December 2019 by Dennis R.
I am writing today to Share my experience with Sunbelt Ford of Americus Georgia. The dealership is located 250 miles from my home. Sunbelt Ford of America. 1710 US Highway 280 E, Americus, GA 31709 (229) 924-2702. General Manager Chase Pines, Sales Manager Michael Franic. I am 67 years old and a decorated Gulf War Veteran. I have been the automobile industry for of 40 years, I have bought numerous cars in my life time, and I have never in my life had the experience I had with Independent Ford dealership. They Lied to me I drove 250 miles to look at this car they tried to force me into buying the car that was not detailed or cleaned up properly. I have been looking for a 2017 Lincoln MKT. One that was located at this dealership in Georgia. I called the dealership I spoke to a sales person, she was Nice. She then had the sales manager come to the phone. I carefully explained to him what I was looking for and at the same time I explained that my purchase of this vehicle was tied to my 2015 Lincoln MKC. I carefully explained to him that I sold my present car which is a 2015 Lincoln MKC. And that I was waiting on a wire transfer to my bank and after I received that transfer I was going to wire transfer those funds to the financial company that my current car is financed with and that I would have to wait for the title to come back and I could pay off my current car which had a balance of $19000. I also advised the sales manager there, I had already been pre approved for the purchase of his. The bank requirement was I had to pay off my MKC. This would take 7 to 10 days. But I would leave a $1000 deposit. He told me I could come look at the car and he would be glad to work with me again this was after me explaining that it would be 7 to 10 days before I would get a clear title back on my transfer. Sop after driving 250 miles. Upon arrival I was greeted by the sales manager as well as a very nice sales lady. I inspected the car The 1st thing I noticed is that the car had not even been detailed, the engine was dirty that he terminals on the battery were corroded the sales lady apologized and told me the car had been setting on the lot for 2 months, but reassured me that it would be detailed in cleaned up but that they were closed tomorrow and it would have to wait tall the following Monday and I told her then that would be no problem because I had already discussed this with the sales manager that I was waiting on transfer of funds before I could move forward with the purchase of this car.I went with the sales manager to his office to arrange the purchase of the car. The sales manager at that point said to me would you consider financing the vehicle through Ford credit instead of using your own already pre approved loan from my local bank. I said I did not have a problem with that as long as the interest rate was no higher. He left had the sales lady come in and she started to take my information said they would have to run a credit check. The sales manager came back into the office and said he could not hold the car and did not want my $1000, What he wanted me to do was he was going to push the loan through on Ford credit and have me purchase the car without me even selling my 2015 Lincoln. I explain to the sales manager that I did not feel comfortable with this. If the buyer for my car and if that fell through, then I would be stuck with my car and His car owing $188.00 in two car payments. Now hind sight told me why he was doing this Saturday was November the 30th which is the end of their sales he was trying to meet his quota I was so upset I got up and I left. He followed me out the door and he tried to argue with me. I told him he was unprofessional, and was going to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and contact the owner at that point he said he's here you can talk to him now. I left the dealership I drove off. And approximately a 1/2 mile I realize I had left my wallet on the desk back at the dealership, I drove back to retrieve the wallet the Owner came out to my car, of course I was upset. I never wa
