I've been shopping for a Truck for my Son. it's not my first Rodeo and like many, I hate the process we must go through to get the best deal at a good rate.
On 2-4-2016 I saw an ad for a Tacoma Truck, I took a Picture of it so I can show them what I want and the terms they posted about it. Payments, Down, etc... I had an appointment with Tammy who seemed nice over the phone.
When I arrived she was with another client (Understandably) so she Introduced me to a gentleman named Osy.
We saw the car, Liked it and started the Process of negotiation. Let me be clear, I didn't try to lower the price at all, I saw the ad and wanted that same deal they offered.
We sat down, and he took out a paper and started writing my Information... So far so Good.
I explained my Son wanted the special of a lease with option to buy and we were willing to put The down the amount on the ad amount and meet all the terms.
Before we even got this far, he wrote down a payment of $850.00 (The add said $350.00+ tax and Licence)
I explained that was too much and didn't make any sense. He told me he had to write that down, because his Boss want's to see that number and we negotiate from there because that is the average Price on the lease and Toyota does not have any Specials or Incentives for a Tacoma Truck.
Here is where the scam starts! I said okay, no problem, but the car advertised is on the Lot, the Price was agreeable, the terms are what he needs. but let's get through this so we can finish the transaction and move on.
He asked what I wanted to pay, I said Full Price per the ad and payments just like the ad says.
He told me there was no such ad so I took out my Cell hone and showed him the ad Keys of Van Nuys has with the same Truck he showed me. $39k $4,692.00 at signing, and $350.00 per month.
He was surprised to see this and wen't to see his Manager. He returned with an offer of $8k Down and $650.00 per mo.
I explained I didn't want to go back and forth, I want the Truck the ad shows for the Price and terms his dealership advertised.
He again said there was no ad, so I went online to there system and showed it directly to him. We went back to his Manager, and after a few more minutes, asked to see my Phone and take it to his manager. (I'm sure they already know this) but I complied anyway... After a few more minutes he comes back with his manager, He sat down and explained that was the INTERNET Price, and can't honor the ad because I walked inn and didn't apply online.
I explained my Smart Phone can do this right now or I can go back home and apply online.
He then said it's FICO Driven and I wouldn't get that Price. (Keep in mind no credit was run at this point yet nor was my FICO score asked) The kept asking if my Credit was Good, amd if I had an 850 FICO.
I explained it's not an issue My FICO is fine and I'm sure it meets or exceeds there requirement.
Little Background on me... I'm a Loan Officer in Real Estate, 33 years of Experience and self Employed. (They don't know this yet) So I asked what most people would ask... Why can't I get this, if you have the Inventory, The Truck is here for sale, Credit and Down is no issue?
He then said it's an Internet Price only. (No longer a FICO issue) Again, I said I can apply online, he told me I won't get it. Because of Inventory... So now, (It's an Inventory issue.)
I explained again it's here, it's not sold and you have Inventory, so I just don't understand why I can't get it. He says again it's an Internet Price! LMBOL!!!
I then asked, Why advertise this if you won't honor it? He then Denied they did! LOL
Again, I went online and pulled the ad and showed him the details... He then back peddled and blamed it on the online ad only. (Full Circle) so... I called him on it.
I explained I will simply apply online and wait for the reply.
Here is where it get's worse... He told me if I do this, he will deny it, and there is no way I will get this Truck and the advertised ad!
So it's not a FICO issue, It's not a Inventory issue, It's not a Financial Issue. so it must be a False advertising issue!
He then became offended, and said they don't false advertise. So then if it's not any of the issues they said, Why won;t they Honor the ad??? So I asked again, Why won;t you Honor the ad??? Honor the Ad!!!!
At this point he became Angry, and told me that regardless what I do, he will Deny my transaction because they can sell that truck for a much Higher price to anyone else that walks inn. and that's why they won;t honor the ad!
So at this point we said, Thank you and walked out.
Here is my advise to anyone looking for a Tacoma Truck...
DON'T BUY ONE!!!
Walk away and Wait until they get over stocked and can't move them. They know people want it, so they Hold back the Inventory to drive up the Prices.
I have visited a few Toyota dealerships already, and the scam they do is Force a low supply to Drive the prices up, then Sell you the Truck at $4-$10k above Manufact read more