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I purchased a used car from Carl Gregory Ford and was pressured into financing a car that I had wanted to pay cash for because I had just that amount of money. I agreed to finance it because they made me wait to have the credit application filled out, etc. as long as it wouldn't cost me any more money. Richard Harrison, the Finance Manager insisted that it would be "same as cash" as long as I paid it before my first payment was due. I asked him several times point blank "Will I have to pay anymore to finance this?" and specified the amount with him several times. Each time, I was told that it would be the same price.
When I got my payment book in the mail, I called to find out the payoff amount. It was higher than the price financed. My wife called Carl Gregory to ask why this was the case and see if they would try to remedy the situation for us. Mr. Harrison refused and said they wouldn't discuss it. I went to the store during my lunch hour because I was frustrated about the additional amount I was going to have to pay when I didn't want to finance it anyways. Mr. Harrison stated he didn't remember the situation and saying anything about that. He tried to parse words and insisted that he wouldn't have said anything like that. For the record, I don't think that Mr. Harrison meant to mislead me and probably just made a mistake. Because he couldn't remember the specifics of the sale, he wasn't willing to admit one way or another. But, I remembered the specifics very well.
As frustrating as this was, I didn't really expect to get my money back - even when I went to the store. I was, however, hoping that a "good will" gesture would have been made and they would want to have a happy customer. I was not very pleased that I was talked out of buying the car with cash in the first place.
Mr. Harrison checked with "his boss" and this was Thomas Holloway, the Sales Manager. Mr. Holloway stated that he was going to do nothing and that he believed his employee of 27 years (Mr. Harrison) over me. It was just the way he stated this that offended me so much. What's strange is that he never asked to hear my side of the story or anything. He was clearly just trying to end the discussion and get me out of there instead of trying to make me feel better. When I asked him if he was calling me a liar, he said no, but stated that he believed his employee and not me - which is basically the same thing. Right? He then insulted my intelligence by stating that I should've known better and that when I sign the contract that it's my responsibility to know the details of the transaction. Of course, I know this is the case, but when I was asking for clarification that day, I kept getting told that I wouldn't pay more - which was a lie. I told him that I was not pleased with how they treat their customers and that I would certainly not be doing business there anymore. He didn't argue.
On my way out, I did one thing that I regret, but it sure does show you something about this dealership. This is the part that just amazes me. I was angry by now because I felt like they were attacking my personally - attacking my character. I had to say one last thing to the folks behind the main desk. Something like "you guys are a bunch of crooks" or something like that. I admit this wasn't one of my finer moments and I shouldn't have done that. But, the owner, Tony Hudgins decided to say something back. He stated that I was who was bad and that any mistake made during the transaction was my fault. He said that I was truly a bad customer and that I should get off his lot like I promised. I stated that I couldn't believe he would say that to me. I just bought a car from them, for goodness sake! He didn't seem to care and told me that I was trying to get something for nothing and that's all I was trying to do and that they didn't do business like that there.
Wow... The owner of a car dealership would actually insult my character in front of the entire showroom when he doesn't even know the specifics of the situation. He doesn't know me at all! I am an extremely honest guy. I'm an Eagle Scout, a Cubmaster, a soccer coach, and a Christian. I wasn't looking for anything but an apology, a good will gesture, and perhaps a portion of the additional costs that I incurred because of their insistence that I finance the car. I never once asked for anything specific. I just wanted them to know I was upset about it and asked if they would be willing to do something. I started out being upset about the additional money that I'm having to spend on this car(which I don't have). I am now offended and amazed about the way I was treated at this dealership.
On a positive note, I felt the car I purchased was priced well and the salesman, Joe Warren was honest and helpful during the sale. But, for all that happened afterwards, it doesn't really make any difference in whether I will do business with this dealership ever again. I don't own a business, but if I did, I certainly wouldn't treat my customers, employees, or anyone they way I was treated here. Simply amazing.
I would consider my overall experience with this dealership a complete disappointment. I recently purchased a used car from their used car department. I have to say I left the car lot feeling somewhat satisfied with the deal I received. However, that soon would change. A week after the purchase I had a problem with the car and promptly returned to the dealership. The problem was with the driver's side rear door not opening. The locking mechanism was stuck in the lock position and would not even unlock manually. Upon informing them about the problem they said that the problem was not covered under their "warranty". I can understand if the problem was something that is considered wear and tear like tires or brakes (by the way the brakes began squeaking that first week too) but with a door not opening and having kids in car seats, I considered this a problem they should fix. After explaining this, the dealership agreed to pay half the repair bill. I reluctantly paid the bill. A week later same problem with door. They took it too another dealer for the repair and as of right now they are going to stick me with that bill too. Thanks for the great service and treatment!! Not!! Anyway I'll never recommend them to anyone.
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Carl Gregory Ford Mercury Lincoln is a dealer in Auburn, AL. Carl Gregory Ford Mercury Lincoln offers Ford and Lincoln. Please feel free to Rate and Review the Carl Gregory Ford Mercury Lincoln Dealership so other Car Buyers can know what dealerships in the Auburn, AL area are great and which ones are just so-so. You can also use the Map below to locate other Auburn Car Dealerships quickly and easily!
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