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December 2023 by Trevor C.
I hate Lafontaine in Highland now. After searching all over for a car to meet my specific needs, I finally found one at Highland Lafontaine, or so I thought. I had to buy all new tires for the car before I could even use it. That should've been the first red flag, but I was stubborn because I really wanted this car to workout. Not even a month into ownership I had to return the car to the dealer for repairs to the heating system and the suspension. Lafontaine's repair shop diagnosed the issues and ended up holding onto my car for just under a month (way longer than I expected). Also while in possession of my vehicle the service shop employees left marijuana paraphernalia in my center counsel. They never made amends for it either. They just brushed it under the rug. As a courtesy the dealer provided me with a free loaner. Except their private rental company is ran by mob bosses who call you and threaten you if you don't pay quick enough. When I finally got my vehicle back the service department told me they ended up repairing something completely different than what they originally told me and that it should've fixed the issue. They didn't touch my suspension. About a week after the repair I had to bring the car in again for a check engine light. I asked about the paraphernalia left in my car and was met with skepticism as though I made the whole thing up. Now I finally took the vehicle to 2 other places to get a second and third opinion and lo and behold my car needs a new cam shaft assembly. A repair upwards of $1000. I've spoken to a lawyer and I qualify for the Michigan lemon law act since the car has spent more than 30 days out of use due to service, has had multiple repairs and is still under manufacture warranty. I wish Lafontaine would have made me whole the many, many opportunities I gave them, but they chose not to.
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September 2023 by Shelly T.
They sold my daughter a car that had issues. Took over a month to get the issue fixed (after being reported to the BBB). Awful experience with LaFontain and would never recommend anyone purchase from them.
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September 2023 by Brian Q.
I went to buy a new truck and trade mine in. They took my truck for test drive to determine how much it was worth for the trade in. They came back and said that the service engine soon light was on (which is was not nor has ever been on) and that the car would jump when accelerating. That was not true either so they said they could only offer me $8k for my truck. I took it to Al Serra and they told me that Bob of those things were true and gave me $15k for my truck. They are untrustworthy and unethical in their practices. I would not recommend a LaFontaine dealership especially this one to buy or sell a car with.
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July 2023 by Ryan K.
8 months ago I took my truck to LaFontaine. It had front end damage. They quoted me 13k and said it was a big job but no reason it wouldn't be done in February or by March. They wanted all the parts expenses up front, which being a buisness owner I do the same and i thought it was fair so 10000$ was given in December. We'll here we are almost July, the amount nearly doubled. One issue after another, delay after delay, parts that I paid for in December weren't ordered till the day they were gonna put them on only to be on backorder, waiting weeks to fit and finish one bumper sensor? Then taking 4 days to install the grill and get an alignment. And their driving it back and forth out of alignment on brand new $2800 tires? I burned up my spare truck running it everyday for 8 months doing the work this 90k truck is supposed to be doing. And most recently lost multiple jobs and customers due to thinking truck would be done and then new excuse? I have been told at least 8 times my truck will be done this day or this week only to be let down. Now we're thinking Monday after I expected it today. I guess they Still couldn't get alignment done in a 8 hour day? I received a call from a manager he said I'd hear back from him that day never did. Thomas Montgomery. Finally went to pick up truck they were insistent on cashiers check and I had to pay before I could see or test vehicle. Drove home and ac went out. Took it back it needed new seals, should have had new ones during repair? Also they left new tow hooks in cab and installed damaged ones on truck. Spoke to manager about it he said they would correct it. 2 days later I get truck again this time I didn't make it out of the parking lot as the boost tube blew off and truck broke down in lot. They scrambled techs and fixed in lot before sending me off. Found damage from them on truck dings scratches, the truck is still showing 3 service messages and making sounds when driving. It still isn't right. I spoke to manager Tony tinnin and he agreed the job they sold me was sup par and unacceptable. He said he would be refunding me about 8,000$ the next week. Never did had to call and leave messages only to be told upper management wouldn't allow that much. Now we're at 3995$ and that was last week and when the day came to get check Tony won't answer text, cell calls, office messages. I even stopped in to find he took Friday off, even though he promised to resolve this this week. It's been 4 weeks since truck was done and I can't drive it and I'm afraid to let them touch it again. They will tell lies to appease the moment knowing the will never produce results. No integrity here, typical scam dealer with a shiny facade. Take your cars somewhere else for body work or repairs. I went here because I thought it was the best, I feel fooled. 13k estimate cost me 20+k and another 10k in lost work and wore out a truck ment to be a backup. Now I'm out another 15k to replace it aswell. I'm sharing this with anyone who will listen as a warning.
