurance. If i responded 'yes' this program would cover my car payments in the event I lost me job, etc and could not make payments. I declined this option. I have a copy of the paper showing I checked the box 'No' and signed my initials. A few months later we began getting billed for such an insurance. The dealer 'somehow' had a document to show I had signed up for this program. We fought long and hard and finally won because we had the original document showing I checked the 'NO' box. The effort to right this wrong was long and difficult but worth the fight. I tell everyone I can to stay far, far away from Viking Dodge. I sent a letter to Dodge corporate detailing the problem I had with Viking. They just gave me the brush-off with the 'all our dealers are independently owned and we cannot get involved". I will never again purchase a Dodge, Chysler or Plymouth vehicle.

I purchased a vehicle from Viking Doge and was also ripped off. Here is how they ripped me off. My wife and I were purchasing a 4 door vehicle as my wife was 6 months pregnant with our first child. We were signing the papers together but since my wife was no feeling well I took the papers to her to sign as she sat in my car. The salesman presented a document to me as loan insurance. If i responded 'yes' this program would cover my car payments in the event I lost me job, etc and could not make payments. I declined this option. I have a copy of the paper showing I checked the box 'No' and signed my initials. A few months later we began getting billed for such an insurance. The dealer 'somehow' had a document to show I had signed up for this program. We fought long and hard and finally won because we had the original document showing I checked the 'NO' box. The effort to right this wrong was long and difficult but worth the fight. I tell everyone I can to stay far, far away from Viking Dodge. I sent a letter to Dodge corporate detailing the problem I had with Viking. They just gave me the brush-off with the 'all our dealers are independently owned and we cannot get involved". I will never again purchase a Dodge, Chysler or Plymouth vehicle.

I purchased a vehicle from Viking Doge and was also ripped off. Here is how they ripped me off. My wife and I were purchasing a 4 door vehicle as my wife was 6 months pregnant with our first child. We were signing the papers together but since my wife was no feeling well I took the papers to her to sign as she sat in my car. The salesman presented a document to me as loan insurance. If i responded 'yes' this program would cover my car payments in the event I lost me job, etc and could not make payments. I declined this option. I have a copy of the paper showing I checked the box 'No' and signed my initials. A few months later we began getting billed for such an insurance. The dealer 'somehow' had a document to show I had signed up for this program. We fought long and hard and finally won because we had the original document showing I checked the 'NO' box. The effort to right this wrong was long and difficult but worth the fight. I tell everyone I can to stay far, far away from Viking Dodge. I sent a letter to Dodge corporate detailing the problem I had with Viking. They just gave me the brush-off with the 'all our dealers are independently owned and we cannot get involved". I will never again purchase a Dodge, Chysler or Plymouth vehicle.

I purchased a vehicle from Viking Doge and was also ripped off. Here is how they ripped me off. My wife and I were purchasing a 4 door vehicle as my wife was 6 months pregnant with our first child. We were signing the papers together but since my wife was no feeling well I took the papers to her to sign as she sat in my car. The salesman presented a document to me as loan insurance. If i responded 'yes' this program would cover my car payments in the event I lost me job, etc and could not make payments. I declined this option. I have a copy of the paper showing I checked the box 'No' and signed my initials. A few months later we began getting billed for such an insurance. The dealer 'somehow' had a document to show I had signed up for this program. We fought long and hard and finally won because we had the original document showing I checked the 'NO' box. The effort to right this wrong was long and difficult but worth the fight. I tell everyone I can to stay far, far away from Viking Dodge. I sent a letter to Dodge corporate detailing the problem I had with Viking. They just gave me the brush-off with the 'all our dealers are independently owned and we cannot get involved". I will never again purchase a Dodge, Chysler or Plymouth vehicle.

