Carco Sales
Bait & Switch Scam

I searched the internet and found an add listing a vehicle that I was interested in. I called Carco Sales and Finance and was told the vehicle was available for viewing and that I could come see it. I drove 30 minutes to get there and when I arrived, the sales associate (Leo) stated the car was not there and was in the shop for some work but there were other vehicles they had available. He stated the one I was interested in should be back on the lot in a few days.

On Dec 3rd, I called the company again to see if the vehicle was available and was told yes. So I drove there again and met with Leo and his manager (Carlos) to see it. The vehicle was there and I test drove it (with Leo) to check it out. I was interested in the car and we began to discuss the price. At this time, Carlos informed me the price of the car was $8999 (which was $1000 more than the price I found on the internet that same morning). Carlos then went to his office and looked up the vehicle on his computer and stated "Yes, you are correct and I will honor the price of $7999 plus taxes etc. I then mentioned there were a few items on the vehicle that I was not happy with (brake lights and turn signals did not work, seats adjustments were not fully functional, Gear lever did not actually indicate the correct gear etc. I asked if he could have these items fixed and be included in the listed price of $7999 and Carlos stated "No Problem but it would probably be Friday before the work could be completed." I asked Carlos what the total price would be for the vehicle and he told me $8975. We agreed on this price (with the mentioned repairs) and shook hands on the deal.

I then offered to pay in full with a personal check or credit card. Carlos stated they did not take personal checks and credit cards would be an additional 10% charge. I stated I did not want to incur this extra expense and we agreed on a $200 cash deposit and I would bring a Cashier's Check for payment in full on the morning of Saturday Dec 3rd. On Friday, Dec 2nd, I called to make certain the vehicle would be ready for pickup the following morning and was told they would call me back in 5 minutes or so. After about 90 minutes, I had not received any call so I called again and was told they would return my call shortly. No return call was received that night. On Saturday morning, I called again and spoke to Carlos. At this point, Carlos stated the car would be ready but I would have to pay $500 more because the vehicle had an expensive security system. I hung up the phone and drove again to Carco to talk to them in person. When I arrived, I was met by Carlos and I asked him to explain the situation. He immediately began trying to justify the extra $500 and stated "the owner" would not let him sell me the car for the agreed upon price and "it was out of his hands." I asked to speak to the owner and Carlos stated "He is not available." I asked to speak to the person in charge of the facility and Carlos stated that he was the one in charge when the owner is not there.in addition to the extra $500, the agreed repairs were not even done! Carlos stated that the owner would not let him complete the repairs because the vehicle had a sign on it that stated it would be sold "As Is." Then I asked Carlos, if the vehicle was sold "As Is" and the security system was in the vehicle at the time we shook hands on the deal, it should be included for the agreed upon price... Correct? Carlos stated again, "the owner will not let me do this." I again asked to speak to the owner in person, by phone etc and was told "He can not be reached."

At this point, I informed Carlos I do not do businesss like this and requested my deposit back (which I received). I know I should have put everything in writing and had all parties sign the agreement. For me, it is not the money, it is a matter of principle and people honoring their agreements. I would gladly pay more money for a business that will treat you the customer right. Carlos does not dispute any of this. He agrees he agreed to and approved the price and we shook hands on the deal, but now states he cannot honor our deal unless I pay $500 additional.

Company: Carco Sales
Country: USA
Address: 1125 Broadway Chula Vista CA
Phone: 6194205700
Site: carcosales.com

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