Complain about a product or service

Central Kia

Plano TX

Rod of Dallas, TX (08/16/08)
Absolutely the worst after purchase experience in my entire life! Be fore warned that the ONLY thing this dealership cares about is taking your hard earned money! There is no value given towards the customer after the dotted line has been signed.

They will make promises they do not intend to keep & forget what they told you, make you do your own follow up on everything, on and on and on. Are you getting the picture? Thank God I only bought a used HONDA from them and won't have to deal with the likes of them again!!

Sharon of Venus TX (05/22/08)
Took advantage of a Government Program with this dealership and did not get the proper results. I was told one thing but another incident occurred.

Causing of financial hardship as this was due to helping the environment and in the interim I was duped.

William of Ouray CO (05/07/08)
I purchased a used KIA from your dealership from DLon Johnson on 3/31/2008. It was offered with a warranty. That is the reason I purchased a used car from your dealership. She has had intermittent problems with the check engine light, an oil leak, there was a rattle in the front. My daughter has brought the car into your service department only to be discouraged by the service manager because they would not look at the car.

Last Monday (5/4) I flew in from Colorado to come look at the car and to get the problems fixed. We met with DLon and he got Justin Walker to look at the car. Justin told me that he was doing the maintenance as a favor for DLon since it was not under warranty. This is disturbing in that it was sold with a warranty to begin with. After waiting for them to diagnose the car for over 2 hours I requested a time to bring the car back up for them to finish and DLon set the appointment up for Wednesday at 10am.

Another thing to mention is that during those 2 hours they did fix the rattle but Justin could not tell me what it was, what was lose, or anything on it. I brought the car up to your dealership today and DLon has the day off and Justin is telling me he has no appointment and will do NOTHING with the car. I arranged for a car today knowing that her car was going to be in the shop and now that there is no one with authority at your location today I have made arrangements for nothing.

While I spent 2 hours in your showroom I noticed your commitment to quality posters throughout your building, however, so far my experience with your dealership is far less than impressed by the attitude of your service department and the lack of knowledge from your sales person DLon. Now, I may not be a mechanic by trade but I have worked on my share of cars and for them to quote me 3 4 hours to diagnose an oil leak I feel is excessive. I believe it can be found in less than an hour but maybe not repaired but diagnosed.

My goal is simple. I would like to get this resolved and I would like to do this in a cordial manner.

Toni of Plano TX (04/24/08)
We purchased our Kia Spectra June 07 had 4 miles on it. First let me say that the actual Spectra we drove was sold while we were driving it and they brought us another one from the back of the lot exactly like it. We were told this after we signed the papers.

We first started having problems with the fuel. When the fuel light came on and usually it would have been driven no more than 5 miles of when the fuel light coming on, we would get back in the car either a few hours later or the next morning and the car would not start. We have to pump it just to get the gas through to where it needs to go. mind you it is not sitting on uneven ground or we drove it for awhile with the light on as the service dept. tried to indicate.

Then we started having problems with the locks. We would be standing at the door, unlock the door and before we could even open the door they would lock back.

We made an appt. with the service dept. to get these issues taken care of only for them to spend very little time stating that they could not reproduce the problem. On either issue.

We never let the gas light come on anymore, don't need the aggrivation. The door locks have gotten worse. We can be in the car and the doors will unlock and lock on thier own. While at the car wash key in the ignition and it turned backwards so that the music can play, it locked my fiancee out of the car. We had to take him my keys so he could get back in. I called Kia that day demanding to talk to a manager of the dealership.

The young lady put me through to a gentleman who started talking and telling me that they didn't have time to deal with me. I started talking to him to number one find out who he was when the next voice I heard was a young girl. He had transferred me back to the operator. She then hung up on me.

I called back Livid and told her I didn't appreciate her hanging up on me, only to hear her tell someone that Its that lady again who wants to talk to a Manager what do I do. Click i was hung up on again. I was really livid now. I called back up and I got a gentleman by the name of Delon who promised me he was the manager. Yeah right.

He did listen to me and agreed with me that we probably had a Lemon. come down and we will see what we can do to get you out of that car or get yours fixed. We waited 45mins-1 hour to talk to him. First thing he said, lets just get you out of that car. He gets up and leaves. I decided to go out and look around on the lot leaving my fiancee to deal with him when he came back.

Delon sees me outside and comes out there to tell me well we can't get ya out of that car, but we can sell him another one, and the payments will be around the same but you'll have to keep the car you have too. I looked at him like he was crazy and told him so.

Why would I buy another Kia when this one has so many problems and you wont fix it.

I went in and told my Fiancee what he said and Delon followed me to try to explain it to my Fiancee. We were getting ready to leave when he did this. I told him again he was crazy and we would not buy another Kia when we have a Lemon as it is. He told me that I needed to keep my voice lowered so the other customers wouldn't hear me or he would have to call the police.

I told him number one we were leaving and go ahead and call the police. Of course I was very upset by this time. He then made the statement louder so the customers could hear him throwing me out. I simply turned to the customers in his dealership and told them to think twice about buying a Kia because they don't honor their product.

Monday my Fiancee drove up in the drive way, got out to move the garbage cans into the garage, left the car running and door shut. Came back to get into the car the doors were locked again. He had to walk down to the hospital(which I had been admitted that day) in order to get the keys from me so he could get back into our running car sitting in our drive way with the doors locked.

When he got home he called Kia and told them what happened again. We have left the vehicle with them now for 4 days and of course they cannot duplicate the problem. Oh new thing that is going on we have a Funky smell coming from the air conditioning of course they couldn't fix that either. My Fiancee is on his way down right now to get our Kia Spectra, but I have decided to file for a lemon law thing to get out of it or get a new vehicle. Of course reading all these issues on Kia I don't want another one. I think it is time Kia was taken to court over the lies and ill repairs.

The economical issue is we need our vehicle due to me being ill. WE informed Kia that it was important to get the car fixed before I have to go into the hospital.

You would think they would do everything in their power to find the problem and fix it. All Kia dealerships are told the same thing I am 99% sure. Theres nothing wrong,we can't fix it if we can produce the problem. If I am tring to get into my car and it keeps locking on me it is dangerous if some perp is lurking by. I am afraid that one day we wont be able to get into the car or for that matter out.

A.d. of Yuba City CA (04/07/08)
In November of 2007 my mother asked if I would be willing to co-sign on a loan for a vehicle for her. I told her I would be willing to try to co-sign, but I was doubtful I would be approved because I had two vehicles in my name already. On 5 November 2007, my mom went to Central Kia of Plano, found a minivan and was asked to fill out an application for the loan. I agreed that I would try to co-sign, but again, I was skeptical I would be approved.

Contrary to my belief, the next morning my mother informed me that the loan had been approved. I never filled out an application, I was never contacted by the dealership during the application process, no information was verified and the dealer did not receive my permission to check my credit. The dealer sent me the contract by Fedex (I am active duty military, stationed in northern California), which I signed and returned (and it was when they sent the contract that they requested a copy of my ID).

Throughout this whole process, I was assured that I was co-signing for this loan. My mother recently informed me that on the evening she got the minivan, the dealer had her fill out two separate credit applications, one for herself and one for me. She did not have all of my information (such as my salary) and and told the salesman (Derrick Sergeant) to contact me to get this information, which never happened.

