Germain Lexus Zach Germain Promised one price, gave another in emergency situation after Florida's Hurricane Irma Fort Myers Florida

On September 15, 2017, I bought a new 2017 Lexus GX 460 from sales associate Bud Recklaw at Germain Lexus of Naples, Florida for $58,000. I wanted to dispute $5,000 of that price as a lower price agreement was made to me. 

I have had 3 Lexus SUVs over 15 years. Because of my evacuation with Hurricane Irma I went to Germain Lexus to repair water damage to my 2013 Lexus with 13k miles, called Hartford Insurance who said via phone that my GX 460 Lexus was totaled. I had to purchase a new car that day. 

Worried I didn’t have time to do due diligence, Germain sales associate, Bud Recklaw assured me numerous times over several hours, “price was one thing you never needed to worry about with Germain especially in an emergency because no one will beat Germain’s price” and if they did, I had his word Lexus would match the price. So I bought a new Lexus for $58,000 OTD. 

Before signing I requested that Mr. Recklaw let me write by hand our agreement in the contract but he said many times, “You have my word.” I trusted Lexus, Germain and him.   

As suggested, I bought the car off the lot as he said the price would be better. We agreed I’d have 30 to 60 days to research. I said I wouldn’t bother him if I found one a couple of hundred dollars less, but if by thousands of dollars, of course I would.  I asked again to write it in the contract but he said it wasn't necessary and again made it clear again Germain would match any lower price, and again, “You have my word.”   

In the next few weeks I researched by phone and test half a dozen Florida Lexus dealerships and found two who beat the Germain price by $5,000 ODT each, sending me their emails which I have printed and sent to Germain along with a letter.

A third salesperson at North Miami Lexus, George Zilban, gave me a price $7,000 less. Days later he reneged saying his sales manager said he couldn’t deal with me. Apparently when I told Germain about the lower price, Germains called the North Miami dealer. The saleman told me the car would no longer be available to me as my Lexus manager called his manager. It’s difficult to believe the head of a wealthy Lexus dealership would collude against an 82-year-old woman for $5,000. I also think this kind of price fixing or price collusion may be against the law.  

Upon having several phone conversations (backed by the dealer's text messages) I phoned Mr. Recklaw who said “You are too late.  It’s over a month” (it was 28 days and I had 30 to 60 days by our agreement). His statement acknowledges our agreement. I drove immediately to the dealership and met with General Manager Zack Germain. A week later I received a letter refusing to honor the Germain sales associate’s promise.  

I don't understand why a successful, wealthy Naples Lexus dealer would not honor their agreement.  Isn't 'price fixing' a crime? Isn't collusion a crime?  I have the funds and anger and wish to sue them; maybe in small claims court.