AutoNation
reviews and complaints

On 6/9/23 AutoNation Ford Sanford sold me a car with no title in hand. If I am not mistaken, I believe this is illegal in the first place. With no title comes no proof of ownership and no registration. I am now on my third 30-day tag set to expire on 9/2/23. I have called numerous times over the past two months in

order to get this resolved. I have spoken to Denise, Jimmy, David, and others several times and was told by Denise the title was transferring from a sister dealer, title was coming from a dealer that was closed down, title was being searched for in a pile of boxed up paperwork and was unsure if they can issue a third temporary tag. Whoever "they" she referred to I do not know. At this point Denise does not answer the phone, return my calls, or even pick up a phone to give me the latest excuse. I have been told by Jimmy, David, and others that Denise is the only one in the whole dealership that can handle this. Apparently, she is not competent to do so. Someone else needs to remedy this situation! I don't work for a dealer or DMV but within minutes I found out how to apply for a duplicate title with transfer of ownership. It should not take someone who does this job months to do. I am currently paying insurance, made two payments, about to make another, and at the point where I won't be able to drive without a title, tag, and registration. All of which I have already paid for, and they are supposed to have taken care of!

I'm completely dismayed at how long this is taking and how far I am having to go to try and get this situation resolved and behind me. I currently have 6 cars

purchased in different states at different dealerships with 3 being in Florida! Dealing with an AutoNation dealer is by far the worst experience I have ever had. I hope I don't have to go any further than this. I was also initially told the title would be transferred electronically within 30 days, so a paper title supposedly being physically searched for is ridiculous to even claim. One may not even exist. I was able to find the electronic title online in minutes which a copy was sent to Denise weeks ago. Again, I should not have had to go through any of this. I should be demanding a full refund.

After almost nine weeks of wasting time contacting AutoNation Ford Sanford with no resolve. Today, 8/8/23 in the mail I was sent what was supposed to be a title, tag, and registration transferred to me. This is not what I received. I was sent a back dated Florida title in a leasing companies name that At best looks like a doctored document! This is title fraud! Accompanied by a pile of paperwork I am instructed to take to my local DMV. It clearly states there is a penalty by law if not transferred with in 30 days of sale. We are long passed that as well. I don't even know what to do with this. To my understanding I am not even supposed to have a title, it was supposed to be properly transferred in a timely manner and sent to the bank the loan is with! Included in the paperwork is a copy of the power of attorney that I signed in order for the dealer to transfer the title and register the vehicle. Proving even further, I paid for and was told at time of sale this was supposed to be done by the dealership by now!

I found a car on their website a 2007 C230 Mercedes Benz. I called for it and spoke to Hageen. He said it still available and he'll call me back in 5 minutes but never heard from them. I called a gain and Ameery answered and he said it still available and he'll call me back in 5 minutes but never heard from him until the next day when he said the car is sold. When I asked him how it's sold and you guys told me it's still available and now it's sold, his tongue slipped and he told me that one of them the employees bought it. The point is, when I called about the car and then those 2 sales people realized the value of the car and one of them decided to buy for himself. This is a theft and dishonesty! I hope I can rely this message to the GM and get in touch with the GM directly to explain the situation.

8 June 2023 (Service Advisor Matthew Navas) Volkswagen of Columbus Georgia told me my battery was bad. They tried to sell me a new battery. I took it to Battery Source and had it checked. The battery checked at 100%. At this point I can not trust a Volkswagen Dealer. I hope this will alert other customers that they can not trust a VW dealer. This is not customer friendly, and it cost the customer to pay for things they do not need. What the Dealer did was not ethical.

I bought my son a car in first part of April of 2023 and called the dealership 4 times after we did not receive the tags. The buyers tag expired on June 5, 2023 and he hasn’t been able to drive it. I have now reached out to the GM via email and can’t get a response from either. They aren’t keeping me informed and I get same run around every time I call up there.

To whom it may concern,

I purchased a 2019 Certified Pre-Owned GLC300 on 5/23/23 at Mercedes Benz of Coconut Creek. The sales representative was David Falkenstrom. I've also had correspondence with Jeffrey Boraks (sales manager) and Clifford Beverly (general manager) who was also informed of the issue.

My car's battery died after 4 days of ownership and was replaced at Mercedes Benz of North Orlando. The battery was the original battery and was losing significant charge even not being driven anywhere. At first, David Falkenstrom said they may or may not replace the battery under the warranty, but finally after my insistence, both Mr. Falkenstrom and Mr. Boraks decided to replace the battery under warranty. That same day, I brought the car to my personal mechanic's and owner of Jerry's German car service to have him look it over https://www.jerrysgermancarservice.com.

