My experience with Empire Chevrolet of Huntington - cskar
My experience with Empire Chevrolet of Huntington Pre-Owned started positively but ended extremely disappointingly.
I worked with Joe in sales, who was pleasant and professional, to purchase a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. I completed the paperwork, worked with Oscar Frank in finance, obtained insurance, signed the contracts, took delivery, and drove the Equinox home believing the transaction was complete.
Less than 24 hours later, I was contacted and told that the dealership had failed to include the applicable New York sales tax when structuring the deal. I went directly to the dealership after work to try to resolve the issue.
The dealership acknowledged that the sales tax had been missed on their end. I completely understand that I am responsible for legally required taxes. My frustration is with how the dealership handled its mistake after the vehicle had already been delivered to me.
I felt essentially dismissed by the General Manager and finance manager when I asked whether the dealership could work with me to preserve the original deal. Given the circumstances, I would have appreciated the dealership absorbing some of the financial impact, providing an additional discount, or finding another reasonable solution.
Instead, I was essentially given two choices: move into an older 2023 vehicle that fit the revised numbers or return the 2026 Equinox and take my Jeep back. Ultimately, after having the Equinox for less than 24 hours, the transaction was unwound and I left in my Jeep.
I do want to specifically recognize Joe and Cassandra, who assisted with the insurance process. Both treated me well and were the bright spots of the experience.
Mistakes happen. What matters is how a dealership responds when one happens. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with management’s handling of this situation and their unwillingness to find a reasonable way to address the financial impact of an acknowledged dealership error.
My advice to future buyers: before taking delivery, independently verify the sales tax, registration fees, trade payoff, final amount financed, lender approval, and complete out-the-door price, even after you’ve signed the paperwork.
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