Steve P

If you are standing in their showroom or lot right now reading this: this is your sign. Run. Get out of there and leave now! Warning to all buyers: shown clean CarFax, concealed severe structural damag reading this: this is your sign. Run. Get out of there and leave now! Warning to all buyers: shown clean CarFax, concealed severe structural damage report for 5 months! Engine light came on day 1. CarWise Gurnee (Elite Motors Inc.) showed me a CarFax with minor damage at the desk to justify $38,170 on a 2019 Toyota Tundra. They withheld my signed deal copies for 5 months despite my written requests from February through May. When the documents finally arrived on July 15, 2026, they included an Experian AutoCheck revealing severe structural damage, with my signature at the top margin of a standalone printout that had no disclosure text or signature block (see both reports side by side). Check engine light came on day one. I bought the truck at 73,031 miles; the light came on at 73,171, only 140 miles later. Day 2 revealed what I see as zero pre-sale inspection: when I brought it in, they simply turned off the engine light without making repairs and told me to wait 30 days before filing warranty claims, past the 15-day/500-mile Illinois warranty window. They also told me the factory filter wouldn't fit, it's a cone filter, and I discovered it was detached at an auto parts store I went to for a new cone filter just 2 blocks away right after I left the dealer. It had been rolling around in a dirty air box so long it also broke the wire screen on the air filter (see photos). I took my findings back to the dealer and nothing else was done about it. Two days later the light came on again with a Fuel Too Lean code, indicating an injector problem. They turned off the engine light again and told me to rely on the warranty if it came back. I viewed the truck at night in snow, and management repeatedly refused my requests to bring it into a lighted bay for inspection. Snow packed in the treads hid dry-rotted tires. Sold a warranty the truck could never use: A high lift or huge tires can void a warranty. This truck had both. Two red flags, ignored. That was no accident. Paid $4,590 for warranty, refunded only about $3,890. I've shelled out $5,321.83 in repairs thus far. Unsafe and forced $1,098 GPS add-on: I was told Wells Fargo required a $1,098 CarChief GPS device. Wells Fargo later told me it was not required. The unit sat unanchored about an inch from my left foot, next to the pedals, despite its own FCC label warning to keep it 20cm from people. Engine knock: On the last cold day of last year the engine developed a knock that goes away when warm. The dealer calls it an exhaust tick and says it is normal. It is loudest on the driver side, and Tundra owners and fan pages say this is a known timing chain tensioner problem. Fixing it means removing the whole front of the engine, and while you are there you might as well do the chains too. Illegal gag clause: The contract tried to ban negative reviews, which federal law (15 U.S.C. 45b) voids. That is part of why this review exists. Tax discrepancy: My Buyer's Order bills $3,102.88 in tax, but the state form reports $3,183.00. That is an $80.12 gap between the dealer's own documents, and tax filings are supposed to be accurate. Estimates so far for needed work, not yet done: $4,187.27 for fuel injectors and $10,080 for suspension replacement. Formal complaints filed with the Illinois Attorney General on Oct 22, 2026 and the FTC on Oct 24, 2026. Demanding full contract rescission. Prospective buyers: Run both CarFax and AutoCheck reports on-site, require all figures in writing, insist on indoor bay lighting, and get a third-party mechanic inspection. Advice to management: Never underestimate a customer with the time, financial resources, and legal backing to hold you fully accountable. I have all three, and I will see every process through to its conclusion. If this helped save you from a bad deal, please mark this review as "helpful" so other buyers can see it before signing paperwork! More

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Steve was fantastic! Friendly, super knowledgeable, and helped me find the perfect Dodge. Amy quickly got me approved for an affordable loan with no hassle, but I am not Friendly, super knowledgeable, and helped me find the perfect Dodge. Amy quickly got me approved for an affordable loan with no hassle, but I am not ready to buy yet - nice stock of Durangos spoiled me with choices. Highly recommend CarWise Gurnee More

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I write to thank Stive for his attention. He took the time to understand my needs and provided several SUVs to test-drive. I am a bit puzzled now, as one is a bit cheaper, but the second I li He took the time to understand my needs and provided several SUVs to test-drive. I am a bit puzzled now, as one is a bit cheaper, but the second I like more. So, he kept both for me for several days to let me weights all pros and cons. More

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David D. Was the most helpful car salesperson I have ever have worked with anywhere! Great experience! Was the most helpful car salesperson I have ever have worked with anywhere! Great experience! More

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David is a true professional and knows how to treat a customer. I’ve never had such a great experience buying anything! customer. I’ve never had such a great experience buying anything! More

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David D is awesome and I highly reccommend both him and elite motors! Great people ! elite motors! Great people ! More

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Fantastic Experience I came in with less than perfect credit and you were able to get me financed and my monthly payments are affordable thank you so much you guys are phe I came in with less than perfect credit and you were able to get me financed and my monthly payments are affordable thank you so much you guys are phenomenal this is the 2nd vehicle I have bought from you I will be back in 2 months to buy another one you guys are very affordable and fair on your price thank you for being so helpful. Your Friend Edward Martin More

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Great experience Both Bryson and Steve were involved in making the purchase of my vehicle a great experience. They went above and beyond to make it possible for me to Both Bryson and Steve were involved in making the purchase of my vehicle a great experience. They went above and beyond to make it possible for me to drive home in a nicer car than I’ve ever had before, and at a price I can afford in my current situation. It’s been a difficult couple of years and this was the first time I’ve had to purchase a vehicle on my own, and they made it much easier and smoother than I thought it could be. I’ve already recommended them to several people and will continue to do so. More

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Untrustworthy.. Unprofessional.. Unethical Don't ever trust their words especially if you are dealing with Mr. Steve (the MANAGER). He'll commit to you and later be not even apologetic for bre Don't ever trust their words especially if you are dealing with Mr. Steve (the MANAGER). He'll commit to you and later be not even apologetic for breaking his commitment. Rather his attitude would be that it was your bad to trust him. This is what happened with me. I got calls from them if and when we were coming... I had conveyed to them over phone that I'll come in evening to finalize and make payments for the car over and took appointment. When I reached there at my time, to my surprise (or rather shock) they had sold out that car to someone else. Mr Steve's clarification was that he got higher price from other party. If it was so why did he confirm the same car to me... He was so rude that he left in mid of discussion saying it does not matter what we think/feel. More

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Out of state buyer Called and was told and verified with a salesman that the vehicle was still there. Drove all the way from Milwaukee just to find out the car was sold Called and was told and verified with a salesman that the vehicle was still there. Drove all the way from Milwaukee just to find out the car was sold with no exact date or time it was sold. That's the tactic they use to lure you into the dealership and try to make you buy any other vehicle on the lot other than the one you came in to buy More

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