Jerry Shepard (owner/mechanic) informed that there was paint blistering and dings on the bumper of the car, and the rear quarter panel also had been painted. I immediately let Mr. Falkenstrom know via email. Two days later, I called him and left a message. One day after then, my father texted him and we finally got a response. Here is what he said in his own words:

"I spoke to Jeff the manager and we replaced the battery on the car that's it there is no stipulation that we take cars back that have a bit of bodywork that may have been done. In fact we paint bumpers and do minor bodywork on a lot of cars that we sell. It's a great car and it was sold for a great price. You already had it past the 5 days when I was contacted about the battery."

My issue is that there was no direct communication or disclosure about the paint or bodywork. Mr. Falkenstrom and Mr. Boraks have been defensive and non-communicative ever since I mentioned the paint and bodywork. They refused to have Mercedes Benz of North Orlando look at the paint issue even after I suggested that, which was a decision made by Mr. Beverly. From what I understand, a car like this should not have passed the 165-point inspection that Mr. Boraks spoke of, because it came with a dying battery and the paint and bodywork was not disclosed. They took more than 2 weeks to get me the appropriate service records on the car.

I urge you all to look into the way CPO sales are taking place at this store.

Purchased 2016 mercedes from autonation

Had mechanical problems in less than 2 weeks

Purchased bumper to bumper coverage extended warranty.

$6500 just for part not including labor.

Dealership want speak to me

Car is not covered by warranty

Financed by bank of america who is willing to cancel the contract but can;t because of it being a 3rd party contract. Only dealership can cancel contract!

Haven't even paid first car note yet!

Sales fraud and deception against a 97-year-old WWII Veteran by Auto Nation Honda

• 26Dec22- We purchased a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica van from Auto Nation Honda (ANH). It was necessary because at my mother’s (Elva Cook) advanced age she was having difficulty getting in and out of our current vehicle for the numerous doctor appointments she has. My mother was in the hospital recovering from a virus so Auto Nation Honda went to her hospital bed to get her signature.

• 20Feb23- We took the van in to ANH because one of the third-row seats would not unfold. We dealt with Craig Lipply, Asst. Service Manager who dismissed the seat as a “warranty issue” without looking at it and when questioned about it further told us “I’ve been here twenty years, I know what’s what”. He told us to take it the Chrysler dealer.

• The oil change sticker on the windshield showed the oil was expired so we paid $70.51 to have it changed. We would be told later by the General Manager Eric that they don’t go by the stickers, the oil was changed before they sold it to us and promised a refund (see below).

• 6Mar23- Dropped off van at Suncoast Chrysler. They actually inspected the seat and discovered massive corrosion possibly from a chemical spill. They told us it was NOT a warranty issue. Take it back to ANH.

• 7April23- Returned the van to ANH who assured us it would be completed the following week when the seats and carpet came in. We assured the van would complete when we returned from our trip on 13Apr23.

• During that month we called Dustin, Service Manager, and explained that we needed the van for a trip on 10May23. He told us that it would not be done, and we could not have the vehicle. We contacted the General Manager who “allowed” us to pick up our van on 9May23.

• In the month they had the van, only the carpet had been replaced.

• 15May23- In a text Dustin said “Everything will be here by Wednesday if you drop it off Thursday morning, he (Body shop) said he would have it back by Friday evening”

• 22May23- Dustin assured us all the necessary parts were in to complete the seat installation.

• 24May23- When contacted about the status of the van, we were told it was completed, but the General Manager Eric was “not happy with the repairs and if we didn’t like it he’ll put leather seats in it”.

•

Additional information:

• During the month ANH had our vehicle and did nothing but replace carpet we contacted Dustin weekly. Every single time we called he did not know the status and would “check on it” because the body shop didn’t tell him anything. He would take a day or two to respond each time. On 5May23 we text Dustin for an update, and this was his response:

“Sorry my boss did a competition and the winning team got to go out on a boat so I am on the water. I just called to find out what is going on”

“When parts are on back order there is only so much we can do. It will not be ready today”

• After waiting a week for a refund for the $70.51 oil change, we contacted the General Manager Eric. Again, no one there knew the status of anything pertaining to this van. Several days later, when we went to ANH, we were told the check was “probably lost in the mail’ and it would have to be reissued. During two follow up conversations and one in person visit, with him we were told he didn’t know where the check was, but they were “on someone’s desk”. We received a refund on 18April23- 8 weeks and multiple phone calls and trips to the dealer later.