Teresa what happened to you goes on all across the country. Many car dealers right here in phoenix AZ do what happened to you. I am involved in a law suit where a Kia dealership in Phoenix plays with car Buyer's credit applications before they send them to lenders for approval. Teresa You as a car buyer are a victim just as the lender is a Victim. Take this car dealer to court and make sure that your case is presented. in front of a jury. All juries are made up of consumers and we all know that most consumers hate car dealers. Never let your attorney talk you into what is called ARBITRATION! If you do you will loose. The auto industry uses arbitration as a tool to Rip Off car buyers in court. Now I am not sure as to how much you know about "Arbitration" so read this below, I hope it helps you understand it better. Now read this informative reading! On January 31, 1999, Ann Brown of Sandusky, Ohio borrowed $5,500 at 25% interest from a J.D. Byrider dealer lot to finance her purchase of a car from Byrider's used car lot. The car turned out to be a "junker" and a safety hazard. The entire wheel and axle fell off when Ms. Brown's teenage daughter was driving down the road. In her lawsuit in an Ohio court, Ms. Brown alleged that she was forced to pay an artificially inflated price in violation of the Truth in Lending Act. Ms. Brown also alleged that Byrider violated the Truth in Lending Act by requiring her to accept an $895 warranty fee that was also to be financed by J.D. Byrider at 25% interest. In addition, Ms. Brown alleged violations of the Ohio Sales Practices Act and fraud. But Ms. Brown was denied her day in court by the Ohio court, which ruled that the arbitration agreement contained in Ms. Brown's contract had to be enforced because of the Federal Arbitration Act's policy favoring arbitration. Under that arbitration clause, Ms. Brown lost all her claims under state and federal lending and consumer protection laws although Byrider retained the right to sue her. She also waived her right to punitive damages, no matter how fraudulent or malicious Byrider's conduct. Instead, she would have to proceed under Byrider's choice of arbitrator, for which she would have to pay half the costs and attorney fees. The costs of arbitration, which began with $300 - $500 filing fees and approximately $1,500 per day arbitrator's fee, exceeded the value of her claim. It was simply not worth taking the case to arbitration. In sum, Byrider is using this arbitration clause to insulate itself from the consequences of violating the Truth in Lending Act, Ohio Sales Practices Act and flat-out fraud. Ms. Brown did not understand that she was waiving her right to go to court when she signed an arbitration agreement with Byrider. This is hardly surprising because the Byrider financing officer himself had no idea what arbitration is or what the rules of arbitration are, so he was unable to tell Ms. Brown what rights she was waiving. Nor was she given an option -- the credit contract was presented in a standard form, take-it-or-leave-it format and she was not allowed to challenge any of its provisions. The mandatory arbitration provision only applied to Ms. Brown. Had she defaulted on her loan, Byrider would have been able to file a lawsuit against her. When Ms. Brown first filed her lawsuit, Byrider stopped using the mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts. But once the courts refused to vindicate Ms. Brown's rights, Byrider began using the clauses again. Ms. Brown's attorneys have received inquiries from over 40 consumers similarly defrauded by Byrider. Unfortunately, no matter how many of J.D. Byrider's former customers are defrauded, they cannot file as a class action because the mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts waive their right to maintain class actions. Teresa I now want you to go to this Rip Off Report below and take a close look at the picture that I posted of the back of my truck. It only cost me $25 bucks to have the sign posted on the back of my truck. www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff17727.htm If I were you and I wanted to expose your car dealer I would have 2 signs made up that say, "I feel I got Ripped Off by Viking Dodge!. Go to Ripoffreport.com and do a search on Viking Dodge!" Having 2 signs made up and posting them on both sides of your car would turn your car in to a FREE moving billboard! don't worry about the signs when you are done with them they just pull right off. It's easy to do! Go to this Rip Off Report and look at the photo of my tail gate of my truck. www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff17727.htm Teresa I hope I have helped you. The great thing about Rip Off Reports is that they never get deleted!

