Columbia Ford Kia

Columbia Ford Kia responded

Good afternoon Jeff, It sounds like you know what you are doing and I would like to talk with you about your recent service visit.. I would like to find out the facts on what lead us to recommend your brake work. Please feel free to contact me directly Michael Pahlas Service Manager Columbia Ford Kia 234 Rt 6, Columbia, CT 06237 860 228 2886 x124 office 860 228 6977 fax mpahlas@columbiaford.com www.columbiaford.com

Columbia Ford Kia responded

Sarah- so sorry for the confusion. Jimmie, our sales manager, is one of the most genuine, hardworking individuals at our dealership. He truly wants to help all customers and salespeople, this is his duty. The day you reached out, Tony was off. Most dealership managers would just ignore it and run the risk of it falling through the cracks. I promise you, there was no ill will or harm looking to be done, just someone trying to jump in and help. You see, you were trying to get numbers on your trade, numbers that were higher than you were getting at ANY other dealership, in a case like this, it's necessary to see what we are buying so we can justify stepping up on your trade value. It's not uncommon to invite someone down in a case like this. We are always willing to wheel and deal, of course, as a team. At no point did Jimmie try to step on Tony's toes, but he was doing work for Tony to help him close a deal. I would prefer this from my employees over backstabbing and arguments like a lot of other dealerships. I would love to get your side of it as well, do not hesitate to email or call me here at the dealership @ egates@columbiaford.com OR 860.228.2886. Thanks so much- Eric Gates, General Manager

Columbia Ford Kia responded

Good Afternoon Westerlyagway I am sorry about any misunderstanding regarding warranty on your backup sensor system. Please feel free to contact me directly Michael Pahlas Service Manager Columbia Ford Kia 234 Rt 6, Columbia, CT 06237 860 228 2886 x124 office 860 228 6977 fax mpahlas@columbiaford.com www.columbiaford.com

Columbia Ford Kia responded

Del- We offered to bring the vehicle back and buy it back from you, you forgot that part! You bought an AS-IS vehicle, you signed for an AS-IS vehicle, you paid for an AS-IS vehicle, you signed for an AS-IS vehicle on the buyers order, you signed for an AS-IS vehicle on the CT Buyer's Guide. It's not buyer beware, it's buyer WAS aware! We do things the right way here, we did not have to offer buying the vehicle back!

Del D. Gomes responded

Let's speak to the truth. You NEVER offered to buy the vehicle back. NEVER (as I would've returned it then ...... as much as now). I was not aware the vehicle was "as is" (as one you advertised being in "exceptional condition", hence the price point well above Blue Book). I requested, given the independent inspection performed, for some consideration of expense to fix a faulty suspension (costing me $2,500 plus) and your manager's response to me "was buyer beware". You promoted your dealership as "FAMILY" and on that score, along with speaking to truth, you fall incredibly short. Please, do what you do ...... but fabrication and revisionist history is a greater disservice ...... and adds insult to injury. Note: if you are seriously interested in buying back the car ....... I would agree to this ...... as sold, despite the additional loss from upgrade costs. If you are sincere, please contact me.

Columbia Ford Kia responded

Hello Damico0926! So sorry to hear of your experience. Certainly it was one that is an outlier in our normal process. On very rare occasions customers buy something they regret buying due to varying circumstances. Being in a "non recourse" state, we hold ourselves to the proper process in trading the vehicle for something different. I can, rest assured, know that we processed your deal the same we have done all of the others in the past, we examine wants and needs, we select a vehicle, we sign you out to explore the vehicle for hours and sometimes days at a time at which time we can examine any issues with the vehicle. We did this with you, you purchased a vehicle, we came to an agreement on pricing/payments, acquired financing, signed bank contracts, got funded by the lender, registered and filed the title with the State of CT and it was not until the next day that you noticed the smell of smoke. We offered to bring the vehicle back and ionize it for you, replace the fabric seating all at no charge to you to alleviate the concern, this was declined by you. We then took a comparable 2021 K5 discounted that and gave you what you purchased the 2019 Optima. It is certainly a tough situation and we never like to have to face the music of it, but, I am glad we could put you into a brand new vehicle for the same exact payment (actually $2 less). Please let me know if you all need anything from us, but, know that we did not bring any of this with maliciousness, we are just playing by the rules that are given to us!