I contacted Alphera Financial Services (the lender) on Monday, 25 February 2008 to check the payment status of the vehicle. I found out that the copy the lender has of the credit application has my name alone and my signature, and that the auto is financed solely to me. When I called Central Kia to question this, the finance guy (Wes) insisted the loan was in both my name and my mother's, not knowing that I had already spoken with the finance company that same morning. Since that initial call, the dealership has given me the run-around and is being incredibly uncooperative. I have spoken with the finance manager, David Bustos and I have called requesting to speak with the owner of the dealership. All of this has been to no avail. I recently called and spoke with Junior Lopez (who is new to the dealership) and told me to have my mother call and attempt to fill out an application again so that they could try to add her to the loan,? but in actuality, he transferred her to a different salesman, Danny Norris, and they tried to sell her another vehicle.

I have since requested a copy of the application from Alphera to review it and it is very apparent that the application was deliberately put together to look as though it is legitimate. The application is two pages, one of those pages has my information typed in but it is not complete. The other page is a page that was included in the contract paperwork requiring my signature (there is a mark in front of my name where the dealer highlighted the spot for my signature). I would never have signed an incomplete application. There are also several items on the application that are false, such as my monthly income (which I have documentation to prove it is false) and I am also named as a homeowner for the house that is deeded to my mother and step-father. This false information was provided to the lender without my knowledge. Also, the application is dated 11-8-07, the date I received and signed the contract, however, my credit report states that both the dealership and the finance company checked my credit the day that my mother went to get the van, 11-5-07, which was without my consent.

I have a copy of my credit report to confirm these dates. I was told by the finance company that although the credit application is fraudulent, the contract was signed by me, and therefore the only way they can take action is if I press charges. Upon reviewing the contract further, I have found that one of the other vehicles in my name was written on this contract as a trade-in, but the vehicle is currently with my sister (who is the co-signer for that vehicle). I would like to make it very clear that I do not, nor did I ever intend to be the only signer on this loan. The contract was signed under false pretenses. Had I been informed that only I was approved for the loan, I would never have signed the contract. I believe that the circumstances which brought about this loan were deceptive and fraudulent, and either the contract should be considered null and void, or the contract should be fully renegotiated. If neither of these actions is taken, then I will pursue legal action for the emotional and financial damage this ordeal has caused me.

I am now in a financial situation where I cannot obtain even a small loan for myself, because my debt to income ratio is stated to be too high. This has been a headache that has not ceased. My mother is paying on the loan, but it does her absolutely no good whatsoever because it only shows up on my credit.

Amanda of Lakedallas TX (03/25/08)
I went to Central Kia in Lewisville because I wanted to see if I could trade in my Kia Rio in and get a brand new car. I went in the dealership and was approched by Josh Nelson he had asked me what kind of car was I looking for and what color? I told him maybe a new Rio or something a little bigger. He then said how about our Kia Spectra? I then told him I can't make paments over 250.00 He said ok.

I test drove the car I liked then we went to the negotiating table so he could take some information about me to run the credit report. He then went to his managers office to get a figure of how much the payments would be. He said it would be between $450 to $550 I Then told him I said I could'nt make payments over 250.00.

After nomourose times of trying to get that though to him he then said I just need you to make this one payment for that price and we can give you 2 months to make that payment and then you can come back in and refiance the car for 250.

They even made additional promises including that if I would agree to the original noted amount and make payments for three months, I could come back to the dealership , and with my payment history, refinance the car for $250 per month, and 2] that if I commit to buy the car Central Kia would make the first three months payments for me to assure the ability to refinance at the lower rate. So that I would be able to 'afford' the car.

So I agreed and signed for the car. After speaking with my mother in law she told me that I should take the car back because dealerships never give anything free. So not even an hour later her and I took the car back and told them that I wanted my car back. They then said, you left the lot with the car and signed your name on the contracts so you are hooked.

I continued to say I did'nt want the car and Mr. Nelson then told me if he could check with his manager to agree to make the first six months payment for me. I then said I still don't want the car. Then he said that I owned the car whether I wanted or not.

Daryl of Garland TX (02/16/08)
false ads claiming to be able to get you in vehicle for 0 down $99 month payments with any type credit problems

waste of time false hopes

Jessica of Hurst TX (02/14/08)
On the 10th of february, I went to go look at a car @ central kia. I was not happy when I left its not that I could not get in a car but just the customer service was so bad from the sales men Criag and Patrick I didn't want to buy a car from them I thought about it over night and it was still on my mind so I called up there the next day to talk to the sales manager I asked for his name and then I got put on hold for up to 10 minutes at a time for them to come back and say they are in a meeting.

this was done to me at least 3 times so I had my friend call for me since she use to be in the car business she also got the run around the lady that answered the phone still wouldn't tell her who was the sales manager but at least they took down a message for her and said that they would call me before the sales manager left well guess what no phone call so I called again on Thursday and I talked to julie that answered the phone.

I think she was the worst of them all I know they screen the calls but why wont anybody listen to a customer. Im finally giving up I dont think anybody cares up there the people that answere the phones are so rude and the salesmen were so rude I wonder what the managers are like. I just thought you should know how they treat there customers and I will never go back and I will let everyone know where they should not go.

the staff at central kia in irving should learn some customer service skills.

Viola of Lewisville TX (02/02/08)
My 67 year old mother went in to purchase a car on 1-29-08 from Richard Bonaparle all he did was talk payments to her never once told her the price of the car. Afterwards Bobby Soto in finance run her credit and find a lender for 10.75 interest On her contract he added the extended warranty without telling my mother about it for $3500.00. My mother has never purchase a car in her life nor does she even have a drivers license.

She then call me on 1-30-08 told me about her experience at the dealership. I then call Bobby Soto in finance he put me on a marathon hold. I had to call back serveral times.Told Bobby I feel like he could of got a better interest rate for my mother> He then said he did the best he could. I then ask to speak to his manger he said he was the manager and his boss was out. Which I had call back and find out his boss was in, so this is the first lied from this dealership.

On 1-31-08 two day after my mother brought the car I walk in with my mother & talk to Richard Bonaparle the sales person that sold her the car I told him I felt like he took advantage of my mother. I wanted to find out what she paid for the car his reply was we got her around $500.00 a month for her payments. I then said I didn't care about the payments I wanted to find out what she paid for the car. He couldn't answer the question . I then ask for the contract and to speak to the Sales Manager. After kepting me waiting for about 2o min. Justin Stokes the sales manager took us in a office. He was not helpful at all he was very RUDE.

We then ask to speak to the General Manager Brian Holland, Justin said he was not in and I could sit down and wait until the morning, I then walk into the manager office and said is there a General Manager working tonight . Brian Holland then said yes I'm the general manager, I then told him that Justin Stokes just told me he was not in tonight. Here we are dealing with lies again. We went into an office and I told him I feel like my mother has been taking advantage that the contract shows she paid $1400.00 over sticker price . Brian said we are here to do business and she sign it. I then ask for a copy of the lender contract he said he did not have to give me nothing then my mother ask him for a copy , which they never gave her a copy of the sales & lender contract on 1-29-08 when she purchase the car. I walk up to Brian Holland-General Manager and told him I know that the the bank has not funding the money yet , could we sit down and rework the deal. His reply was NO. She sign for it. I then call the bank it was not funded yet and told me the dealership could tear up the contract & rework the deal. WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

I have been trying to call Scott Fitzgerald who over Brain Holland and the owner Paul Patopless but no reply yet.

It's dealership like this that makes people not want to buy cars. And gives other dealership bad names,I had never had a problems in my life with other dealership, customer service is always important to them.

I'm sure there is a BIG turnover at this location in Lewisville who would want to work and deal will DISHONEST people.

