This is a complaint against Nissan of Union City, salesman Joe Jones, and manager D. Danny Ray. Please note; a complaint has been filed with the Better Business Bureau as well as posted on scam Report.com.
October 8, 2010, I had made the final decision that I needed to purchase a new automobile for my family. My 2002 Voyager was on its last leg, and even though it has been paid in full for years, it was not economical to put any more finances into it. Because of the economy, I was totally aware of my financial situation, therefore, a true effort was put on my part not only to find the best deal, but the best dealership to work with my financial situation. On October 11, 2010, a call was put into Nissan of Union City. I had discovered a 2005 Explorer for $13,000.00. Already having two children, my parents were moving in with me on October 23rd with a wheelchair. I needed something that fit my budget and was large enough for my extended family. At that time I was in contact with salesman Joe Jones. I made him extremely aware of my situation, I didn't have transportation, I lived 40 miles away, so I needed him to run my credit and numbers before I got there to make sure the deal was in. At that point, he stated to come in the office. Unbeknown to Joe, my sister had already test driven the truck for me.
My problem was simple, I did not have transportation. I work in Norcross, GA and live in Loganville, GA, and the dealership was in Union City, GA; finding a ride was my biggest issue. THAT was the reason my sister and I kept in close contact with Joe Jones to make sure the pre approved deal was secured. He assured us that the financial officer had run my credit and the number with the bank and we were good to go. He made us both feel extremely comfortable that I was approved for the loan on the Explorer. By Thursday, October 14, 2010, I was able to get a ride to close the deal. That is when everything changed.
I knew something was wrong when Joe Jones was in his manager's office talking to him and looking at me. He then comes out and says the bank will not finance the Explorer because the mileage was too high. I was floored! I mean, the mileage had not changed in three days, so if I was approved for the Explorer three days prior, what changed from then until now? At that point, I felt trapped. I was 40 miles from home with no ride because I truly thought the only thing I needed to do was sign the contract. He then shows me a Kai Vue. I was furious to say the least. First, it was too small for two children, my parents, and a wheelchair! Then, it was filthy. I wouldn't believe my eyes. Then he says, what I about a Frontier PICKUP TRUCK! My sister expresses CLEARLY our dismay of how we were being treated and feeling that he trapped us to get here.
We are then called into his manager's office; Mr. D. Danny Ray. We explain to him the total contact and disconnect with Joe Jones and we felt swindled to come to their dealership. I had prior options and because I am totally aware of my financial state, I did not want my credit continually ran by multiple dealerships. That was the reason we had kept in full contact with Joe Jones. Mr. Ray understood and did everything he could to help, and his help is totally appreciated. He put us in the Explorer for the evening and told me to come back tomorrow to close the deal. He was going to pull a Honda Pilot from his other dealership.
The next day, there was no Honda Pilot. Mr. Ray only stated that the payment would be high. I had not seen the Pilot nor knew what the payment would be. Then, Mr. Ray said that no bank would finance the Explorer because of the mileage and he had a Kia Sonia 2009 for more money but could be financed. I test drove it and it was fine. Now, it is not what I wanted at all. The Explorer was my first choice, the Pilot was my second. I felt trapped to complete the deal with Nissan, and since the Sonia fit my needs, I went on to complete the deal. However, I wrote two $600.00 checks (dated 10/15 and 11/5) for the $1200.00 deposit.
On our ride home, we discovered, the passenger headlight was out. The next morning, my sister takes the car back to Nissan to get the headlight fixed after dropping me off at the DMV. They explain can't get the headlight fixed until Monday, October 18th.
My sister takes the van to get the headlight fixed and discovers that the tag is dated for Monday, October 18th, same day. She is told we have to come back later to get the tag. She does just that, as well as takes back one of my $600.00checks and pays cash for the first part of my deposit (the next check is dated for November 5th for $600.00) While driving down the street, the tag falls off and she is pulled over. It was the grace of God; we had the paperwork from the sale. We go back and get a new tag dated for November 18, 2010. However, it was not secure and it fell off. Now, I am unable to get to the DMV because I have to go back to Nissan to get a new tag. Joe Jones says I can only give you a tag until Friday, you have to come back to get it. I told him that is a MAJOR inconvenience. I would have been at the DMV if the tag was secure, as well as I can send him a copy of my new license, but he is forcing me to come back for a tag?
Now, I am more than furious. I start calling other dealerships. What Nissan didn't realize that I knew, as Nissan can pull out of the deal, so can I. I have proof of being approved for a loan so it was a matter of finding the proper car. I had made a call in deal Hennessey of Southlake using the same bank that Nissan had me approved for the Sonia. They had three cars waiting for me.
