ComplaintsforSeminole Toyota

• Initial Complaint

  03/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 12/24/2023, I purchased a used 2020 ****** Sentra from Seminole Toyota. On this date I asked if the vehicle had any major repairs or damage to the vehicle and I was handed a clean carfax and stated the car has a clean carfax and the bumper was repainted for cosmetic purposes only. In February 2024, after driving the vehicle for 1300 miles, I began to have a check engine light and other warnings. At this time, I learned the vehicle had major repairs at Seminole Toyota and damaged was reported during the time they had ownership of the vehicle. I also received a new carfax which shows the damaged reported on 12/7/2023 when the Sentra was at Seminole Toyota. Some of the repairs already completed are repairs which need to be redone. I understand I signed an as is agreement but I also know consumers are protected by misrepresentation and I feel the dealership did not answer my question honestly and this led to my purchase of the vehicle. I have since received copies of all of the repairs completed at Seminole Toyota and I have an email from a sales manager stating the vehicle was delivered to them with damage. I feel this alone shows they were aware and the dealership should be willing to right the situation. The dealer has protections, but the consumer should be protected when the dealership misleads the consumer. The dealer has agreed to repair the vehicle, but it has been two weeks and my vehicle is still not operational. They also reluctantly provided me with a rental car after I pled my case of why I needed a rental car. There has been no communication from the dealership regarding the status of my vehicle until 3/12. I really do not want the vehicle back as I dont trust the vehicle with all of these problems. On the up side, the sales department from Seminole Toyota added insult to injury and called me twice since this situation started; I guess their top priority is selling cars and not serving those who are in need. All paperwork is available upon request.

  Business response

  03/13/2024

  Consumer's request is respectfully declined.   We agree, signed paperwork is available where consumer acknowledges all terms of his used car purchase.  At no charge to the customer, we continue to have a local ****** dealer address the concern.   The dealership is also paying for a car for the customer to drive while his car is being looked at.   If the customer has questions as to the terms signed for and accepted with the used car purchase, the sales department will be more than happy to review.

  Customer response

  03/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 21424417
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I am not asking about when and where the damage came from. I will not accept this response as I asked the dealership if they were aware of damage to the vehicle and I was handed a clean carfax and stated there was no damage or major repairs.  Obviously from the email correspondence and the pictures from Seminole Toyota, they were aware of the damage and did not disclose this information when I asked about it. They also completed $3000 of repairs to the vehicle and after almost two weeks the vehicle still does not work. 
  

  I will offer another possible resolution. There are some 2023 Corollas and some Sentras at Seminole Toyota and Seminole Chevrolet; lets create a deal where I can trade in the Sentra and get one of those vehicles at no additional charge to me. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  03/15/2024

  The customer needs to contact the sales department to work out trade figures.

  Customer response

  03/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 21424417
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Will the dealership take into account the amount of issues I have had to deal with when working a trade in deal? I want to get something similar to what I have now with no money down. I also do not want to lose the equity from my trade in. If the dealership will ensure I wont lose the equity from my original trade in (2500); I am willing to discuss this option.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  What started off as a nice experience with one of the sales managers turned into harassing nightmare by the finance department after a down payment was electronically sent. They received the money the same day (verified by the bank) and continued to claim they didnt have it after letting me leave with the car because they watched me do the transfer. Over 50 phone calls from two different phone numbers with an approximately 25 minutes that continued over the course of 2 1/2 days claiming they did not have my deposit. But recorded calls from the bank claim that they had the money. Asking me to meet at 1am or 3am if needed to sign a contract. Continuing to claim they dont have money while on 3way recorded calls the bank verifying they have it. In the middle of a meeting with my client receiving these insane amount of calls from an employees personal cell phone. Telling me they are coming to my house to get the car (even after the bank verified funds).

  Business response

  03/04/2024

  This is an unfortunate incident which we apologize for.   Our associate did not know ACH transfers and wire transfers appear in different bank accounts.   We have since taken disciplinary actions and implemented further training practices.   