Lies, Dishonest, taken advantage of older lady. Charge more than sticker price of a demo car that has 2700 miles Car was not funded from the bank on 1-31-08 and they could rework the deal.

Timothy of Moody TX (11/02/07)
my wife informed me in january that she had cosigned on a car laon for her mother. i would have advised against it under any circunstance but it happened and i dealt with it. several weeks later her mother received a letter stating that financing had been turned down. my mother in law has terrible credit. the saleman then contacted my wife (wendy) and her mother. he stated that the loan had been turned down because they had different addresses. my wife lives in waco, tx which is about 150 miles from Dallas , TX where her mother lives.

I didn't give this a whole lot of thought although it did seem a bit strange, and I am not experience in auto finance. my wife returned to Dallas to help her mother get the situation cleared up. This time I knew in advance and stressed that she wait until the weekend and we could find a place that would accept bad credit where my wife would not have to sign her name to it. My worries were liability of having her name associated with her mothers loans as far as accidents were concerned. I also stressed that she be very clear to the saleman to what her role was supposed to be.

Well she said she cosigned on the loan again. Then she stated that she had to claim her address at her mothers house. The saleman said this would help clear up the financing problem. He also told my wife that after a year her name would drop off if the payments were kept current. My wife thought even if something happened she could keep the payment up for a year and the problem would no longer be hers.

I thought this sounded very unusual but I have never cosigned and just wrote it off to maybe they have a program like this now. I was very angry about this but understand how hard it would be to tell your own mother no. I also realized that I am fortunate enough that I could probably make an extra payment if I had to. We currently are making the payments on the car and are considering our options of getting the car since we are paying for it. My wife is actully listed as the buyer her mother the co buyer and there is no cosigner. My wife or her mother has never went through a car purchase on her own and she believed what the saleman was telling her.

I had specificly informed her if she intended on helping with that specific car to only cosign the loan and not to purchase the car for her. I believe the saleman mislead Wendy just to get a sale.  He knew wendy did not live with her mother in fact he sent the final papers to us at our home FedEX. The saleman told her they would not be able to get the car finance if she didn't put her mother's address as her own. So she did and signed where the saleman told her to.

I was just about to write this off as you should always read before signing something which I practice religiously, but then I came across a complaint listed on this site and thought I would give this instance in hopes of generating a helpful response. It seems this dealership comes up several times in fact I looked them up on the BBB website and found they have an unsatifactory rating and 32 unanswered complaints. My main concern right now is our liablity for the car. I do plan on obtaining the car as soon as possible to help remedy that problem. I just think this happens more often than not and would like to believe something could be done even if its only filing a formal complaint.

Terry of Dallas TX (10/02/07)
On the morning of Sept 29, approx 8:30am or so an add came on TV for Central Kia of Plano. $199 down $199 mo on a Kia Sorrento, for $11888 they would also give you a $1000 shopping spree if you did not buy a car for the first 100 people. You were to call and get approved. I was told I would get a call back in 20 min., never happened, I had to call them, I was approved I asked several questions pertaining to their add as I did not want to drive all that way and it be for nothing. I was also told this was not a lease. When I got there, I was told by my sales person, there were so many adds she had to check to see what add was still in effect. Now here comes the news, I cant' get a Sorrento at the $199 down $199 mon They try to get me into a Sportage (used) It now turns into $1000 down, $350-450 mo.

I asked again about the $11888 vehicle, they told me they still do have $11888 for the vehicle with out air and a 5 speed. She tells me it would cost $3000 to add air, her Manager says $2500, then when I question the difference in the 2 cost he then says oh yah, with this and that it will be $3000. Now I know for sure this is a bunch of BS they are trying to pull. I kept reiterating that fact the I came in because of there offer that was advertised on TV, it was effident they did not want to give me that deal. Now comes the $1000 shopping spree.

I was given that as a consolation, however they did not have any certificates at the time, so my salesperson wrote on the back of her business card owe $1000 shopping spree, she initialed and dated it said she would sent it out on Monday Oct 1, I fax'd her on Oct 2, reminding her of this, she called me told me they were not getting any certificate for quite a while, and that her manager said the promo ended sometime ago. When I told her this was all a scam she then said she should have something to me by the end of the week. We will see, even though I doubt it.,

There is no physical damage or consequences to me. Economic, maybe the price of gas and my time. However Central Kia are class A scam artists, I have never seen a dealer work this way in my entire life. They lie and false advertise. I have a signed document promising me $1000 shopping spree that I believe they do not want to deliver on. My experience with dealership was horrible. They are an unethical dealership that does not belong selling anything to anybody.

Ms of Irving TX (09/15/07)
After speaking over the phone with two people from the Kia of Lewisville sales team for two days my Mother and I went to Kia to purchase a vehicle. My mother was to be a co signer on this loan for 6-8 months to allow me to build positive credit. This was suggested by Nichole in sales. On July 12, 2007 we went and met with Will Shropshire who was my sales person. We looked the cars over and decided to check out Dealerships because the car I wanted the 2007 Optum was $19945.00 and to expensive. We started walking off the lot and my salesman (William) went to get his Sales Manager, Angelo.

After a long discussion making sure we asked every question we needed answers to he agreed to sale the car for 16,945 after giving 3000 for my trade. We also discussed rebates and free gas for a year (which we never got. The whole time it was understood my Mother only be a co-signer and be on the loan for 6-8 months than drop off. Mom and I completed the applications and they took a copy of my license while she filled out all the paper work. After being there for about three and a half hours, we had to wait at least 45 minutes to meet with financing. Finally we were led into Nick Baki's office to complete the sale. We asked why my name was not listed because the car was for me and she was just a co-signer. He told me I didn't have to sign that paper. (He also sold us a warranty for $2000)

We asked how much the car would cost me when it was all said and done. He said $20,835.27. As Mom completed the two long yellow forms one was blank. She asked why the paper was blank; Nick said oh, we will fill that out later! Because he had already told us how much the vehicle would cost and showed all calculations on the other yellow sheet that she signed first we didn't even think about it and she signed it. (Of course she should not have signed a blank contract but again we didn't think about it and had been there for about 4 and half hours at that point)This turned out to be our biggest mistake. When done he did not give us anything to leave with, copy of the contract etc.

I asked for our copy of the contract. He said they would mail it to us. He told us the bank would be calling also and not to tell them car was for me. We asked why and he said that would make it easier to approve the loan. We later found out that it's actually because it's illegal to sale a car to someone for another person. It's called a straw purchase.

We received the contract and warranty information in the mail around July 20th (after the 3 days we had to return the car if we changed our mind, that we were not told about) and than everything became clear. The contract was than filled in of course. While the cost of the car was 20,835.27 the interest was $8,116.17 and the rate was 9.89%. Bring the total to 28,951.44. Needless to say we were floored. Neither of us would ever pay that much for a KIA.

We called and went back to the dealership more than 10 times only to be treated like we were lying about the contract being blank. We asked why I wasnt on the loan at all we were told they got a better rate with my Mom alone. But we were not given the option to choose. She wanted to put me on the loan and we were told there was no way to put me on the loan without refinancing the whole thing. When my Mother questioned Nicks Manager (we thought at the time) about the bank calling and things Angelo said. He said the bank would never call us. Why would they do that the loan was approved before we left the dealership and would not address why Nick told us that. He said he fired Angelo so he didn't care what he said to us, that sales people would say anything to get the sale. They're all liars and he works for the finance company not Kia. We were lied to and disrespected over and over again.