Conclusion:

• Remember, this vehicle was purchased to transport a 97-year-old woman who served in the Army during WWII, to make it easier for her to get to doctor and other appointments. Because of ANH’s poor performance, we were without that vehicle for a total of almost six weeks. They never offered a loaner vehicle. She suffered for that. What if that was our only vehicle?

• We are totally unimpressed with the substandard level of customer service received. Craig was dismissive and condescending, Dustin never had any idea what the status of the van was any time we contacted him. Every week he promised the parts would be in “Wednesday or Thursday”. Having lost confidence in Dustin’s ability to get anything done, or even keep us updated, we had to go to Eric the General Manager out of frustration, he didn’t know anything either and made excuses. We feel lied to and cheated.

• While we do not believe anyone should lose their jobs even for this level of poor performance, none of these three men should be in the positions they are.

• Auto Nation Honda is developing a terrible relationship. Everyone who hears this story is shocked.

• We have asked them to take back the van and have all of our money to be returned, they don’t even respond to that request.

Purchased a 2015 Kia Sedona for cash in early 2022 for $19,953. Mileage was 37,570. We paid $619 additional for the Autonation Appearance Protection Package. We were forced to do this because Autonation Wesley Chapel could not fix the automatic side doors to close without a repair of thousands of dollars on the existing Kia Sedona. There was much confusion of whether a part or this issue was under warranty, so instead of having my wife try and drive 300 miles with both side doors open, with my son in the vehicle, we decided to take a very low trade offer and purchase a similar model. Within a few months, the paint looked awful and it started to pit and chip in the areas the sun beat on it. We contacted the dealership within a month of the problem like we were required to do. They sent us to another website to file a claim at Permaplate.com, which is for Sisken Enterprises. It took several weeks to be contacted and longer for a service technician to come and inspect the damage. He agreed it was egregious damage and told me he was recommending a full replacement paint job for the vehicle. He did preface that by saying that it still needed to be approved by Sisken Enterprises. Of course, they denied the claim, as I expected. Everyone I've contacted passes the buck and we're stuck with a vehicle that is embarrassing looking. Stay away from Autonation. They chose Sisken as their appearance protection warranty company, yet won't assist in having them enforce the contract, and continue to use them. They couldn't have been less helpful and the $619 was stolen money!

I was considering buying a 2015 BMW 320i 4-door sedan from AutoNation in Clearwater with a damaged hood. We discussed having the hood replaced and splitting down the middle. AutoNation salesman Kameron Keelan said the cost to replace the hood with paint and installment will be $4000. I thought that was high but they suggested we split the bill down the middle, I agreed I was to pay $2000. And they were to pay $2000. I dropped the car off on a Monday and was told the car will be ready Tuesday? When I went to pick it up in the car with my wife, she noticed a lot of over spray on the front of the car. I showed the over spray to Marisa Welch who was standing there next to car inspecting the over spray, we agreed to leave the car and I can pick it up Saturday. Saturday the family's all excited to see the new car. Got there talked to Marisa Welch again asking her to please give an itemized bill on the work, she gave the bill showing the new hood cost and work. Get the car home, noticed the new hood had waves on it. Before I dropped off the hood to be replaced I put my initials on a certain area of the old original hood I also made a scrape mark (was painted over) on it, they were still there. This is the original hood, it was never replaced. I took the car to an experience body shop that deals with insurance claims and they wrote out a document stating that this is the original hood that came with the car it was never replaced something withe VIN #, also told me that no one has replaced this hood also being a 2015 the dirt and grim of 8 years of driving and 50,000 miles +/- was still there. I've been defrauded by Autonation of Clearwater, I took the car to BMW shops that only repair BMW, and they checked the VIN# and also stated it's the original hood that's what the VIN# proves I've been ripped off.

I ended up having an issue with your dealership based on interactions with staff on a vehicle I purchased this evening via an implied finance contact. Aa result my disclaimer is…, should you not be comfortable with a candied adult conversation… or you really don’t give a [censored] about this evenings experience… then kindly

STOP READING NOW.

