Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  10/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car in August from Benson Kia in Spartanburg South Carolina. This was the worst experience I have ever had purchasing a vehicle. We agreed upon a payment and when I got back to financing, he stated that the payment would be $100 more than what we had agreed upon. We dealt with Rodney in financing. He was not a pleasant person. He seemed bothered by us and just was not nice. So we refused. He walked out and told the sales manager "they refuse to pay this amount". We left and were called an hour later with the sales manager saying that they were able to get our payments down. So we went back. I provided all of the information they requested and so did my co-signer. About one month later, Rodney calls me and says that they needed all of this information again. I told him that I had given it to them a month ago when we made the deal. He said that the bank would not approve the deal without the information. They still had not closed on the deal with the bank !!! After on month !!!I I told him that I would bring the car back and that they could give me my trade in back. He stated that my trade in had already been sold. I called the bank and they said that that vehicle had not been paid off yet. How do you sell a vehicle that you have not even paid off ? Not only that but they kept running my credit to try to get a deal without my permission. I ended up bringing the vehicle back requesting my deposit back. I put $2,000 down and they applied $1,600 from my warranty that was on my trade in. This made my down payment $3,600, as the refund from the warranty would have been giving to me. I talked to the assistant district manager and they refunded my $2,000 but not the $1,600. Again, this was the WORST experience I have ever had. Rodney was so unpleasant to work with. And the assistant district manager seemed like he had an attitude as well. I want my $1,600 back, and am owed it.

  

  Business response

  10/25/2024

  **** ******* and her co-signer were unable or unwilling to provide the needed documentation for the loan to be finalized. Ultimately, the dealership was left on the hook to absorb the entirety of her negative equity, and the large financial loss.

  Benson Kia has refunded her down payment, and is also in the process of issuing the cancellation refund to her new address.

  Customer response

  10/25/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 
  
  

  The mentioned documents had already been given to the dealership one month before.  They were asking for them again one month later because they had not yet closed the deal within a months time.  The deal should have been made before I even left with the vehicle.  And they sold my trade in without having the deal made and without paying it off first.  Regardless, they still owe me $1600 from my down payment as this money would have been given to me directly from the warranty.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *******

  

  Business response

  11/07/2024

  The refund check has been deposited and shows cleared with our bank. 

• Initial Complaint

  06/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a used car from out of state (I am in Ohio and the dealership is in South Carolina) well over 2 months ago and I still have not received the Title to the car, the only person at the dealership who returns my calls is the person who I worked with during the Sales...he is great, but he has very limited knowledge of the Title process. Additionally, during the sale I asked several times about my concern that I might end up paying State Taxes for S. Carolina but once the car is registered here in Ohio they will make me pay them again for the State of Ohio. I am now even more concerned that this will happen since they obviously do not know what they are doing...I have left multiple messages with their Title Clerk who never answers or calls back, I have asked to speak to someone at the Management level who might know more than my Sales Person and have never been able to get a call back. Again, I've had this car for over 2 months and am still without Title or Registration.

  

  Business response

  06/11/2024

  *** *******

  Title, registration, and a refund check for $67.43 for tax overage was sent to your address on 5/21 by our out of state title agency, Titletec, through regular mail via a prepaid envelope. I am attaching copy of executed registration, title, and copy of plate that was transferred.  Additionally, there is no reason that you would be paying South Carolina taxes. I apologize about the inconvenience, however we do rely on a out of state service for DMV work for states that are not in our immediate area.

  Customer response

  06/11/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 
  

  They say they sent a something on 5/21 through their Title company directly to my address....I have received nothing.  I also really do not understand what they are saying in their response about me not having to pay S. Carolina tax...if they look on the bill of sale, they did charge me tax in my purchase.  So, I think I really want to hear from a Manager from their facility....noone wants to call me on the phone.  
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

  

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  Issue has been resolved with duplicate title.

