I’d like to start by taking responsibility for having - Justin
I’d like to start by taking responsibility for having signed everything. This was a VERY expensive learning experience for me.
If you are a first-time buyer, and/or inexperienced, do your homework, watch a YouTube video, read a Reddit thread, know your stuff. Bring a friend with you that has experience in working with jackals like Steve, the finance manager.
I am a first-time buyer, and like a true sucker, I expected to walk in, get a fair deal, and drive off in a new car. Instead, the finance guy, Steve Aldama, started off by buttering me up by complimenting me for working with Veterans. He went on and on, lathering me up one side and the other with the “hook” or whatever they call it in sleazy sales jargon. He then began to speak very quickly, gap protection this, tire insurance that, extended warranty, 10% interest, still never stating what I was paying for the car, even though I asked multiple times. I started to get the feeling he was playing me, but I was becoming impatient.
I’ll admit, at this point, after sitting there for so long, I was ready to get my car and leave. If this was a psychological trick, it worked. Steve then rapid-fire had me sign and initial different things, still speaking quickly. They backed my new car into the bay so I could see it, which made me even more impatient.
Folks, I ended up spending $13,000 more than the car is worth. $6,000 more than it was listed for. I didn’t realize this until I got home and pulled up the car on the Lewis webpage. My co-workers had a good time with this, and laughed at me. I take full responsibility and should have known better. It won’t happen a second time.
I recommend you look elsewhere for your new vehicles, they have plenty of competition. I will never set foot in Lewis ever again. This was a learning experience that I will never forget, and look forward to building a more solid relationship with the other car dealers in my area. NEW BUYER BEWARE.
Had Steve Aldama not been so xxxx-bent on robbing me to pad his commission, Lewis Dodge could have earned a loyal, repeat customer. I would have bought from them in the future, for both my kids and myself, over time.
I tell anyone and everyone who will listen to avoid Lewis Dodge, as they are dishonest.
UPDATE: I traded my car as a small down payment. However, I took a small loan using that car as collateral a few months prior, and the bank lost my title. The bank told me they could get it in two weeks for something like $22. Steve Aldama told me I could pay him $80 and get in within a couple of days. So I paid Steve $80. It took him nearly two months, days away from being illegal. I called and texted him every few days, and each time he had a fresh excuse on why he was taking so long. After I finally told him I would reach out to the records department to track it, he texted me five minutes later telling me he miraculously found the title. This man is unhealthy, imbalanced, and dishonest to his rotten core.
UPDATE 2: I could no longer handle the $1,000 monthly car payment with 10% interest, and was forced to surrender the car to the lender (United Federal). THE FIRST sentence out of the lender's mouth was, "We can lower the interest rate to 6%." PROOF I was robbed. I was sick to my stomach.
Navy Federal, who I bank with as a Veteran, offered to refinance for 5%, but upon seeing the terms of the loan and how badly Steve ripped me off, told me I would have to "significantly pay down the loan" before they would talk to me.
I now ride a bicycle around Fayetteville, folks. A bicycle. United Federal will auction off my car, and I will be responsible for the remainder of the loan. I have been in contact with a bankruptcy attorney. Steve Aldama at Lewis Dodge tangled me up so badly that my finances and driving situation are screwed for the foreseeable future.
I hope you didn't spend all my money in one place, Steve.
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