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July 2023 by Teufel H.
If you want to have a seamless car buying experience than you need to visit La Fontaine in Highland. I recommend seeing Tonia Kelley she is the "Cream of the crop". She always goes way out of her way to make sure you're taken care of properly and answers any questions that arise. She makes buying a car less stressful and you'll get an awesome deal which takes away all those anxieties. Thank you Tonia and thank you La Fontaine for another awesome experience!!
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May 2023 by G H.
So I purchased at newer 2018 buick enclave avenir in feb 2023. It was certified preowned. I loved the car. had 18k miles on it. I drove it off the lot and drove it for approx 2k miles all highway. BTW, paid cash for it. about a month later noticed small vibration in car between 20-30 mph. Took it back to the dealership and they kept the car for inspection. I have the video from the mechanic showing 2 bad front axles and a bad seal. In addition, the inside of both tires showed rounding. Meaning tires were poorly aligned. How could this happen after 2k miles? Answer: IT COULDNT! Better yet how could it happen after 18k miles and the certification missed this obvious issue? They told me that the car being certified would be fully covered for all repairs. (good to know since that is why I bought it) They had the car for over 6 to 8 weeks because they could not get another front axle part. I asked the service person and my salesman how could this car even pass the certification process? They wouldnt or couldnt give me answer. I tried numerous times calling and leaving a message with Service Manager and General Manager of Sales. No response back. I have a brother in law who has been a mechanic for over 40 years working for a car dealership. His words were, "they mostly knew the car had issues and that when they knew they couldnt get the parts they waited for someone to purchase the car (me) and figured if and when the car needed repairs the parts would be available and the car would be fixed and everyone would be happy." I was not, as I was driving one of their loaner cars and I use the car a lot for driving as I am a salesman. I wanted my Buick Enclave Avenir THAT I PAID CASH FOR! I decided to sell my car back to the dealership at a LOSS ( I had to put it up for auction).... Why because the car NEEDED REPAIRS. WHAT? OF COURSE THE CAR NEEDED REPAIRS...THEY SOLD ME A CAR THAT NEEDED REPAIRS. I bought another used car FOR CASH a Buick Preferred 2 Envision with the money I received from the auction sale and I paid an additional sum of CASH. The entire time I was going through this process I felt as though I was being used and abused. Now I will admit that I got a car but not the one I wanted. I paid money out of pocket for the car and the entire process was very disheartening. Not one person from UPPER MANAGEMENT CAME TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION. I am in sales and I would never treat my client that way. NEVER. Go above and beyond. I am sure if Mr Lafontaine knew of the situation he wouldnt be happy. They have lost a customer for life. And potential other customers. If you noticed I kept the names of the people I was dealing with out of story because this is on the dealership and upper management to reach out to customers who have had a bad experience.
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May 2023 by Barton B.
Horrible post-purchase communication with Anthony Sands. Seemed too easy buying, but found out why when the truck arrived. The truck wasn't detailed as promised, dog hair, coffee stains, salty road residue still in the fenders and hardly any of the major scratches (through the paint) were disclosed. This would have been a key factor in comparing some of the other trucks I was considering purchasing. Some were attempted to be repaired unprofessionally and made it even worse. The cost to fix these will put this truck hundreds, if not a thousand or more than some of the trucks half the distance from me. Anthony sold me a "ceramic coat." Tried charging $1200 for it, I caved at half to just get the deal done. When I got it, it didn't even feel like it was waxed, let alone coated. When I had the car detailed to how I thought it should have arrived by a professional, he said the truck was never ceramic coated. Worst part is the truck had wheel locks on it, but no lock key. When I tried to get ahold of Anthony he said he tried calling back a couple times. Nothing in my voicemail or missed calls. (This wouldn't be the first time). The kicker is, we had been texting and emailing as well, if he wanted to get ahold of me he could have used multiple approaches, he simply didn't want to. I tried calling both used car managers after he never called me back as promised to rectify the lock issue. I guessed at their email because they weren't calling back from the voicemails I left. I opened up chats on the website and asked for them to call me, nothing. I even called the dealership again, they said they had seen one manager in that day and would hand deliver them a message, nothing. So then I reluctantly emailed (pretty much the only form of communication I knew Anthony would answer) the receipt from drilling out the wheel locks. It's been over two weeks and I haven't seen a penny. There probably aren't a lot of clients that can just float them a $400 loan. Everything on their website says they treat you like family. This experience (my fourth) of buying a car sight unseen hasnt been that great and makes me second guess doing it again. Edit: So after Anthony tried to essentially blackmail me into changing my review in order to get reimbursed, Eric Smith, one of the managers, called me today and was able to get approval for a check for the lugs I bought and detailing I had to get done. He gets it, was very professional and made it all happen within about an hour after hearing about the situation. I can see why he is a manager and takes care of his customers.