  Customer response

  06/18/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau,
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  08/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 29, 2023, my wife and I drove 2 1/2 hours from our home address, **** ****** ***** *** ***** ***** ** *****, to purchase a 2020 **** *-*** from ****** ****** used inventory sales. I had been talking to James Martin, III, sales associate, for ****** ******, a couple of weeks prior to us driving there to purchase the 2020 **** *-***. When arriving at the dealership I noticed the dealership had put new tires on the F-***. I thought ok, that was nice. The brand of tire they put on the F-*** is, Pantera, a brand that I was not familiar. To make a long story short, we purchased the F-*** and returned home. So, a week later my wife and I took the F-*** on a vacation trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We were there a week and on the return trip home, the F-*** started vibrating/shaking very violently. I pulled to a rest area and checked to see what the problem was, but could not determine any issue. So, we continued on our way but the problem worsened and we were going through Auburn, Alabama and spotted a Sam's from the interstate. We pulled into the Sam's parking lot and went to the Tire center and spoke with Tristan. I explained to Tristan the problem and he said sounds like separation. Meaning the tire had a defect and caused a large knot to appear on the tire. I was going to purchase a tire put that location did not have the size. Tristan put our spare on and we continued on. We made it home without further incident. The days that followed I contacted James at ****** ****** to explain the incident. He apologized and I asked if they could replace the tire and he said he would talk with his manager. It has been two weeks since I contacted him and have not had any response from ****** ******. I want ****** ****** to replace the tire or complete set of tires. I have tried to find that brand, Pantera, but no one sells them in my area any longer. In my opinion they are a inferior brand and should have not been put on the F-***. Still no response.

  

  Business response

  09/01/2023

   

  We have spoken with Mr. **** ****** about the tire issue. Because he was unable to find a tire distributor near his residence to provide warranty, we have agreed to provide a replacement tire.

  Confirmed with Mr. ****** on 09-01-23 that shipping a new tire  to him was ok. We have ordered the tire and will be shipping to him at the address he provided.

  Once tire is shipped we will email Mr. ****** a tracking number as well as a follow up call.

   

  Thanks

  Ray B******

  Director Fixed Operations

  Benson Automotive

  ************

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car from this place not even a month ago. The car was used, but I haven’t even made the first payment on the vehicle and it has broken down with engine problems. Kia has refused to give us a rental car, saying that it is going to take one month to “evaluate” the problem with the car, and then they can issue a rental. Our warranty covers everything, but the main problem is that we bought the car to have transportation, we haven’t had it one month and it’s in the shop and now we have nothing. the company refuses to give us a rental therefore we are stuck. We need guidance on if we should return the car and demand our money back, or kia needs to give us a rental. we submitted the car into the shop on March 8th, 2023, to benson Kia, where they stalled four days. we then took the car to Kia of greer on march 11th as they submitted us immediately but still say it will take a month and refuse to give us a rental. please contact me at 1864*******, or 864******* for more information.

  

  Business response

  03/16/2023

  Spoke with customer and found out her car was at *** ** *****. We arranged to have car brought over to our dealership and rental from Benson Kia provided, but were later informed fix had been ordered for vehicle at *** ** ***** and customer states that rental has been provided from their dealership. As long standing members of the Spartanburg community, we always strive to provide excellent customer service, and encourage all of our customers to contact us if we can help. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was interested in purchasing a new Kia Forte, the “Benson Price” advertised is $23,540! The dealership website literally says: “Mention this advertisement to the dealer to receive the advertised price. Advertised prices include $499 Closing Fee”. They attempted to charge me $25,535 base price, + $1299 add-ons + $499 for the fee listed above that stated it was included in the cost. I was working with Courtney F*****, who also involved her manager, because I shared exactly what the website said & I wanted the vehicle for this price! This dealership is very clearly misrepresenting their prices & falsely advertising prices & promises to honor said prices on their website, with no intention to do so. It is a very deceptive practice to post your price “Benson price” & even have a disclaimer that states you’ll honor it & it includes the $499 again but then add a market adjustment as well as additional equipment fee… You should post “MSRP $” then Benson price with your mark up & not have a disclaimer stated you’ll honor the price, if you won’t. Extremely frustrating but I will be filing complaints with the proper entities because false advertising & intentional misrepresentation isn’t legal or acceptable. I would suggest avoiding this dealership because they’re dishonest crooks.

