Viking Dodge Deceptive Practices, Employees Liars, Bait and Switch Experts Crystal Lake Illinois

Viking Dodge in Crystal Lake has 4 employees that lied to the principal owner.

All 4 claim they explained in detail to me what was included in a $3,995 protection package. They each claim that I signed a document that identified exactly what was in the protection package that each explained to me.

I was not made aware of the protection package until the finance manager presented me with the sales agreement 3 1/2 hours after the start of the sales process. At that point I was presented with an "We Owe" document for the protection package and three warranty cards. He could not explain the line item price for the protection package as Dodge did not break it down that way.

1. An ad in the Chicago Tribune identified a Dodge Ram 1500 for $24,945.
When I phoned to inquire if there was still one available I was told yes. While on the phone with Viking Dodge, the other dealer I had been negotiating with earlier called. I asked the Salesperson to hold, explaining the other dealer was on the line. The Viking Dodge Salesperson then stated he would take another $1,500 off of the sales price. He then put his Manager on the phone to confirm that offer of an additional $1,500 was approved. I said I will be on my way driving from Elmhurst to Crystal Lake.

2. I arrived. Saw the truck, took a test drive and stated I wanted to buy it.
The Sales Rep. started the paperwork process and identified $24,945 but no additional $1,500 off. He acted surprised that I was told that. He had to then get his Manager to listen to my story of what they told me on the phone.
The manager then approved on the phone.

3. To determine the downpayment amount I asked for the estimated monthly payment if I placed $5,000 down or $10,000 down. They brought a white sheet of paper out to me after talking to the Finance person. Lots of information hand written on it. Two monthly payments amounts based on the down payment. I circled the payment that corresponded with the $10,000 downpayment and initialed. A friend was with me and witnessed this whole transaction.

4. The truck is prepped, the Sales Person offers to get gas for the truck which was on empty when we test drove it. I waited for the Finance manager.

5. Finance manager has a contract that includes the $3,995. I question what it is and he says he cannot explain it. At this point, it is 8:15, I sent my friend home to Lombard which is about a 40 minute drive. So I sign the agreement knowing that I will dispute the $3,995 charged with the highest person I could reach. Final note: I had to leave as I cannot drive at night. I was worried about driving in the dark without my glasses and driving a brand new truck.

6. Following Monday (truck purchased on Sat), I phone to talk to the General Manager. He claims the protection package was described to me in detail. I disagreed. He said he would meet with me on Wed evening at 8:00 pm

7. My husband phones him on Tuesday. He again explains that the details of the protection package were explained to me. Now he is calling me a liar to my husband.

8. I phone the Customer Service Clerk requesting the name of who is above the General manager that I can report my disastisfaction. According to her, there is no one.

9. I phone Dodge Corporation. A claim is filed against the dealership. But because it is an independently owned business they cannot do anything.
Hmm. I questioned if they have no control over the ethics and practices of their dealers and they state no. I get a claim number. However, they did give me the name of the principal owner.

10. I phone the owner 4 days in a row, leave a message with no return call. On the 4 th day, I ask the receptionist to let him know that I would like the professional courtesy of a return call. He finally phoned.

11. He listened and stated he would talk to the employees.

12. He called back to state that 4 employees told him that each of them explained to me in detail what the protection package was and if I wanted to purchase it. He also indicated that the dealership took a $900.00 hit on the truck due to the sales price and the additional $1.500 off.

We discussed the protectin package. After doing online research I discovered that the $3,995 protection package included fabric protector - the new Dodge fabric interior is a odor free, stain resistant fabric and is a big benefit in all of the Dodge interior description brochures. Why would I agree to purchase fabric protector. I would not.

The other two apparantly are paint protector and sound protector. Based on my online research I told the owner I think that package totaled around $500.00 dealer cost. He agreed. So basically

Dodge Viking lost money on the sale of the truck due to the Sale rep getting me in the door and offering the $1,500 discount off of the already low sale price. So to make up for the loss he slips in this so called protection package that costs the dealer $500 and me $3,995.

The owner did offer to settle my dispute by purchasing for me side steps.
I had explained that if I was going to invest $3,995 of my money, it would be for side steps, tow package, Tow mirrors and truck bed cover, not fabric protection, paint shield and sound shield.

He asked me to call the receptionist and identify the model number of the side steps. I called and indicated I could not find the model number but pointed out the page in the Dodge brochure they are pictured in.

He was to then call me when they come in and have the side steps installed.
He also agreed to fix the passenger side speaker that rattled by replacing it with one from another truck. (since then the driver side speaker is out as well)

After thinking further about his offer, I sent a letter and stated that I want my $3,995 back. $500 dollar side steps does not solve the problem. The problem is deceptive sales rep, customer service, finance and general manager. The manipulation of the facts, the fact that they all united to tell the owner that each of them explained the protection package made me want to take this to every recourse option I can find.

This was a bait and switch tactic and I do not appreciate it.

Final note. When the sales rep. told me he would take care of me by putting gas in the truck that was on low E when I test drove it, apparently put one gallon of gas. Before I hit Randall Rd. and 90, my gas light came on for low fuel.

The sign on the outside of the dealership states "New Management, New Attitude" In my opinion if this is the new way of treating customers, they will need another motto. There are claims on the Better Business Bureau and approx. 18 on this site against Viking Dodge. That speaks for itself.

Jr
Lombard, Illinois
U.S.A.