My Mom has excellent credit. Her score is in the high 700's. And Angelo the sales manger (who had been fired in less than a week after he sold us the car for similar practices) assured her a low interest rate no higher than 6 or 7%. So what reason would her interest be so high? This has been the most humiliating experience in my life.

Alandra of Farmersville TX (09/13/07)
I bought a car from them and was told that it was a repo. When I went to try and trade this car in I was told that it is worthless bacause it had been totaled before I bought it.

I am still paying a 18,000.00 loan for a car that is worth less than 5000.00

Ashley of Lewisville TX (08/21/07)
On June 29, 2007 I purchased a 2006 Hyndai Sonata from Central Kia of Lewisville. My authorized sales representative was a young man named Clinton.

At that same time, I traded in my 2004 Chrysler Seabring with a clear understanding that my note with Chrysler Financial would be paid in full at the conclusion of the deal. I spent over 4 hours making the deal, only to be rushed out of the dealership at 10:30 pm b/c they were closed without even getting my car detailed or cleaned. I had to come back in and take more time off of work to get the car detailed out. It took several more visits for me to get the car in like new status that was promised when I bought the car.

I have still not gotten floor mats, which where were promised, and the average job they did detailing my car is to be desired. It took me arguing with my sales rep to get all of the modifications completed as well as new tires since they were not new but they were sold to me as being new.

Two weeks later on Monday - August 13, 2007 I received a call from the collections department of Chrysler Financial asking why my July payment of $270.13 had not been received. I explained to them that I had purchased another vehicle and Central Kia of Lewisville was to have paid off the loan for the Seabring. I then immediately called Clinton at the dealership.

He instructed me to talk to someone in Finance and then transferred me. After waiting on hold for 10 minutes, Bobby in the finance department answered. I again explained the situation and he advised me that he would look into it and call me back.

The next day, Tuesday - August 14th, I waited until around noon for his call then elected to call him again to check on the status of my pay off. Bobby advised me that he had sent everything over to the corporate accounting office in Plano and that he would call me back with the details. Concerned, I then took it upon myself to call Plano direct. I spoke to a lady named Jennifer who, after giving her my name, admitted that she had just seen something on her desk with my name on it and asked that I give her an opportunity to look over what she had and that she would call me back.

Wednesday - August 15th, when I did not receive her call, I again called the Plano financial office only to learn that Jennifer was not available. I asked to speak to the manager. A lady by the name of Kim picked up. I again explained the nature of my call and she also said she would look in to it and call me back.

Thursday - August 16th, with no word from Bobby, Jennifer or Kim I again called the Plano financial office. By this time, Chrysler Financial had called me again to remind me that my account is nearing 30 days past due and that they needed payment.

I spoke to Kim again. She indicated that she had no paperwork to indicate there was a vehicle that was traded in by me and therefore she had nothing to pay off. She also mentioned that the sales receipt on my deal showed no record of a trade. She went on to say that she spoke to the manager at Central Kia the previous day and he was to contact me and have me come back in to the dealership and re-sign all the paperwork. She further indicated that she was shocked? that he had not yet called me and that all she was waiting for to resolve this was the signed paperwork from Central Kia. She then suggested I contact the general manager at Central Kia, John Viola or the sales manager, Michael Murphy.

Rather than attempt to reach either of these managers by phone, I left work early (4:15 PM) and drove to the dealership in hopes of speaking to one of them.

Upon arriving, I asked to speak to Mr. Viola. The receptionist asked if I had an appointment with him and I told her I didnt, but that I had an issue with the payoff of my trade and needed to see him. She took my name and asked me to wait. I waited for over 30 minutes. At that point, Mr. Viola poked his head out and told me he was getting my paperwork ready and would be right back. A few minutes later a gentleman from finance came out and asked me to come with him. He apologized for the inconvenience and advised me that I would have to re-sign all the paperwork. After 15 minutes of signing and another 20 minutes of waiting for him to reach Chrysler Financial for my pay off, he told me he would get everything into accounting so that it would be sent overnight delivery the following day Friday, August 17th for a Monday morning arrival at Chrysler Financial.

I asked to speak to Mr. Viola again. I was told that he was the only manager on duty and was extremely busy. I stopped by the receptionist desk and asked her to get Mr. Viola for me. She too indicated that he was very busy but that she would see what she could do. A few minutes later his assistant came out and asked if he could help me. I told him I needed 3 minutes of Mr. Violas time and that I was very frustrated that I could not speak to him. He again made excuses for him saying he was very busy. Getting nowhere, I left.

On Monday August 20th I called Kim at the Plano financial office to confirm the check had been sent out over night delivery on Friday as I was told on Thursday. She returned my call and left a message saying she had been out of her office on Friday and that she would take care of sending it over night delivery that day so that it would be at Chrysler Financial on Tuesday morning and there was no reason for me to call her any further.

Frustrated and feeling like I was getting the run around, I then called the owner of Central Kia of Lewisville, Paul Fotopolous who offices in the Plano financial office where I had been speaking to Kim. I was transferred to his assistants voice mail, Delia Lopez. I left a message for Mr. Fotopolous to contact me stating they could reach me on my cell phone for the remainder of the day.

Later that evening, around 8:30 PM, Chrysler Financial called again to remind me my account was now 27 days past due and that once it reached 30 days past due it would be turned over to collections and would appear on my credit history as being late. They advised me to make the July payment along with late charges of $13.47 to avoid this from happening. I attempted to explain that the dealership had admitted ownership of this oversight to pay off my loan and that they were sending the check over night and Chrysler Financial should have it by the next morning. They explained to me that even if they got payment the following day it would take 24-48 hours to process the payment and would reach the 30 day past due status before then. She highly recommended that I made the July payment to avoid this and even offered to waive the late fee to help me out. I continued to explain to her that she needed to stop the collection calls (at this point they are calling me 3 times a day) and that this was not my fault and that as a last resort, if the check was not there by close of business Tuesday August 21 that I would (reluctantly) make the July payment.

It is now 10:00 AM on Tuesday August 21 and again I have not heard from the owner of this dealership, Mr. Fotopolous or his assistant, Ms. Lopez.

Not only did I have to leave work early on several occassions, but I had to come up with another car payment for a car I gave to the Kia dealership on June 30th.

Josh of Lewisville TX (08/13/07)
On Saturday, August 11th I decided that I would try to trade in my 2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition at Central Kia of Lewiville. I thought that I would try to purchase a 2007 Kia Sportage. After walking in and talking with the salesman, named Caleb, I let him know that I have a trade in that I still owe on. He had me fill out some information so they could run my credit and other information. After he returned, he proceded to tell me that instead of trading my current car in, that I should let my car get reposessed in order to get out of the payments and that they had a company that could help get the reposession off of my credit report. I should have walked out of the building right then and there. Instead, I told him that wasn't an option for me and that I wanted to trade my car in.

Well, after he reviewed my credit history, he told me that I was going to need a cosigner, which was not a real suprise to me, since I am only 22. After I got a cosigner lined up, we went for a test drive in the Sportage, and came back to the dealership so he could take a look at my trade. We walked out to my car and, as a mistake on my part, handed him my keys at his request, so he could take a further inspection of my car. Afterwards, we walked back in so he could transfer the information he had written to other paperwork for me to sign. Well, after this, his finance manager walked up to me to talk to me about the deal. Derek, the finance manager, strongly suggested to me that I get my car reposessed, since I was upside down on my payments and that my car was pretty much worthless.

