Lithia Toyota of Odessa

On 27 August 2020, I purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler from your store in Odessa, TX (Lithia Toyota). The majority of my interaction was with the online sales representative (Charles Smith). I found the Jeep t your store in Odessa, TX (Lithia Toyota). The majority of my interaction was with the online sales representative (Charles Smith). I found the Jeep through Autotrader and had to rely 100% on Charles’ description before deciding to place a deposit to hold the Jeep until I could fly out from Denver, CO and look at the vehicle and purchase if there were no glaring issues. I had to place a $500 non-refundable deposit and this was a big risk and the first time I’ve ever purchased a vehicle this way. I asked Charles to take videos of the vehicle and specifically wanted to know the condition of the exterior and interior since the dealership had done a 40,000 maintenance inspection and was told the inspection would identify mechanical/maintenance needs. I also asked about the condition of the tires and was told two (rear) were new and the front tires had plenty of tread. I was told the Jeep had no noticeable body damage other than some small scratches. I was told the vehicle interior was also in very good condition. I arrived early afternoon on the 27th and Charles met me at the Midland, TX airport with the Jeep. At first glance it was quickly obvious the hood had hail damage, something never mentioned when I asked about the condition of the body. There are four noticeable dents and something that could have easily been identified when I inquired about the vehicle over the phone. Charles stated that he didn’t notice the dents because the vehicle was dirty when he took the videos. I entered the vehicle to test drive it back to the dealership and the interior was in fact in very good condition. But, I also notice the indicator for tire pressure/air was on and asked Charles about that. Charles attributed the issue to the likelihood that one of the tires was low due to heat in Odessa. When we arrived at the dealership Charles had maintenance look at the tires and was told the spare tire was missing the air pressure indicator but that they would cover the cost when I returned to Colorado to have it repaired. That should have also been addressed before I placed a deposit on the Jeep and I suspect the dealership was aware of the matter since that light would not have just came on. As it turns out all 5 tires were missing the air pressure indicators an over $300 cost that I had to have done on my own time in Colorado and now have to wait for a check from Lithia. I also had to replace the two front tires because they weren’t the same kind as the new rear tires and had less than 30% tread on one and 20% on the other. Again, this was advertised as tires that all matched and with good tread. Those two tires cost almost $700 to replace and although Lithia covered the expense of the air pressure indicators, it’s the fact they were not truthful about the condition and the fact all 5 tires (spare included) needed those indicators. I think this information was withheld for a couple of reasons. One, they might have thought that identifying all indicators were missing would raise questions about the manner the Jeep was cared for by the previous owner and two, in hopes the new buyer would not have them (Lithia Toyota) take on the cost to repair all 5 tires. In addition to the above issues that should have been made aware when discussing the purchase were other issues that are concerning. The vehicle’s speedometer is up to 12 MPH off on the low end. It ranges from 5 mph to 12 mph in that the faster I drive the further off the speedometer reads. On my drive back to Colorado I was pulled over for speeding but luckily given a pass by an understanding police officer. This is something of significance and at the very least been pointed out. I now have to spend over $180 to have the speedometer corrected. The cigarette lighter was also broke although I was able to trouble shoot it and replace the broken fuse, but again something that makes me question the dealership’s integrity. The other issue associated with this Jeep was what happened during the drive to Colorado. On the last portion of my drive (around 3 hours left) the check engine light came on. I immediately contacted Charles to inform him of my concern and was instructed to continue driving since the light was not blinking. Charles also assured me that they would take care of any associated cost. I stoped in Colorado Springs to have the vehicle looked at which is approximately an hour from my house in hopes of getting reassurance that it wasn’t anything major; this delayed my drive by over 2 1/2 hours. The dealership ran a code that indicated something potentially wrong with the vehicle’s oil pressure. I shared that information with Charles and he discussed the code with his technicians who assured him it wasn’t anything major. On 31 August I took the Jeep into a local Jeep/Chrysler dealership to have them run more testing and shared with them the code that the first dealership came up with. After an entire day of waiting ( had to take a full day of vacation) the Jeep’s oil pump had to be replaced and luckily still covered under the Jeep’s original warranty. By the way, I also purchased an extended warranty with this vehicle for $1500 which now I question whether that was even a good idea since everything about this purchase was questionable. I understand that when purchasing a used vehicle there are risks. Taking on risks is one thing but when people are not fully transparent in the name of making a dollar, that’s just not right. I’m a 20 year veteran of the Air Force and have always taken pride in my integrity and honesty. I don’t feel I was treated with the level of integrity and honesty I would have treated someone purchasing a vehicle. I will point out that Charles was very professional in his handling my concerns and was always polite but I don’t think overall this transaction was handled in an honest and forthcoming manner. The tire conditions, the hail damage, the air pressure sensors should have all been addressed properly. The oil pump issue was probably unforeseen but it’s the entire transaction that makes me question what Lithia Toyota truly knew about the vehicle and what they deliberately withheld. I obviously love the vehicle otherwise wouldn’t have spent money to fly out, stay a night in a hotel and endure 10+ hours of driving. I have now spent two good portions of my days having tires and air pressure sensors and an oil pump replaced. I have to fix the speedometer and at some point will want to remove those hail dents. It took over four weeks to receive the reimbursement check for having the air pressure sensor repairs and the check arrived with a blood stain....can't make this stuff up. I wrote the above details to Lithia Motors and not a peep, no one has responded with an apology or any explanation. More

Our experience with Lithia Toyota has always been excellent. Raul answered all our questions. I would recommend Raul to all my friends. Enjoying our Highlander. excellent. Raul answered all our questions. I would recommend Raul to all my friends. Enjoying our Highlander. More

Really happy with the service. I didn't feel pressured to buy, but Raul's service made the process enjoyable and painless. He made sure I was happy with my decision, with no sales gimmicks, just good salesma buy, but Raul's service made the process enjoyable and painless. He made sure I was happy with my decision, with no sales gimmicks, just good salesmanship. More

I love my new 2020 Rave 4 I traded my Mazda for it Raul medrano help me with my new car purchase, I am very happy. medrano help me with my new car purchase, I am very happy. More

Raul was very helpful in finding a car that suited my needs. He helped me with my trade-in and helped me get the payments where I needed it to be. needs. He helped me with my trade-in and helped me get the payments where I needed it to be. More

Raul and Josh made the experience of buying a car on my own for the first time easy and exciting. They made sure I was well informed every step of the way. Thank you so much for all your hard work! own for the first time easy and exciting. They made sure I was well informed every step of the way. Thank you so much for all your hard work! More

My first time buying a car and it was stress free! Raul was very nice, not pushy at all like how you hear most salesman are! was very nice, not pushy at all like how you hear most salesman are! More

Very fast, informative, well knowleged and respectful manners. Thank you, Raul for making the process simple. I would definitely recommend him for any future sales. (: manners. Thank you, Raul for making the process simple. I would definitely recommend him for any future sales. (: More

From the very beginning Raul has made me feel comfortable in my buying my truck . Excellent salesman . Will recommend him to friends . #1 place always in my buying my truck . Excellent salesman . Will recommend him to friends . #1 place always More

Raul Medrano was a great salesman! He gave great deals that we couldn’t pass up! He kept us updated with my vehicle, and was very professional throughout the whole process! My truck was everything I wante that we couldn’t pass up! He kept us updated with my vehicle, and was very professional throughout the whole process! My truck was everything I wanted, and he explained everything with it being my first time purchase! We will definitely be going back! More