So I called to ask about a car advertised on their website. I got a very friendly salesperson who was apparently eager to help me. I was looking to do a ""sideways"" or even trade of my vehicle for the one advertised. Mine and theirs are blue booked about the same, and are selling for about the same, according to my research. In fact, the vehicle I was looking to trade in is, in most cases, selling at a higher price than the one I was looking to trade for. Anyway, they first offered me a trade in value of about $2000 less than ANY other dealer (Jackson, TN, Nashville, TN or Memphis) I had talked to so far, but I know they are car dealers, they gotta try, right? Well, when I turned them down, they quickly raised their offer to meet those I had been given, going from a $3600 deficit between the two vehicles to and even trade, but I would have to pay sales tax. ""But this isn't a sale,"" I said, ""no money exchanged, right? so what am I paying tax on?"" Oh, well, in that case... another conference with the manager, another few calls (I live 2 hours from the dealer and was trying to save a trip if the deal was not going to work) and suddenly the deal is on. ""Even trade?"" I asked, and was told yes, even trade. So I head out to go to the dealer, title in hand. On the way, I called a friend I had who is in the auto dealer industry who was helping me look for a car, to tell him I found one. When I told him who the dealer was, he suggested I get a written verification of the deal before I waste the gas, due to the reputation of this dealer. When I called and asked for the verification, there were suddenly some ""unpaid charges in the service department"" that would would have to be paid first... But I didn't ask for anything to be done to the vehicle, so how is it that I am responsible for any charges? I feel like this was a bait and switch, and I am SO glad I didn't waste my time and gas driving all the way there! BUYER BEWARE! (Always, of course, but especially here!!)
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