  

  Business response

  03/09/2023

  ******* ******* sent in a lead on a Kia Forte we had on the lot. The dealership also added several dealer installed options that the customer was unwilling to pay for, as well as wanted shipment to Virginia, which would involve 2 drivers. The dealership did send new pricing on the vehicle promptly to the customer, with a significant discount including the $499 fee, but was unable to agree on a total price including delivery to Virginia.

  Customer response

  03/09/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  
  

  The dealerships response isn’t accurate at all! Benson price was what I requested per the disclosure at the bottom of the page, letting customers know to mention said price. 
  

  The dealership was supposed to honor that price & refused to because they were intentionally falsely advertising with no intention of following through! They originally said delivery was free which is pretty typical based on my experiences then after they agreed to drop the price to $500 still above the benson price, they said it would be nearly $3000 to have the vehicle delivered! This is absolutely insane! I am having a vehicle delivered tomorrow from Indiana & they only charged me $400 & it is twice the distance! 
  

  This dealership is intentional misrepresenting their prices to gain customers! I haven’t finished filing complaints against them but I will finish this weekend. 

  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *******

• Initial Complaint

  11/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 8/31/2022 my wife and I purchased a Brand New 2022 Kia Telluride from Benson Kia of Spartanburg. 3 days later, after washing it for the first time, I noticed what looked like imperfections in the paint and body panels that were out of alignment. I then took the vehicle to an independent body shop for an inspection. They confirmed that the vehicle had previous body damage and had been poorly repaired to cover up the damage. All of the panels and doors on the passenger side of the vehicle were out of alignment and several dents had been pulled out and painted over. We had been sold a New Vehicle that had been previously wrecked, repaired, and sold as new. They estimated a cost of $2000 to repair the vehicle to like new condition. Upon contacting the dealership, they denied that the vehicle had ever been wrecked and repaired because it had a clean carfax report. I then took the vehicle back to the dealership to have the service department inspect the damage. The service department visualized the damage then sent me to the sales department. The sales department then agreed to buy our vehicle back and apply the amount to a new vehicle purchase. We were told we would have to wait a few months for the 2023 models to arrive because there were no more remaining 2022 models that had our specifications. When a 2023 model arrived, and we went to make the trade, they wanted to offer us almost $5000 less than what we paid for the wrecked 2022 model. We had to decline because we cannot afford to take a loss on a new vehicle that was misrepresented as being a new vehicle.

  

  Business response

  11/10/2022

  Mr. ****** purchased a vehicle on 8/31. The vehicle had been in our possession from the manufacturer for 13 days and had 15 miles upon delivery. This vehicle was never damaged, nor repaired at the dealership. In order to make Mr. ****** happy, we agreed to purchase his car back from him for what he paid for it, less a fair mileage adjustment, that he had put on the vehicle. Mr. ****** is aware of this offer to purchase his car back from him as well, and we believe that this would be the best course of action. 

  Customer response

  11/10/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 
  
  The original agreement made 2 months ago was to buy back our vehicle and apply the buyback as a trade in toward a new 2023 Telluride. The buyers order I have does not reflect the full purchase amount we originally paid for the vehicle ($47,729) Instead it is listed at ($42,920)

  I am attaching the sales contract to document the price we paid for the vehicle. I am also attaching a copy of the buyers order for trading our 2022 Model for a 2023 Model. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  ***** ******

  

  Business response

  11/19/2022

  Mr. ****** and Benson Kia have came to a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a 2022 Kia Forte gt on 7/15/22. The car had not been detailed as promised, and had a scratch on the driver door. The dealer promised to pay for detailing, and set of floor mats, also the tow hooks were missing. Also I have not received any paperwork for the car. They stated once both parties signed, I would receive paperwork. I have not received any paperwork, or the mats, detailing funds. They appear to be giving me the run around.

  

  Business response

  07/30/2022

  We have issued the check for the detail as agreed. As for the other items, we were waiting on funding for the bank before being ordered. We have spoken the Mr. ****** given him an update on the items that were agreed upon. The paperwork was given to his daughter originally, so she could keep it in her car, as we believe her to be the driver. 

  Customer response

  08/17/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 
  
   I received the paperwork and the check for detailing. I’m still waiting on tow hooks and floor mats. 
  Regards,
  
  ***** ******

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