READ THIS BEFORE VISITING THIS DEALERSHIP!…read more
This is a fully transparent, factual account of my experience attempting to purchase a vehicle from Envision CDJR West Covina, an experience that ultimately involved deceptive and unlawful practices. I'm sharing this so car buyers can be informed, alert, and mentally prepared before engaging with this business.
On Saturday, October 4, I inquired about a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee listed at $22,995. On October 5, I re-confirmed this price and scheduled a test drive.
Upon arrival, I was assisted by Liam, who was kind, respectful, and professional. After inspecting and test-driving the vehicle, I was ready to proceed with the purchase.
At the sales desk, I informed Liam that I had a pre-approved loan at 6.5% APR. I understood a standard credit check would be required to initiate an "options contract," allowing my lender to fund the dealership within five business days. I also requested to add anti-theft protection to the vehicle.
After my credit was run, I was transferred to the Sales Manager, Assad (spelling may vary). Assad then presented the following:
Vehicle price: $28,990
Loan APR: 11.9% (through his financing company)
Anti-Theft package: $1,995
When I questioned these inflated figures, I was told that to purchase the car, I was required to buy several "add-on services" including paint protection ("special waxing"), interior warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and one other item totaling $5,995.
When I firmly declined, Assad replied:
"If you want to buy the car from me, you have to purchase these items."
When I asked why I couldn't use my pre-approved financing, he said:
"In order for me to sell this car to you at this price, you have to finance through me otherwise it doesn't make business sense."
I also challenged the anti-theft charge, noting I knew the retail cost was around $995. After pressing him, he lowered his price to $1,295.
After much back and forth regarding the loan company, he reluctantly allowed me to use my own company, and later reverted again to me using his, reducing his loans APR to 6.9%.
He quoted $4,995 for an extended warranty, though I confirmed the genuine Mopar full-coverage warranty costs roughly $2,500 another blatant markup.
Deceptive Advertising
Their website contains fine-print language stating:
"All pricing and advertised prices for any/all vehicles offered for sale do not include dealer-installed accessories, which can be purchased for an additional cost."
This language is buried and not displayed near the listed price, misleading customers to believe the online price is accurate.
When I confronted Assad, pointing out that the disclaimer gives buyers the option to decline dealer add-ons, he insisted "the work had already been done." This was false, the dealership had only recently acquired the vehicle and could not provide any proof that such work had been performed.
California Law: Full Price Disclosure Required
Under California Vehicle Code §11713.1(e) and Business & Professions Code §17500, it is unlawful for a dealer to advertise or list a vehicle at one price and then add undisclosed charges later (except for legitimate taxes, DMV fees, and documentation fees).
That means:
The advertised or window-sticker price must include all dealer-installed accessories, markups, or add-ons that are not optional.
A dealer cannot advertise a car for "$22,995" and then raise the price because of paint protection, nitrogen-filled tires, or GPS trackers unless those were clearly disclosed in the listing.
Mandatory Hidden Add-Ons Are Illegal
If an add-on has already been installed and cannot be declined, its cost must be included in the advertised total price.
If it's optional, it must be clearly presented as such in writing.
When I informed Assad that refusing to remove the add-ons was illegal and that I would report him, he replied:
"Everyone buying cars here today is paying for my add-ons."
He then accused me of "extortion," which is ironic given that his business model appears to rely on coercing and misleading customers into paying thousands in unwanted add-ons.
My Final Takeaway
I drove one hour to this dealership, spent three hours there, and left feeling angry, deceived, and taken advantage of.
That same day, I found a similar vehicle at another dealership, lower price, no forced add-ons, and a completely transparent process.
In summary:
This dealership's practices violate California's truth-in-advertising laws and exploit unsuspecting buyers with hidden fees and predatory sales tactics.
If you plan to visit, get every number in writing upfront, refuse to sign anything until you confirm the full price, and report deceptive behavior to the California DMV Investigations Division and Attorney General's Office.
