Longtime listener. Never had a good deal with the dealer. Appreciate your dealership references. Lease was up on my KIa EV 6. Kia has terrible customer service. Looking for new electric car. Because of your recommendation went to Patterso Motors, Tustin, California. Had no intention of signing a contract but the salesman said, "we'll pay her last four months auto payments if you want to buy this car. I thought, "great deal!" For me, the inference (especially because there are also a Kia dealer) we shall in your contract with Kia and now you can lease an Iconic Five. He forgot to tell me but you still all the closing costs, over $2000. So did the man was closing the financial deal. Had he told me that, but never least the car. My Kia, terrific shape, 22,000 miles on it. It sold quickly as I was picking up the Kia Contact information. This was in February 14, 2026. In May 2026 I received a bill from Kia for $2000. I phoned the salesperson: "I'll take care of that right away." Nothing happened. Went back to the dealership in person and talk with Rick Majors, head of the sales department: "No worries, we will take care that!" I called Kia finance. He still owed the money. Three unanswered phone calls, I called Frank Joubran, general manager. For the first time Tustin Hyundai told me I have the money. Frank made a deal with me, but I still had to pay $1200. My problem: they told me the truth the day I stopped in the look I would have NEVER leased a new car into my contract was over. Bottom line: I am 94 years old and wonder about your recommendation of a good dealership? What is your opinion in this case? Thank you, Bill Aulenbach, (949) 240 – 2933
dealerships
Started by bilaulenbach · June 17, 2026 at 7:31 PM ETbilaulenbach
OP
TheCarGuy
Bill,
First, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Based on what you've described, I can certainly understand why you're frustrated. If a customer is told that a dealership will make the remaining lease payments, most people would reasonably assume that any remaining financial obligations related to ending that lease had been fully explained up front.
I don't know that I could recommend dealerships that are good anymore, I always go into every deal thinking that I need to read every word...it's a zero trust environment for me which is sad to say...
Without seeing the paperwork, I can't determine exactly what was disclosed during the transaction, however, I do believe dealerships should clearly explain all costs associated with ending a lease before a customer signs a new agreement. Surprises that appear months later are never a good experience.
I appreciate you sharing your experience because it provides important feedback for both me and other consumers.
For anyone leasing a vehicle, your story is a good reminder to ask specifically whether there are any remaining lease-end charges, disposition fees, excess wear charges, or other costs that will remain the customer's responsibility even if a dealership agrees to make the remaining payments.
Thank you for taking the time to share what happened, and I'm glad that at least a partial resolution was reached, even though it wasn't the outcome you expected.