My Review Of Lindsay Ford of Wheaton:
I went to Lindsey Ford after reading the positive reviews on Dealer Rater. As a first time buyer, I was worried that I could get taken advantage of when it came to buying, so I wanted to make sure I went to a highly regarded dealer. Unfortunately, my first car buying experience could not have gone any worse.
I knew I wanted to buy a V-6 Mustang, and luckily they had many in stock. I emailed the internet sales manager for a price quote, which she responded with an email quoting me for the exact model I wanted for under $18,000. When I went into the dealership for a test drive, I asked my salesperson if that price would still be honored, which he said it would be. I came back a few days later, ready to be buy, when the salesperson "crunched the numbers" for me and came back with a price $4,500 more than what the internet manager told me. I showed him the email I was given and he went back to the head desk, only to return with one of the managers, who told me they couldnt honor that price and could only come down to $20,000. Upset, I threatened to leave and they brought over another manager who told me they couldnt honor the price because the internet manager gave me a bad quote and was subsequently fired. He said he could bring the price down to $19,500. Because I budgeted for the original price quote, I had to go home and think about the deal.
I ultimately decided to buy the car at the agreed upon $19,500. Test drove the car one more time, confirmed our deal and was brought into the finance manager's office. As we were going through the paperwork, I noticed the numbers didnt match up and the car sales price was for $21,000, not our agreed upon $19,500. I informed him of our deal, he gave me a look and said they would never sell that low and I demanded I see the manager I talked with a few days before. When I reminded him of our deal, he said he didnt recall making such a deal. I went into a bit of fit, as I had a very small window to buy (I was moving) and had already wasted so much of my time with them, I just wanted what I was promised! He agreed to put the price back to $19,500 but told me several times it was highly unusual and he did it as a favor so I would have an overall positive experience and give the dealership high reviews when Ford asked. After we finally had the numbers agreed on, the finance manager went into the usual dance of pressure selling me unneccesary add-ons. I repeatedly told him I did not want them or need them and he tried the sympathy card, begging me to buy extras so he could meet his quota.
My dealings with my salesperson were very positive, but it was the managers that ruined the experience. They knew I was a first time buyer and I cant classify their behavior as anything less than trying to take advantage of me. Between the lure-in price, bringing two managers into the conversation between my salesperson and I, "forgetting" about deals that were made and trying to sneak extra dollars into the invoice, and the sad attempts to get me to buy extras, I do not recommend Lindsey Ford if you are buying, especially if you are a first timer like I was. I cant comment on their service department, as I did not deal with them.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes | No
Thank you