• Initial Complaint

  02/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dealer has failed to provide me with a license plate due to me being a disabled veteran. This happened on January 26, 2024

  Business response

  03/01/2024

  This was done and we transferred the vet plate DV7001R per the quote.  Registration was mailed out to the customer on 2/23/2024.  We can reprint it and mail it to the customer again if he has not received it as of today.

• Initial Complaint

  02/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  What started off as a nice experience with one of the sales managers turned into harassing nightmare by the finance department after a down payment was electronically sent. They received the money the same day (verified by the bank) and continued to claim they didnt have it after letting me leave with the car because they watched me do the transfer. Over 50 phone calls from two different phone numbers with an approximately 25 minutes that continued over the course of 2 1/2 days claiming they did not have my deposit. But recorded calls from the bank claim that they had the money. Asking me to meet at 1am or 3am if needed to sign a contract. Continuing to claim they dont have money while on 3way recorded calls the bank verifying they have it. In the middle of a meeting with my client receiving these insane amount of calls from an employees personal cell phone. Telling me they are coming to my house to get the car (even after the bank verified funds).

  Business response

  02/26/2024

  We sincerely apologize for this situation.    Unfortunately this comes down to an honest miscommunication between departments.   Our business manager was unaware there is a difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transaction and therefor failed to clarify with all involved.   The customer's down payment came over in the form of ACH while the accounting team was looking for the stated wire transfer (which never happened).   Further training and disciplinary actions are being taken on our end.  

• Initial Complaint

  02/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was forced to buy unwanted products that from the beginning I said I didn't want. They offered me a discount but at the same time they included these packages on a mandatory basis because otherwise they would not sell me the car, I accepted the packages thinking that I could cancel them later but now they tell me that they are not cancelable, which was a strategy to give me the same discount that I already had ***** but with the difference that now I was going to finance ***** more dollars, increasing my debt. The dealer's goal is not to sell cars but to defraud customers with high interest payments over the term. They never showed me the car invoice or the interest score that the bank gave me, I called the Toyota financial bank and they do not want to reveal this information that they supposedly must be obliged to, they direct me to the dealer, so a plot is clearly seen. between them and a manipulation of my offered score. Even with excellent credit and paying half of the car, I was charged a very high interest rate. ****. I contacted the bank to obtain the information on the interest offered by the bank and they refuse to give me that information. This is perhaps the biggest violation of my right since they are running my SSN and are obliged to give it directly to me. score offered without intermediaries. However, they flatly refuse to give me any interest and direct me to the dealer who altered this score. This purchase was made on January 22. I was also prohibited from using an auto loan when there was still money to be delivered, so they forced me to sign that day without telling me that I could use an auto loan from my bank to obtain a higher interest discount. But if I carried out this action they would not sell me the car. Therefore, it is evident with all this evidence the lack of transparency and fraud carried out seeking greater profit for the dealer, harming the buyer.

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  Vehicle service contracts can be canceled but were not sold with the vehicle, only dealer added accessories were listed on the bill of sale.   However, the store discounted the price of the vehicle $4,797 to more than compensate the price of the dealer added accessories.  The consumer could have rejected the offer with the dealer added accessories and refused to purchase if the terms were not satisfactory.   Under the truth in lending clause, we are required to disclose the interest rate, cost of the financing, total amount financed, monthly payment, term and total future value of the loan after all payments (including down payment) are made.  This was disclosed on the contract and agreed to by the consumer.   If the rate seemed excessive or too high, the consumer could have rejected the terms and not purchased.   All terms of the sales were disclosed and signed for, however we are more than happy to review the paperwork again if there are any misunderstandings.    

  Customer response

  02/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 21256978
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I hereby formally request the cancellation of the ZAKTEK ******************************** contract, which amounts to $1,328. I emphasize that, contrary to what has been suggested, these services are not essential accessories nor are they required for the purchase of a vehicle. My intention is to withdraw from these additional items that were included in my contract, ostensibly to offset the initially offered discount. Furthermore, an amount of $999 was added to the initial price of the vehicle as part of a "mandatory package," which was neither clearly explained nor itemized in the price breakdown of the vehicle.
  
