21 Reviews
Write a Review21 Reviews of Marco Rivas
April 02, 2026
Carwise Gurnee advertised a vehicle online at a specific price though upon arriving at the dealership, and proceeding to the final stages of the transaction, mandatory 3rd party service add-ons that exceede price though upon arriving at the dealership, and proceeding to the final stages of the transaction, mandatory 3rd party service add-ons that exceeded $1,000 were introduced at the time of signing. These charges had not been disclosed in the original advertisement, nor at any point prior to the execution of purchase agreement documents. These add-ons were presented as non-negotiable condition of the sale. This conduct is in direct violation of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations, which expressly prohibit the sale of a vehicle above its advertised price and require all material terms to be clearly and prominently disclosed at the outset of any offer. It further violates the Federal Trade Commission's Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule, which mandates that all mandatory add-ons be incorporated into the advertised offering price of the vehicle. Advertising one price while requiring consumers to pay a higher price through undisclosed mandatory charges is, without qualification, an unfair and deceptive business practice under Illinois and federal consumer protection law. This experience has been documented in full. Complaints are being filed with the Illinois Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to demand a complete, itemized, out-the-door price in writing before setting foot in this dealership More
Other Employees Tagged: LENNY CLIFTON
March 31, 2026
CX5 I was dreaming about turned out to be quite accessible with 1/3 initial payment and quite reasonable monthly payment. Wish to send my gratitude to Amy and Marco. accessible with 1/3 initial payment and quite reasonable monthly payment. Wish to send my gratitude to Amy and Marco. More
Other Employees Tagged: Amy Thompson
March 26, 2026
I purchased a 2018 Cadillac Escalade from CarWise Auto Sales in September 2025. At the time of purchase, I was issued a 90-day temporary plate that expired on December 16, 2025. As of March 26, 2026, I Sales in September 2025. At the time of purchase, I was issued a 90-day temporary plate that expired on December 16, 2025. As of March 26, 2026, I still have not received my permanent license plates or any confirmation that the vehicle title has been properly processed. When I first followed up, I spoke with an employee named Marco, who explained that the dealership had purchased the vehicle from an auction and that the title had not been sent with the car. I was told the issue would be resolved in “a couple of weeks,” and that the delay was due to the holidays. Since then, I have returned to the dealership multiple times and have been given the same response each time — “a couple more weeks.” What is especially frustrating is that the owner publicly responds to my reviews as if they are willing to help and resolve the issue, but in reality, no action is taken and nothing changes. The responses appear helpful on the surface, but they have not resulted in any actual progress. It has now been several months since my purchase and more than three months since my temporary plate expired. I paid for this vehicle in good faith and fulfilled my financial obligations, yet I am still unable to legally operate it because the dealership has not produced the title or completed the registration process. Due to the lack of resolution, I have filed formal complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the State’s Attorney’s Office. I strongly advise potential buyers to confirm that a dealership has clear title in hand before purchasing a vehicle. I also strongly advise potential buyers to run in the opposite direction because, not only have I still not received my plates as of March 26, 2026, but their responses have been full of what I believe to be misleading and deceptive statements. My experience has been extremely frustrating and disappointing. More
Other Employees Tagged: William Stepney
March 20, 2026
what ever you do don't buy a car from CARWISE will do a bait and switch game. When you try to talk to someone regarding it you get Marco, a smart mouth mgr. They added a cars shield coverage that we said bait and switch game. When you try to talk to someone regarding it you get Marco, a smart mouth mgr. They added a cars shield coverage that we said no to, and of course they called us liars, we said it was never explained to us, of course its non refundable so there 1098.down the drain. Keep driving don't shop here, the manager, Marco sucks has no accountability so I am going to the BBB, and social media and anyplace I canto let them know how they RIP U OFF. Save yourself the trouble go anywhere else. More
Other Employees Tagged: james thomas
March 04, 2026
