Railroaded...Problem with a Dealer

So I didn't know where to post this problem but I'm burnin' midnight oil and super pissed, so wanna see if some fellow Tacoheads can help me out.

I approached a dealer online about a truck they had listed at a certain price, supposedly a TRD base model. After getting on the phone and expressing interest, I was realizing it was what I had been looking for. I began asking technical questions about features like rear diff lock and A-Trac and what not. I tech-talked so well that they put a Tacoma guy on to answer my questions.

As we rapped he started saying things like he didn't know base models could have this and that, he realized that it was probably not a base. He didn't say it, but I think we both knew unsaid. Anyway, I told him I was interested in making a deposit, let me just call right back because I want to talk to my wife and move some money around for this $1K+ deposit. He said sure and gave him his own personal number.

So I give a call back within the hour, and no response. Text him, email, sent responses to the general manager guy who sent something, as well as the guy who initially called me. Three different guys, radio silence. Then I get the call several hours later. Truck's been sold. Well, damn. At least I have another one that I kinda have been falling harder for, so I wasn't super broken as much as annoyed. This has happened several times already when a truck sells out from under me...three times in fact, once while I was in the dealer's chair waiting to test drive. So I was frustrated but moved on quickly with a concrete option in place.

Well, as the truck isn't ready for a week, I keep up my nightly scan of available trucks routine. And lo and behold, what do I find? The truck they told me was sold.....LISTED AT A HIGHER PRICE! Almost $1.4K more. Those bastards took the info I GAVE THEM and used it to raise the price!!!

My question....where do I post here for advice? Is this shit even legal? Help me out....I feel used and abused.

 

As Kenny Rogers once sang, or something similar...

You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run.
Never let the dealer know that you know more than they do or they will kill the deal on that truck while you lye in your sleep.

 

Though I get what you're saying, this online sales deal is impossible to navigate that way. Travel hundreds of miles without asking a couple questions on if the truck has features? Gotta do due diligence somewhere.

What burns me more is they said they would take my deposit, then they said it's sold. Killer of dreams, I tell you what.

 

Legal??? Yes. Moral? No. You showed your hand and they capitalized on it. Move on. You won't be able to sue and get any money...…………..well you shouldn't be able to, but in today's world...………….who knows.

This could have gone in the 3rd gen section

It sucks that people are that way, but it's the world we live in. Just try to do right by others is all you can do. You'll find a truck eventually. Or pay the higher price

You might try leaving a bad review on Google. I know a guy that was having problems with the dealership. He left a bad Google review and within minutes they called him. He went by the dealer to get them to check his battery. They said they couldn't do it. After his review, they gave him a free battery and an apology.

 

It is legal since you didn't have a contract, be glad you didn't deal with a shady dealership. Leave reviews and walk away.

 

Oh I totally understand what you are going thru. Dealerships today are what used car dealers were years ago. They will lie, steal or whatever it takes to make a buck. I believe they hate online sales. They are more informed buyers that they can't make as much off of so they use them as a last resort.

 

Alright guys, I got it. My ass got handed to me. Gotta do my best from fuzzy pics I guess. Live and learn and learn and learn.

Pardon me while I'm off to cut throats in reviews.

 

I've never left a bad review, so take this with a grain of salt. I would make sure it's well written and doesn't sound like a douchebag just bitching b/c he didn't get what he thinks he's entitled to. Explain all the fine details. Make sure it's grammatically correct. If I'm ever reading a review and see what looks like a 2nd grader wrote it, I brush off everything they say. Make sure you put what model it was, the original price, and the new price. It may help someone out.


Edit: I forgot and told a lie. I have left one bad review. It was to the ice cream vending machine company at my hospital. It took my money a couple of times. I emailed and called with no response. After I left a bed FB review, the company called me that same day. They sent me a check for $10. I haven't bought any ice cream since. I don't agree with the fact it took a bad public review for them to do the right thing. I tried to handle it "quietly" and let them be the "good guy".

 

Duly noted.

Admittedly I'm on fire right now. But I'll put it together rationally and with thought and do the final edit(s) before hitting "Post" all in the morning. But I am going to name drop like bird shit all over the damn driveway.

 

I get it, I'd be pissed too. People should honor their "word". I just know that if I saw a bad review that wasn't well thought out and structured...…...I'd just lean towards "self entitled asshole" or "dumb shit". I'm Southern, so I damn well know I have an accent , but I don't write like it