I first want to give thanks for The Great Thorn allerting me to this website and for jogging my memory of these events. Miller Chevrolet contacted over 11 companies trying to get them to finance my deal. I have 11 hits on my credit report. The dates and companies are: James Miller Chevrolet 4/16/02; Capital One Auto Finance 4/16/02; Americredit 4/16/02; Household Automotive 4/16/02; US Bank 4/17/02; WFS Financial 4/17/02; Charter One Auto Finance 4/17/02; Wells Fargo Finance Acceptance 4/17/02; American Family Fin. SVC 4/17/02; Care Credit/CBUSA NA 4/18/02; and Harris BK Barrington 4/18/02.
I received notices from the following financial institutions, which has language as if I, personally, requested financial backing for this car loan. They are: Wells Fargo, Harris Bank, US Bank, Charter One, Captial One, and WFS Financial Inc.
I contacted the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, Dolores Rodman. I have not received any relief from this agency.
Miller Chevrolet did take the Alero back and they gave me my initial monies deposited to them. I was told by inside source that the person who initiated the deal was fired. I am not sure this happened. I attempted to trade the Nissan I bought from them for another vehicle. I was declined service.
The following describes my issues:
April 20
Miller Chevrolet / Miller Consolidated
Mr. Gary Stellato, Operations Manager
5355 Miller Circle Drive
Matteson, Illinois 60443
Re: Automobile Purchase
Mr. Stellato:
On April 16 I went to Miller Chevrolet to purchase a car for my wife at approximately 4:00 pm. Mr. Lou Perez, financial director, created a contract for the purchase of a two-door 2001 Alero Oldsmobile, with 29,628 miles, for $14,529.18 at 14.95% for 72 months with a car note of $323.61. The total price of this car with this agreement, including my down payment of $500.00, is $23,799.92 in its duration of 72 months. I complained about the price and interest rate to Mr. Perez. Mr. Perez requested I sign two contracts, one of which was blank. I signed both contracts out of trust due to Mr. Perez stating that he would continue to search for a better deal from his lenders, and if he did, I would not have to come back in because he would use the blank signed contract to complete the deal. This was at 9:00 pm. My wife and I had been at Miller Chevrolet for 5 hours.
I was told that this 2001 Alero Oldsmobile was a trade in for a Cadillac, which my salesperson Jonathan Henley stated was done on April 15. Before I left with the car on April 16 at 9:00 pm, I reported to Mr. Henley that the windshield is cracked, the passenger door pops when opened, and that it appears the front-end was shifted by something because the hood on the car was not aligned, which I stated may have created the issue with the passenger door. Mr. Henley stated that I should have my personal mechanic take a look at the vehicle, and that he would make sure the issues would be taken care of. Mr. Henley went on vacation.
On April 17 at approximately 10:00 am I called Miller Chevrolet requesting to speak to Mr. Perez. I was told that Mr. Perez was not working on this day. I spoke to Mr. Dan Merrick, who reported he was the financial director. I told Mr. Merrick that I had secured car insurance with my carrier, American Family Insurance, a promise I made with Mr. Perez. Additionally, I informed Mr. Merrick that when I told my insurance agent about my deal with Miller Chevrolet he suggested I call American Family Financial Services, Inc. For a quote and better deal.
I told Mr. Merrick that Mr. Jason Heinze of American Family Financial Services, Inc. Reported to me that the wholesale value of the car was $10,925, and that American Family Financial Services, Inc. Would give me $11,000.00 at 8.49% with a car note of $271.00 a month for 48 months. I told Mr. Merrick about the promise from Mr. Perez to re-work my deal for a better price. Mr. Merrick told me that I would have to speak to Mr. Perez upon his return to work at 9:00 am on April 18 for a better deal.
On April 18, at approximately 9:30 am, I went to see Mr. Perez. I told him about my conversation with American Family Financial Services, Inc. Mr. Perez told me that American Family Financial Services, Inc. Is not one of his lenders, and therefore, he could not use them. I stated to Mr. Perez, why does my lender have to be one of your lenders to close a better deal for me? I thought you were interested in selling the car. Why do I have to use your lender? It was my belief, from our conversation on April 16, that you were interested in finding me a better deal. Additionally, I requested Mr. Perez give me the blank contract so that I could tear it up. Mr. Perez took something out of the file he was holding, tore it up and put it in the garbage. I never saw the blank signed contract being torn up. I requested to tear it up myself so that I would be sure it was destroyed.