I read some of the positive reviews before going to this dealership and honestly wish my experience had been like theirs. Unfortunately, it was the exact opposite. This was one of the most frustrating and d dealership and honestly wish my experience had been like theirs. Unfortunately, it was the exact opposite. This was one of the most frustrating and deceptive car-buying experiences I have ever had. My salesperson was Jorgen Parend, and throughout the process I was given multiple statements that later turned out to be misleading or completely inaccurate. After spending more than six hours at the dealership, I felt pressured into terms that were not disclosed upfront. Before even arriving, I specifically asked whether the dealership required any mandatory add-ons or packages because I had previously dealt with a questionable dealership that tried that tactic. I was told no. However, after hours of negotiations and paperwork, I was suddenly told that I had to purchase a “car care package” costing about $899 or they would not sell me the vehicle. The explanation given was that they “would not make any money otherwise,” which makes very little sense considering the vehicle itself costs tens of thousands of dollars. For anyone considering buying a vehicle here, I strongly recommend protecting yourself by asking for the following before signing anything: • Ask to see the “Buy Rate.” This is the interest rate the lender actually approved you for. Anything higher that the dealer adds on top is typically markup. • Ask for a full itemized list of charges. This will show every fee, add-on, or package they are including in the deal. Do not rely solely on what a salesperson tells you verbally. • Compare prices carefully. I noticed the same vehicle listed about $1,000 higher on the dealership website than on the third-party site where I originally found it through Capital One Navigator. When I raised concerns with Sales Manager Marco Rivas, he appeared to be aware of the tactics being used. He asked if I would be willing to return the vehicle. I told him yes, immediately, and asked when I could bring it back. At that point I was told there might be a restocking fee, so I asked them to show me where that fee appears in the paperwork and what the amount would be. That conversation occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026. I have since called twice and left voicemails but have not received a response yet. If they truly want the car back, they can have it. This entire experience has been a lesson learned. I will also be filing formal complaints with the FTC, BBB, the Illinois Attorney General, and other appropriate consumer protection agencies so the situation can be reviewed. If you are considering buying a vehicle here, my advice is simple: be extremely cautious, ask for everything in writing, and do not allow yourself to be pressured after hours of negotiations. More
Other Employees Tagged: Jorgen Parend
December 26, 2025
Marco suggested a sporty GMC SUV for our upcoming winter adventures. With Amy’s help, trading in my old hatchback was fast, and now we are planning the final test-drive with my boyfriend to let him do a pro adventures. With Amy’s help, trading in my old hatchback was fast, and now we are planning the final test-drive with my boyfriend to let him do a professional look before the purchase. More
Other Employees Tagged: Amy Thompson
December 14, 2025
Poor service and communication. I still don’t have my license plates after four months and now my check engine light came on after 4K miles driven. I can’t get state inspection do I still don’t have my license plates after four months and now my check engine light came on after 4K miles driven. I can’t get state inspection done until I replace the radiator blinds at $2K to fix the repair. Brake pads are terrible causing shaky steering while as I engage the brakes as well. Just very disappointing and dissatisfied with how this transaction has gone! More
Other Employees Tagged: Amy Thompson
December 12, 2025
Alex Grechanik – President, and Steve Podolny – CEO: We purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna (Vin: TDYRKEC6MS032011) from CarWise Gurnee on Saturday, December 6. After taking the vehicle home, we disc CEO: We purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna (Vin: TDYRKEC6MS032011) from CarWise Gurnee on Saturday, December 6. After taking the vehicle home, we discovered that the floor mats were missing, and this was never disclosed during the sales process. Since then, we have made multiple attempts to contact the dealership by phone, but we have not received any response. This lack of communication is disappointing and unprofessional. It is currently snow season in Illinois, and floor mats are essential for safely and properly using the vehicle. We are requesting that the dealership provide the standard floor mats that should have come with the car. This is a reasonable and expected part of the purchase, and we would like this matter resolved promptly. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, and we expect the same good faith from the dealership. We look forward to a timely response and a straightforward solution. More
Other Employees Tagged: Joe Martin
October 11, 2025
I had great experience with Marco yesterday. While in search of a good truck, I got friendly welcome, support and understanding of my needs. Got approved, even with a low credit score. Know my l While in search of a good truck, I got friendly welcome, support and understanding of my needs. Got approved, even with a low credit score. Know my limits now, comparing the models. More
Other Employees Tagged: Amy Thompson

