Thomas Kia of Highland

AWFUL EXPERIENCE I went to Thomas Kia on a Tuesday night to look at a 2011 Town & Country that was listed on their website. When we arrived at the lot, we were quickly I went to Thomas Kia on a Tuesday night to look at a 2011 Town & Country that was listed on their website. When we arrived at the lot, we were quickly greeted by Tracy Martin, who got us the keys for the van so we could take a look. Once we got into the van (the key fob needed new batteries), we quickly noticed it hadn't been cleaned yet. There was crayon on the sides, and just general dirt and muck everywhere. Really disappointing, but we took it for a test drive and were generally pleased with it, until we cleaned the front windshield and noticed the rather large crack in the middle of it. Once again, something that should have been fixed before listing the van for sale. Did you think no one would notice? When we returned, we told the salesperson that we were interested in working up some numbers if the van would be detailed and the windshield replaced. We went into the showroom and waited while Tracy got some numbers worked up, and got quite a surprise when he returned. The cost of the vehicle had suddenly gone up $4,000 because we didn't have a trade! I was upset that they snuck this in on us, and told him we weren't interested in the van for $22k when it had been listed for $18k on the website. He then wrote up on a piece of paper: $18,000 + tax, title, license X_________________ Drive Home He wanted me to sign it stating that I would take it home if they could offer it for $18,000, though we still had questions about the warranty and financing, plus the cosmetic work that still needed to be done! We refused, and when he continued to push the subject, we got up and left. I was absolutely disgusted by this tactic. We were clearly interested in the van and didn't need to sign our name to something to express that. The next day (Wednesday), I received a call from what I believe to be a third-party service review company. After sharing my bad experience with the service rep, he asked if we were still interested in purchasing the van if we could deal with a different salesperson. I agreed I'd speak with someone again, but would only deal with a manager. We disconnected with the promise that I would be contacted soon by a manager. The next day, I did receive a call from Daenan (I believe that's how you spell it), and he offered me the van for $18,495 with a lifetime powertrain warranty. I told him I would speak to my husband and call him back. Within a couple of hours, I called back to say we were interested, but couldn't come in until Friday night because my husband had physical therapy that night. He stated that was no problem and he'd see me then. On Friday afternoon, I got a voicemail from Tracy Martin, the original salesman that had caused me to walk out in the first place, saying that they took a deposit on the van that morning and the woman was coming in to pick it up that evening. I'm glad I was busy at work when that call came in because I may have said some things I regretted had I gotten that news from someone I was already unhappy with. I couldn't believe they had the audacity to have him call me! I called back and spoke with Daenan again and confirmed that yes, the van had been sold. I was incredibly upset. I had never been asked for a deposit, never called before they made the sale to confirm if I was indeed coming to purchase it that night. To agree on a price and commit the van to me and then sell it out from underneath me was bad business and just plain wrong! My husband and I decided to go by the dealership after work on Friday anyways to express our disappointment in how this was handled. I knew it wouldn't change anything, but I wanted him to know, face-to-face, how wrongly they had treated us. We got no remorse and an apology with no real feeling behind it. "That's the way it works sometimes" is all Daenan kept spouting off to us. I'm sorry, but that's not the way it should ever work in a properly-run business. On the phone, he said he wanted to earn my business, but it's clear to me that was never really the case. You cared about making a sale, but not about earning my business. There was no respect from anyone at that dealership, and I want everyone to know that they're only interested in selling you vehicle (no matter how dirty and banged up), but they're not interested in earning you rtrust and respect. There are a lot of other dealerships in that area, and I'll be making the trip to others in the future while I continue to spread the word of how awful an experience trying to purchase a vehicle there really was. More

bests most all other dealers I have had all of my Kia auto/ SUV serviced at Thomas Kia, the reason being the service department. Nettie Burke has always greeted me with respect an I have had all of my Kia auto/ SUV serviced at Thomas Kia, the reason being the service department. Nettie Burke has always greeted me with respect and How can i HELP YOU. I actually enjoy speaking with them. The quality of work done, and the honesty is what brings me back. the addition to Kim in the service department is also a breath of fresh air. More

Awesome!!! Had an awesome experience! Traded my soul in for a newer soul and I love it! I absolutely wanted a red one and they found it for me. I love my car! Tr Had an awesome experience! Traded my soul in for a newer soul and I love it! I absolutely wanted a red one and they found it for me. I love my car! Tracy did all he could for me to make me happy! Thanks Tracy!!! More

Excellent customer service It was so refreshing to visit a dealership with a professional, genuine, diligent sales person such as Tracy Martin. Tracy went above and beyond my e It was so refreshing to visit a dealership with a professional, genuine, diligent sales person such as Tracy Martin. Tracy went above and beyond my expectations, he follows up and makes you feel very comfortable to make this very important investment. Tracy was very detailed and thorough when I purchased my new vehicle and was available if I had any questions about the functions on my vehicle thereafter. This was definitely a friendly environment and thanks to Tracy Martin, I did not feel like an ordinary customer. I will undoubtedly recommend this dealership to anyone looking to purchase a vehicle and make sure you request Tracy Martin. D. Russell More

Thomas Kia Rocks! My wife and I had an incredibly wretched experience at a Thomas competitor in Merrillville, and stopped at Thomas Kia still really upset. We had boug My wife and I had an incredibly wretched experience at a Thomas competitor in Merrillville, and stopped at Thomas Kia still really upset. We had bought a new Kia there back in 2000, and have been really, really impressed with their service department. Stan Adams greeted up (pointed me to the restroom since I'm a male of "that age") and showed my wife a new Soul on the sales floor. Polite, friendly, no high pressure, extraordinary helpful. To make a long story short, an hour later we drove out with a new Soul! My wife has wanted a Soul since seeing the hip-hop hampsters. I've been a Soul Man since seeing Soul Brother #1 back in 1964. As we drive out into the sunset of our retirement in a new Soul, I'll be the guy in the tie-died shirt, the stingy brim hat and Blues Brothers shades and she'll be in the long hippy dress driving off to the next Grateful Dead concert in the sky! Thanks Stan and thanks Thomas Kia! More

Exceptional Service My family owns 4 KIAs (07,08 & two 2014) vehicles.....Having Neddie Burkes in the maintenance department is one of the main reasons that I purchased 4 My family owns 4 KIAs (07,08 & two 2014) vehicles.....Having Neddie Burkes in the maintenance department is one of the main reasons that I purchased 4 vehicles from Highland Kia. He's always treated me & my family with respect & goes beyond what is needed to keep customers coming back to Highland Kia. Don't let him go......promote him!! More

New 2014 Optima Owner The salesmen and associates at Thomas Kia in Highland were extremely helpful when purchasing my car! I was able to get a deal and drove away in a bran The salesmen and associates at Thomas Kia in Highland were extremely helpful when purchasing my car! I was able to get a deal and drove away in a brand new Kia Optima with only 17 miles on it! I absolutely love my Kia and would refer anyone to their dealership! They were absolutely PHENOMENAL! Thanks Again!!!! :) More

joby vrbanich was very easy to work with. he answer every question i had about kia soul,from test drive to signing the papers. from the time i enter the showroom t was very easy to work with. he answer every question i had about kia soul,from test drive to signing the papers. from the time i enter the showroom to leaving the dealership with my new kia soul. i recommend thomas kia of hightland 100 per cent. best saleman joby. More

Fantastic experience. Lori was great to deal with. Only Complaint, they gave a 50' tv with new purchase but did not give us ours. Other than that, best dealer yet. Complaint, they gave a 50' tv with new purchase but did not give us ours. Other than that, best dealer yet. More