On or about November 27, I was shopping for a new vehicle. Upon arriving on the Cerritos Dodge lot, I was greeted by salesperson, Dan Porterfield. We inquired about a Durango for sale. It was listed at $37,000 and on sale for $34,000. I knew it was more than I was willing to pay. We were leaving the lot when approached by Sales Manager, Ralph Mitchell. He asked us what we were willing to pay and I told him $25,000.00. He said he was "calling my bluff" and would I buy the car at that price? He made me test drive the car. After test driving, I told him I was very much interested in the vehicle, but would need to get the title signed off from my ex-husband in Washington. He told me to come back as soon as that was clear. At no time did he say he wouldn't honor the offered price of $25,000. The following day, I sent a letter and included my credit application. I indicated in that letter that they were authorized to pull my credit IF THE FOLLOWING WERE ACCEPTABLE: 1) Sale price of car at agreed to price of $25,000, 2) My trade-in of a 1999 Suburban for $6,500 to be applied to price of the vehicle, and 3) acceptable financing to me. They pulled my credit. We spoke Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday regarding the status of the signed title from WA and to make sure the Durango was still available. At no time was it indicated to me that they would not honor the price of $25,000. On Wednesday, I drove to Cerritos (1 1/2 hours away) after work to purchase the car. The salesperson knew I was coming.
I arrived at the dealership and they took all my paperwork and did an appraisal of my car. After about an hour of making me and my small children wait, the Sales Manager, Mr. Mitchell came in. He made small talk and finally told me he wasn't going to honor the deal. He kept asking me what would be an acceptable price. I was getting very upset and he kept leaving to talk with his boss, Robert Carter. When Mr. Mitchell was out of the room, the sales person, Dan, told me they knew about the letter and they had no intention of honoring it. They had instructed him to get me down to the dealership and they would deal with the price then. Mr. Carter finally came in after I demanded to speak with him. Both Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Carter continued to try to sell me the vehicle at an inflated price asking me what would be acceptable. I told them $25,000 as that was what had been agreed to. I was so upset and was feeling pressured. I finally left the dealership and drove back 1 1/2 hours to home without a new car. The salesperson has since contacted me and told me they intentionally BAIT AND SWITCHED me and he has since quit working for Cerritos. I have written to the BBB and the Attorney General. The BBB was of no assistance. I have not heard from the AG's office. I also wrote to the Daimler Chrysler Corporation only to be told that they don't deal with sales issues no matter what the dealership's sales practices are. I know I am not the only one who has been placed in this compromising position. I had the strength to leave without buying, but I know others are out there who haven't been so lucky. These people were intentionally dishonest, misrepresented a sales price in front of three witnesses, and wasted my time, my children's time, on a school/work night, intentionally trying to sell me a vehicle under duress.
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