Misleading Experience at Genesis of Highland Park
Genesis of Highland Park, 2860 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. Phone: (224) 470-1000.
This was one of the most disappointing car-buying experiences I have ever had, and I want other customers to know what happened. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, I traded in my 2026 Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced AWD and leased a 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD. Before I ever went to the dealership, I handled the entire transaction over the phone with Sales Manager Yaniel. I explained every specification I wanted, especially that the exterior color had to be Uyuni White. Yaniel told me he had the vehicle with everything I requested and confirmed that it was Uyuni White. He then asked me to come to the dealership to complete the transaction. When I arrived, I met salesperson Mohammed Alghzawi, but all the vehicle specifications and color requirements had already been discussed with Yaniel. At the dealership, I again confirmed the color with Yaniel, and he told me he had personally checked the Monroney window sticker and guaranteed that the vehicle was Uyuni White. Based on that assurance, I trusted the sales manager and signed the lease documents. If I had been told the truth that the vehicle was actually Alta White, I would never have signed. The next day, Sunday, June 28, 2026, after the dealership entered the VIN into my Genesis Connected Services account, I discovered the vehicle was actually Alta White, not Uyuni White. I then found the original Monroney window sticker in the glove compartment, which clearly confirmed Alta White. I contacted Yaniel, and after seeing the actual window sticker, he admitted that he made a mistake by telling me the color was Uyuni White without verifying it. On Monday, June 29, 2026, another dealership employee called to congratulate me on my new vehicle and ask about my experience. After I explained what happened, he told me he would speak with Yaniel and they would find me the same vehicle in the correct Uyuni White color. On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the dealership owner called me, and I explained everything again. I told him the only reason I agreed to this vehicle was because Yaniel guaranteed the color was Uyuni White. The owner told me he would speak with Yaniel and asked me to come to the dealership the next morning, telling me he would see me then. On Thursday, July 2, 2026, I returned to the dealership as requested, but the owner never came out to meet me. Instead, Yaniel told me there was nothing they could do because the lease had already been funded and the bank had already paid the dealership. He again admitted he made the mistake of telling me the vehicle was Uyuni White without verifying it, but said I had to keep the vehicle. I was also concerned that before I took possession of the vehicle on Saturday, the dealership did not properly check it before I drove it home. While I was at the dealership signing the documents and waiting to leave, the vehicle was still in Shipping Mode and displayed a low windshield washer fluid warning. These are basic items that should have been checked before a customer takes possession of a brand-new luxury vehicle. This was never about money or trying to return a vehicle without reason. This was about honesty, trust, and receiving accurate information before signing a lease agreement. I relied on the information provided by management, and that information was incorrect. The dealership admitted the mistake, promised to help correct it, and then refused after the lease was completed. I cannot recommend Genesis of Highland Park. If you purchase a vehicle from this dealership, verify every detail yourself, personally check the Monroney window sticker before signing, and do not rely only on verbal assurances, even from management. I hope Genesis Motor America reviews how this dealership handled my situation because no customer purchasing a luxury vehicle should have to go through what I experienced. read more