Lakeland Ford

The people (Mr. Grove)in the parts department seem friendly enough. I purchased a pre-owned (nice way of saying: "USED") Isuzu SUV a little over two years ago from another local dealer. The vehicle wa friendly enough. I purchased a pre-owned (nice way of saying: "USED") Isuzu SUV a little over two years ago from another local dealer. The vehicle was in perfect condition when I bought it but in very good condition none-the-less. I'm the type of person who follows "the manufacturer's" recommendation(s) as to the service and upkeep of the product, in this case a motor vehicle. Typical of most automobiles purchased second or third hand is existing issue(s), and most reasonable people expect to have some parts in need of repair or replacement. I expected to find problems as I got to know the vehicle and I did. Nothing I couldn't take care of myself with my own tools and a subscription to www.alldata.com. However, even though I am no stranger to getting greasy, I know which tasks I am comfortable with and those I am not. Replacing the water pump and timing belt components went off without a hitch. Here is my gripe with Lakeland AutoMall: (1) Parts Stocked = Nothing so far (2) Parts Pricing = Outragously high (one little light bulb for the instrument cluster @ $ 7.89 each, I needed 5), the water pump I picked up from a local "import parts" store because the dealer price was 6.547 times higher for the same "Aisin" pump, Dealer stocked (see number 1), Other source in stock, (Y). (3) Parts, Dealer Only = Parts that are a DEALER ONLY ITEM are not only not stocked but must be ordered from some place on the other side of the planet. Getting parts takes a while! (4) SERVICE DEPARTMENT = Remember the mention of task(s) not comfortable with? I guess Lakeland AutoMall's Service Department is uncomfortable with performing a manfacturer recommended maintenance proceedure beyond most owner's ability. Isuzu recommends engine valve service (adjustments to clearances and lash) @ 60,000 miles. I was able to contact the original owner and of course no such maintenance had been performed. I took the vehicle to Lakeland AutoMall to have an Isuzu certified mechanic handle this particular job, as I do not feel at home with setting valve tolerances. On arrival I spoke with a young lady in the service writer's booth who asked an older gentleman in the room: "We don't do valve maintenance do we?" and "Nope, they don't need it unless there's something wrong with 'em." I explained what I had read from Isuzu and was nicely advised to find a "small shop that does stuff like that." Thanks folks! Nothing like customer service. More

I bought my Sonata from Lakeland Auto Mall a few years ago. This Sonata was the 1st new car I've ever owned that I NEVER had to return to the dealer for any adjustments or warranty repairs! So, I fell in ago. This Sonata was the 1st new car I've ever owned that I NEVER had to return to the dealer for any adjustments or warranty repairs! So, I fell in love with Hyundai products! However, when I decided I wanted a Genesis coupe my bad feelings resurfaced and I went to every Hyundai dealer in Central Florida...other then this dealer very close to me. The salesman, Paul, played so many games...years later, I'm still bitter. This is a shame 'cause my mom bought a Sonata from a different salesman, Travis, who was straight forward and honest. She will not go back there either 'cause an HONEST employee she had befriended whispered to her on her last visit that she did not need the things done to her car that the service manager was trying to get her to come back for...before a "break down on a lonely road". Well, she did return once to take the HONEST employee some home made cookies! My recent gripe with Lakeland Auto Mall is that, in my opinion, there website was full of LIES! When I was trying to locate the perfect Genesis coupe I used the Hyundai site to search the inventory of dealers in central FL. They had listed EVERY COLOR, EVERY MODEL, etc. that's possible for a dealer to sell as in their inventory! I believe...no...I KNOW this dealership speaks with forked tongue! More