The one star is for Bernard...
I've been working with Legacy for over two months trying to find the right vehicle. I initially went in intending to purchase new, but while on the lot I saw a Suburban that was already for sale. This was not a recent trade-in; it was a vehicle actively listed and available on the lot.
I was allowed to take the vehicle for 48 hours while final details were completed. All paperwork was signed, insurance was secured, and I was given the final out-the-door price. I was paying cash and declined financing. I returned to the dealership to obtain a cashier's check and complete payment.
As the vehicle was being prepared, I was informed that the dealership could no longer sell it to me. I was later told the owner had sold the vehicle at auction the day prior, not realizing I was in the process of purchasing it -- despite the vehicle being in my possession at the time.
I was then told that if I paid an additional $4,000 to match the auction price, I could still purchase it. As an alternative, I was offered a different vehicle at a higher price than what had already been agreed upon.
I want to be very clear that the manager and sales team were excellent throughout this process. They were professional, communicative, and did everything they could in a difficult situation. My frustration is not with them.
Mistakes happen, but this was a significant transaction and a disappointing way to handle a long-term customer relationship. I'm sharing this simply as a factual account of my experience.
The Truth
Drayton Washington is a liar--and a very good one. People like him are why car salesmen have such a bad reputation. Drayton looked me straight in the eyes while I was sobbing and lied without hesitation. I truly question how someone can behave that way and still claim to have morals. I pray Jesus changes his heart.
Drayton was so quick to make a sale that he gave me the wrong price on the Suburban. On the day I originally looked at it, he told me--and I quote--"I've got $52,000 in it. I'll sell it for $58,000."
When I later came in and signed the paperwork, everything was fine--until his attitude suddenly changed.
I negotiated like any reasonable buyer would. I was asking for as little as $100 off, because my father always taught me never to pay full price for a car. At some point, Drayton either became aggravated with me or knew he had made a pricing mistake. He then said he wasn't going "a dime" below what was written on the paper.
I responded with something along the lines of, "Whoa--what's wrong?" His reply was shocking and inappropriate. He said, "Yeah, you thought you were going to come in here and be cute and get what you want."
At any point, Drayton could have simply been honest. He could have told me he made an error, apologized, and asked if I was willing to pay the difference. I would have politely declined and asked to look at something else. Instead, he chose to tell a blatant lie to avoid making himself look bad.
When asked by one of his employees what he planned to do once the vehicle went back on the lot, he said, "Oh well, can't make everyone happy." Shortly after, the same vehicle was listed back on the lot for $67,000.
When did being an honest, good person stop meaning more than protecting your ego or making yourself look good? read more
