Hello,
I am writing this to let you know that Ventura Toyota takes advantage of people and they are not to be trusted. Their work is sloppy, their customer service is bland. They are not respectful if they do not get their way they are pathetic and disgusting. I apologize I am upset. To get straight to the point:
I was solicited online to visit the dealer. I had initially inquired about possibly leasing a vehicle. I could not get any specific answers online so I headed to the dealer in the evening. The sales man that set up the appointment online with me asked me to be there at a specific time. I agreed I would meet him there.
When I arrived that salesman left for the day. He probably forgot about our arrangement. I asked for assistance and the sales person they introduced me to could not give me any information about leasing a vehicle because he state "I probably know as much as you do Bro" I asked to speak to a manager.
He was maybe about 5'8', little heavy set, tan skin, dark hair, drives a leased prius (white). Anyhow this guy explains to me that leases are simple. To choose a car if you qualify for it you can drive it off the lot if you dont like it bring it back anytime and you can swap it out. You can even purchase the car anytime within your lease or purchase it at the end.
He said leases are affordable and they are better for you. Because your building a relationship with toyota and you will always enjoy the pleasure of driving new vehicles. So I liked the idea, I qualified for a car. He put me in the car he chose for me not the one I wanted. I told him I wanted a particular model he said it would be better for me to get the model he wanted me to get because it had a rebate.
I told him that sounds great but I really dont know what I am doing I dont have any friends around here and I have never purchased a car before. He laughed and said dont worry I will take care of you. So, he writes up the deal, he takes my rebate, and my military rebate and he writes up the contract for a 5 year lease, I asked him why five years he said because it helps your credit and because you can come speak to us to adjust it any time. I thought well thats pretty cool.
So I asked why are you taking the rebates, he said it will help lower your payments, I said ok that sounds cool too. Then he proceeded to add an additional $10,000 cost at the end of the lease if I decide to purchase. He put me in a vehicle that was worth much less. He said the vehicle had a free 2 year warranty but he still added additional warranties that were expensive.
At that point I wanted to leave and I couldnt leave I wanted to but I couldnt everytime I wanted to go he said we dont have to help you I am have here showing you vehicles its 1130 at night I could be with my kids instead I am assisting you into getting into a great car. You can afford it... I said I dont think I can $afford $524.00 for a standard vehicle put me in a limited or something like that and then maybe.
He said if you feel like you cant cut the payments just bring it back and we can adjust it you have my word. I said ok. He then went to talk to his salesmen and they started laughing, that is when I felt like sucker, (yes, you can offer constructive criticsm you can say call me an idiot) but you know something I really went in there with a clear conscience a good heart hoping to find assistance with great customer service.instead I felt like I was humilitated, insulted, they made me feel like: what? You cant afford it? I felt like he took advantage of me. I understand he has to feed his family but so do I. I understand this is business. Yet is it HONEST and FAIR? Is it good PRACTICE?
After two months I went back and said you know I would like to renegotiate, so I dont ruin my finances, they said sure we can help you. When we sat down and crunched the numbers, they wanted 10,000 down, $500 a month on a vehicle that was even smaller than the first one. I was really discouraged I lost hope. It came down to pay for the car and get a second job to feed my kids, I am active duty, its hard to get a second job with a rough schedule. My wife cant work at the moment. I felt depressed. I simply couldnt afford it. I stopped making payments... After 5months.
Now I have to figure out how to keep my job. Iam debating voluntary repo / or wait for repo? I am debating BANKRUPTCY or Debt Solution, seriously I started off upset with these guys. I just feel like now I want to vent and get this off my chest. You know. I forgive myself for not being wise and bringing a friend or someone to help me with the purchase or lease of this new car. I forgive the salesman for lying to me and taking advantage of my ignorance.
I will share this with you all so you are aware. I share this in hopes some lawyer can reach out to me and give me advice. Would i recommend ventura toyota to active duty military members? No. Would I recommend them? NO.
I called TOYOTA of NORTH HOLLYWOOD I explained my situation, they told me: We I apologize that you experienced that. For that price we could of placed you in a much nicer vehicle instead of that basic model.
Be advised: go to another dealer ventura toyota is no good.
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