My Car Arrived Today and I'm Furious!

That Stinks!

Hi FatBoyMDX,
That kind of treatment is inexcusable, and also just plain dumb. There probably was a time when dealers could get away with that kind of BS but I think that time has passed. As you realize, the Internet is a good way to spread the word and warn others off before they become victims. So raise some hell brother and we'll help you.
Also, do not overlook some of the more traditional methods of responding to unethical business practices. I think your experience fully justifies a full report to the Better Business Bureau locally. These reports have little immediate effects but cumulatively over time can undermine a shady operation. If your a local TV station or paper has a consumer affairs muckraker, you might try to get them interested.
Sorry you got the shaft, I hope you can give it right back.

FatBoy,

Very sorry to hear of your bad experience with Sierra Acura of Alhambra, CA. I too had a similar bad experience at Ron Tonkins Valencia Acura. However, I never put money down or invested any wait time. What happened to me was when I was first interested in the MDX. I telephoned the Sales/Fleet manager at Ron Tonkins Valencia Acura. He wanted me to come in and give him a $500.00 deposit. Then he said that the stores policy is that after you pay your deposit you must IN ADVANCE, decide exactly how your going to finance (lease or buy), fill out all credit applications, and then choose all the accessories you want on the vehicle. I said to him “why do I have to decide now, you don’t even have a car or a Vehicle Identification Number for me yet?” He said that it is just the owners policy that they know everything about the deal in advance.

Knowing how dealerships work, I said to him, “so basically the General Sales Manager/Owner gets all the deals together and “cherry picks” the ones with the most gross profit.” He smugly said, “why yes, a matter of fact, a lady was just in here yesterday and picked out practically every accessory in the book. She’s now taking delivery on hers next Monday.

I’m only repeating my bad experience with Ron Tonkins Valencia Acura because after four months I’m still fuming over the treatment I received. My only revenge is to NEVER go back, NEVER. Not even for warranty service. Just like when you get bad food in a restaurant I feel like my only revenge is to spread the word and to NEVER go back. Purchasing a new car should be fun!!! Not a who can screw who session. There should be a first come, first served list. Just like waiting in line at the movies. Not a who will pay the most money list! I even went so far as to make a sign with Valencia Acura and a big red circle with a slash through it and put it on my back window. Drove around Valencia for two months with it on. I really hope it negativity effected their business.

I purchased mine from Keyes Acura at with no forced accessories. However, I have heard good things about Acura 101.

I hope you find your way to a positive MDX purchase, soon! Good Luck!

Keyes Acura

1BadMDX -
Yes, reading your post kept me away from Thompkins Acura. I had the same thought of posting a sign in my car.. In fact, I had an idea for a dot com from all of this - a site that captures people's feedback on customer service. Kinda like a consimer reports, but on service.

I actualy had a really bad experience with Keyes Acura too. I think the sequence of events was:

- Called them. I told him what I wanted, and he said I had to come in right away before they would give me information.

- Went in, talked to the "partner" of the guy I talked to on the phone. He took down what I wanted, color, etc, etc. He then asked me for it again.

- Got a call the next day from Henry, the guy I talked to first. He asked me again what I wanted. Told him, again. He said he would call back because he may have what I wanted.

- About a week later, he calls again and ASKS ME WHAT I"M LOOKING FOR! He says he may have what I need, he's got a car coming in and I should come in. I asked him if it was what I wanted (my color, etc), he said he didn't know. I asked him if he could find out what color it is, if its the model I wanted. He said he couldn't tell me unless I came in. I said "You can't tell me what color it is unless I come in? Why not? That's pretty dumb." He said he'd find out and call me back with more info.

- Calls back and tells me he doesn't know what the vehicle info is, and he'd call me back.

- Two weeks later he calls back and says he's still looking for my car. AND ASKS ME WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR!!! And asks me for the 10th time if I'm leasing or buying. Astonished, I said "We've had this conversation like 4 times!". He said "Well, last time we had your car you didn't come in". I said "What? Last time you called, you couldn't tell me what color the car is!" His REsponse: "Well, if I have your car next time, you've got to come in right away. Will you?" NOT

Sigh.