After repeated declinations of his request to just purchase the new car without trading in my car, he told me that my car was, and I quote, a piece of crap that will probably break down as I'm driving away from the dealership. I told him that I didn't want to mess up my credit with a reposession and he procedes to ask me what the difference was between letting my car get reposessed and the other negative marks on my credit report.

Well, after we get past the fact that I wasn't getting my car reposessed and being insulted about my credit, we get to a figure that I thought was somewhat decent. I was left to sit for about 30 minutes as they get their paperwork ready. I then start to think that I am getting shafted and that I have been insulted and don't want to go on with the deal. I reach for my keys, only to realize that Caleb didn't give me my keys back in order to make sure that I couldn't leave.

After being forced into the finance managers office, since I wasn't able to leave, I told them that I wasn't going to sign the paperwork and that I needed my keys back so I could leave. Well, Derek's manager, John, comes up to me and procedes again to tell me that my car is a piece of crap and that I need to be a man of my word and sign the paperwork. He told me that I was full of s*@! and walked out.

Still not having my keys, Derek comes back in and lets me know that if I don't sign the paperwork he will lose his job because his boss is mad. I told him I wanted my keys and that I was leaving. He gets up and comes back about 10 minutes later, lets me know that his boss is really p*ssed and that I need to leave as he hands me my keys, which have a tag on them as though it was already traded in.

Needless to say, I will NEVER be shopping at Central Kia again. So much for them being a family owned company who is in it to take care of the customer.

Kyle of Plano TX (05/22/07)
Bought a Kia Sorento from them that had light mileage and I was told it was a demo. Financed it as new. Everything was fine, it was a great car, until I needed maintenance and the KIA Corporation said I was the second owner and would not honor the warranty. I sent the docs to KIA to show it was financed new and they told me it had been previously sold and the warranty issued to another person and I was out of luck.

I argued with tem for a while, the car needed repairs that got worse because they would not honor the warranty, I took it to the dealer and told them to fix it or get sued, they called my lender and had it picked up as abandoned. I lost the car. The lender had known about the situation because I called them and emailed them the papers showing it was financed new and gave the the KIA manufacturer numbers and names of people I talked to . The finance company even said they were going to make the dealer buy it back. They did not. The lender is now calling for a deficiency. Please do not list my last name on a web site, the whole mess is embarrasing.

Jeff of Garland TX (05/21/07)
I purchased a used Chevy Cavalier from Central Kia of Plano on May 4th, 2007. After complaining about the way the first contract was handled, discovering I was paying $14,000 for a car worth aproximately $7000 at most and being asked to lie to the finance company with regard to the value tof the car, the financmanager offered to refinance the car with better terms and refund my original $500 down payment. I agreed after consulting an attorney and finding out I had no other recourse. I received a written and signed document stating I would receive a refund of my original deposit after the loand had funded. I have now received a payment statement from the finance company indicating the loan has been funded but have yet to receive payment.

I am owed $500

Jeff of Garland TX (05/04/07)
I went Central Kia on Monday, April 30th to purchase a used vehicle. During the application process I informed the salesperson I only had $500 to put down and could only afford $250 a month. I was asked to sign a blank purchase contract with nothing written on it except a sticky note with the amount of payment I wanted in order for them to run the financing. I was told I was approved and I asked for copies of the sales contract and all paperwork and was told, it would be mailed. On Wed. May 2, I received a call from David, who did the financing, informing me the finance company would be calling me to inquire about the vehicle.

David asked me to lie with regard to the value of the car and the equipment on it because they had to inflate the value of the car to get the payments I wanted. I became uneasy about the purchase and returned to the dealership that evening to obtain copies of the paperwork. After arguing with David for several minutes, another gentleman overheard and said they should give me a computer copy that would not have my signature. I received the copy and looked it over only to discover, I am paying $18,000 for a car valued at around $6300 at trade in, if that much.

I called Bill Holland to inform him I wanted out of the contract and he told me to bring the car back and we'll see what we can do. On Thurs of the same week, I received a call from another finance manager trying to offer me a better deal. As I told him, I cannot make it any clearer, I no longer want to do business with this dealership based on the practices I've experienced. I am returning the car, I want the loan unfunded, if it's even been funded and I want my $500 down payment back so I can purchase elsewhere. The second finance person I was speaking to, told me there are no refunds as I had signed a contract and the loan had funded. If that is the case, I have no proof of that because no one at the dealership has provided it.

The dealer has $500 of my money I would like refunded as I am returning the car.

Robert of Bedford TX (03/26/07)
My wife and I purchased a new 2007 Kia Sedona Van on March 1, 2007 at Central Kia , Lewisville, Texas. After several hours of arguing because the total figues kept changing in the finance department we agreed upon a contract. I signed all paper work but was told I could not get copies of what I signed until the car had been financed? I thought this was very strange since I have excellant credit with a score of 740. Justin said they could not give me copies of my paper work until the found a finance company? I went along with it and we left with our new car.

Several weeks later I noticed our trade in through GMAC had not been paid off. I called several times to Clint and Justin and they said everything was taken care of. As of today (3/26/07) my loan at GMAC still has not been paid off and I now owe another payment. I have not received any copies of the paper work I signed nor have we received our new tags. The dealer ship said to come by and they would put another paper plate on since the first one is expired. Justion, the finance manager, said I did not need copies of the paper work. I insisted and he said I need to call someone else in finance at the Plano store. He transferred me to someone he called Kim but I only got her voicemail.

I have called back several times but still only get her voice mail and she has not returned my message. This is still an on-going issue and Iam very confused about why this would take this long. I did receive a payment book from a finance company with a payment due now so I did make it. I did not receive and information about the finance company explaining who they were just a payment book. I assumed it was on the car since the payments were what was agreed upon?

My wife and I are very concerned about our trade in vehicle not being paid off and the fact we can not get copies of the paper work we signed. DID WE BUY A NEW CAR AND IS OUR OLD CAR GOING TO BE PAID OFF? I would never reccomend anyone purchase a car from Central Kia.

Pamela of Plano TX (03/23/07)
I bought a car and was approved on March 17, 2007. On Monday I received a call from Derrick in the finance department that I needed to come and sign some papers. So I went after work on Wed. March 21, and then I was told the loan did not get approved at the bank and they were taking back the car and would take me home. The man that told me this also said they would overnight my $1000.00 down payment to my job the next day.

I waited all day and then started calling - I can never speak to anyone I just have to leave messages and wait on a call back that never comes. I need this money to buy another car and I am currently renting a car. So they are costing me money by holding my money. I think I have been unfairly threated and they would not have treated a man the way they treated me. I need someone to call me (I've left 10 messages) and I need my money back.

I am not getting any assistance from a manager - I repeatidly requested to speak with and they just take a message. You can't even leave a voice mail. Basically they have my money. I do not have a car and I need my money back.

I was humilated by being told I could buy the car and then told (no) I would have perferred being told no up front. They rove me home. I am renting a car because they have my down payment money Since 3/17/2007 today is 3/23/2007 - I can not get another car without that $1000.00

Edna Daniels of Denton TX (03/06/07)
On February 20,2007 I contacted Central KIA by email and by phone I asked about trade-ins and qualifications.I was told to come in. We went in about 10a.m.We meaning myself and friends.

We were greeted by a sales person (Daniel).I told Daniel I spoke with a guy (Brian)over the phone and I received an email from(Gracie)I shared wth him the information that was given.He said Brian is not here right May I help you?I said I hope so.He then suggested that I take a look at what they have.After looking at the vehicles we went into his office.He gathered information from me.

