Patterson KIA of Arlington Bait and switch the new car way... Arlington Texas

Just had an experience with a Kia Dealership in Arlington Texas where a price was given and then I was informed, after I had financing, that it was no longer the actual price.

I was helping my sister get a 2014 Soul at Patterson Kia in Arlington Texas.  We were helped by a sales man named (available on request).  The salesman was very helpful and over 90 minutes we had found a vehicle that she wanted in the color that she desired.  Over this time we were introduced to a sales manager named (available on request), also a very friendly gentleman.  We went to this dealership as it was advertized as a no haggle dealership and we did not want to play the normal new car buying games.  My sister had decided on the vehicle and the salesman was informed what the down payment was going to be and that there was to be no trade-in. 

So with that information he left and a few minutes later came back with a price break down.  Here is what the vehicle listed for he told us; here is the discount, and thus the cost of the vehicle plus the normal tax, title, and license.  We also were told what the tax rate for this dealership was.  I also asked what other costs would be added.  I wanted to get this loan in my sister’s name only so she filled out a credit application.  This was then sent to the finance department and the salesman came back with an approximate loan schedule that included monthly amount and length of loan.  I knew going into this transaction that she had blemishes on her credit but wanted to see what interest rate the dealership was going to offer. 

Well it was determined that the interest rate was too high and that I would be able to provide a much lower rate if I co-signed, and having several banks that my business uses I have developed a relationship such that I would be able to get her a lower interest rate.  Having explained this to the salesman I made sure what the final price was to be.  Never once did the salesman or (available on request) ask or request that we make a deposit, or meet with anyone else.  I explained to the salesman that due to scheduling commitments that it would take 36 to 48 hours for me to get financing, get all paperwork signed, pick up a check, and get both of us to the dealership.  Again I confirmed that the price given was the one that I would use to base all loan amounts.  And again never once was I asked to meet with the finance department or asked to leave a deposit.  After being at the dealership for about three hours we left with what we thought was a firm price and a DEAL, after all we had done EVERYTHING asked of us.

Well over the course of the next day I proceeded to take care of the finance paperwork and during this time I even acquired the vehicle’s VIN number for my loan officer.  I also got a contact of a person in the finance department so that my loan officer could contact them and set up a transfer of funds.  My loan officer was also taken back with the way she was treated but got enough information to continue the process.  The check was made and was only waiting for my sister’s signature and then a trip to the dealership.

It was not until early evening that a (available on request) calls me.  I have to admit that there were several attempts on both sides to actually speak to each other but that finally did happen at about 8:30pm.  This was when I was informed that the price I had been promised, the price I had been basing all financial calculations on was now no longer the price.  During our conversation I was informed that because I did not have a signed contract or a “File” as he described it there was no actual deal.  Also during this conversation I was told several times that I was incorrect in saying that I was never asked to meet with the finance department, (my sister filled out a credit application) or that I was not asked at some point to leave a deposit.  In essence, calling me a liar, when I told him that I was never asked to do any of these things or fill out any paperwork.  Towards the end of the conversation (available on request) even hung up on me.  I redialed him and he did not pick up so I left him a message stating that I was on a cell phone and I can not imagine that he hung up but I would like to see if there was some way of working this out as the vehicle was offered at the price quoted at one time, why not now that I am ready to drive it away.  

I am very disappointed in with the way that this has been handled and I hope that something can be done to save this deal as I have already spent much time to make it happen, but I do not have high hopes.  And I do not think I will look at the KIA brand again.