On June 11 I visited the Honda of Laurel Dealer in Laurel, MD. It was at this time that I spoke with a salesman, Ryan Dunn. Ryan was very professional and pleasant. At this time I explained to Ryan my credit situation and how much of a deposit I would be able to put down on a vehicle. He, acting as a liaison between myself and the finance manager, Brian, received the okay to accept the $2400 deposit. It was also explained on this day that I had $600 at that moment, would have $300 on June 26, and the remaining $1500 on July 24. As a result, I wrote the necessary postdated checks and signed contracts and all other necessary paperwork. The following week I contacted the dealer to inform them that the horn was not working (brand new car). They took note and wanted me to bring the car in to be checked. I brought the car back in to be checked on June 16. At that time I was told that the part had to be ordered and I would be called when the part came in. I received a call from the service department on June 25th, informing me that the part was in and that I could bring it in to be repaired. During all of the service calls, I was still in contact with Joe Razulzad regarding the financing of the vehicle. He had informed me that I no longer had to put the initial down payment of $2400 down but $1800 instead. Since the dealer at that point had $1000 of my down payment, I only owed $800 which Joe said could still be paid on July 24. I scheduled the appointment and brought the car in on June 30. When I returned on July 1 to pick up the car and return the rental, I was told (by service) that the Finance Manager, Brian, needed to see me. I walked over to speak to Brian and this is when he informed me that We are going to need the last $800 now or we cannot allow you to stay in the car. I asked him to explain and he matter-of-factly told me that they could no longer wait until the 24th of July. Since I did not have the $800 on that day, I had no choice but to ask for my $1000 back. At no point did Brian seem regretful nor did he offer me any other deals to try to accommodate me. Now I know that I am no finance professional but at the very least this was terrible customer service. Especially when I did nothing wrong and kept up with my end of the finance deal. I think that this was very unfair and I feel that I was toyed with. Why would a dealer allow anyone to drive a car for 3 weeks and then all of a sudden snatch the car away? At present I am in the process of filing a claim with the Better Business Bureau if no other reason then to make other buyer aware. I am appalled at the service I received and I would never refer anyone to go through what I went through at Honda of Laurel. I always thought of Honda as one of the leading car dealers, no any more. I now have no desire to ever want to deal with a Honda dealer again. This has even abolished my love for Honda vehicles. I am no longer in the market for one and have decided to shop around for a Toyota instead. I would only hope that this is recognized as an unfair act and that this never happens to anyone else.
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