On February 4th, 2011, I walked into Autoland Dealer to buy a brand new Toyota Yaris. After I test drove the Yaris, I was told that I couldn't have it financed because my credit score was too low (525). So, I asked them if I can finance a certified car that is economic because I work as independent contractor and wanted a vehicle that would save me gas. So, they suggested a Toyota Matrix 2007 that had 43,000 miles. They were selling it for $15.500. I test drove it and decided to take it after they told me it's very economic and has a 1.8 engine. They exploited me for the low score I have and killed me with the interests. They charged me 21.5% after I traded my 1994 Toyota Camry, which they bought for $500, and put $3500 as a down payment (Total of $4000) and charged me a total of $30,000 after they dropped the price of the car (According to the unethical guy who does the financial service, Rafiq Shami) to $11.500. So, I was charged 19,000 dollars interests. My monthly payment is $436.00 (A total of 60 payments, including the 4000 I put down). They added some extra stuff that I never asked for, that was done by Frank (can't remember the last name) and Rafiq Shami, so they financed $7000 on the top of the price of the car, so instead of financing $8000 after the down payment I put for the car, they ended up financing 15,000k after they added GAP, Insurance and disability, maintenance, low jack, and 100k warranty. To make the long story short, I signed all the paperwork at 820pm, the next morning I realized after I drove around that the vehicle is not economic. and that they killed me with the interests 21.5 APR, so I returned to the dealer the next morning and told them I changed my mind and that I want to return the vehicle back. I know by law I have up to 3 days to return the vehicle if I feel it does not meet my criteria, but they were very nasty to me. Rafiq Shami avoided me when I wanted to talk to him. Frank was extremely rude and disrespectful. He refused to give me my bank information when I asked him for it because he was afraid to lose the deal after he sent them my informaton electronically. I spoke to the assistant general manager Joe Catena, who was as rude as the other finance people I spoke to and told me after I told him I don't like the vehicle cause it's not economic enough and want to return it:"I have been in this business for so long and can tell about people who bullshit me from the top of my head." I got very upset and felt offended and told him:"I don't like bullshit either. The reason I bought this vehicle is because you told me it's economic, but it's not saving me any gas money. I'm spending the exact same amount of money I was spendiing on the Camry I traded." Again with rudeness, he said:"There is nothing I can do. I'm nor arguing with you anymore."
I filed a complaint 2 days later at The head office of Toyota and told them what happened. They gave me a case number and said that someone will return my call after they apologized to me for the experience I had and the way I was treated. Three days later, someone called me from Autoland, her name was Paula who said with rudeness, what do you want us to do? I can't take the vehicle back and I can't change its milleage for you.
I regret the moment I walked into that dealer and saw these scams who ripped me off and took advantage of my low score to knock me out with 21.5 interests. I ask you to publish my story to the public so they can be aware of these gangs who rip people off to make a living. I hope one day they get what they deserve.
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