Misrepresentation, Hidden Fees, and Shifting Numbers - Beware Brent Berge Toyota!
When I leased my truck from Brent Berge Toyota, I was misled from the very start -- and the deception continued when I recently tried to discuss renewal and purchase options.
At the signing of my current lease, 2 1/2 years ago, I put a substantial amount of money down, stating that it would go toward the equity in the vehicle. That was explicitly how it was presented to me.
In reality, that money only lowered my monthly payment.
Had I been given accurate information, I would have structured my lease completely differently.
This was not a misunderstanding -- it was misrepresentation.
With 6 months remaining on the lease, I went in to explore lease renewal or purchase and things got worse.
Despite my exceptional credit score, they quoted an APR far higher than I qualify for.
They added a $650 acquisition fee, claiming it was required for them to take my current truck into inventory.
Their own paperwork contradicted itself.
They listed the truck's value as $43,500, plus a $3,610.50 tax savings, for a total relative allowance of $47,110.50.
Yet in the deal breakdown, they included:
$43,500 Trade Allowance
$40,475 Trade Payoff, claiming they had to "buy the vehicle back."
The numbers shifted every time they printed a new breakdown, which is extremely suspicious:
State taxes and fees changed between drafts.
Warranties shifted.
Monthly fees were only shown on the third printout.
The $650 acquisition fee magically appeared on that same third printout.
Unfortunately, they took back each previous version, so we're left with only the final printout -- clearly done to cover their tracks.
The people involved:
I was initially dealing with their Internet Manager, who should not have been handling this level of transaction in the first place.
He eventually brought in the Finance Manager, who spun a story about Toyota Financial Services being able to "get me a better deal," then walked away without resolving anything.
Finally, the General Sales Manager came over and shared a story about how his own mother almost got ripped off leasing a Cadillac -- implying he understood what was happening -- only to walk away after I rightly told him, "I don't have a son like you to protect me."
Later, I called Toyota Financial Services myself, and they confirmed there was no special deal available, directly contradicting what the Finance Manager claimed.
Why this matters:
This dealership is misrepresenting key details at signing, leading customers to make financial decisions under false pretenses. They admitted they fired the employee yet, extended no offer to rectify the situation.
They are introducing hidden fees, like the $650 acquisition charge, that don't exist according to other dealerships.
Their numbers don't match, shifting between each breakdown -- which looks like intentional manipulation to confuse customers.
Staff pass customers off rather than resolving serious concerns, leaving people feeling dismissed and deceived.
Final thoughts:
I came to Brent Berge Toyota expecting transparency and honesty. Instead, I got smoke, mirrors, and paperwork that changed every time I asked for clarity.
If you value your hard-earned money and peace of mind, avoid this dealership at all costs.
Verify everything in writing before you sign.
Cross-check directly with Toyota Financial Services.
And don't let them take your paperwork -- that's your only proof of what you were told.
I will never do business here again, and I urge others to protect themselves by staying far away.
** The only employee that has not only been honest but stuck by his word is Assistant Service Manager Freddy Carrillo. You know what you are going to get and how much it will cost you. Freddy will not up-sale you and if you do not want certain services, he will not pressure you to purchase said services. His integrity is the standard the other managers should be following.** read more