  The initial documentation and negotiation agreement indicated a price of $52,000 for the vehicle. However, in the final documents for signature, an increase of $999 was included, adjusting the base price to $52,999. According to the dealership, this increase was due to the application of window tinting, claiming that this charge could not be specified in the list of costs, which is incorrect. This service is clearly optional and should always be listed as such. It is important to note that the vehicle did not originally include window tinting, and this was added on that specific day to increase the financing cost. From the beginning, I expressed my disinterest in any additional packages.
  
  This approach resulted in a reduction of the negotiated discount from $5,796 to $3,400, equivalent to the discount I had already obtained from another dealer, thus undermining the initial negotiation and clearly demonstrating a blatant and unethical strategy to deceive the customer during the negotiation process. I accepted these terms and signed the documents under the assumption that it would be possible to cancel these services later on, but now I encounter obstacles to their cancellation, even though this would not result in a financial loss for the dealership or the service provider.
  
  Furthermore, I was denied access to information about the interest rate offered by Toyota's financing company, a practice that is clearly illegal and suggests a lack of transparency between the dealership and the financial institution. According to a report from my bank, my credit score as reported by ******** is 779; however, the dealership, backed by the finance company that refuses to disclose information, assigned me a score of 749, offering me an interest rate of ****% APR for 78 months, which is excessively high for a customer with excellent credit and making a significant down payment. This seriously calls into question the integrity and efficiency of the credit system.
  
  For these reasons, I present clear and documented evidence that the purchase of my vehicle was manipulated, detrimentally affecting my economic interests. I appreciate the dealership's willingness to correct these errors, which damage not only their reputation but also impact me economically. I am willing to collaborate with them to ensure that these practices are not repeated with other customers and to correct these issues, assuming they were committed in error.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  02/19/2024

  After reviewing the customer's signed documents, we agree those were the final accepted terms by both parties.   There are various models that calculate credit score, we use the Beacon model offered by Equifax.   The customer's bank could be using another model, each model can generate a different score.  We're unsure which law or statue has been violated by the financial institution in this purchase.   However, we did disclose the interest rate as required by law and had the customer sign the retail finance contract in the required places.   Customers can refinance their vehicle at a later date if they feel they can secure more favorable terms with another lender than the terms accepted at the time of purchase.  

  Customer response

  02/21/2024

   
  Complaint: 21256978
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Thank you for your response. However, it does not address my main concern regarding the removal of the previously mentioned paint protection package, which I have no interest in now or in the future. After various inquiries and research, I have determined it does not suit my preferences, and I see no reason to pay or invest in something I do not desire, especially if it involves additional interest charges. This is my primary concern.
  
  Furthermore, regardless of the model you use, as a customer, I should have direct access to the report and approval from the financing company which, supposedly, is offering me credit based on my profile and credit history. I do not understand why, if I can apply directly via their website or by phone and receive their offer, when I make the same request through you, the report is withheld, and information is denied to me. This indicates a lack of transparency and leads me to believe I am being presented with a different and higher interest rate than what the financier is actually offering.
  
  If you are truly willing and able to assist me with my issue, I would then appreciate support from the dealer in finalizing this process by cancelling the additional packages and providing a refund either to me or towards my existing debt.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Customer response

  02/24/2024

  It is utterly incomprehensible and disappointing that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) decided to close my case without achieving a satisfactory resolution. From the beginning, my communication with the dealership has been one-sided, receiving nothing but evasive responses instead of a direct and clear answer to my issue. This attitude not only undermines my situation but also reflects a lack of respect and seriousness on the part of the BBB by closing the case without performing due diligence in reviewing and analyzing the exchanged messages.
  
  Theoretically, the BBB's role is to act as a trusted mediator between businesses and consumers, providing a platform that ensures effective communication and dispute resolution. However, my experience has shown otherwise. The apparent lack of effort to find a concrete solution to my problem seriously questions the effectiveness and purpose of the BBB. Closing a case without reaching a clear resolution, without achieving the goal for which the complaint was initially filed, is, in my view, an act of negligence and possibly corruption, given the absence of evidence that my issue has been adequately addressed.
  