He then took the information to the fiance manager (Bobby)By now it is time for me to leave to pick my children up from school (after 2:00p.m.).I told the salesman I had to drive back (about 30 mins from here)to get my kids anyway, he said when will you be back? I said to him in about an hour.How is everything looking? He said when you get back we will put you in a car.I made it back about 4:00pm. with my kids. I informed the salesman I was back and that my kids haven't eaten. How long will it be? He said less than an hour.(By the way, my children and I were outside.)

The salesman came out about 15 mins. later and said to me have you decided which vehicle you want 'I test drove 2'I showed the cars to my kids so they decided which one they all wanted.I asked Daniel which one could he get me a better deal on he said the black pontiac, for sure after my children spoke.I told Daniel let me think about it and call you tomorrow.

So I had upset kids.

Then he says to me this deal might not bee here tomorrow.At this time he was you have to do it for the kids. So beeing a parent you don't want to dissapoint your kids espicially,when their hopes are going through the roof.We went inside to discuss details.There were some disagreements. Finally,a decision was made and I had 4 happy kids.The finace manager said everything looks good and you are good to go.

The finace manager then says I will be right back this is about 6:00p.m. I said to him as well,my kids are getting aggitated because they haven't eat yet. He said it won't be long and I said that's what Daniel said earlier. We finally got to leave that car lot before just a little before 8:00p.m. On March 2,2007 I received a phone call at 10:16a.m Bobby.Telling me that he put the wrong VIN # on the bank statment so I needed to bring the car in so he could get the correct # and take photos of the car otherwise I could not get my tags.

I agreed.When I got there I had to wait on him for about an hour.He then came out with a notepad or folder and wrote the VIN and aked to see the keys so that he could check the miles on the car which all of this never really made any sense to me but they are suppose to be legit.He later calls me into his office and tells me we are taking the car.I said WHAT? What do you mean you are taking the car.I was embarrassed,humilated,and very devastated.He said I can't let you lleave here in that car.I asked him where was my trade-in do you still have iit?He said yes.Ok, I then said to him where is it and I will also need my title. I waited hour after hour for my trade-in and title.

I had been there all day and I also had a friend with me.We were hungry and had no transportation.They people at the car lot was very rude. They wanted to know why we were still there well, for one you took the pontiac and you still have my trade.What and how are we supposed to do?It was time to pick up my children from school.I had to call a friend who I had to pay to get my kids and watch until I could pick them up.

Finally,I called the cops at 3:11p.m. An officer came out and went inside to speak with the people at Central KIA in Lewisville.My trade then arrived about 30mins.later.I asked for the title and I was told you signed it over to us so technically it's not yours anymore.

They were all laughing about.I kept my cool.I left in my trade but I do not have the title.

My kids are dissappoint they showed all there friends their new car.I spent alot of time at Central KIA,I was humiliated,the people were rude except,for Daniel I am suffering from stress,emotional distress and the loss of time,I also had to pay my friend (sitter).

Kimberly of Fort Worth TX (01/02/07)
I purchased a vehicle in 9/06. I was told to lie to the finance company regarding the extra's on the vehicle: that it had auto windows, auto door locks, cruise control, etc. They said that this was so that the value of the vehicle would match the cost. I assumed that this higher cost was going to cover my state inspection, which was due in 3 months(12/06), and my registration, which was due in 4 months(1/07), however, it did not.

I am being forced to pay for this out of pocket now, and because I just dont have the money to do it, am risking a traffic ticket as a result because I need to be able to drive myself to and from work.

Kathryn of Allen TX (10/29/06)
I bought a used car, a Mitsubishi from Central Kia after being forced into a sale and buying and extended warranty policy I did not need. I tried to return it the next day as the back tire about fell off, the car shook and the car died the next day requiring a tow truck. I took it to Mitsubishi and they looked it over and said it had been in two car wrecks with much assoicated damage. They called Kia dealer who agreeed for me to return the car to them and gave me a Kia loaner. No one has dealt with the problems at Central Kia, no one calls you back. I did finally get a call saying they would fix the Mitsubishi and that was it.

I told them I do not want the damaged car back and would deal with them on a new Kia..still no response.

I am sending a certified letter to the President of Central Kia as it has been 60 days since I bought this Mitsubishi and they will not do anything and the bank keeps calling.

Joy of Euless TX (08/31/06)
I purchased a used Van from Central Kia in Irving, TX before the end of July, 2006. I was not able to use my current vehicle as a trade-in and was told I needed a $500 down payment. I payed $500 signed all the paperwork and received the keys to the van. I called the dealer the next day to let them know I forgot my copy of the sales contract but was told I would receive all copies of contract and warranty when I picked up my license plates. The week before my first payment was due (August 15th) I called my salesman, Art Sanders to let him know I had not received a payment book.

Mr. Sanders said he would look into the matter and give me a call back but not to worry. Again, I asked him about getting a copy of my sales contract but he could not answer that question. Today (August 31st) I took a day off work in order to get everything straight regarding my first payment. When I went into the dealership, I was treated with very little respect. I was told the bank wanted another $4,500 for down payment or else I had to give the van back to the dealership. This was told to me by David Tanguma (finance manager). David was very cold and non caring when I explained this is the only vehicle we have now. My husband is disabled and I'm the only means of support for my family. David could have cared less. He just shrugged his shoulders.

I asked David if he treated all his customers the same way and again he just shrugged his shoulders. I asked for a ride home since I had no other way. David got really rude with me and told me if I didn't give him the key to the van then he wouldn't get someone to take me home. His words were now how would you like that? You wouldn't like that would you? So, what's your answer? What are you going to do now? How does that make you feel to know I don't have to get you a ride home?

I feel like this was a complete misrepresentation of the truth. I have no sales contract and could not get a copy which leads me to believe this is common practice with the dealership.

Word of mouth is a very powerful tool in my opinion but I will be patient for a few days if someone will explain this fradulent procedure to me.

Robert of Dallas TX (05/21/06)
I purchased a 2004 Kia Rio Cinca 17 mths ago. Last week 05/13/2006, while on Freeway the car just completely died, after a coughing/stuttering sound and car shaking from front hood started suddenly. Luckilly was getting off an exit and was able to pull over to the median before car died totally.

When car finally at Kia dealership close to home, was told the *Cam shaft* broke. The cars oil had been changed, per the warranty every 7500 miles. Because it was done by my stepson, not KIA they refused to fix thier cam shaft unless i came up with 2500 dollars first. The reasins they gave me was 1) car had sat for 8 mths while was in another city with company car, leaving 1/4 tank to sit and go bad. 2) Left old oil in car which went bad. 3) because oil had not been changed every 3000 miles, but every 7500 miles, the cam shaft broke because not enough lubrication ,making it get stuck in the housing.

Talked to 2 seperate Service managers ,from two other varied dealerships ( not KIA). both state that the cam shaft could NOT break because car went 40,000 miles in 17 mths with 4-5 oil changes. said even one or tow oil changes would never had caused the cam shaft to break. That it must be a fault in the medal itself, or- soft metal.

Called KIA Customer Asssistance and General manger of Kia in Plano, to get them to fix thier engine defect ,per thier Liabilty* Warranty. Keeep getting the run around. Corporate office came down to check my car....and STILL wont fix thier own engine defect until I pay them to fix it.

I have 3 more years to pay on this car, can't get new car -or trade in this worthless thing. So, have no choice except to get *Raped* and pay them at least $2500, to repair thier own engine fault with the cam shaft.

