The most common horror story could be related to the lack of transparency. Dealerships may not disclose all the information about the vehicle's history, such as if it has been in an accident before. Or they might not be clear about the full cost of ownership, including things like maintenance fees and potential future repairs. This lack of transparency can really put the customer at a disadvantage and make them feel cheated when they later discover these hidden aspects.
One horror story could be a dealership selling a Kia with hidden mechanical problems. The customer bought the car, only to find out a few days later that there were major engine issues. When they took it back, the dealership refused to take responsibility and tried to blame the customer for the damage.
I had a nightmare experience at a dealership. They had advertised a great deal on a new model. When I got there, they added all sorts of hidden fees. The price went up by thousands. And the salesperson was really pushy, trying to get me to sign the papers right away without explaining all the costs clearly. It was a total rip - off.
One Kia horror story could be about a Kia vehicle suddenly losing power while on the highway. It was really scary for the driver as they were in the middle of fast - moving traffic and had to quickly maneuver to the side of the road to avoid an accident.
I heard of a case where a customer was pressured into signing a very expensive financing deal at a car dealership. The salesperson was very pushy and didn't fully explain all the terms. Later, the customer realized they were paying way more in interest than they should have and it was a nightmare to try and get out of the deal.
One of the most common dealership horror stories is the bait - and - switch tactic. They'll advertise a great car at a great price to get you in the door. But when you get there, they'll say that car is sold or has some issues, and then try to sell you a more expensive model. Also, getting stuck with a lemon is a horror story many face. Buying a car that constantly breaks down and the dealership refuses to take responsibility.
One time I took my car to a dealership for a simple oil change. They ended up scratching the paint on my door. When I confronted them, they denied it at first. It was such a headache to prove it was their fault and get them to pay for the repair.
Well, once I went to an auto dealership to buy a used car. They promised it was in great condition. But after I bought it, the engine started making strange noises just a week later. Turns out they had hidden some major issues and didn't disclose them.
A common one is being overcharged. Dealerships sometimes charge exorbitant prices for simple parts and labor. For example, a friend was charged three times more for a brake pad replacement compared to what an independent mechanic would charge.
Once I went for a test drive at a dealership. The car smelled like cigarettes really bad even though it was supposed to be a non - smoking vehicle. It was so disgusting that I couldn't focus on the driving experience at all.