  In my communication with the dealership, I have emphasized the cancellation of a product that was sold to me under pressure, a key point that has been completely overlooked in the few responses received. Despite sending three messages detailing my situation and specifically requesting this cancellation, the dealership has chosen to divert the conversation, addressing peripheral issues without offering a solution to my main problem. The BBB's conclusion that the dealership "made an effort" is frankly insulting, considering the lack of an appropriate response to my most critical request.
  
  The BBB's inaction not only contradicts its mission to protect consumer interests but also forces me to question the justification for its existence, its infrastructure, and the resources invested in its staff. If its role is merely to act as a go-between in digital communication without ensuring effective outcomes, then its value as an organization is deeply compromised.
  
  I demand that the BBB specifically disclose the dealership's response and the proposed solution. Turning to the BBB was an attempt to seek justice and practical solutions, not mere evasive answers. The BBB must reassess its commitment to consumers, clearly define its social purpose, and demonstrate, through concrete actions, its ability to effectively mediate disputes. My issue with the dealership, which includes the lack of effort to provide a solution and the omission to directly respond to my cancellation request, requires immediate attention. I am prepared to take this matter to the necessary instances, as it represents a serious lack of respect and a violation of consumer rights, something that, unfortunately, appears to be a recurrent practice for Toyota, as evidenced by previously imposed fines.

• Initial Complaint

  11/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!! *****, ****, and ***** (I hope thats how you spell his name) were horrible, and I wish I could give them zero stars. I went in to make a deal, ready to leave with a brand-new **** Toyota Camry. I had my own financing, so I went to sign over the check to them. ***** said, I cant make the deal because youre not financing through us.

  Business response

  11/28/2023

  We apologize for your experience, but are happy we were able to work it out today and complete the deal at agreeable terms.

• Initial Complaint

  11/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Bought vehicle from them an they delivered it night before thanksgiving.the next day I couldn’t contact them cause thanksgiving but I talked sales men an told him their was crack in windshield an that tires where not new like Alex manger said was going be done when he called me on vehicle inquiry.salesman was good but now having a truck I got buy windshield an tires and also they still have 2000 of my money

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  ******** thank you for taking the time to express your experience. Upon reviewing the information on hand, we sent a video of the vehicle to you prior to delivery. The tires passed the tread depth inspection through our service dept before displaying the car for sale. The windshield was also intact prior to leaving our store.

  Customer response

  11/27/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Alex manager spoke with me when I first inquired about vehicle he said the truck was getting new tires,the cracked windshield was not noticed in video cause their wasn’t video of windshield an vehicle was delivered at 9pm.but it don’t matter cause by their response an their complaints on bbb they don’t care anyways
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********

• Initial Complaint

  10/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Went to Seminole Toyota on Labor Day. Met with Sales Representative Johan with interest in purchasing an SUV. I advised Johan I currently have a lease on my vehicle and would like to trade it in. After taking my personal identifiers, he asked me to call US BANK (current lien holder for pay off) I called with him at table and US BANK’s automated system provided me with a pay off good through 9/14/2023. I gave him this pay off and after discussing the price and down payment, I agreed to the purchase of the SUV. A few weeks later, 9/25/2023, I receive a call from US BANK telling me that the dealership shorted them 2500.00 as the pay off was my customer pay off and the dealership needed to call for their dealer pay. I was confused I had never heard of a different pay off amount. I immediately called Seminole Toyota to clarify this. I spoke with Johan who said this was my responsibility and my fault. He lied and said I never told him I had a lease. Why would I not disclose this as it’s on my credit and I advised him in person that I did. He said I would need to return to the dealership that same day with the car to pay for this. I asked to speak with his manager Brian Z***** who became defensive and stated it was my responsibility and they go by “what payoff I tell them” the dealership never did their due diligence by calling ** **** the next business day after Labor Day to obtain the correct pay off and demanded that I pay the $2500.00. This dealership sells cars every day and I’m sure needs to confirm a pay off is correct. The fact that this dealership is charging me for their mistake is unfair and feels like a bait and switch. Ultimately, I had to pay the $2500 as this was in the contract however is currently being reviewed with my legal counsel. Very disappointed with this dealership and wish that they would make this right or value a customer. Due to their mistake and lack of due diligence on their part. I am requesting 1250.00 refund of the dealer pay off returned to me. The dealer pay off agreement signed by me and also by the sales representative Johan says verified by Johan and this was not the case. This was not done at all.

