got tricked by Jim Falk Lexus today, guess no IS350 for me afterall
02-04-11, 05:28 PM
#1
got tricked by Jim Falk Lexus today, guess no IS350 for me afterall
I found this 2010 IS350 with a reasonable price. contacted their "internet sales manager" immediately. i bargained even more and told him the price i wanted, he called me this morning said put down $500 deposit and the car is yours with my price. sure, i gave him my CC info over the phone and will be picking up the car tomorrow morning (i work late today). everything's fine, he even emailed me the window sticker. this afternoon received a phone call from someone i believe is the "internet sales manager"'s boss, he said someone came in this morning and bought the car. at first i was stun, since i just got off the phone with my guy and everything's fine. i guess he got overruled by the guy who called me. anyways, no apology from the internet sales manager except a simple text: the car's sold, you deposit won't be charged. that's it. am i upset? just a little, because i found out early this morning after the deposit the "new" car has 203 miles on it instead of the 23 miles they advertised. oh well, i guess i was a little upset about giving them my CC info for nothing. good thing his fax line wasn't working otherwise they'd have my credit application also.
02-04-11, 05:46 PM
#2
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I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but you do realize that the internet sales team is separate from the actual dealership and the cars that they put out on the lot often go on test drives so the mileage doesn't stay constant?
I wouldn't be too butthurt over what happened, it's not like you actually paid for the car in full. Were you able to get the deposit back? If not, then I'd probably have a reason to complain.
As far as poor customer service, I can empathize with you, because customers shouldn't be treated like that. They should be up front and honest with what's going on, but there are also a lot of misconceptions about what to expect from dealerships. Though like I said...unless they got you over on some money, I'd just look somewhere else to get your Lexus. You may even find a better deal down the road...good luck.
I wouldn't be too butthurt over what happened, it's not like you actually paid for the car in full. Were you able to get the deposit back? If not, then I'd probably have a reason to complain.
As far as poor customer service, I can empathize with you, because customers shouldn't be treated like that. They should be up front and honest with what's going on, but there are also a lot of misconceptions about what to expect from dealerships. Though like I said...unless they got you over on some money, I'd just look somewhere else to get your Lexus. You may even find a better deal down the road...good luck.
02-04-11, 05:53 PM
#4
I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but you do realize that the internet sales team is separate from the actual dealership and the cars that they put out on the lot often go on test drives so the mileage doesn't stay constant?
I wouldn't be too butthurt over what happened, it's not like you actually paid for the car in full. Were you able to get the deposit back? If not, then I'd probably have a reason to complain.
As far as poor customer service, I can empathize with you, because customers shouldn't be treated like that. They should be up front and honest with what's going on, but there are also a lot of misconceptions about what to expect from dealerships. Though like I said...unless they got you over on some money, I'd just look somewhere else to get your Lexus. You may even find a better deal down the road...good luck.
I wouldn't be too butthurt over what happened, it's not like you actually paid for the car in full. Were you able to get the deposit back? If not, then I'd probably have a reason to complain.
As far as poor customer service, I can empathize with you, because customers shouldn't be treated like that. They should be up front and honest with what's going on, but there are also a lot of misconceptions about what to expect from dealerships. Though like I said...unless they got you over on some money, I'd just look somewhere else to get your Lexus. You may even find a better deal down the road...good luck.
02-04-11, 05:59 PM
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Yeah, I wasn't trying to be an *** or anything; just saying that I wouldn't be too worried about all of that (which you're clearly over already); just a reflection of bad customer service, you'll definitely find a better deal out there.
Where is this dealership located anyway?
Where is this dealership located anyway?
02-04-11, 06:03 PM
#6
Yeah, I wasn't trying to be an *** or anything; just saying that I wouldn't be too worried about all of that (which you're clearly over already); just a reflection of bad customer service, you'll definitely find a better deal out there.
Where is this dealership located anyway?
Where is this dealership located anyway?
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02-04-11, 07:42 PM
#9
Dealership name and salesmans name would be nice so other cl members in that area could at least stay clear from the salesman if they go to that dealership.. I'm glad my brother is a salesman at clear lake lexus so I don't have to go through all this mess
02-04-11, 09:44 PM
#10
Lexus Champion
That was certainly a bit of a hassle but just move on. Ever wonder why they want a buyer to take the car off the lot ASAP? Part of it is to avoid damage while it is still in their possession but there is always the possibility of the car being sold while the owner waits to come in and finalize the paperwork.
I don't agree with the poster saying that cars the internet team offers are ones that are driven as loaners or demos. It may happen, but that should be clearly stated in the offer. They draw from the same stock as the dealer so if you want a brand new vehicle with no mileage than say that up front.
I don't agree with the poster saying that cars the internet team offers are ones that are driven as loaners or demos. It may happen, but that should be clearly stated in the offer. They draw from the same stock as the dealer so if you want a brand new vehicle with no mileage than say that up front.
02-04-11, 11:47 PM
#12
That was certainly a bit of a hassle but just move on. Ever wonder why they want a buyer to take the car off the lot ASAP? Part of it is to avoid damage while it is still in their possession but there is always the possibility of the car being sold while the owner waits to come in and finalize the paperwork.
I don't agree with the poster saying that cars the internet team offers are ones that are driven as loaners or demos. It may happen, but that should be clearly stated in the offer. They draw from the same stock as the dealer so if you want a brand new vehicle with no mileage than say that up front.
I don't agree with the poster saying that cars the internet team offers are ones that are driven as loaners or demos. It may happen, but that should be clearly stated in the offer. They draw from the same stock as the dealer so if you want a brand new vehicle with no mileage than say that up front.
the car was advertised with 23 miles, which i definitely have no problem with. but after i gave the guy my CC info for the deposit he told me it was a misprint, it has 203 miles. now a brand new, non-demo car with 203 miles? that's hard to believe isn't it?
02-05-11, 03:38 AM
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I've heard of this happening on other forums. Seems like the credit card deposit would be a commitment on your part. Looks like a "in person" buyer was too tempting for the dealer. I've purchased several vehicles online where I used a credit card as a deposit. Knowing if the vehicle wasn't as advertised, I'd cry foul and request my deposit refunded.
02-05-11, 08:20 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
No, not hard to believe. You have porters jockeying cars around, getting the mileage off the odo's so it is very possible that '203' became '23' by human error. Does 203 miles make it a demo? Maybe, or maybe one of the execs used it for the weekend. In any event you may have asked for a bit of a discount for the extra miles but it doesn't make it a used car, either. Hope you find a suitable car soon.
02-05-11, 09:38 AM
#15
It sucks that you couldn't get your car, but a better opportunity will arise. If not Jim Falk, there are some other Lexus dealers in the greater LA area. Keyes, as windex suggested, as well as Glendale and Longo Lexus of El Monte each have a nice selection. Hopefully when you do find that perfect car, the salesman won't stiff you again. Best of luck and keep on trying! 