Car buyer says dealership rolled unwanted warranties into sale
SAN ANTONIO (KABB) — Buying or leasing a car can be one of the most stressful experiences for consumers worried about deceptive practices at the dealership.
One KABB viewer said thousands of dollars intended for his down payment were used to pay for warranties he didn't ask for.
After getting nowhere with the dealership, he reached out to KABB.
I want my money back," said Roland Oliveres.Oliveres has been in a months-long battle with an area Toyota dealership; first to get a copy of the sales contract he signed for a new 4-Runner.
KABB Investigative Reporter Darian Trotter asked, "Why do you think you didn't get your contract?"
"Because they didn't want me to know what they put on there," Oliveres replied.
Roland said his car salesman promised back in August to mail a signed copy of the contract, after he drove off the lot.
KABB met with Roland in November. He said he was still waiting on the contract after repeated requests.
Trotter asked, "Why was that contract so important?"
"So, I'd know what I'm actually buying and paying and not be surprised months and months later," Oliveres replied.
But that's exactly what happened.
Oliveres said, "Makes me feel used, makes me feel like a dumb***"
It wasn't until he called the finance company, he said, that he discovered the dealership used more than a third of the $15,000 he shelled out for a down payment to pay for warranties he said he did not want.
Trotter asked, "So, they rolled in warranties that you didn't authorize?"
"Yes, sir," Oliveres replied."
Trotter asked, "How's that make you feel?
"Makes me feel like I was cheated, lied to because I told him exactly what I wanted and didn't want and he said yes sir, yes sir," Oliveres replied.
Roland gave KABB a copy of the return check for $15,000.
"And on the memo it says down payment on Toyota," Oliveres said. "It doesn't say buying warranties and all that because I told him I didn't want any extra coverages."
But Roland said $5,500 of his down payment was used for unwanted warranties.
Trotter asked, "Was that a shock to you?"
"It was a shock," Oliveres replied.
Roland joins the growing list of nationwide consumers complaining about their car-buying experience.
The Federal Trade Commission said hidden fees along with bait-and-switch price tactics cost Americans $3.4 billion a year.
It's why the agency announced new regulations, called CARS or the Combating Auto Retail Scams, rule to help ensure a more fair, honest marketplace for buying and leasing vehicles, without fear of being tricked or deceived.
KABB asked viewers about their apprehensions.
I think the fear is how long you're going to pay and how much it's going to cost," one viewer said.There's always an underlying sneaky car salesman," another man said.Once you sign you're stuck," another viewer said.I want only the warranty that comes with the vehicle that doesn't cost me nothing," Oliveres said.Roland's request for a refund happens to be the second thing he's been fighting for without success.
"I don't know how many other people they've done this with," Oliveres said.
After KABB called the dealership, Roland said he got a call from his salesman about plans to cancel the unwanted warranties and send him a check for the $5,500 used without authorization to pay for them.
"I think he was very dishonest and that's unfair business practices," Oliveres said.
Since Roland would still be stuck with a higher monthly payment over the life of the loan, KABB asked the dealership to credit him the interest.
"I said I don't think you have the right to play with my money," Oliveres said.
The dealership has refused to comment.
After KABB got involved, the dealership reached an agreement with Roland that he's unable to discuss in detail.
He can only say he's now got a copy of his sales contract and says he's pleased with the arrangement.
As for the Federal Trade Commission's efforts to prevent deceptive practices, the new regulations set to roll out in July have been put on hold, until a legal dispute has been settled in court.
To file complaints, visit the Texas Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau.
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