I am now up to a total of 5 days renting an optima for 15/day....and car wont be rdy til next week. That means $120 for that. Have to pay KIA at least $2500 to repair the Cam shaft, that they refuse to repair. Lost a day's pay. Spent the past week being stressed out, losing sleep....worrying how much will end up paying for thier defective engine. Had to take out a loan , using the car from KIA just to obtain that $2500 they want.

Kim of Allen TX (03/16/06)
On Monday 3/13, I called Central Kia of Plano to schedule a 60,000 mile service. I was told that I would also need to have a timing belt change, which was more important then a 60,000 mile service. To have the timing belt done first, then have the 60,000 mile service done. I agreed to have this service done. I also asked to have a loaner car,I was told that o loaner car would be available on 3/16. I arrived the morning 3/16 at 7:00 am, the time the dealership opens. I was told that they have NO loaner cars, and that the person I spoke with not there. I was told MAYBE, they would have one on saturday.

I took hour two off from work to drop off my car and to pick up a loaner car. I also have to cancel a weekend trip, due to not having my car done and/or having a loaner car.

This is not the first time, I have had this kind of service at Central Kia.

1)What if my timing belt should brake during the wait, for a service. 2) I have to rent a car now, to continue with weekend plans. I feel that the serevice at Central Kia, is to say the less POOR.

John of Dallas TX (11/20/05)
I traded a 2002 Ford Mustang in for a 2005 Kia Sorento..The price for the Sorento was $21,000..i have now found a 2006 for $16k...my main complaint is that i had told them to go through with the deal..I wanted gap insurance to be included..The sales person told me don't worry about it..finance will handle..I went into financing and they told me could not add it because my interest rate would go up but assured me that my auto insurance carrys it...it doesn't...also the sales rep mis lead me...told me Kia's hold there value more than any other SUV..the value dropped to $16k once I drove off the lot..

now i feel I have been misled and the deal was put together with false information..I have contacted dealer and they have never gotten back to me.

I am now more than $6,000 upside down on my loan and feel that the dealership used illegal tactics to sell me this vehicle..I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau

Cecilia of Dallas TX (08/30/05)
On Saturday, August 28, I selected a vehicle for purchase. Up to that point, I had been very satisfied with the service I had received.

A Finance person, named Tim came in with a stack of papers for me to sign. As he explained each one and had me signing them, he told me about the Platinum coverage and told me to sing on the line. I asked him what the fee was for this and he responded that there was none, that it was part of the service.

After leaving, I mentioned this free service to a friend of mine who had also purhased a Kia. He informed me that it was not free, at all. I called Kia and was told by David, in Finance, that there was a fee associated with it. $799.99 to be exact. He went on to explain that this fee was part of the package and maybe Tim was mistaken because he was fairly new to the company.

He said he didn't know what we could do, but did offer to remove the service. I explained that I was told it was a courtesy and I didn't feel I should lose it, but shouldn't have to pay for it, either, as it was a gross misrepresentation of the company.

After leaving the telephone for several moments, he gave me the name of the number of someone else to call the following day. That call has not been made at this time.

$799 plus interest for 72 months for something I was told would cost nothing.

Alie of Mansfield TX (06/27/05)
The car had twenty-eight thousand miles on still under warranty when I noticed the oil was vanishing from the motor, no visible leaks on the ground or black smoke from the tailpipe. I brought the car back to Central Kia 8 to 10 times for the same problem and was told nothing was wrong with the car.

I was than told by the Head Mechanic at the time that I need a new engine and to leave the car so he can order it and he than gave me a loaner car to used until my car was repaired.

Seven weeks later, two days before my wedding, I received a call from Mike at Central Kia asking me if i have a car at the dealership and what is the problem with the car. I than told me, you should be telling me what is the problem with the car you have had for the past seven weeks. He than asked me, do you have our demo car? I than replied, yes, I do. than he threaten to call the police and have me arrested for stealing the demo car. Which I did not understand especially when they are the ones who gave me the car and I had the paperwork that showed they released the car to me until my car was repaired.

About, 10 minutes later I received another car from them telling me, my car was ready and they did not find anything wrong with my car, and I need have their back within the hour or they are going to call the police and tell them I have stolen their car.

Once, I arrived at the dealership they had 3 of their people waiting for me, I asked for a copy of my prior work orders and was told they do not have to and will not give them to me. I was than told they have called the police and to get off their property and never come back. Since, I had to tie-up alot of loose ends for my wedding. I left and still have the same problem, every 5 hundred miles I have to put 4 qts in my car.

Candice of Grapevine TX (03/26/05)
The promises to help with credit problems and says it Approves everyone. When we called we were reluctant to give info such as the SS number we just wanted to know how they can approve poeple like us in our postion their persistant loan officers told us that they have worked with less and will have us approved in 15 minutes.

We received no calls and went to call them back and all three dealerships had no recollection of the application we filled out with the SS number that is somewhere. This is not what to expect from a big dealership that promises things to treat the poeple who need their business more, not only that but with indentity theft high in the metroplex they didn't really do their part in preventing the problem either. We will not ever buy a Kia from Central and will probaly tell friends and neighbors of our disappointment.

Total dissatifaction with the New car buying process.

Sandra of Irving TX (10/18/04)
I traded in a 2002 PT Cruiser on 9/3/04. On 9/14/04, when I came back in town from vacation I had a Dallas County parking ticket. The ticket was dated 9/30/04. Whoever they sold the car to did not change the title. They may not have sold the car yet, it may have been someone at the dealership. I spoke to the general manager just to ask about the ticket and to find out what the chain of command was on a trade-in. He was immediately hostile and extremely rude. I told him if he could not speak in a normal tone of voice I would find someone over his head to speak with. He said Honey, there is no one over me. Somehow I doubt that. I called Dallas County and they told me to fill out a transfer of ownership and fax it to them and they would send the ticket to him. There is a small amount of justice.

I just can not imagine a dealership that has a general manager that is extremely rude to their customers. So buyer beware when you are buying from these people. I also only received one key to the car I bought. I'm afraid to ask what happened to the other keys I should have gotten. I'm afraid his head will explode.

If I had to pay the ticket it would have been $55.00. I don't know how much it will cost to get extra keys.

Erik of Mckinney TX (11/06/02)
I've had numerous problems with the 2001 Kia Sephia I purchased in Feb 2001. Some of the problems were small, some more severe. Bottom line, my car's had problems, still does, and the service staff at this location has been very difficult at times to work with.

Let's take it all the way back to when I got the car. First off, I was promised 3 free oil changes by the salesman. The first 3 times the oil needed to be changed, I did eventually get all 3 for free, but it was like pulling teeth to get it done. It required numerous phone calls to the salesman, sales manager, and service manager, to coordinate this.

Next, I noticed a couple of strange things after owning the car a few weeks. First, a section of the dash board, by the glove box was discolored, and didn't match like it should the rest of the dash. The dealership replaced this. Next I noticed a few weeks after owning the car, that it shimmied a little bit on the road. Came to find out during one of my free oil changes, that the left rear wheel was bent. I never bent it, told Kia they should fix it, however Kia refused too.

Then a few months later the radio in the car completely stopped working. Kia replaced it, but it took a few weeks, waiting for them to get one in. I kept having to call and check back with parts before scheduling an appt, to see if they had one yet. Shouldn't they do this?

Next, one day my car wouldn't start, was just completely dead. Jump started it and took it to Kia, and they either replaced the battery or alternator, around 30,000 miles.

