Allen Samuels Dodge - Ft. Worth Bait & Switch scam - deceptive & dishonest Internet

Allen Samuels Dodge listed a 2009 Dodge Challenger on their own internet site at a price of $21,960.  This listing was also posted on autotrader.com.  I called and asked for internet sales and was transferred to Perry.  I asked about the vehicle, if they still had it, and if that was the correct price and also, if the price was negotiable.  He stated that the price was their internet price and they could not come down any.  I told him I was 2 hours away, but, I would like to come see the vehicle and that I would call him if I was coming.  I picked my daughter up and we headed to Ft. Worth.  On the way, I again called Perry to let him know we were on our way.  He said he would be there until 9.

Upon arriving at the dealership, Perry walked up.  He showed us the car.  I asked him why they still had a new 2009 on the lot.  He replied that the car had been at their lot since Jan of 2009 but with better rebates and financing on the 2010's people were going for the 2010's.  He stated that we might also want to consider that and pointed out 2 2010 Challengers nearby that would be similar in cost to the 2009 and might have better financing.  He went inside to get keys for the various cars and we looked at the 3 vehicles.  My daughter preferred the 2009.

When he returned, I told him we had pretty much decided we would probably want to just look at the 2009.  At this point he state he would have to do some checking because they had added racing stripes, leather interior and various other options and that had brought the price up to over $25,000.  I said "so, you can not sell this vehicle for the $21,960 advertised price?"  He replied that he could not, but, I could talk to his manager.

We went inside to an office, and Jeremy the manager came in.  I explained the situation to him and he made the excuse that the information on the interet add was incorrect and there was no way they could sell that vehicle for that price.  I told him I understood mistakes, however I had talked to his "internet salesman" twice before driving 2 hours to their dealership and he never mentioned there was a mistake in the listed price and in fact had confirmed the price. He said that Perry did not know about the mistake on the internet price (this had to be a total and intentional lie on his part).   He then started to tell me he had some very nice, comparable 2010 models.

I told him #1 - I had seen the 2 2010 models and they were very basic models and were not comparable to the 2009.  #2  I felt like they were very dishonest and I was not interested in having any dealings whatsoever with someone who is dishonest.  He went into sales mode and started using phrases about they wanted to sell me a car, and they knew I had driven there to buy a car so, let's talk.  I asked again - Can you sell me the 2009 for the price you have advertised?  He said no way.  I said, then, we are done, and there's nothing else to talk about.

In the beginning, Perry made the statement that the vehicle had been at their dealership since January of 2009.  Over the phone, he listed off the options that had been added - leather interior, spoiler, white racing stripes and chrome gas cap cover.  There was no chrome gas cap cover - but, that was minor.  So, he was aware of the options.  Also, a vehicle that is on your lot for sale for 14 or 15 months, you are going to be very familiar with the price and you are going to know immediately if something is not in line.  I feel they knew exactly what they were doing and may have even intentionally mispriced the vehicle to draw customers in and then, try to sell them some other vehicle.  There is every indication that this entire transaction was intentionally dishonest and deceptive - these were not "honest mistakes".  I would never even consider dealing with any of the Allen Samuels auto dealerships and would advise any consumer to stay away.  Their company motto should be ..  "BUYER BEWARE".