I don’t normally leave negative reviews, but my - ILDan
I don’t normally leave negative reviews, but my experience with Gladstone Automotive has been one of the most frustrating vehicle purchases I’ve ever had.
In mid-June, I started shopping for a truck. I knew my credit wasn’t perfect and that I had negative equity in my trade, so I understood financing wouldn’t be easy. The sales team worked to get me approved, and I eventually purchased a truck.
Before I bought it, I was told the truck had been damaged while it was on their lot. I appreciated that they disclosed the damage. However, the experience quickly went downhill after that.
During the financing process, I was instructed to tell my bank that I already had possession of the truck, even though I did not. That put me in a very uncomfortable position because it wasn’t true.
I’m also an Illinois resident, and I specifically asked multiple times to make sure my Illinois title, registration, and taxes were included in the loan paperwork. I was assured everything would be handled. Later, I found out none of it had been done, leaving me responsible for paying the Illinois taxes, title, and registration myself.
Communication after the sale was poor. Getting updates or answers was difficult, and I constantly had to reach out just to find out what was going on. Once the paperwork was signed, it felt like customer service disappeared.
The dealership did pay off my trade, but I later learned that I had to contact the GAP and extended warranty companies myself to request those refunds. That process was never explained during the sale.
Overall, I feel the transaction was handled poorly. Between being asked to misrepresent facts to my bank, the paperwork mistakes involving my Illinois registration and taxes, and the lack of communication after the sale, this was not the buying experience I expected.
I can’t recommend Gladstone Automotive based on my experience, and I hope this review helps others ask plenty of questions and carefully review everything before signing
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