McCloskey Isuzu
Rip-off failed to disclose finance terms until almost all papers signed deceptive company

Summary complaint:
car dealer fails to fully dislose terms until last minute

On the evening of November 30 (Saturday, and end of month — a perfect time to work with car dealers because they're more motivated) I stopped by McCloskey Isuzu in Colorado Springs to find out more information on a sales promotion that offered "$6000 cash back" on new remaining vehicles. Since I am currently in a lease, I figured the cash back might offset any negative equity and a deal might be made since it was end of the month.

The Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS MSRP: $30K and change
Dealer Markup: $695 for Paint Fabric Protection (YEAH RIGHT!)
$495 Custom Pin Striping (GET BENT!)
$595 Tail Light Protectors (FOR $40 PARTS?)

Total Dealer BS Markup: $1785
New marked up MSRP: approx $32K
Minus $6K "cash back" = $26K...

So we're talking almost $1785 above what nobody would pay anyhow! The $6000 (according to the dealer) was only off the MARKED UP MSRP, NOT THE ACTUAL MSRP! So in reality you're only seeing $4000 off True MSRP. Cardirect offered pretty much the same car for approx. $23,500! But I'm getting off track — we already know what ripoff artists most car dealerships are.

The salesperson I worked with, "P" was very helpful in answering questions. After choosing a vehicle I was potentially interested in, we began discussions on trading in my current vehicle. Being a seasoned car buyer, I explained that I didn't want to play the typical "good cop, bad cop" scenario and said that the sales manager had one shot to give me a price and we'd be done. I made it clear to the sales person that it was my desire to finance the vehicle over a period no more than 60 mos/5 years. She then went off to the sales manager's office to discuss and obtain figures. Rather than come back to me, I was summoned to the salesmanager's office where I was greeted by "D".

"D" then went over the typical spiel over how it'd be wise to buy now rather than wait, etc. Ad nauseum. He asked what my current payment was, (this should have been my warning sign!) and then asked that if he could get my payments at $495 or less, if he could earn my business. (he failed, however, to divulge or reveal the exact TERMS of said payment at that time) I initially agreed to the quoted figure and I was then escorted to their finance department where I was greeted by "A".

"A" began filling out the odometer disclosures, powers of attorney, etc... Then after 90% or more of the typical paperwork had been filled out, he FINALLY brings out the actual sales contract that discloses the finance terms. (the dealership has closed by this time) As soon as I discovered the terms were for 84 months/7years I was furious and I ripped up the contract on the spot, stating there was no way I was going to purchase the vehicle on those terms.

Attempting to salvage a deal, "A" quickly summonned "D", the salesmanager, who immediately showed up in the finance office. His "deal" was in jeopardy. Suddenly they graciously offered me the same quoted payment over a period of 72 months vs. The original 84 months by (supposedly) offering a lower interest rate. (this equated to another $6000 in savings) I pointed out that they said

I hadn't qualified for the lower rate, and to put it in writing. They said they could "guarantee" that I'd qualify for the lower interest rate, and proceeded to make a (I presume bogus) call to their bank/lender guy who (purportedly) said he could guarantee I'd qualify for the lower rate. Ironically, just an hour before I was told that based on my credit score, I didn't qualify for the lower rate. Go figure! Did the numbers fairy pay a visit here or what?! If I qualified to begin with, then why the heck didn't they offer me the lower rate and shorter terms to begin with?

Personally, I feel they were trying to obtain a larger kickback from the finance company, and their failure to discuss the payment terms up front was part of the ploy. I still refused to purchase the vehicle. "D" asked me to think about it... And said that although the offer for the $6000 cash back expired at midnight Nov 30, he'd try to get an "extension" from Isuzu. WHATEVER! He just wants to make his sales quota.

The more I "thought about it" the more furious I became... I demanded my keys back, had the saleperson reinstall my plates (I wasn't taking delivery if I was buying anyhow!) and I left the dealership fuming. Although they were accurate in providing the actual dollar figures, they were lax on FULL DISCLOSURE OF TERMS. Had they told me the payment was for an 84 month term, I would have never gone to the finance office and I could have been on my way.

They feel a buyer will concentrate solely on the payment amount and then think they won't notice that the TERM of the payments is quite excessive.

Another shady practice I found: Upon inpection of the vehicle during my initial talk with the saleperson I discovered several paint blemishes and scratches that I insisted the dealer to fix prior to taking delivery of the vehicle. I discussed this with the finance guy and he stated that "for insurance purposes" I would "have to drive the vehicle around the block first", so that my insurance would cover things and that they were no longer responsible for the car if I were to leave it for repairs prior to delivery. This seemed to be a little suspect to me.

If they have possesion of the car, they should be responsible regardless of actual ownership! I feel they wanted me to "drive the vehicle" so that it would immedietly be considered a "used car" and I would be unable to back out of this questionable deal (at least not without great inconvenience) before I realized they had fleeced me.

Needless to say, I will never recommend that anyone shop at McCloskey Isuzu or have dealings with ANY of their dealerships — I am sharing my story with all who consider doing so. If you deal with these folks, be on your toes and make sure you get FULL DISCLOSURE on everything.in fact, it couldn't hurt to hand them your attorney's business card when you sit down with them.:)

B.
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Company: McCloskey Isuzu
Country: USA
State: Colorado
City: Colorado Springs
Address: 6710 N. Academy Blvd
Phone: 7195949000

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