It took me three years to finally write this review because, quite frankly, I'm still upset about…read morethe experience and the financial consequences I've been dealing with ever since.
Three years ago, I made the unfortunate decision to purchase a vehicle on my own for the very first time. I walked into this dealership with my financing already arranged at a fixed interest rate. I originally wanted a Kia Sorento, but for reasons I still don't understand, the salesperson steered me toward a Kia Niro. Since it was a hybrid, I decided to consider it.
The real problems began when I got to the finance department. Despite arriving with financing already secured, the finance manager switched my loan to a different lender at a higher interest rate. When I questioned why, instead of providing a clear explanation, his response was, "Well, we got your monthly payment lower. Isn't that better?" What he conveniently failed to explain was how extending the loan term could lower the monthly payment while costing me significantly more in the long run.
Then came the add-ons. I was presented with three different packages that included things like maintenance plans, extended warranties, protective coatings, and other extras. At no point was it made clear to me that these packages were optional. As a first-time buyer, I genuinely believed I had to select one as part of the financing process. I chose the least expensive package, which still added approximately $10,000 to my loan.
By this point, I had been at the dealership for over three hours. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and just wanted to leave. Looking back, I recognize that I should have walked away, but I also believe a reputable dealership has a responsibility to be transparent with its customers, especially those who are inexperienced.
I walked in with a $5,000 down payment and walked out with approximately $50,000 financed, a monthly payment close to $1,000, and a 60-month loan on a vehicle priced around $38,000.
Three years later, I am still dealing with the consequences. I owe significantly more than the vehicle is worth, and getting out of this loan without taking a substantial financial loss feels nearly impossible.
I take responsibility for not knowing more about the car-buying process at the time. But being inexperienced should not make someone an opportunity to maximize profits at their expense. I trusted the people at this dealership to guide me through a major financial decision, and instead, I walked away feeling completely taken advantage of.
What bothers me most is that everything that happened may have been technically legal, but that doesn't make it ethical or right.
This was, without question, the worst financial deal I have ever made, and one that continues to affect me three years later.
I will never set foot in this dealership again. I hope sharing my experience encourages other buyers, especially those purchasing a vehicle alone for the first time, to question every number, decline unnecessary add-ons, and never feel pressured to sign anything they don't fully understand.