Thomas Rutledge IV

Buyer beware. I purchased a new Hyundai Santa Fe and traded in my Honda Pilot on 12/25/2025 from Southern States Hyundai — Raleigh Sales Department. I’ve owned I purchased a new Hyundai Santa Fe and traded in my Honda Pilot on 12/25/2025 from Southern States Hyundai — Raleigh Sales Department. I’ve owned Hyundais before, but this was my worst dealership experience. Buying process: After we agreed on the sale, I waited three hours to speak with finance. After escalating to a manager, I was redirected to Southern States Mazda to complete financing. BlueLink: New Hyundai owners receive a complimentary lifetime BlueLink subscription. My subscription never worked until late February, after multiple calls and two service visits. The dealership ultimately admitted the subscription had never been activated. Title & registration (still unresolved after two months): Although I paid the car in full, the VIN for the new Santa Fe does not appear in the DMV system. The DMV still shows me as the owner of the traded Honda Pilot. I received a notice that insurance on the Pilot has lapsed even though I no longer possess it, and the registration on my new car (with my old plates) expires this month. I cannot obtain title or register the new vehicle — effectively making it illegal for me to drive. Communication: I have left numerous messages; calls are routed to voicemail and I rarely receive callbacks. When I finally reached a manager, they were unaware of the issue. During the call I was cut off and told I had two options: they would “speak to the team” or I could seek legal counsel. Result: I own a paid-for vehicle I cannot legally drive, with unresolved title/registration issues and poor follow-up from the dealership. Proceed with caution. More

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A great vehicle buying experience from the moment we called to set up a test drive until we drove off the lot with our new vehicle. Thomas was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and extremely easy to wo called to set up a test drive until we drove off the lot with our new vehicle. Thomas was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and extremely easy to work with!!! More

by Dawnm121 Verified Customer Verified Customer

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I had an outstanding experience at Hyundai Southern States thanks to the exceptional service from salesperson Thomas Rutledge and sales manager Robert Rosario. From start to finish, they made the entir States thanks to the exceptional service from salesperson Thomas Rutledge and sales manager Robert Rosario. From start to finish, they made the entire car-buying process smooth, transparent, and enjoyable. Thomas was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and attentive—he took the time to explain every feature and made sure I was completely comfortable with my choice. Robert went above and beyond to ensure I received a great deal and worked everything out seamlessly. Together, they made me feel valued as a customer and confident in my purchase. I highly recommend asking for Thomas and Robert if you’re shopping for a vehicle—you won’t be disappointed! More

by Mr. Parache Verified Customer Verified Customer

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I brought a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid from Southern States Hyundai on Wake Forests Road in Raleigh. The large manual was a challenge for me. I was able to make an appointment with Thomas Rutledge to verbally Hyundai on Wake Forests Road in Raleigh. The large manual was a challenge for me. I was able to make an appointment with Thomas Rutledge to verbally explain certain parts of the manual, because as a baby boomer, I do better with conversation than videos. Thomas spent an hour with me, rising my confidence level to take good care of my new car. So, if you are looking for compassionate and stellar customer service, go buy a car from Southern States Hyundai on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh and ask for their top performer, Thomas Rutledge. Kudos also to his supervisor, Tony, for allowing him to spend that time with me. More

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The dealerships ability to be flexible and show customers they are willing to work with in the sale of the vehicle they chose...the sales rep and sales manager pulled together to ensure our deal was complete they are willing to work with in the sale of the vehicle they chose...the sales rep and sales manager pulled together to ensure our deal was completed in a professional manner...it was a pleasure doing business in that environment More

by ptrang61 Verified Customer Verified Customer

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It was a great experience. I am happy with my new car puchase of a Hyundai I am happy with my new car puchase of a Hyundai More

by arealmfer Verified Customer Verified Customer

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It was a smooth interaction with Thomas. He was very knowledgable which a huge help. He was very knowledgable which a huge help. More

by LINCTOWN Verified Customer Verified Customer

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I received an excellent experience while I was there and will recommend the dealership to friends an family. will recommend the dealership to friends an family. More

by scuela Verified Customer Verified Customer

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Whole process went smooth and helpful. The sales team "Thomas" and the finance team gave us fair deal and we left happy. The sales team "Thomas" and the finance team gave us fair deal and we left happy. More

by Rachelmtano Verified Customer Verified Customer

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Thomas was helpful and pleasant through the process. He did his best to speed the transaction and get me through it. I did have a surprise with the final cost and was not pleased that full disclosure He did his best to speed the transaction and get me through it. I did have a surprise with the final cost and was not pleased that full disclosure was not given to my representative who brokered by transaction. More

by drcamp Verified Customer Verified Customer

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