We argued this issue for about an hour. Finally, I convinced Mr. Perez to let me call my lender, American Family Financial Services, Inc., and request that Mr. Jason Heinze call me and ask for Mr. Perez. Mr. Perez stated that he would talk to Mr. Heinze to let him know about the amenities of the car to justify Mr. Perezs numbers, and request that my lender pay $14,529.18 for the car. I called Mr. Heinze from Mr. Perezs phone. I waited about another half-hour and there was no return call from Mr. Heinze. Mr. Perez stated that he would take the call from Mr. Heinze and get back to me within 24 hours.
On April 19 I called Mr. Perez at 9:15 am. I told him that I had checked my bank and found out that the check I gave him had been cashed. I asked him why did he submit my check if we were still working this deal. He told me that I never stated that he should not cash the check. I told him that I was disappointed in him for his statement and for not returning a call to me regarding the deal from my lender. I told him that he did not have my best interest in mind. I told him that I would bring Miller Chevrolets car in at 3:00 pm and request a release from the deal. Additionally, I requested that a check be ready for pick-up when I arrive.
On April 19 at approximately 4:00 pm I returned with the Alero Oldsmobile. I gave Mr. Perez the keys and requested a check for $500.00. Mr. Perez stated that he could not stop a deal and had to get a manager. Mr. Tim Marozas told me that it did not matter what promises were made to me, I had signed a contract and I was bound to it. I argued the above issues with Mr. Marozas for about a half-hour. Mr. Marozas statements to me were demeaning and disrespectful. At one point, we were on the showroom floor and he told me that this was not K-Mart or Venture where you can bring merchandise back and get a refund. Mr. Marozas told me I had two choices. I could take the car as is or I could let him see what kind of deal he could make with the car. I told him I did not want to deal with Miller Chevrolet, I did not like how he was talking to me, and that I wanted my money and a release from the deal. He told me that my suggestion was not an option.
I told Mr. Marozas that I was leaving his car with him and that I would pursue this through litigation, and that I would put this issue on the Internet at complaints.com. Mr. Marozas told me that he would have the car towed to my house in twenty minutes after I left, and that he did not care what I did. I asked Mr. Marozas for his managers phone number and address. Mr. Marozas told me he did not have a boss and that he was in control of this site. I asked Mr. Marozas for the President of the companys address and phone number. Mr. Marozas told me that he did not know his Presidents phone number and address. I told Mr. Marozas that I had complained about my last deal, last year on May 5, to the Operations Manager, Gary Stellato. I told Mr. Marozas that I would find the address and phone number on my own.
I left Miller Chevrolet and spoke to my wife who was waiting in the car for me. I re-entered the store and asked Mr. Marozas to reconsider my offer. Mr. Marozas refused to let me out of the deal. He told me that he would attempt to get me a deal from a personal lender of his for $12,700.00, maybe 9.7%, and about a $300.00 monthly car note for 60 months. Mr. Marozas told me that he would contact me on Monday, April 22 to let me know if he could get this deal.
Therefore, I want to let you know that I will submit this letter and the letter dated May 5 regarding my initial encounter with Miller Chevrolet and its managements character and behavior with its customers to complaints.com. This attitude of superiority will not bring positive notoriety. It will only create dissention between the company and future business with its consumers. I signed the two contracts under duress, stress, and pressure. I suffered embarrassment and humiliation with Mr. Marozas demeaning and derogatory statements in the public arena of the showroom and in the office of Mr. Perez.
On May 3 I purchased from Miller Chevrolet a 1998 Nissan Altima with 32,739 miles for $15,640.39 with a rate of 9.99% for 60 months with a car note of $336.37. My credit rating of 621, Tier 3, has not changed. Comparing this with the purchase above tells me something is wrong with this picture. I want to trade the Nissan back for a new leased car. I will explore my avenues with other dealerships with this request. I know from the deal I spoke of above, it is my belief that I cannot get a fair and honest deal from Miller Chevrolet.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L. Nance Jr., M.A.
Cc: Mr. Jonathan Henley
Complaints.com
April 22
Miller Chevrolet/Oldsmobile
Mr. Jonathan Henley
5343 Miller Circle Dr.
Matteson, Illinois 60443
Re: Automobile Return
Mr. Henley:
Attached is the letter I addressed to Mr. Stellato. Mr. Marozas and his strong-arm tactics in addressing my issues prompted me to write this letter. I have mailed hard copies of this letter to you and to Mr. Gary Stellato, along with faxing copies to Mr. Stellato and Mr. Joe Golub.
I have alerted the lender, Hinsdale Bank and Trust, to my disappointment in Miller Chevrolet and how they conduct business. I have sent them a copy of this letter with an additional note stating I will not pay any car note and the information submitted to them by Miller Chevrolets financial director, Lou Perez, misrepresents my income.
I do not want the Alero Oldsmobile or any other deal offered by Miller Chevrolet. I will drop the car off on April 22 at approximately 4:00 pm. I would greatly appreciate it if you would have a check prepared for $500.00, which was what I submitted to Miller Chevrolet.