I had been in communication with the sales rep Mindy. Letting her know I was looking at a Mercedes (pleasurable experience) at Fletcher Jones first. That vehicle ultimately didn’t have a desired interior and unfortunately they didn’t have floor stock that did. We then meet with her on a in stock C300 model at your dealership that had no unnecessary additional option costs. This was unique (based on Southern California inventory) and of interest to me because it helped lessen the dealership discount required for the price point I was trying to achieve. I admit I had thought about simply reviewing the vehicle and

re-contacting Fletcher Jones and simply asking them to inquire about facilitating a dealer trade. However, I had made contact with Mindy, who had been straight up with no [censored] and decided to remain ethical and follow through with your dealership. A decision I now regret.

I let Mindy know we were interested in purchasing the vehicle. I asked her to present an offer to the desk man for $46,500. He responded with a counter of $46,800 & change. I accepted.

I had also previously mentioned prior to the offer… and reiterated to her again, to let him know, that I don’t have and no longer use a traditional paper personal check/checkbook. I provided a copy of the Wells Fargo personal bank account check that required me to fill out my name and address. I had used two of these previously for the new truck and corvette purchases that I had made recently. I had also stated that it was acceptable to me to simply deposit the check (allow it to be ACH’ed the next morning/Monday and funds being tendered to the dealerships account that same morning).

She explained that I might need to provide my Social Security number. I indicated I was not comfortable with that as it takes my FICO score down 15-20 points for an unnecessary inquiry. (I later realized later as it was not explained, that that’s what would be used for the implied finance contract to be enforced.)

She then had a sales manger sit down across from me… push my check back to me…

and say we don’t accept these.

I indicated again, that it was fine to deposit the check (allowing it to be ACH’ed the next morning and funds being tendered to the dealerships account that same morning) and I would return to the dealership to pick up the vehicle when the check cleared. Which would’ve been in plenty of time to meet the sales quarter for the end of the month. Which was stated to me Later as a problem/concern for the dealership by the finance manager)

The sales manager then indicated, just fill out the credit app and don’t put a Social Security number down.

I replied, as an alternative suggestion, I can simply put a $5000 deposit down with my credit card and return in the morning with a Wells Fargo bank check since I had received the final sales number to use.

The sales manager indicated we don’t take deposits like that. Just fill out the credit app and don’t put down your SS number.

The beginning of the [censored].

I completed the few items indicated on the credit app along with some additional information forms. Mindy stated we where going to head up to finance office to complete the sales agreement. I indicated to her that I our day had got away from us (with Fletcher Jones doing all the footwork) and we needed to pick our kids. Asking her to let them know we would appreciate going thru the signing process as quickly as possible. That we would not be interested in purchasing any anything additional.

During the signature process, I needed to let the babysitter know what the situation was, and as I was texting them, the sales pitch began. I stopped texting, looked over at Marie sitting next to me as he was explaining, asked her if she was interested, she said no. So I turned to the finance manager and said we’re not interested. He asked, in what I deemed to be condescending manner… (clearly pissed) you’re not interested in saving money on your maintenance? I said no.

He again asked, you’re okay with spending more money on maintenance…? Again, I responded now in a very direct tone. Yes, I want to pay more for my maintenance.

Now the house of imports [censored] is starting to be in full swing.

He then asked a question where I indicated we were previously at another dealership, and stated I was wondering if I had made a mistake in dealing with this one… he then asked me… again in the condescending [censored]ing tone, why are you buying the car then? Essentially why are you buying a car from your dealership… clearly not concerned about any potential customer experience or issue with possibly wanting to possibly provide a remedy, or removing any uneasiness. Only to agitate the situation with that type of question in that type of tone. For which I responded in my own direct and now condescending tone… I guess I’m just like a [censored] like the dealership is, it’s all about price right… Its apparent getting a better price from a [censored]ty dealership that I’ll never do business with again after the point of sale, than one that promotes a long term, professional business relationship.

As I was finishing signing the documentation and reviewing, he asked what are you looking for… I said a break down and the exact total amount due for the car for the Wells Fargo check. He indicated it’s further down. I looked, didn’t notice it. He then move the tablet document further down, to revel the sales price that I needed. He then pulled the tablet away. I asked for a copy of the documents that had just signed. He indicated you’ll get copies when you pay for the car with the cashiers check. Even though it’s now quite clear that I had technically already purchased the park car with the implied finance contract.

That then prompted me to ask…does it need to specifically be/say cashiers check or is a certified Wells Fargo bank check acceptable. As I had previously purchased a motorhome and boat from private parties and I didn’t remember the Wells Fargo checks still indicating cashiers check. I believed they are now referred to as certified bank checks. Is that going to be a problem?

