Buyers be aware! - J,J, Lu
Buyers be aware!
My wife and I visited Route 1 Hyundai several times over the past week with the intention of purchasing a new Hyundai Palisade. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, we returned to the dealership and worked with salesperson Laura and her manager, Louis G. Both were attentive, professional, and helpful throughout the negotiation process.
After extensive discussions, we reached an agreement on a 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SEL Premium AWD with a white exterior and gray interior for an out-the-door price of $54,650. Once the deal was finalized and we shook hands on the agreement, the dealership instructed me to contact my insurance company to add the new vehicle and provide an insurance ID card and binder. I did so immediately, and the documents were promptly delivered to the dealership.
At the same time, my wife signed multiple documents, including the financing agreement reflecting the agreed-upon price and terms. The dealership also ran her credit history report, which presented no issues. The vehicle was already being detailed and prepared for delivery.
At that point, another manager, Larry F., approached us and informed us that we would need to pay an additional $500 for the transaction to proceed. We were shocked by this unexpected demand. After the agreement had been reached, paperwork completed, insurance updated, credit pulled, and delivery preparations underway, the dealership suddenly attempted to change the terms of the deal under the instruction of general manager Manny Lugo.
We repeatedly requested to speak with Mr. Manny Lugo, but he initially declined to meet with us. Only after my wife personally approached him did he engage with us. Mr. Lugo stated that the agreed-upon and signed price was "not correct" and that he would not honor it.
While we are not in a position to determine the legal implications of what occurred, we believe the situation was highly unethical. After investing significant time in the process and completing every step requested by the dealership, having the agreed-upon price changed at the last minute felt unfair, personal and deceptive.
What made the experience particularly disappointing was the manner in which the situation was handled. We found Mr. Lugo's attitude to be dismissive, arrogant, and unprofessional. The lack of accountability and unwillingness to honor a negotiated agreement seriously undermined our trust in the dealership. We also felt bad for the staff members who spent considerable time working with us to reach a mutually agreed-upon deal, only to have their efforts effectively disregarded at the final stage of the transaction.
Based on our experience, we strongly encourage prospective buyers to proceed with caution. Trust is a fundamental part of any major purchase, and unfortunately, our experience left us feeling that the dealership's management, particularly, Mr. Manny Lugo did not uphold the standards of professionalism and integrity that customers deserve.
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