Don't Buy a Honda at Honda of San Marcos

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Dear Consumers,

I am writing this and publishing this web site to warn you the public. About my experience I had at Honda of San Marcos car dealership in San Marcos, Tx. I feel like the public needs to know how some of these car dealerships operate especially in tuff economic times like these . They took my money without me buying a car because I unknowingly signed a form that I agreed to let them keep my money whether I bought the car or not. The salesman never explained the form I was signing to me. I thought I was signing a release form just to let me take the car home for the night. Now I understand that I must read what I am signing but it would help out tremendously if it was explained to me. The form clearly says on there that the Dealership is going to keep your deposit whether you buy the car or not. It’s their legal way of extortion.

Here’s what happened

Day Number 1 Wednesday 10/22/08

The dealership promised us a certain interest rate and term on Wednesday night 1 hour before they closed. The car salesman told me to apply on line to get approved and secure the financing so that we can proceed. So I did- it sounded like an awesome deal for me and my wife. The salesman called back said we were approved to come pick the car up and we can do the paperwork tomorrow. We got you this rate and this term. I agreed we were happy. (Before I go any further I have excellent credit and exceed the income level needed to buy this vehicle so I am not a dead beat buyer.) So I go to the dealership that night mind you in a hurry since the dealership about to close. The salesman asks for my driver’s license and the deposit. I give him both. He then has me sign some papers never explaining to me what I am signing but it really did not matter I was convinced that we got approved and we were going to buy the car. Up to that point everything was going smooth almost too smooth. Note were are buying a very expensive car over 40k this is not your normal everyday car sales especially with the economy being in a slump.

Day Number 2 Thursday 10/23/08

Now this is where thing start going bad. The salesman calls me and turns out that I was not approved for the interest rate and 75 months financing like I was told because there was a repo on my credit report from 10 years ago from a divorce. Keep in mind my credit score exceeds the 730 mark but like Warren Buffet said “be fearful when they are greedy” and “be greedy when they are fearful” and it seems to me as if this dealership is on the greedy side. So I meet with the salesman and finance manager on Thursday around 5pm. Now both are telling me that we can still do the deal but with a higher interest rate. So I am thinking more finance charges and a higher payment. So I told the salesman and finance manager that I want to shop around for my own financing. I know that I can get a better interest rate going on my own. So I applied at RBFCU knowing what the rates were and with my credit I would have no problem getting financed with terms that I was comfortable-not some dealership trying to push me around.

Day Number 3 Friday 10/24/08

Leading up to now the story has come full circle. RBFCU approved a loan for me. I called the dealership and told them that I will not be taking the vehicle at this time as I was trying to get my own financing and that I would like my money back. Now this is where the shit hit the fan. So I call down to the dealership to talk to the salesman and asked him if I could get my money back since we could not agree to the original terms that we discussed he said “no, there is nothing I can do you signed the form” So I ask if I can speak to someone else that can help me getting my money. So I speak to Ian ,sales manager, and I only mention his name because he was very rude and unprofessional. So please remember that am I the customer the dealership promised a interested and term and that I was already approved for. Now I am not approved on what they told me we can still make the sale but I will be getting a higher interest and shorter term resulting in a higher payment . For this reason the economy is such a mess people over extend themselves and this is a prime example. So this should be a Simple refund right? No sale refund my money. Instead Ian tells me I should have read what I signed and that I need to be held accountable for signing the form and how irresponsible I was. Ian insists that he can still make the sale with a competitive yet higher interest rate, but I am the customer and I am not comfortable with the new terms. Ian stood his ground refusing to refund my money. Even though the dealership failed to up hold their end of the deal. Ian argued with me on why he is keeping my money and he can apply the money towards a new car purchase. This is EXTORTION.

Summary

No deal made because both parties did not agree to terms simple give me my money back. Why do they feel they need to keep it. It’s a simple mistake- grant my refund. Especially where we are at in these tough economic times. The public need to please read what they are signing when test driving or even taking a vehicle home from the dealership especially when you leave a down payment because it’s not always in your best interest. Even when you think honesty and integrity are important pillars at this particular dealership it’s very obvious it’s not -they are out to make a quick buck like the person robbing the corner store. The bad thing is we left without buying and I was left with a empty wallet. I have purchased 6 vehicles over the past 10 years and this was the worst service I have every experienced and this is the first time that this has ever happened to me. Do you know how I can get help in getting my refund? I know I will not ever see my money back but at least I can help prevent this from happening to someone else. Not only do you have to worry about a criminal stealing your stuff but a car dealership operating in the same demeanor but legally. Please help defend the public against these tactics. I was sent to collections because I put a stop payment on the check to collect money for a 2009 Honda Pilot they never sold me which I paid the collections on 11/4/08.