He replied something about a loan check not being acceptable or causing issues, (which didn’t make sense to me, as I’m paying cash from my account, and to just bring the check and we’ll figure it out then. At that point I was done with your dealerships fantastic customer service.

I looked at Marie as we where leaving and said I think this is going to be a [censored]ing problem. As we were walking out both the sales person and the sales manager asked how it went. I responded again… this is probably going to be a [censored]ing problem. Your finance manager wants a check from the bank that specifically states cashiers check and I’m not sure if they still provide that specific verbiage anymore.

So I’ll be back Monday with a Wells Fargo check and see what other issues arise from there.

I took my 2023 to Autonation Toyota on spid in Corpus Christi texas, for transmission fluid being low from the manufacturer. It took 3 times me taken it to them to fill it up with proper fluid level. And they returned my truck damaged with another issue with it. The steering wheel doesn’t center when turning it and it’s stiff. It’s literally a brand new truck for anything to be wrong with it. This was done to it intentionally. I don’t know what they have against me or the stuff I own, I don’t even know anyone that works there. All this should fall back on the manager, Andrew. I want him liable. He needs to be fired for neglect and damaging my vehicle. I will be calling the news. And file a complaint to the better Business Bureau.

My company currently has a truck at Autonation ford south Fort Worth. Truck was originally diagnosed as needing $2600 in repairs. Those were agreed to. Truck was returned to us within one day the original problem was back. After returning it to the dealer they have now decided it needs $11000. in additional repairs. Its been sitting there since August because of their bad diagnosis.

I purchased my Hyundai on 11/19/22 from AutoNation Hyundai Tempe. To date, I have not received any documentation regarding my financing and DMV has no record of the purchase. Per the contract, my initial payment to Hyundai Motor Finance is due TODAY (1/3/23). To date I have not heard from HMF concerning the loan and they have no information on my purchase per my search on their website. To date, MVD doesn't have any information on my vehicle per my search on the internet and the temporary tag the dealership put on the car expires TODAY. How can I honor my end of the contract if the dealership hasn't held up their end of the deal? I have been trying for several weeks to get this problem rectified. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide. Thank you. Donna Leybeck. [protected] [protected]@cox.net

This dealership is concerned only about sales and underlying games. Purchased a Certified Preowned 2021 Camry SE from this dealership. Everybody was nice until after the sale of the vehicle. Our Salesman Ralph took more time to emphasize how many cars they sell rather than taking the time to resolve the issue of us not having a temporary tag a whole 10 DAYS! After the initial sale of the vehicle. I called requesting to speak to the sales manager and all they did was transfer me back to Ralph who gave me another baseless deflection as to why we don’t have the temporary tag as yet. After speaking with the DMV there is NO RECORD! of a tag being applied for by the dealership and they still haven’t given us a temporary tag. After speaking with the Title clerk Pedro he was puzzled as to how we even left the lot with the car without a tag. Keep in mind! Throughout this whole process Ralph has been dismissive when we have been inquiring. Nobody from AutoNation Toyota at the Mall of Georgia’s Management team has reached out to try to correct this issue. As a Servicemember and my Girlfriend being a veteran herself we expected a way better level of customer service. What started off as a pleasant buying experience has now turned into another episode of car dealerships prioritizing sales over customer service. I am very disappointed especially with Mr Ralph. I gave him a great review with his manager initially. Now he is showing me that he is just like every other untrustworthy car salesman out there. Stay away!

On approximately 11/8/2022 I came into Auto Nation lot and spoke with salesman name Daquan. I told him I was interested in the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. we test drove it for a few blocks and pointed out the suspension light was on. He replied, the SUV was inspected, but they cannot reset it. I came back a couple days later because I was still interested in the SUV. This time I spoke with a salesman name Shawn. I looked at the SUV again and I pointed out to Shawn the suspension light was still on. He replied, his service department cannot reset it because they do not have the tool, it has to been done at a Chevy dealership. Upon purchasing the vehicle Shawn told me to take it to a Chevy dealership to have it reset and He will reimburse the charge fee from the dealership. When I took it to a Cadillac dealership it was discovered the front shocks were the incorrect shocks and that is why I have the suspension light on. I gave this paperwork to Shawn. He was supposed to talk with the service manager so we can get the issue corrected. Its been over a month and all I'm getting is the runaround and the vehicle is still not fixed.