I want to bring to your attention a case of fraudulent advertising and the illegal bait-and-switch I experienced with the Westmont Acura McGrath Used Car Dealer (400 E. Ogden).
After calling Westmont McGrath regarding very specific 2 White Acura 2004 TL vehicles (VIN 19UUA6627A014537 and 19UUA66284A003191) and upon 2 confirmations (on Aug 6 and Aug 7) with persons named Frank and Noble, I made the 1 hour drive with every intent to purchase either car at the list price of $22,791. I found the listings with Cars.com, and well as CarQuotes.com.
Arriving at the dealer on Aug 7, I was told that the 2 vehicles are *not available* and was offered to buy a 2004 White TL with nearly double the mileage and higher price.
Upon declining this generous offer, I was offered 2 more sub-par deals on completely different vehicles, accompanied by similarly sub-par deal on my trade in.
The offer was made by Used Car Sales Manager no apology was offered of any sort, nothing beyond well, these things happen and when people call for a specific car, some salesmen assume they just need a car we got lots of cars!
As my fiance and I pointed out to the Used Car Sales Manager that the NON-EXISTENT vehicles are still listed online with Cars.com and a few other sites, we've gotten no legitimate reply, other than yep, don't have those how about something else?
Once again, I want to stress that we pointed out the fraudulent listings to McGrath associates - including the Used Car Sales Manager, and yet the listings are still there as of today, August 8. As an internet-savvy person familiar with Cars.com set-up, I can affirm that it takes seconds to delete a posted listing.
Simple negligence may not be claimed in this case, as the Westmont McGrath is admittedly aware of the false listings in question. The bait and switch practiced by Westmont McGrath is a fraudulent sales tactic that is punishable by US law as false advertising.
I am also contacting Acura Client Services regarding this matter as well.
There are many more *non-existing* lower priced McGrath's Acuras that are on Cars.com... Yet, magically not available at the dealer.
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