I am in the market for a dependable used vehicle approximately 3 years old. I did much research online and narrowed my search down to a specific make and model. I found an add at a local dealership for a certified pre-owned 2005 Toyota Camry LE on AutoTrader. I encountered the ad online in its original format around 6/9/08. It is now 6/13/08 and the price has since been changed due to my complaint. I called the dealership on 6/11/08 to schedule a viewing of the car with a particular salesman who was helpful in sending me photos of the car. I verified the correct Stock #H38316A and VIN 4T1BE30K45U561973 with the salesman. On June 12 I went to view the car, prepared with printouts of the advertisement, as well as an "AutoBiography" on the vehicle, listed at $10,995. When I arrived, the salesman directed me towards the vehicle and I began to examine the car. When discussion turned to cost, he stated that the vehicle was "selling closer to $16,000". I produced the ad listing the car at $10,995. Aren't prices always negotiable downwards to the consumer? Anyways, the salesman proceeded to inform his manager of the discrepancy. I was then told that there was a mistake and that this car was not the identical vehicle posted in the ad. This vehicle had identical mileage, color, features, etc. And this is where things turned weird for my first time car buying experience. I went home with a promise from the salesman that he would locate the correct car advertised. On June 13th I called to see if the car in the ad had been located and he stated that the car I had in fact looked at was the correct vehicle advertised. I asked to speak with his manager because I fully intended to be sold the vehicle at $10,995 as advertised. This manager confirmed that they had made a mistake and it was "purely a typo" in the ad. I expect the dealership to stand by their ad price, as it is either fraudulent false advertising or a bait and switch practice occurring here. I spoke with the highest authority I could obtain at the dealership, George Mastermaker, and discussed how AutoTrader's Visitor Agreement states "When you offer a vehicle for sale through AutoTrader.com, you must be prepared to sell that vehicle at the price at which, and the terms on which, you've listed it." Haley Toyota included no other disclaimer removing their responsibility due to typos. Mr. Mastermaker stated that they would not stand by their ad to sell the vehicle at $10,995 and that they're not obligated. This dealership should realize that if a mistake has in fact been made, they must stand by their mistakes and honor that price as advertised.
Preferred outcome:
If vehicle is no longer available due to their stalling, dragging me along, and lies, I would prefer for the dealership to be obligated to sell me an identical make, model, features, and mileage vehicle at the stated $10,995 price plus applicable taxes, title, tags, and $299 processing fee AS ADVERTISED included in my printed proof and notes from my encounters.
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