CONSUMER WARNING: BE CAUTIOUS BEFORE DOING BUSINESS - Dutchbros
CONSUMER WARNING: BE CAUTIOUS BEFORE DOING BUSINESS WITH THIS VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP
My experience with this dealership has raised serious concerns about its pricing transparency, sales practices, and willingness to put advertised offers in writing. Based on my experience, I strongly encourage prospective customers to exercise caution before visiting or committing to a purchase here.
The dealership advertises that it will match or beat competing prices, yet when it comes time to substantiate the advertised offer with a written deal sheet, we were met with resistance. Rather than providing clear written documentation of the proposed terms, we were told that sending deal sheets was not the dealership’s responsibility and were pushed toward coming in person.
That raises a fundamental question: If the advertised deal is legitimate, why is there such reluctance to put the numbers in writing?
Consumers should not have to drive to a dealership, spend hours negotiating, or sit through a sales presentation simply to discover whether an advertised price is genuine. Customers deserve transparency about the selling price, applicable incentives, dealer-installed accessories, fees, and other conditions before making the trip.
When a dealership promotes an attractive offer but will not clearly document the proposed terms for a customer to review in advance, it creates the appearance of a potential bait-and-switch sales practice. At a minimum, it undermines consumer confidence and raises legitimate questions about whether the advertised deal can actually be obtained on the terms presented.
We dealt with Joseph Velasquez, a sales manager, during this process. Our experience left us deeply dissatisfied with the dealership’s approach to transparency and accountability. The dealership’s claims of reputable, family-owned business values mean little to consumers if straightforward questions about advertised pricing are met with resistance instead of clear answers.
To be clear, we have already filed complaints with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the Texas Attorney General’s Office, and Volkswagen corporate. We also intend to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
We believe consumers should be able to make informed purchasing decisions without being pressured into visiting a dealership before receiving basic written pricing information.
MY ADVICE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING THIS DEALERSHIP:
* Do not rely solely on an advertised price or a promise to match or beat another dealer’s offer.
* Request a written, itemized out-the-door price before making the trip.
* Ask for all applicable incentives, dealer fees, add-ons, and conditions to be disclosed in writing.
* Keep copies of advertisements, text messages, emails, and all written communications.
* Do not assume that the price discussed verbally is the price you will ultimately be offered at the dealership.
A trustworthy dealership should welcome informed customers, answer reasonable pricing questions, and make its proposed terms clear. Written transparency protects both the customer and the business.
Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this dealership. The refusal to provide the written pricing documentation we requested, combined with the insistence that we come to the dealership first, has seriously damaged our confidence in its sales process.
Consumers work hard for their money and deserve honesty, transparency, and respect throughout the car-buying process. Do your homework, get everything in writing, and think carefully before investing your time in a dealership that will not clearly document its offer upfront.
BUYER BEWARE. Verify every number before you make the trip.
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