But here's my biggest complaint. Every since the car was around 9,000 miles, it started having brake problems. Prior to those 9,000 miles I'd already had numerous run-ins with the Central Kia service dept, and felt it would be pointless to pursue this. The car has a major brake problem, and has since at around 9,000 miles. At that time, Central Kia had a different service manager, who was very difficult to get along with. So I just assumed I was screwed. Now I'm finding out that Kia's are known for rotor/drum/pad problems, and very expensive repairs, at low mileage. There are tons of different articles on the internet discussing this, if you do a search. Anyway, I now suspect all this is worn out on my car, and will cost hundreds to replace. So why am I complaining?

The staff at Central Kia has always been, in my opinion, difficult to work with. From the salesperson, to the sales manager, to the service mgr's. If they had been a more customer service oriented company, and less difficult to work with, I'd have really pressed the brake issue around 9,000 miles, which as I understand it, would have meant most of my brake problems at that point would be under warranty.

I'd highly recommend, based on my own personal experience, that a person think twice before purchasing a Kia, or dealing with Central Kia in Dallas.

Christa of 1002 Edmonds Ln #104 TX (09/18/02)
My boyfriend and I went to Central Kia of Plano in Aug. 2002 to buy a used car. We were greeted by a new salesmen who turned out to be very foul-mouthed. I test drove a 2000 Kia Sephia and liked it. We waited for an hour or so for the finance department. Finally someone came to tell us that the salesmen WRECKED the car while filling up the gas tank. We were then assigned a more experienced rep, and promised that we'd get a SWEET deal on another car. There weren't too many used Kias on the lot, so I chose to test drive a used 2002 Kia Spectra. I noticed a lot of stains in the car, and was assured twice by the salesman that the car would be detailed before we left. Again we waited for the finance department, and was quoted around $8,000. The salesman didn't seem too sure.

Finally we went in to discuss the contract, and the when the numbers $11,200 came out of the finance mans mouth I about died. A sweet deal became sour. I puckered up and took it (I was thinking about my current car with no a/c, and it was about to kick the bucket). After 6 hours, we were handed the keys and I was ready to get out of there. Stepping into the car, I saw the stains were still there, the cigarette lighter was missing, and when I asked my boyfriend to see if his viser had a mirror, the viser latch that was attached to the ceiling fell off. IT WAS JUST SITTING THERE WAITING TO FALL!

Things went well for a few weeks, until I heard rattling under the car. Then after my boyfriend changed my oil, we noticed that the dipstick was too short to measure the oil level. I had had it. I called them on Sept. 18th to complain, and there wasn't a soul there to help me. I was refused by the service department about the rattling, telling me that the sales department handles that (doesn't make too much sense). My advice: DO NOT buy a KIA from Central Kia of Plano!

I'm paying more money for a used 2002 car, when I really wanted an older car. I feel like a real dipstick. I'm not the one to complain, but I feel like I should be calling them up and yelling.

Glen of McKinney TX (1/8/01):
My wife and I traded our 1997 Black Mercury Sable, fully loaded, and in return purchased a 2000 Kia Sportage from Central Kia on January 6th, 2001 in the evening. We looked at a 2000 model and were interested because of the price/rebate. We took a brief test drive and went inside to see if we could be approved - the details and specifications of the car were never explained to us because they weren't sure we would be approved.

The only thing we noticed wrong with the car was a 3" x 2" piece of paint missing off the right rear bumper, which they agreed to have repainted on Monday and a Due Bill was issued. There were also a few small scratches to be repaired. Naturally, it took quite a while to become approved and do the paperwork. By this time it was dark out.

We were rushed because of their closing time and the car was never detailed (cleaned, vacuumed) because we were told that the cleaning staff were lazy and soon to be fired. This is where we had our first bad feelings about this company. We were foolish enough to agree to the sticker price even with the paint damage - we were being flexible. We didn't even ask for one penny off the 'sticker price'. We were surprised we were even getting approved.

The next morning, we got in the car to go to church and my wife noticed what seemed to be dry blood in the knee area on the dashboard. Since she had a light color on, I cleaned it off and on the rag it turned red. Then she noticed dry blood on the side of the driver's seat and sun visor. Upon further inspection, we noticed that there were small leaves under all the mats, in between the seats, and EVEN the GLOVE BOX. The car appeared to be USED and was sold to us as New.

After church, my husband drove back to the dealer and they were closed. Monday morning, I went to speak with Sanders (our salesman) and/or owner of the dealership. Sanders went out to the car and also saw the bloodstains. He apologized, then said he would get me a different 2000 model or into a 2001 that had the same features/price comparable because of the trouble.

Sanders then asked me if I would accept the 2001 Kia Sportage in Silver that had the exact features and a $350 price difference. I asked if my payments would go up and he said "No" and then replied, "We will eat the cost difference between the old and new model - Don't you worry, my main concern is to make my customers happy".

I also told him then that I was concerned about the high mileage, 2139 miles, and he said that was a concern of his, too. He then said "Before I showed you the car the night before, I asked Vernell if it was all right to sell this car with the high mileage and Vernell said 'Don't worry about it'". I then apologized for the inconvenience and he said "Don't dare apologize, it was our mistake".

Sanders wrote up the change of paperwork for the new car, brought it to Mickey (his supervisor), which at that time, Mickey strongly disagreed with Sanders, and said, "The best he could do was to try to clean this car up". I then asked Mickey if he could try to get the same model from a different dealer, which they normally can. He said they would try to get a different car to replace it and to call in the afternoon.

I left for work with hopes to be satisfied. I came back later that day to see if they were going to fix the problem and they said they didn't find another model and blew the issue off like it was no big deal. Mickey said "We'll just clean it up for you" and I told him I don't want a car that had blood in it and seemed to be used. I told him just give me my Sable back and we'll void the deal. He replied, "You can't do that" and started getting angry. I then asked to speak to a higher manager or the owner and he flat out refused, and said again "We have to clean the car up".

On another note, Mickey told me has only been employed by that dealership for 9 days. I left angry and my wife and mother-in-law pulled up as I walked out the door. That's when Vernelle walked up and saw my wife was upset and asked us what was wrong - we told him what happened. That's when Vernelle told us that we bought a Demo Car. This was the first time those words came out of ANYONE'S mouth. If we knew that it was a Demo Car, we would have NEVER PURCHASED IT. Vernelle said "I apologize if I didn't tell you before" and I said 'It's too late now, an apology won't fix this'. Vernelle and Sanders were very pleasant, even though they were deceitful.

I AM A PERSON WHO NEVER, EVER BUYS ANYTHING USED. We were flat out lied to, and are now being denied any rights. We all went back in to ask why were sold a Demo Model without being told and Mickey said, "You signed for it, it's yours - we didn't force you to sign anything." My wife asked to speak to the owner, again, and he said we couldn't talk to him; we had to make an appointment. Mickey had a very arrogant attitude and seemed like he didn't want to remedy the problem, even telling my wife and mother-in-law to their faces "There's nothing he could do for us". He told us "We don't have to tell you it's a Demo Model". I then lost my cool and swore at him.

Mickey walked us to the front door, told us "Here's the door" and said "Leave, call later to make an appointment with the owner, I can't help you". I then said 'Whatever happened to customer satisfaction?'. They just seem like they wanted to get rid of this particular car and are glad they found two suckers. The bad thing is, my wife and I are the suckers and we are looking to you for help. We just want what we paid for - A NEW CAR.

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