We checked auto trader on line and located a used Kia Sedona that sounded within our price range, low mileage, and equipment we sought at Shawnee Mission Kia. Upon contacting them we shared the details of what we wanted, a trade we wanted to make and other details. <br />
We have purchased vehicles previously using just a phone, fax, e-mail and cell phone. Only driving to see the veh. when we close the deal and switch keys. It became obvious that we are more comfortable and ready to deal than they were.<br />
From the first communication Shawnee Kia just wanted us to drive to their location. They used auto trader as a lead finder rather than a method to negotiate and deal to close. <br />
We advised from the beginning that we were upside down on our loan, had a credit report with errors that we were working through, would not be interested in any deal we had to come with cash to the table, and needed interest rate around the area we had with our own credit union. Our credit union would only loan 80% and with us being upside down on our loan we realized we just might not be able to trade at all right now. Further it would take us 60-90 days to get our credit report repaired.<br />
Repeatedly we were advised none of that was a problem. We even allowed them to run a credit report ahead of time so that neither of us would be wasting our time. <br />
We advised we did not want to spend 3 hours in the dealership...they needed to have a deal ready for us.<br />
Repeatedly we asked if they could give us the stock number so we could look the veh in question up on their site. Repeatedly the stock number they gave us was wrong. We asked them to send us photos and for any number of reasons they could not. But assured us the veh. was in great condition. We sent veh. of our veh. by cell phone.<br />
When we arrived the first thing we noticed was even though we had an appointment the salesman was leaving for a drink at a local fast food place. While he was gone he said we could check the veh out that it was unlocked. The veh was locked and there was noticeable exterior roof damage on veh. <br />
Once the sales rep returned he checked and reported the roof damage occurred in transport but could not explain when he didn't advise us of it before we arrived. <br />
We should have driven off the lot then. <br />
However we stayed. After 3 hours the offer was acceptable except for the interest rate (it was to high) and then the used sales manager advised they couldn't make the offer we had in writing... as they needed to include the repairs to the roof...so we'd need to come up with $500. Keep in mind that interest rate was higher than we'd been promised prior to our arrival and for the last 3 hours and now the deal we had in writing changed and we now were expected to pay for the repairs to the Sedona they were selling us.<br />
We walked. <br />
Weeks later a female manager for Shawnee Kia called and inquired into our interest in purchasing and new or used veh. We relayed our experience. Her response was that she would talk with Mike (used sales manager) and have him check to see if he could find a better interest rate as he had only checked with one leader and they worked with several...and that they had repaired the veh and the repairs would not be added to the sale price... she'd assured us Mike would call us no matter what he found out. <br />
We have never heard from Mike and it's been several weeks.<br />
Experiences like this explains why so many folks are not customers at any dealership often... <br />
Although the staff smiled, laughed, and were outwardly nice equally they lied to us, presented us a deal breaking almost every prequalifier we discussed prior to our trip to the dealership, and their lack of professionalism was glaring.