Stay away from these guys
Stay away from these guys; typical used car salesmen. I am still waiting on a temporary tag, which they charged me for despite my objection. The salesman said that he would mail it to me.
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Stay away from these guys; typical used car salesmen. I am still waiting on a temporary tag, which they charged me for despite my objection. The salesman said that he would mail it to me.
This dealership is a racket. They buy their cars from auto auctions, put some duct tape on them and then sell them for more than double what they're worth. Not to mention the surprise fees when you ask for the final price. Which, is later discovered were optional fees. But only after the check was written and papers signed. They take advantage of people and they take their hard earned money. Then the car maybe lasts a month before needing thousands of dollars in repairs. DO NOT SHOP HERE!
Jordan 217-720-2433. This is his direct contact. I found a vehicle from the auto mall of Springfield. Tried to secure purchase. He then proceeds to ask for $2,000 more than the list price. I told him I was not paying more than the list price and if he wanted two grand more then it should have been listed that way. He agreed on the list price and gave me out the door numbers. I had a few request of him about a refundable deposition for if the vehicle was not as advertised when I showed up to pick it up. I requested a video of the vehicle running. I requested a P.O. To be sent over. He did not of the things I asked as the customer. The one who makes is checks. He also responds with copy and pasted messages that read:
“I would think if you’re in sales, you would understand selling it to someone who’s willing to pay my full price as opposed to holding it in the hope that you would come pay my fully discounted bare-bones price. I would appreciate if you’re at least honest in your Google review and make a note that I wasn’t willing to take your money and was completely upfront about why but then again if I’ll Google reviews were honest, we wouldn’t really have bad ones ever”. “Yea and a good salesman isn’t going to lock a beat down deal in when someone willing to pay full ask. I don’t believe you’re in sales for a second. The entitlement alone is wild.” “And I gave you transparent full price up front. You wanted it cheaper. Go read the texts man”. “That’s a lot of words from someone who needs to borrow 20 grand and upset cause you couldn’t get the funds fast enough lol. Have a good day bud ”.
I am not placing any blame on the dealership at this time other than employing such a low quality standard individual to represent their team.
Do not waste your time if Jordan is on the other line because he waste your time. I can tell he is a young man that is not in tune with how his actions can affect the overall look of the buisness. Management might want to take a good look at this young man and find out if he is who they want representing their buisness.
Go buy from a company that makes you feel valued. Excuse it won’t be Jordan.
The seller was all smiles before the sale, but the moment I raised an issue afterwards, the attitude completely changed. No willingness to help, no basic courtesy — just rude, dismissive responses and a clear message that they couldn’t care less.
I wasn’t asking for anything unreasonable — just some support to resolve a problem that should’ve been dealt with before selling the car. Instead, I was met with arrogance and a total lack of professionalism.
There’s no customer service here, just a ‘take the money and run’ approach. I would never buy from this seller again and strongly suggest others don’t either.
Auto Mall of Springfield: Deceptive and Predatory Practices - A Cautionary Tale for Car Buyers
Auto Mall of Springfield, located in Springfield, Illinois, presents itself as a used car dealership offering "great value." However, a recent customer experience reveals potentially deceptive and predatory practices that should raise serious concerns for anyone considering purchasing a vehicle there.
Concerning Practices:
Bait and Switch Tactics: The online listing on platforms like CarFax advertises a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT for $8,495, presenting a seemingly reasonable price. However, the customer experienced a significant price increase during the financing process, with the financed amount ballooning to nearly $10,000 after a $4,000 down payment. This suggests a potential "bait and switch" tactic, where customers are lured in with an attractive online price only to face hidden fees and inflated costs later.
Predatory Financing: The dealership's financing terms are highly questionable. The total repayment of nearly $23,000 on a roughly $5,000 loan over 60 months indicates an outrageously high interest rate. This suggests predatory lending practices that exploit individuals with limited credit history. The dealership's explanation that "Credit Acceptance (Financial Institution) makes up their prices" is a clear attempt to deflect responsibility and lacks transparency.
Refusal to Refund Down Payment: The dealership's refusal to refund the $4,000 down payment is unethical and potentially illegal. If the financing terms were not clearly disclosed and agreed upon before the payment was processed, the customer has a strong argument for a refund. The dealership's insistence that the customer choose another vehicle is unacceptable.
Inadequate Documentation: The provided bill of sale is partially illegible and incomplete, raising serious concerns about the dealership's record-keeping practices. A proper bill of sale should clearly outline all purchase details, including the vehicle's price, financing terms, and any applicable fees. The hand written bill of sale is also not a common practice in modern dealerships.
Lack of Transparency: Overall, the dealership demonstrates a lack of transparency in its pricing and financing practices. Customers are not provided with clear and accurate information about the total cost of their purchase, which is a fundamental consumer right.
Recommendations for Potential Customers:
Exercise Extreme Caution: Avoid doing business with Auto Mall of Springfield if possible.
Read All Documents Carefully: If you must consider purchasing a vehicle there, carefully review all documents before signing, including the bill of sale, financing agreement, and any other paperwork.
Obtain Pre-Approval for Financing: Secure pre-approval for financing from a reputable bank or credit union before visiting the dealership.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication, including emails, text messages, and phone calls.
File Complaints: If you experience any issues, file complaints with the Illinois Attorney General's office, the Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Seek Legal Advice: If you believe you have been a victim of deceptive practices, consult with an attorney specializing in consumer protection.
Conclusion:
Auto Mall of Springfield's business practices raise serious red flags. Potential customers should exercise extreme caution and consider alternative dealerships. The dealership's lack of transparency, predatory financing, and refusal to refund the down payment are unacceptable and warrant further investigation.
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