Some customers have reported horror stories at Kia dealerships regarding the salespeople. For example, they were promised certain features or add - ons when purchasing the car, but when they received the vehicle, those things were not there. And the dealership then was very difficult to deal with in terms of trying to get what was promised. They would give excuses like it was a misunderstanding or that the particular model doesn't actually come with those features, even though it was clearly stated in the contract.
One horror story could be a dealership selling a Kia with hidden mechanical problems. The customer bought the car, only to find out a few days later that there were major engine issues. When they took it back, the dealership refused to take responsibility and tried to blame the customer for the damage.
I once heard a story from a friend who went to Applebees. She ordered a special meal for her birthday. However, when the food came, it was completely different from what she ordered. When she tried to talk to the server about it, the server was very rude and unhelpful. They refused to correct the order and just walked away. It was a really bad experience for her. And there are also stories about long waiting times for a table even when the restaurant didn't seem that busy. It made the customers frustrated and unhappy.
Some customers might have received cars in much worse condition than described. For example, a customer could get a car with major mechanical issues that were not disclosed before the purchase.
The most common horror story could be related to the lack of transparency. Dealerships may not disclose all the information about the vehicle's history, such as if it has been in an accident before. Or they might not be clear about the full cost of ownership, including things like maintenance fees and potential future repairs. This lack of transparency can really put the customer at a disadvantage and make them feel cheated when they later discover these hidden aspects.
One Kia horror story could be about a Kia vehicle suddenly losing power while on the highway. It was really scary for the driver as they were in the middle of fast - moving traffic and had to quickly maneuver to the side of the road to avoid an accident.
I heard of a case where a customer was pressured into signing a very expensive financing deal at a car dealership. The salesperson was very pushy and didn't fully explain all the terms. Later, the customer realized they were paying way more in interest than they should have and it was a nightmare to try and get out of the deal.
A common one is being overcharged. Dealerships sometimes charge exorbitant prices for simple parts and labor. For example, a friend was charged three times more for a brake pad replacement compared to what an independent mechanic would charge.
A lot of people have horror stories about unprofessional salespeople during test drives. They might be rude or try to intimidate you into buying. For instance, I know someone who had a salesperson that started yelling at them when they didn't like the car enough to make an offer right away. It's unacceptable behavior in a dealership environment.
One of the most common dealership horror stories is the bait - and - switch tactic. They'll advertise a great car at a great price to get you in the door. But when you get there, they'll say that car is sold or has some issues, and then try to sell you a more expensive model. Also, getting stuck with a lemon is a horror story many face. Buying a car that constantly breaks down and the dealership refuses to take responsibility.
I had a nightmare experience at a dealership. They had advertised a great deal on a new model. When I got there, they added all sorts of hidden fees. The price went up by thousands. And the salesperson was really pushy, trying to get me to sign the papers right away without explaining all the costs clearly. It was a total rip - off.
One common horror story is being sold a lemon. Dealerships might sell cars with hidden mechanical problems. Another is the bait - and - switch tactic. They advertise a great deal on a car, but when you get there, they say it's already sold and try to push you towards a more expensive option. And of course, there are those pushy salespeople who won't leave you alone and use high - pressure sales techniques.