Dealer Sold My Car

If it wasn't bad enough that the dealer forgot to reduce the price by the Costco discount (which wasn't much of a discount anyway), and that they were going to charge almost a $1,000 more than Troy (great guy, by the way) for an extended warranty, I find out this morning when I called to see if the car came in.....THAT THEY SOLD IT!

Oh yeah, did I mention that I already gave them $6,700+ on a credit card for it.

So, the story goes that the finance guy forgot to lock it in the system. When it came in my sales guy was out of the office. It was put on the lot and sold. I'm waiting for a call back from the salesman, to discuss it further.

I'm at a loss for words, and of course when I made the deal I deleted the emails from the other dealers I was in contact with.

I can't believe they did that especially after you put down so much money on it! How long had you been waiting for it?

Unless you had a specific VIN on your contract. You have virtually no recourse, except to pull your deposit. Or you could do what I did when my dealership did that to me back in 2004 when I waited 10 months and they sold the car. Go in on Saturday afternoon when the dealership is crowded and demand in the loudest voice possible " I need to speak to the Sales Manager" . Then harangue him mercilessly about how could you sell the car you promised me and I have given $ deposit on. Try it it worked for me I had my exact car in two days.

Sorry to be so skeptical but they did not make a mistake. They knew exactly what they were doing. Dealers do this all the time and claim it was an error. If I were you I'd contact the credit card company and initiate a chargeback. I don't know how long ago you put the charge on, but start the process. The dealer HAS to give you back your money. Contact them first, then the credit card company. I would NOT do business with a dealer like that. If they will compensate you for your grief by reducing the price, then that is another story. I doubt they'll do that now. Maybe in a year when these cars will be discounted just like an ordinary Camry.

+ 1 anytime you make a complaint it is always best to do it in person in front of a crowd because that is when the pressure is on them to do what is right.

My BS detector is going off big time. They sold it on purpose.

I was waiting for about a week. I went in right before the CARS when into effect, and was lucky that someone had cancelled their deposit. The car was on its way to the dealership. I do have a sales contract with a VIN (albeit with the wrong amount for the car), which was signed by the dealership and myself. I'll wait to see what they have to say when they call me back. My salesman said he was with a customer, and would call me back w/in the hour....15 minutes to go.

Complain to Costco about it. They take their program very seriously and even phoned me when one dealer couldn't offer Costco's pricing due to high demand/limited production.

Agree, Costco needs to hear about this. They do listen to their customers.

A few others have already said it, but I really find it hard to believe that this was a simple dealer error. If you gave them $6,700 on a credit card, then the right people at the dealership should have known that the car was yours. I am betting that they had someone come in to the dealership who had money burning through their pocket and was willing to pay more than you. I hate to be jaded, but my B.S. detector is going off. Unless this dealer does something to make it up to you, I think you need to roll on down the road to another dealer.

What dealership?

I had this happen to me three years ago. They took my deposit, and then they lied to me about the fact that the car was sold until I called BS on them. They then said they would reverse the credit card charge, but they never did. Every time I called, the sales guy would tell me whatever was necessary to get me off of the phone. I had to contact the BBB to get on their case and get it resolved. I don’t know why I didn’t just dispute the charge with the credit card company. It would have been easier. I now tell everyone locally I know who is looking for a Toyota to stay away from them.

Another possible avenue to consider: If the dealership is a member of the local Better Business Bureau, if they are an "Accredited Business" file a complaint with the BBB. --TK

As others have stated, call Costco. Then post their name here and elsewhere on the Internet where you can review dealerships and tell them that you are doing it.
Good luck

I might be able to solve your problem.

Thanks for all your responses. I received a call from the General Sales Manager earlier today, and after apoligizing for the problem, and denying my suggesting that it was on purpose, he said they are working on getting me another one. I said that I wanted an answer by the end of today.

I will definitely be making the right people aware of this issue, but I'd rather hold off until I know what the resolution will be so I can give a complete recount. I made my possition very clear to them, so now it's simply wait and see for a few more hours.

I'll keep everyone posted. The funny thing was that when I was told the car was sold, I was also given "good news." The CARS rebate comes off before sales tax. I responded that it was good news...except that I don't have a car.

And that's why I don't put down a deposit unless there is a car on the lot. Ever. I just means they get your money sooner without guaranteeing you anything.

I agree with many here. Dealer sold it to make more profit than you were going to make him.

That's business. At least my dealer did not take deposit even after I offered it and I understood why he did that.

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I know when I gave my dealer a deposit on a car there was a VIN number listed and was written into the contract. Both the dealer and I signed the contract. If you did this as is customary with Toyota dealerships, I think I would do a bit more that just talk or scream loudly. They are now in violation with contract law. They're now responsible to at the least give you a rental to drive at no charge until they replace your car. Hozz
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