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December 2022 by Sara J.
Where to begin??? I leased my vehicle out of this dealer. I try to be loyal and will service my car here...until now! I made an appointment for today at 12:45pm over a week ago. The service department is undergoing construction, which is fine. However, the signage of where it moved too was more complicated than it should be. Once i figured it out, a gentleman took me to where it was. I stood there for a few minutes, several employees come by and I don't one greeting, which was unprofessional. One man eventually came over and took me back to get checked in. He was persistent to tell me all these things I was due for which was over $600! I came in for an oil change and tire rotation. After being kinda pushy, we agreed to what I simply came in for. He then asked if I was staying as it would be a TWO hour wait!!!! Why did I make an appointment for that kind of wait? I said I'd just leave, he asked someone who said maybe it would be done in hour. That was unacceptable! I left. I drove 25 minutes each way to not get anything done??? How annoying. I will never recommend this place to anyone and will be sure to not buy from them, nor should you!
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August 2022 by Larinda F.
I was interested in a car on their lot and had talked with someone there on a Friday. On Saturday I made contact saying I would like to come take a test drive, but I lived two hours away so I wanted to make sure that was possible. I was assured yes, I could take a test drive and the car would be ready at 2:00. I arrived at 2:00 and not only was the person I was supposed to meet not there-the car was not there either. In fact the car had not been there that day it was in Fenton. I was told the person who scheduled the test drive does not work onsite so didn't know the car wasn't there. I was offered an apology and shown the door. No one there even asked me if they could show me something else, I guess they did not need my business. When I arrived home I sent emails to the managers explaining what happened. I received zero response from any of the three people I emailed. Overall my 4+ hour roundtrip to their dealship was a waste of a Saturday.
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March 2022 by Cynthia L.
So far every time I've been back with my car it's been very easy to get in not long for a rental very clean and neat. The young lady at the counter for a loaner Was amazing knowledgeable friendly wicked smart. Enjoyed listening to her talk and tell me about the contract for a loner which nobody has ever told me any of the stuff she did great info super cool.
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June 2018 by Adnan K.
Customer satisfaction for them does not exist. They promised me a second key and a manual for the Evoque i purchased from them, one month later and dozens of calls, they said that i am a lier and they never promised me any thing
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March 2016 by Patrick H.
Disorganized with bad information from the start. I found a truck through GMC's website, verified the pricing on LaFontaines website, then contacted the dealer. I heard back from a concierge, Eric Szymczak, with a quote showing pricing that was almost $4,000 higher. Once I emailed back their own link and he checked with his manager, he was able to confirm the lower price. After a few more emails I scheduled a visit. I was told I would be meeting with the sales manager Joe Hill and the truck would be ready for me to look at. The day of my visit I arrived early and told the receptionist I had an appointment with Joe. She brought back one of the salesmen, Barry Mitch, who would be helping me instead. Barry had my file, but was unsure of the specific vehicle I was interested in. After I pulled up their stock number on my phone, Barry found the truck in the computer and I asked to take a test drive. I was left to wait since the truck had to be found on the lot and cleared of the snow from earlier that week. Once we got out for a test drive, we discussed pricing. My main uncertainty was what price I would be charged sales tax on since the advertised price was about $9,000 less than the msrp and secondly what the other fees would be. Barry assured me I would only pay tax on the final price. The next oddity was when the dealership called wondering why I was late for my appointment while we were driving, a oversight in the system I was told. Once we got back and reviewed the numbers on paper, I realized that tax was charged on an intermediate (supplier) price which added to the total figure. Then, although I previously explained I wasn't trading in a vehicle, I was given a total price which didn't include plates (another $300+). I explained the total price was higher than I was looking for so Barry, after checking with his manager, was able to knock $300 off. I asked to take the truck overnight to show my wife and was on my way after some paperwork. I was headed back Friday when Barry called and suggested I keep the truck another night because I was still uncertain. He explained he would come in Saturday, just for me, and we decided to meet at 10 when they opened. The next day I arrived to find Barry with another customer. Thankfully LaFontaine does have a nice kids area since I had my wife and young son along. After some time, we finally sat down and I explained that the price was still a little high. Barry had to check with his manager again and said we could split the difference. Unfortunately I realized that they were splitting the difference from their original figure instead of what we last discussed. They could not come down any further, so we shook hands and I left.
