I purchased a 2005 Scion in October. I had an '03 Dodge Ram 1500 that I was trading in off of a lease.
They gave me a unbelievable deal, and I even confirmed this with another local dealer. So unbelievable, that the other dealer couldn't match it. I was cautioned that something was not right. After showing me their dealer invoice on a similar vehicle, I was advised to exercise care in the purchase.
I went to James, told them we would do the deal. I signed all the paperwork after careful review. Traded in my truck and drove my new scion home.
Two days later, I was contacted by James Toyota's finance department, said I had to come down to the dealership to resolve an issue with my paperwork. It turns out there was a $2,000.00 discrepancy that needed to be reconciled. When I told them that I refused to pay an additional 2k for a deal I already signed, and that if I was over-charged 2k they wouldn't have called me, the negative attack began.
I was told, I had to come in to sign the paperwork, or they would issue a 2K deficit on my lease agreement with dodge, and they would contact credit companies notifying them of my delinquent payments until I give them the money. This was especially worrying to me as my mother was a co-signer on my vehicle. I told them to give me my truck back, and they tried to tell me it was already sent to auction. I was also told that I already took delivery of the scion, and I am accountable for a return inspection and miles I drove it.
To make a long story short, I fought them tooth and nail but eventually ended up caving.in hindsight I should have hired an attorney, but doubt it would have cost me less then the 2k they were looking to rip me off. I did however send a letter to the Better Business Bureau, Toyota and Scion auto manufacturers. I was eventually contacted by James Toyota with the "What can I do to make this go away" and they offered to give me an upgraded radio at dealer cost. I could not believe the audacity. I asked for my 2K back, and they said I was being unreasonable.
I later found out that this is a common scam for car dealers. It is called the YO YO Sale. Here is a link describing the scam: http://www.publiccounsel.org/overview/autoscams.html#as10
My purpose in posting this is not to resolve my issue, it is to notify consumers of the possible risks, and share my story so others can avoid the same fate. I will never deal with James Toyota again, nor will my 5 siblings, as well as my extended family.
Here is another consumer complaints for James Toyota:
/Auto-Dealers/James-Toyota-Scion/james-toyota-scion-lets-you-tr-6WYE2.htm
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