  Business response

  10/12/2023

  Payoffs are fixed amounts determined by the bank.  Unlike a sales price or trade in, the dealership has no discretion on setting the value for profit.   Payoff differences work in two ways only.   If we don't collect enough then the customer owes the difference.  If we collect too much, then we are obligated to refund the customer the difference.   At no time can we change payoffs for dealership gain.

  Customer response

  10/12/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  This does not answer my complaint nor my request. 
  

  I understand pay offs are set by the bank. Seminole Toyota never obtained their dealer pay off from the bank. I was given and shared the customer pay off on Labor Day. I had no knowledge of a dealer pay off. Seminole Toyota never verified the pay off that is given to them by the bank. I am requesting a refund due to their non due diligence and lack of verification as stated on the pay off agreement I signed. The sales representative stated the pay off was verified and this was not the case at all. 
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  When I purchased the Pre-Owned 2020 Toyota 4-Runner from Seminole Toyota; we agreed on a Cash Price, and we also agreed that I was going to get a Certified Pre-owned Manufacture Warranty; which included 12 Months Bumper to Bumper, and 7 Years on the Drive-Train. That was confirmed by both the Salesman (Steven Z****-J******), his General Sales Manager (Craig L****, as well as the Internet Manger. I have several Emails and Text Messages that confirm that I would be getting that Pre-Owned Warranty; PRIOR to making the Purchase on August 17th, 2023. Seminole Toyota kept telling that it "takes up to 30 Days to get into the System"; so I waited; and recently; I checked with both Southeast Toyota (Distributor here in Florida) as well as Toyota USA; and both have told me that NEITHER my VIN nor my Name have any Warranty in their System (please see attached). What I want is what I was promised, and what was agreed upon. I had my previous vehicle serviced at their Service Dept; and I am happy with the Service I got there; so I want to keep going there; but I also want to get what I was Promised; which is a Pre-owned Factory Warranty on the Vehicle I purchased. Thank you

  Business response

  09/26/2023

  The customer has a Certified Warranty on the 4Runner.  The TCUV contract number for the 4Runner is ************ *nd is effective 8/17/2023.   Toyota has confirmed the Certified vehicle warranty is in place for the customer.

  Business response

  10/06/2023

  Attached.

  Customer response

  10/07/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:

  Normally, right after a Purchase; the buyer gets all the documents and Warranties immediately.  I don’t know why it took over 2 Months, and hiring an Attorney, and filing a Complaint with the BBB; to get something I should have gotten the Day I purchased the Vehicle.  It took all this time and effort; to get a simple answer to a simple question.
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ******

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  On 08Sept23 They changed brake pads on two rear wheels. After leaving tire pressure warning light is lit. I returned next business day to be told by Service Mgr. It is $180 to see if they caused problem and $300 to fix a defective sensor. He also said it is coincidence this occured while in their care, and State law requires this be operational. I feel they should make things correct at their expense to complete the service. It occurred while they worked on vehicle. That is not a coincidence.

  Business response

  09/27/2023

  Customer had a simple brake job completed.  Retuned multiple days later after service with a tire pressure light flashing.  Advised guest the sensors are inside the rim of the tire and by completing a brake job would not have constituted any work entailing into the rim or rims of the vehicle.  This vehicle is a higher mileage later model and I advised Mr. ***** that inside the rims are sensors that are battery operated and do have a shelf life.  I also explained to Mr. ***** that it would be a good idea to replace all sensors knowing the age of vehicle and without any history of any of sensors being replaced.  Mr. ***** disagreed with our recommendations due to his abilities to take financial responsibility even after applying for alternative financing in which he was declined for.  

  Customer response

  09/28/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The response was a misrepresentation and made up lie. The first being the tire was removed and handled by mechanic to perform work Any rough behavior or carelessness could have caused the damaged sensor. The part of being offered financing and denied is an egregious lie and pure fiction. That was extremely insulting.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