Thursday, October 21, 2010, I had made the decision to go ahead and complete the deal, but file this complaint. As I am typing this complaint, Joe Jones calls me at work. He asked about my license. I tell him it will be done after work today. He then begins to snap at me, telling me I lied to him and it was to be done Monday. I tell him that I have never been dishonest and the only person who has is him. I hang up the phone, call my sister, and told her to deal with him. She did and reminded him of his treatment with this deal from the beginning. I am angry and have every right to be.
One would think after all of this, my dealings with Nissan of Union City would be over. Unfortunately, the nightmare continues. On November 1st, I receive an urgent message from D. Danny Ray stating that I need to come back and sign a new contact. I asked him is there a problem. He says, no; the bank needs me to sign a new contact. I asked them, do you just want me to bring the car back, because I am so fed up with the issues surrounding this deal. He says absolutely not. On Tuesday, November 2nd, I go to Nissan of Union City after work. Another major inconvenience. However, I see finance person Bonnie Barr and sign a new contact. To my discovery, the contact is back dated October 20, 2010. Strange, but I had already signed so done deal.
On November 8th, I called the finance department at Nissan and asked did they deposit my November 5th check. My mother had passed away in my home on the 4th and I never made it to the bank to deposit my check to that specific account. I was told no, the check was still on her desk for deposit. I asked could I pay off my other account. They emailed me an authorization form to pull from my Wells Fargo account which was done that day for the 2nd $600.00 payment.
Well, now I believe everything is done. But then I realize that my tag is to expire November 20rd. Once again, I have to go out of my way to go up there to get another temporary tag.
On November 23, 2010, I receive a call from the loaning bank, Santander Consumer USA going over my contract and stating the monthly amount of $571.00 with the payment due December 4, 2010. FINALLY, THE CONTRACT IS COMPLETED AND ALL IS WELL! WRONG!!! On December 3rd, I receive another call from manager D. Danny Ray. He states that the bank is unable for verify my employment. WHAT? How is that possible? After all, I gave them 3 months of pay stubs, banking information, utility bill information, down to even a copy of my mortgage. He asked me do I have tax information. I tell D. Danny Ray to find out exactly what he needs and I will email him everything. I refuse to go back to that office because it is a major inconvenience.
I do not hear from D. Danny Ray until 6:45pm, Thursday, December 9, 2010. He first asked how I was going. Gave me my condolences because he was aware my mother just passed and the coming weekend was her memorial service. I tell him I am doing fine and ask what can I do for him. He states that I have to bring the van back. WHAT? After three months and all the drama in the world, are you for real? He says yes; the bank is unable to verify my employment. I am floored. I just say fine, I will be back in town next week.
I, then, call my sister, upset about what I was just told. She gives D. Danny Ray a call and basically finds out that they turned in less than what I made to the bank and the bank is asking Nissan of Union City to pay them additional $6000.00 or no deal. In other words, it's their fault.
On Friday, December 10, 2010, at 9:45am, my sister is in D. Danny Ray's office. He shows her the transmission conversations between Nissan and Santander Consumer USA. Basically, Nissan has not submitted the proper information the bank needed. They even sent in the wrong amount that I make as well the wrong employer. No wonder they cannot verify because it isn't my information. WHAT A MESS. Kimberly shows D. Danny Ray my November pay stubs. I make more than they put. She asked him what information did they send to the bank and he is clueless. He says, give him until Monday, December 13th.
Of course, D. Danny Ray never calls. It is now, Wednesday, December 15, 2010. My sister and I are both calling D. Danny Ray. He says he will call us back. On Thursday, December 16, 2010, my sister finally gets in contact with D. Danny Ray. He says that I have to bring the van back. She asked about my deposit of $1200.00 and the money I have spent with insurance. He states that he has to speak to his general manager about refunding my deposit; that the normal policy is to deduct $.35 per mile over what I have used. This was NEVER disclosed to me! She makes it very clear that we have no intensions on paying any additional because we have had this car for 90 days under the pretenses that I made a car deal. This is truly the worse buying experience I have ever had.
The service at Nissan of Union City with Joe Jones and Manager D. Danny Ray has been disheartening, misleading, and truly unethical; overall the worst experience. I have told EVERYONE I know about my experience, including sending this very letter to the news departments in Atlanta, GA. I will never buy another car nor recommend anyone make a purchase at Nissan of Union City. I was truly hood winked and swindled into this deal then thrown under the bus. It is sad how people are taken advantage of. What are my expectations of this complaint? First, totally expose the business practice of Nissan of Union City, formal apology all those apart of this mess, and my deposit $1200.00 cash with no fees or any other expenses deducted. After all, I have done my complete part in completing this deal. It was Nissan of Union City put me in the position to have to return the van. |