We bought a car from Viking Dodge 4 weeks ago. We were lied to from the beginning, but didn't realize it until we got home and actually read the contract. Yes, we should have read every word while there, but made the mistake of trusting the people who worked with us. What we were told and what appeared on the contract was very different. We figure we were overcharged at the very least $3500. After being at the dealership for 4 hours with a baby in tow, we signed the contracts without reading. Anxious to get home and take care of the family. Our mistake for not reading more thoroughly...their mistake for lying to make a profit. They have stopped returning our phone calls when we have tried to get an explanation of extra charges in writing. Makes us sick, literally.

I've heard of many stores/situations about Viking Dodge. I don't know if all of them are true but I have always steered clear of Viking for many reasons one of which is stated above. Many of us out here know and are well aware of situations such as this. My opinion is that unfortunately many more people need to be made aware of situations such as this and word of mouth can be a powerful tool. I understand Viking has a new service writer and other fresh faces aboard. will this change anything? the possibility exists however I think you know the answer to that. I was once told by someone in the business that 98% of the people in the industry are not to be trusted. Best of luck with your situation

Yes, they forged our signatures. Yes, they submitted a booking sheet listing upgrades on the car that it didnt have. You see, the law only allows me to sue if the fraud or misrepresentation was committed against me. Because they did not submit these documents to me, and I was unaware of their existence, the fraud was committed to my finance company. My finance company can sue them, I however was not frauded. As far as the forgery goes, it has to be proven by: a. witness that seen them sign my name b. a forensic scientist I actually just also noticed that the warranty they sold me says up to 90,000 miles- yet according to the warranty company, the paperwork says 60,000 miles. Teresa

Teresa, are you saying that they forged a contract with your signatures and the court found in their favor on this? Are you saying they told you the vehicle had equipment it didn't have? Wouldn't you notice if the vehicle wasn't equipped as they stated. What specifically did you sue them for? I find it hard to believe someone can forge your name and the judge would find no wrongdoing.

Teresa, are you saying that they forged a contract with your signatures and the court found in their favor on this? Are you saying they told you the vehicle had equipment it didn't have? Wouldn't you notice if the vehicle wasn't equipped as they stated. What specifically did you sue them for? I find it hard to believe someone can forge your name and the judge would find no wrongdoing.

In response the post regarding to contact Krohn and Moss for attorneys....find someone else!! We had a similiar situation with Jim M'Lady in Crystal Lake, my husband and father signed one contract and a 2nd one surfaced that Jim M'Lady forged. We were told by M'Lady that they have a dept that signs contracts on customers behave...blah blah blah...to make a long story short, we used Krohn and Moss and we lost. Krohn and Moss told us that we had a case and then when push to shove Krohn and Moss stated that since there was no financial loss, there was no reason to pursue further. We have contacted everyone that you stated and we are still where we started. Just a side, a friedn also bought a vehicle from M'Lady and sued for the same reason and lost. The jury found in M'Lady's favor!!

Thank You Kim. 12 months later, and I am currently working with the bank to resolve this, as Viking wont do anything to straighten this out. I have filed complaints every where, but I have yet to contact the Auto Association. I havent given up yet, like I said "word of mouth." All I wanted them to do was make the deal right and fulfill the paperwork they filed with the finance company. I dont think that was unfair. It is unfortunate, I too have worked for reputable dealers in this area, and have never experienced this before with anyone. It really is so frustrating that I thought I knew every trick in the book with car dealers, and was blindsided by this dealer.

Teresa, I have been in the business for close to 20 years. I know what happened to you all to well. This is usual business for most car dealers. The dealer I work for is very well known, so I will not disclose this information. Don't give up! Fight, Fight and Fight against this unethical and illegal practice. Yes, Viking forgery is illegal. So are straw deals, if that is what it is. Teresa, contact the BBB in Illinois, CATA chicago auto trade assoc., IADA Illinois Auto dealers assoc., and Attorney's Krohn and Moss in Chicago. They should be able to help you. Krohn Moss loves this stuff, and the Illinois Trade Commission and the Secretary of State-Dealers License Division. Good luck !

