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ComplaintsforSeminole Toyota
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
07/18/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
1/13/2024 The reason for this complaint is because the dealership sold me a car that was reported stolen, and it has has made my life impossible. When I went to talk to them about the issue they walked off and said, "this conversation is over". Don't know what kind of business treats their customer this way.Business response
07/19/2024
At time of sale we presented CarFax vehicle history report which says nothing of vehicle being stolen. We also were able to to complete the transfer of the customer's license plate to the vehicle purchased without any incident. There were zero signs of any vehicle theft at time of sale and not sure how there are now, especially after the state approved a transfer of ownership in the tag work.Initial Complaint
07/14/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
In 2023 I purchased and paid cash for a 2021 Rav 4. The color is gray and appeared to be in excellent shape. In the last 3 or 4 months the very top of the vehicle turned a dusky color so I took to Toyota and they said they would not cover it. Then the top started blistering and it became apparent there is a wrap on the top of which I was never informed. I took it back and they still will not rectify. The service manager ****** told me to take to a detailing shop named ******* but they were not going to pay for it. This is the third vehicle I have purchased from them and in fact also paid cash for a new 2023 Tundra. Money is not the issue. The fact that the name of the entrance road is whatever it takes and yet they deny this repair. I was under the impression that they should have informed me of any alterations to the vehicle and now they will not correct it. Very poor customer service.Business response
07/19/2024
Customer purchased a pre-owned RAV4 in December of 2022. Vehicle was sold as is with no promises of any future work, customer agreed to the conditions.Initial Complaint
03/12/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Sales and Advertising Issues
- Status:
- Answered
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
03/11/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I want to report this business to Toyota dealership in ***************, they are thieves because on February 8, 2024 I went with my husband and acquired a used 2020 ******** **** E 350 car financed but the seller *************************** along with the Finance Manager *********************, they deceived us, first they told us a price and then they charged for that car double its current price. They are overcharging that car and forced and pressured us to add guarantees to the car against my will even though I told him No. I wasn't interested in putting those guarantees that are expensive and guarantees that are useless, no one can force you to put guarantees on any car if the client does not want it, in the end charging almost $43,000 and with the financing $64,000 for a car that is not worth it, this is ridiculous and nonsense. They delivered it to me in poor condition without washing with dent scratches on the paint and with a terrible bad smell of marijuana, dirty and stained, they will not give me the permanent plates, the car has been over a month without tags. it was left at their dealership supposedly to make repairs and clean it deeply, which they lied to and did not nothing, I have communicated and no one has taken responsibility for that situation, they are playing dirty, the car still has the same problems and I am not going to pay that amount of money for a used car in bad condition because it is not worth it and I am not happy with that car. It is a total theft and fraud. Also Im going to take legal action against the dealership for contract fraudBusiness response
03/25/2024
All price and interest rate terms were fully disclosed and agreed upon, the sales department can provide signed copies of the paperwork if needed. The vehicle was sold AS IS with no promises of odor removals.Customer response
03/25/2024
I tried to communicate with these rats of people including the general manager and no one showed their face but it was to be expected with the low class that Toyota is, I never imagined that I would have such a mediocre experience with a dealership, firstly giving me the car without gasoline when you buy a car whether new or used they have to deliver it to you with a full tank, second dirty and stinky, third with dents and scratches and four without permanent plates for 2 months and they expect me to pay $42,000 for tremendous filth, forcing me to add warranties that I didn't want to and so they steal and collect more money from the bank I'm not going to be held responsible for that car anymore, I took the appropriate steps, I already canceled that registration with the *** I didn't even know they could be operating such a dirty business with such trash and fraudulent people they should remove it the license to operate that businessCustomer response
03/26/2024
Complaint: 21414554
I am rejecting this response because:
I tried to communicate with these rats of people including the general manager and no one showed their face but it was to be expected with the low class that Toyota is, I never imagined that I would have such a mediocre experience with a dealership, firstly giving me the car without gasoline when you buy a car whether new or used they have to deliver it to you with a full tank, second dirty and stinky, third with dents and scratches and four without permanent plates for 2 months and they expect me to pay $42,000 for tremendous filth, forcing me to add warranties that I didn't want to and so they steal and collect more money from the bank I'm not going to be held responsible for that car anymore, I took the appropriate steps, I already canceled that registration with the *** I didn't even know they could be operating such a dirty business with such trash and fraudulent people they should remove it the license to operate that business
Sincerely,
*************************Business response
04/09/2024
We understand the consumer has rejected the response, but we have addressed this multiple times through different means.Customer response
04/09/2024
Complaint: 21414554
I am rejecting this response because:
It's a total lie, they are rats. At no time they contact me to fix the fraud that neither the owner nor the general manager did to me, but that's what happens when doing business with trash from low-class companies, but it will never happen to me again. They sold me a car in poor condition and overpriced the market value putting warranties against my will to be able to steal more money. They are so c*** that they didn't even deliver it clean, decent and without the permanent plates but the bank already took possession of the car and The rest would be in the hands of my lawyers to clear my name from that garbage contract.
Sincerely,
*************************Initial Complaint
03/04/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Order Issues
- Status:
- Answered
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
Dealer has failed to provide me with a license plate due to me being a disabled veteran. This happened on January 26, 2024Business 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
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
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
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
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 moneyBusiness 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,
****** ********
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Contact Information
Business hours
Today,7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
MMonday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
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TTuesday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
WWednesday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
ThThursday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
FFriday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
SaSaturday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
SuSunday | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Customer Complaints Summary
44 total complaints in the last 3 years.
15 complaints closed in the last 12 months.