UPDATE 8/29/26: After my original review, I met with General Manager Ryan Tuttle. Ryan listened to…read moremy concerns and genuinely seemed interested in making things right. Lithia agreed to replace the rear brakes, and that work has now been completed. I believe in giving credit when a business corrects a problem, and Lithia ultimately honored the agreement. I appreciate Ryan's involvement and follow-through.
That does not erase the original experience, but Lithia ultimately made it right, and they deserve credit for doing so.UPDATE 8/29/26: After my original review, I met with General Manager Ryan Tuttle. Ryan listened to my concerns and genuinely seemed interested in making things right. Lithia agreed to replace the rear brakes, and that work has now been completed. I believe in giving credit when a business corrects a problem, and Lithia ultimately honored the agreement. I appreciate Ryan's involvement and follow-through.
My original experience purchasing a vehicle from Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Helena was easily one of the worst dealership experiences I've had.
On July 31, I looked at a 2019 Nissan Armada that had not yet been through Lithia's inspection. I took it to DJ's Automotive, which found the vehicle generally sound but said it needed tires and front and rear brakes.
I made replacing the tires and brakes a condition of purchase, and they were put on the "We Owe."
Because I planned to tow with the Armada, I agreed to pay extra for BFGoodrich KO3 D-rated tires. Instead, Lithia installed cheaper Kelly tires.
After considerable back-and-forth, they finally agreed to install the correct tires.
Communication throughout the process was terrible. Dates came and went without calls, and I repeatedly had to go to the dealership for updates.
When the correct tires were finally installed, I was told I owed about $650. I had agreed to $80 per tire, or $320. The additional amount included costs related to replacing the tires Lithia had installed incorrectly. I refused those charges and paid the agreed $320.
Then I discovered the rear brakes had not been replaced.
Lithia said they only replace brakes below 3mm. DJ's measured mine at approximately 2-3mm. Lithia first measured them at 5mm and later at 4mm.
Regardless of the measurement, replacing the brakes was part of our purchase agreement.
The original salesman was the bright spot in the experience, which is why I am intentionally not naming him.
My complaint was never about one mistake. It was the combination of the wrong tires, poor communication, missed completion dates, additional charges caused by Lithia's mistake, conflicting brake measurements, and the failure to initially complete everything promised.
I strongly recommend that anyone buying a used vehicle here have it independently inspected and get every promise in writing.
That said, the story ultimately ended better than it began.
After I met with General Manager Ryan Tuttle, Lithia reconsidered the situation, agreed to replace the rear brakes, and has now completed that work.
That does not erase the original experience, but Lithia ultimately made it right, and they deserve credit for doing so.