Local Toyota dealership sold my car after taking my deposit

General Discussions and Questions
1

I went to my local Toyota dealer today and put down a $300 deposit to secure a RAV4 Hybrid for three days. They told me the car was reserved for me because another customer was also interested. I even got a receipt and confirmation.

A few hours later, they called to say the car had been sold to someone else. Now they’re calling me with offers for other cars. My partner and I are really upset because we passed on other opportunities based on their promise.

I’m thinking about my next steps and maybe even legal action. Does anyone have advice or been in a similar situation?

2

Just get your deposit back and go to a different dealer. This one clearly doesn’t deserve your business.

3

LisaLovesToyota said:
Just get your deposit back and go to a different dealer. This one clearly doesn’t deserve your business.

Yeah, take the refund, leave a bad review, and move on. Not worth the stress.

4

LisaLovesToyota said:
Just get your deposit back and go to a different dealer. This one clearly doesn’t deserve your business.

Make sure to email the dealership’s manager and include a copy of your new sales contract from a better dealer. Let them know they lost your business because of their shady practices.

5

@Felix
Honestly, the managers at dealerships are often just as bad as the salespeople. They’re usually involved in these kinds of decisions.

6

You should name the dealership. Let people know who to avoid.

7

Laine said:
You should name the dealership. Let people know who to avoid.

I’ll post the name after I have my meeting with them tomorrow. I want to make sure I get my deposit back first.

8

@Foster
Why even bother meeting with them? They’ve already shown they can’t be trusted. Just get your money back and move on.

9

@Foster
Don’t forget to leave them a one-star review everywhere you can.

10

@Foster
Also, report them to the Better Business Bureau. It might not fix anything, but it’s worth a shot.

11

Zyler said:
@Foster
Also, report them to the Better Business Bureau. It might not fix anything, but it’s worth a shot.

BBB complaints are mostly symbolic, but some businesses take them seriously. Still, you might want to report them to the FTC or your state’s attorney general instead.

12

Toyota lets their dealers pull these stunts all the time. I had a similar experience where they promised me a certified pre-owned truck but sold me something that wasn’t even certified. They even faked paperwork. I’ll never trust Toyota again.

13

If you’re still interested in dealing with them, use this as leverage to demand a big discount on another car. It might save you money and avoid a legal headache.

14

Legal options probably aren’t worth your time. Just go to a different dealership.

15

I had the same issue with a Toyota dealer. I ended up buying from an out-of-state dealer and had a much better experience. Sometimes it’s worth traveling for better service.

16

Why didn’t you just buy the car when you had the chance? Deposits don’t always mean much if someone else is ready to pay in full.

17

Your best bet is to take your deposit back, write a scathing review, and go elsewhere. Legal action over this isn’t going to be worth the time or money.

18

Get your refund and file a complaint with Toyota USA. They don’t like their dealerships tarnishing their brand. Also, leave a detailed online review to warn others.

19

It’s just a RAV4. There are tons of them out there. Why not let them find you another one and push for a discount instead of wasting energy on legal threats?

20

Car dealerships are some of the worst businesses out there. This just proves it again.