Its funny that I recall the many promises from a general manager by the name of Bill to "fix this deal, bring the car here, we will put everything in the car the booking sheet says it has" I attest to your credibility. The proof is in the papers Bill. Words mean nothing, its all in black and white. The booking sheet, the 2nd mysterious contract...You better pull the deal jacket before you make a jack a*s of yourself publicly. Its in the works.

Viking has had a reputation for "bad business dealings" for several years. Its unfortunate that you cannot resolve this in other means, and in case you didnt know, the laws regarding car dealerships have changed- you may want to look into it. Word of mouth hurts the company- and its too bad they wouldnt try to rectify this situation. I would be interested in seeing you post the dual contracts, booking sheet, and pics of the car.

Viking has had a reputation for "bad business dealings" for several years. Its unfortunate that you cannot resolve this in other means, and in case you didnt know, the laws regarding car dealerships have changed- you may want to look into it. Word of mouth hurts the company- and its too bad they wouldnt try to rectify this situation. I would be interested in seeing you post the dual contracts, booking sheet, and pics of the car.

Viking has had a reputation for "bad business dealings" for several years. Its unfortunate that you cannot resolve this in other means, and in case you didnt know, the laws regarding car dealerships have changed- you may want to look into it. Word of mouth hurts the company- and its too bad they wouldnt try to rectify this situation. I would be interested in seeing you post the dual contracts, booking sheet, and pics of the car.

Viking has had a reputation for "bad business dealings" for several years. Its unfortunate that you cannot resolve this in other means, and in case you didnt know, the laws regarding car dealerships have changed- you may want to look into it. Word of mouth hurts the company- and its too bad they wouldnt try to rectify this situation. I would be interested in seeing you post the dual contracts, booking sheet, and pics of the car.

IT SEEMS FUNNY TO ME THAT THE COURTS FIND THE TRUTH BUT SOME PEOPLE CAN NOT AND OR WILL NOT EVER SEE THE TRUTH EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING CANT ALLWAYS BE WRONG . ALTHOUGH IAM SURE YOU WILL NEVER SEE THINGS THAT WAY . WE HAVE SENT 28 CNTRACTS TO THAT FINANCE COMPANY IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS SO I DONT KNOW HOW GOOD YOUR INFORMATION IS BUT IT DOESNT SUPRISE ME. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE FINE PEOPLE IN THE CRYSTAL LAKE AREA FOR ALL THERE SUPPORT AND WELCOME ALL THE NEW PEOPLE IN THE SURROUNDING TOWNS TO STOP IN AND SEE OUR ALL NEW FACILITY.

" THE REPUTATION OF A THOUSAND YEARS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE CONDUCT OF ONE HOUR "

Who lied Viking Dodge? I would be more than happy to post BOTH contracts that you sent to the finance company, 1 that I signed and the other your company signed, without our knowledge mispelling our names. Its funny that the finance company has reported to the Attorney General that they are no longer accepting contracts from your dealership. Would you like me to also post that letter? In addition to the booking sheet that says my car has a sunroof, alloy wheels, cd player, 2.7 liter engine...which my car does not. Would you also like me to post that with pictures of my car? Why did the courts find in favor of Viking? Because I did not sign or see the booking sheet, it isnt consumer fraud. They didnt fraud me, they frauded my finance company. Unfortunately the finance company wont sue you, they just stopped buying contracts from your dealership. I chose to discontinue suit and not continue to pay money for case that would end up going to trial because I could not afford to. I have found there are other ways to handle my issue with Viking..Word of mouth. Teresa G

This case went to court and the courts found that Viking dodge was correct in the stance THAT THEY TOOK.And that the customer was in fact not telling the truth and was trying to get something for nothing and both lied to the finance company and VIKING DODGE SO BEFORE YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BE DISHONEST ONE SHOULD BESURE THEY CAN LIVE WITH ONES SELF. Viking Dodge will allways stand up for what is right in business and in the community.thank you for all your support