Therefore, I hope I have not created problems for you. If any issues arise which cause you any harm, alert me to them. I will address any issues legally with the Illinois Attorney Generals Office and through public awareness of the conduct and character of Miller Chevrolet/Oldsmobile management staff.
Sincerely,
Fred Nance Jr.
May 5
Miller Chevrolet / Miller Consolidated
Mr. Gary Stellato, Operations Manager
5355 Miller Circle Drive
Matteson, Illinois 60443
Re: Character and behavior of Chad McClery
Dear Sir:
On May 4 I called Miller Chevrolet to talk to Shawn the finance manager. I finalized a deal with Miller Chevrolet on a 1998 Nissan Altima on May 3. I informed Shawn on May 3 that I wanted to transfer the license plates from my 1997 Mercury Tracer LS.
Shawn told me that I could not transfer my plates if I did not trade the car in the purchase I made. I informed Shawn that I would go to 99th street, in Chicago, on May 4 to purchase my city sticker from the City of Chicago and inquire about the transfer of my plates from one car to another.
I told Shawn that I hope he was telling me the truth about the transfer of plates. I told Shawn the charge for the license plates was incorporated in my total that was financed. I informed Shawn that I count all monies, and I look at the possibility of keeping the car, with making the payments, for the duration of the contract. This is a 60-month contract. I informed Shawn that I purchased my 1997 Mercury in 1997 at 7% interest with a car note of $292.68 for 48-months, and, that this purchase of a 1998 Nissan Altima is for a car that is 2 years old.
A representative of the Motor Vehicle facility informed me that Miller Chevrolet should have processed my plate transfer during the sale. I called Miller Chevrolet to talk to Shawn. I was told he was busy. I asked to speak to my salesperson Jonathan Henley, who was a gentleman and professional throughout this process. I was told that Jonathan was off today. I asked to speak to someone in charge. This call was from cell phone, which I was on for approximately 20 minutes.
Mr. Chad McClery came to the phone and I presented my position of wanting to transfer my plates. Mr. McClery was very obnoxious and nefarious in his conversation with me. He asked me what was the difference between Miller Chevrolet buying plates for me and the transfer. I told him about $80.00. I told him that I did not think it was fair or that it made sense for me to purchase plates for the car purchased from Miller Chevrolet, then take those plates along with the plates from the Mercury and swap them, then purchase personalized plates for the Mercury, which is for my teen-age daughter. I told him it would be easier to transfer the plates to the new car from Miller Chevrolet.
He asked me how was I paying for the car. I told him that I was financing it through Miller Chevrolet. He began to laugh out-loud over the phone for about 30 seconds as he talked to someone in the background, stating he would pay the $80.00 if it would make me feel better, and that it was petty of me to bring this to him. Mr. McClery stated that if I had a 60-month contract the difference would come to about $. 25 a month. He began laughing again. This was humiliating and embarrassing to me, along with making me angry wondering what kind of people am I dealing with.
Mr. McClery stated, confirming with someone he was talking to in the background about their new policy, that Miller Chevrolet can make policy and it does not have to conform to how the State wants them to operate. Mr. McClery accused me of trying to get the State of Illinois to change their newly created policy regarding the transfer of plates. After laughing and humiliating me, Mr. McClery stated, have the people from the State of Illinois call me, and then he slammed the phone down in my ear.
I immediately called back to talk to his boss. My call was transferred to Mr. Stellato. This gentleman immediately silenced the complaint by stating that I could come in and talk to Mr. Joe Golub and he would have the plates transferred.
Finally, it is my belief that Shawn should have addressed this issue from its onset. I had problems settling the deal in the first place because I was requesting a car note of $325.00. The interest rate Shawn gave me was 10.99%. I told Shawn that I could not afford the deal he was giving me, which had an increase if the car was to have a warranty. Shawn suggested I buy a new 2001 car (your lower class Chevy), which would allow me to get the warranty I needed and the car note.
I went to Jonathan and told him what Shawn had told me. Jonathan began showing me the 2001 Chevy I could possibly afford. I did not like the car. I proceeded back to Shawns office to tell him that I did not like the cars suggested and that since I had come to the dealership in their car, I needed to make arrangements to take a bus home along with the personal items I had put in the Nissan.
I did not get a chance to tell the above mentioned statement because Shawn told me that he made some adjustments, which was reducing the interest rate to 9.99% bringing my car notes (with warranty) to $336.37, stating that he had 40 other people to see and deals to make, and did not have time to argue this issue any further (this made me feel pressured also). How does one deal if not given the chance to deal? Is this the normal practice of Miller Chevrolet? I use the work argue for lack of another to speak of negotiating. Shawn at no time disrespected me in a manner as Mr. McClery. Shawns impudent behavior was one of superiority with the statement of above (people to see and deals to make).