While I realize it was a small difference in the end, the whole experience was anything but "the family deal" LaFontaine's famous for. Hopefully I can find a similar truck at a dealer who is truly interested in my business without the games.
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May 2013 by bena.bused
This is the worst dealership I have ever been to. I guess I know what the "family deal" is now. Incompetence runs rampant here. I don't write internet reviews but after the shoddy workmanship and subsequent smoke and mirrors BS I received from them I felt compelled to warn other unsuspecting customers.
Took my wife's truck in for road debris damge (insurance claim), minor body damage and minor undercarriage (leaking pinion seal) work. After 10-11 days we pickup the truck and within 20 minutes the abs light comes on the brakes pulsing badly, later the parking brake light comes on. Took it back in and Mike the body shop manager tries to tell me I need rotors and pads. Why am I talking to the body shop manager? He doesn't have a clue and proceeds to tell me that they quoted our brake job a year ago but we did not have it done there. I need to talk to the people that did my brake job. Funny. The brakes worked fine before I dropped it off. I had to remind him that I had them put in a bearing hub that I had just purchased since it was going to be in the shop anyway, because he was insistent that changing out a pinion seal could not possibly affect my brakes. So I guess their payback is to screw up the brake job I had done down the street. They ruined a perfectly good set of brakes and wanted me to pay. Oh, I forgot. They first tried to get it done under my insurance. I could not beleive they tried to jam that one through. I'll be notifying my insurance carrier as well. Stay Away from here! I have bought vehicles here through my company and have recommended them to friends and family. Never again. Don't take my word for it, read other reviews around the web.
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December 2010 by jerrybeaudet
Check all the reviews on other sites. This place is awful the way people are treated. As long as you are giving them money they are wonderful and that is the end of being nice. After the sale they could care less about you. Get everything in writing even the simplest and smallest things like appointments. STAY AWAY.
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July 2008 by mlalain31
I tried to purchase a Honda Accord they had on the website for $4981. The sales person ran us around for over two days and kept telling us there was something wrong with the car, but that the mechanics didn't like Hondas and he was having a hard time getting out of them what was wrong with the car. Well I called back, because I wasn't getting a call back from my salesman, and he finally told me it had a blown trans. So I asked him about a Buick Regal they had, and he told me to come down and check it out. So my son and I drove all the way over there, looked the car over and wanted to buy it. But to our amazement another salesperson told us they took a $100 deposit on it earlier in the day. Well it would have been nice if they would have told us that, so we could have saved our time and gas. So I figured after the way we had been treated so far at LaFontaine, that we would go somewhere else. Well low and behold, come Monday a very nice girl from their customer service group called me and asked how my experience at their dealership was. So I told her what had happened, and she said she would talk to a manager and call me back, or a manager would.
Well it wasn't until the next day that my salesman called us back and told me that do to the run-a-round so far, that the dealership would put in a new trans and sell us the car for the original $4981. I said excellent and made a appointment to go over there again to finally see the Honda. My son liked the car but not the mechanical problems, but if the dealer was going to fix the trans liked we were promised we thought why not. We then proceeded to their other dealership down about 6miles to finally meet with our salesman. We told him that we wanted to come to a deal on the car if they fixed the trans, and that there were 5 other problems with the car and if they would fix them we would be willing to pay more for the car, so my son could have a reliable car for school. Guess what happened? No call the next day, so I called the very nice girl in customer service to see what could be done. She again told me she would get the used car sales manager to call me. This time I did get a call, and boy was he rude. He basically accused me of hasseling the "Girls" upstairs. He then proceeded to tell me he is the guy that makes the final decision and that they would put a new trans in the car and if I wanted it, it would be $6995. And that he had no interest in fixing the other issues with the car. Even talked to the owner of the dealership group, told him what had happened and he promised to meet with his people and call me back the next morning. No call, figures. Well if this is their "Family Deal" I don't want to be family. So I would tell you guys to look elsewhere when looking for a car.