These Are The 7 Worst Car Dealerships In Texas
Buying a car can be exciting, but you need to do business with a reputable dealer to have the best experience possible. For many Texans, the entire ordeal has turned into a nightmare due to some of the dealerships in the area. They’ve found some dealers with misleading pricing, bad customer service, and dishonest business practices. Looking on Reddit, there have been countless stories of scams, price hikes, and more. Here’s a look at seven of the worst car dealerships in Texas, according to Redditors.
1. Toyota of Grapevine
Toyota of Grapevine has its fair share of poor reviews online. Many people pointed out that the dealership uses aggressive sales tactics, which make customers feel pressured to buy. Additionally, they’ve been singled out for providing misleading quotes to get people in the door. Once you arrive, you’ll find the car you were looking at to be much more expensive or it will suddenly have been sold. Customers often feel like they are just another number rather than a valued client. Ultimately, one Reddit user simply said, “Toyota of Grapevine is awful.” That’s really all you need to know.
2. Shottenkirk Toyota
Shottenkirk Toyota has been called out for its lack of transparency in pricing. Many customers report experiencing bait-and-switch tactics, where the advertised price differs from the actual cost. Financing at this dealership can also be a headache, with hidden fees and high-pressure sales tactics. Poor customer service is another common issue, with many buyers complaining about unresponsive staff. Complaints about deceptive warranty upsells have also surfaced.
On Reddit, one person wrote, “Avoid Shottenkirk Toyota. Like the plague. If you see one of their advertisements for a car at a specific price and you go there, there is zero chance you can buy the car for the price they advertise. They have two to $5000 in additional fees.”
3. Maxwell Ford
Customers had similar complaints about Maxwell Ford. The dealership has built a reputation for poor customer service and unreliable sales practices. Buyers often report encountering excessive wait times, even when they have an appointment. The finance department is notorious for misleading customers about loan terms and interest rates. Many shoppers feel blindsided by unexpected charges on their final contract. Vehicle maintenance at their service center is also criticized for long delays and subpar work.
“Went to look at a truck they had on Auto Trader some years back,” one person wrote on Reddit. “When I arrived the sticker price was higher so I asked about it. The guy outright said they list a lower price to get you to come in. This is illegal. Went to CarMax after that and no BS.”
4. AutoNation South Austin
AutoNation South Austin is often mentioned for its high-pressure sales tactics. Customers frequently complain about misleading promotions that aren’t honored when they arrive at the dealership. The service department has also been called out for poor communication and long repair times. Many buyers report issues with financing, including hidden costs and pushy sales reps. Even post-purchase support is lacking, making it difficult for customers to resolve issues.
5. Planet Ford
Planet Ford has been accused of using deceptive advertising to lure in customers. Buyers often find that the deals they see online are not available when they visit in person. The dealership has a history of tacking on extra fees and unnecessary add-ons. High-pressure sales tactics make the buying process stressful rather than enjoyable, with one Reddit user calling the salespeople “sleazy.” The service department is also frequently criticized for poor workmanship and long wait times.
6. Legacy Ford
Legacy Ford has consistently received complaints about dishonest business practices. Many buyers report sales representatives being unwilling to honor online pricing. Financing is another area of concern, with hidden fees and excessive interest rates being a common complaint. Customers often experience long delays when trying to get their vehicles serviced. Unresponsive management makes it difficult to resolve issues, leaving buyers feeling frustrated.
Additionally, one Redditor alleged that they “lost” their car keys while there. This made them feel like they were being held hostage until the sale of the new car was complete.
7. Classic Chevrolet
Classic Chevrolet has a reputation for poor communication and deceptive pricing. Many buyers report experiencing last-minute changes to their deals without clear explanations. The finance department often adds extra fees that weren’t previously disclosed. The service center is also notorious for overcharging and recommending unnecessary repairs. Pushy sales tactics make the car-buying experience more stressful than it should be. One Redditor said that the salespeople are tapping on the window of your car before you even have the chance to get out!
Choose Wisely When Buying a Car in Texas
When it comes to the worst car dealerships in Texas, you would probably do well to avoid these seven. Many previous customers found that their sales tactics were pushy and, in some cases, ethically questionable. The overwhelming number of bad reviews should serve as a warning. So, before you move forward with a purchase, make sure you do your research. And always be prepared to walk away if it doesn’t feel right. You have all the power as the customer.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.