I do feel something about the deal with Shawn because I came to Miller Chevrolet to purchase 2 cars. Jonathan new of my aspirations to purchase 2 cars and I explained this to Shawn. I looked at 2 cars I thought I wanted, but the 1997 Mustang did not fit my criteria. I told Jonathan that I would come back in July to purchase the other car, possibility leasing it.
I felt that if Shawn could lower the interest rate 1%, he could lower it 2 or 3%. I believe he had the power to do that. Nevertheless, this not about Shawn per se, I am very disappointed in the behavior and character of Mr. McClery as he represents your company. Mr. McClery makes me believe that these character acts performed are not unusual to him. I am 51 years old and a Ph. D. Candidate in Human Services. I felt a familiar trait of demoralization and racism in Mr. McClerys delivery. All people must be respected. No matter who they are. No matter what their income or status may be. Mr. McClerys behavior and tone of superiority creates a bad atmosphere, especially for a manager. One may wonder what kind of management exists at Miller Chevrolet. I know that the barrel of apples always has a bad one in it. One apple can contaminate the lot if not nurtured and conditioned. I will come out to Miller Chevrolet, for fifth time, to get my plates transferred. Thanks to Mr. Stellato. This complaint in no way is due to Jonathan Henley. Mr. Henleys performance in the deal was superior and professional at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., M.A.
Cc: Jonathan Henley
Joe Golub
June 9
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
Dolores Rodman, Consumer Protection Division
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Re: Miller Chevrolet File #CONSC-00055494
Ms. Rodman:
I am not sure why I was declined for credit by seven financial institutions, as stated by Miller Chevrolet. According to exhibit #3 (attached), Trans Union Consumer Credit Report for Fred L. Nance Jr. Page 7, eleven (11) companies received my credit report between April 16 and April 18 (highlighted on page 7). According to my complaint of April 20, Millers response to my complaint would have to be within this range (April 16-18).
According to exhibit 5 & 6 (attached), I was approved for an auto purchase by Miller Chevrolet on April 16 by Hinsdale Bank & Trust, which is not on my credit report. This lends itself to the issues in my original complaint on May 13 to the office of the Illinois Attorney General.
I was approved for leasing a 2003 Corolla Toyota on April 22 from Orland Toyota (reference exhibit 1,2, & 3) (attached). Additionally, my wife, Darlene Bouyer-Nance, was approved and is co-lessee on this leased vehicle (reference exhibit 1 & 4). This transaction occurred after the incident at Miller Chevrolet.
Therefore, I submit to you and your committee Miller Chevrolet is covering up the issues I raised in my letter on April 20 (submitted to your office). I hope you can discern the deliberate misleading and misguiding of Miller Chevrolet. It is apparent their request for a loan in my behalf was to cover up what I had discussed with them. I hope your office can see what is going on. Miller Chevrolet is guilty of my allegations of April 20.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L. Nance Jr., M.A.
July 8
Chevrolet
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
Re: Miller Chevrolet and Oldsmobile
Dear Sir or Madam:
Please review the correspondence I have sent to Miller Chevrolet and to the Illinois Attorney Generals Office. I am PhD candidate in Health and Human Services, with a focus on Social Policy Analysis and Planning. I have addressed this issue with my colleagues and they are interested in the outcome. I will continue to pursue this matter, if only to alert the public. One must know how dealerships work.
After your review, I hope to hear from you regarding this matter. I want to thank you, in advance, for your discernment in these matters of interest to myself, and the public. I now own a 1998 Nissan I bought from Miller Chevrolet. It has been a problem since I have had it. I was taken to the cleaners with it.
Sincerely,
Fred L. Nance Jr., M.A.
July 8
Oldsmobile Division General Motors Corp.
P.O. Box 33171
Detroit, MI 48232-5171
Re: Miller Chevrolet and Oldsmobile
Dear Sir or Madam:
Please review the correspondence I have sent to Miller Chevrolet and to the Illinois Attorney Generals Office. I am PhD candidate in Health and Human Services, with a focus on Social Policy Analysis and Planning. I have addressed this issue with my colleagues and they are interested in the outcome. I will continue to pursue this matter, if only to alert the public. One must know how dealerships work.
After your review, I hope to hear from you regarding this matter. I want to thank you, in advance, for your discernment in these matters of interest to myself, and the public. I now own a 1998 Nissan I bought from Miller Chevrolet. It has been a problem since I have had it. I was taken to the cleaners with it.
Sincerely,
Fred L. Nance Jr., M.A.
These entities did not do anything about this issue. It appears they accepted whatever reason the dealership offered for their defense, even though I had all of this information.
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