[roamingelk]

Originally Posted by Steve Y

On March 1st around 9am my wife and I arrived at KIA of Clermont to look and possibly buy a Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line (referred to as car). Mike was assigned to me as the sales person After hours of haggling with him and some of his bosses we made a deal for the car purchase.

While we were waiting for my credit to unfreeze, Mike sat me down in the car and sold me a theft package that he said the sales people were allowed to sell this for a little extra money. He then took out an ultraviolet flashlight and shined it on the headliner and showed me where he said the theft ID should be. We saw nothing on the headliner. Mike said they must have put the ID somewhere else. I then asked Mike to make sure it was installed before I left. Mike said no problem.

For the next three months 5 or 6 different times I asked Mike where is the theft id. I never received an answer from Mike.

On May 30th, I texted him “Please call me”. NO REPLY from Mike.
On June 3rd I texted “Could you please find where they placed then etching/ultraviolet theft deterrent on my Telluride. Please text info.” Again, NO REPLY from Mike.
On June 5th I texted “I will be there Saturday morning for someone to show me where the anti- theft/ultraviolet etching was done.”
On Jun 5th Mike texted back “OK you can speak to the manager.”
On June 5th I texted back “It amazes me that NO one knows where its installed.”

On June 7th, around 9am, my wife and I arrived at KIA of Clermont. We were sent to John the finance manager. We told John the problem that Mike avoided answering me for over 3 months of where the theft ID was installed. We also told him how disappointed we were with Mike. John informed us he was one of the best salesmen. (GOD Help them).

John came out to the car with us. I took out my ultra violet flashlight and asked where it was installed. John then informed us that the theft ID was not installed and Ultra Violet was not even used by the dealership. John also stated nothing had to be done and the warranty would still be valid even if they didn’t install the theft ID. However, the theft contract clearly states “THE AUTHORIZED DEALER/DEALERSHIP MUST INSTALL THE ANTI-THEFT PROTECTION THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM FOR YOU TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE AGREEMENT.”

John then offered have someone install it immediately. My response was that I wanted my money back. John said no it was part of the sale. I informed John that since it wasn’t installed at delivery and now its 4 months later, I want my money back and John agreed. It’s now 6 months later no refund.

Kia of Clermont is owned by the Morgan Auto Group. On August 18th, we sent two certified return receipt letters, one to the president Larry Morgan and one to the CEO Brett Morgan of Morgan Auto Group. The letters were received and signed for on Aug 22nd. It is now 3 weeks later and I have still not received a response. Obviously, they couldn’t care less that their Clermont KIA dealer is scamming me.

I wonder how many other customers of KIA of Clermont has not installed the ID protection and has scammed. In the 60 years that I have bought cars I have never had an out and out scam done to me except by KIA of Clermont.

If you have been scammed by Kia of Clermont or any other Morgan Auto Group owned dealership, please comment back.

There is more dealer malfeasance by Kia of Clermont. When I have a chance, I will post it later to show the horrendous actions they have done.

NO AUTO DEALER HAS EVER TREATED ME THIS WAY. I WAS ALWAYS TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER EVERYWHERE. NOT AT KIA OF CLERMONT.

The first mistake you made was buying a Kia.⁹

[VillagesDude]

Kia dealers are the absolute worst of the worst and Hyundai dealers only second to Kia. Same awful philosophy in selling cars. The cars are nice and many models worthy of purchase. It’s the salespersons that keep me away from those brands. Oh, Toyotas great cars too with crappy dealership culture. If you’re looking for a new car, use the phone first. Contact many dealers in the area and let them know you are calling several. Let them know you want best price, in writing, before going in. Do not go in to any dealer without deal in hand. Make certain they fully understand if anything changes on the fully disclosed written OTD price they provided, you will walk immediately. Never pay MSRP unless car is very rare and never pay for add ons. If you don’t like haggling for cars, use a service like Delivrd.com or CarEdge. About $1,000 but worth it. Search YouTube for video channels of each.

[biker1]

Yes, it came off the price, as opposed to collecting at tax time. They were also offering the red for no extra charge. Mine was a couple of K less than yours. I believe ordering and paying the deposit prior to September 30 is sufficient for the tax credit. Did you get your VIN yet? Did you use a referral code when you ordered?

Originally Posted by roadrnnr

You counting the $7500 off? Mine will be a LD RWD. Msrp is 48630 with white seats option, then $41130 if it arrives before sept 30.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by roamingelk

The first mistake you made was buying a Kia.⁹

Baloney. KIA brand is the new Honda/Toyota kid on the block. They are a great vehicles with even more improvements coming down the road. Crappy dealer has nothing to do with the product produced. Even though I don't drive one, I know several people who do and they're very happy with their vehicles.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by VillagesDude

Kia dealers are the absolute worst of the worst and Hyundai dealers only second to Kia. Same awful philosophy in selling cars. The cars are nice and many models worthy of purchase. It’s the salespersons that keep me away from those brands. Oh, Toyotas great cars too with crappy dealership culture. If you’re looking for a new car, use the phone first. Contact many dealers in the area and let them know you are calling several. Let them know you want best price, in writing, before going in. Do not go in to any dealer without deal in hand. Make certain they fully understand if anything changes on the fully disclosed written OTD price they provided, you will walk immediately. Never pay MSRP unless car is very rare and never pay for add ons. If you don’t like haggling for cars, use a service like Delivrd.com or CarEdge. About $1,000 but worth it. Search YouTube for video channels of each.

Do other states have crappy dealers, yeah but I do believe Florida has the corner on the market with thinking all the old people living here just don't know any better.

[Birdrm]

Originally Posted by Steve Y

On March 1st around 9am my wife and I arrived at KIA of Clermont to look and possibly buy a Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line (referred to as car). Mike was assigned to me as the sales person After hours of haggling with him and some of his bosses we made a deal for the car purchase.

While we were waiting for my credit to unfreeze, Mike sat me down in the car and sold me a theft package that he said the sales people were allowed to sell this for a little extra money. He then took out an ultraviolet flashlight and shined it on the headliner and showed me where he said the theft ID should be. We saw nothing on the headliner. Mike said they must have put the ID somewhere else. I then asked Mike to make sure it was installed before I left. Mike said no problem.

For the next three months 5 or 6 different times I asked Mike where is the theft id. I never received an answer from Mike.

On May 30th, I texted him “Please call me”. NO REPLY from Mike.
On June 3rd I texted “Could you please find where they placed then etching/ultraviolet theft deterrent on my Telluride. Please text info.” Again, NO REPLY from Mike.
On June 5th I texted “I will be there Saturday morning for someone to show me where the anti- theft/ultraviolet etching was done.”
On Jun 5th Mike texted back “OK you can speak to the manager.”
On June 5th I texted back “It amazes me that NO one knows where its installed.”

On June 7th, around 9am, my wife and I arrived at KIA of Clermont. We were sent to John the finance manager. We told John the problem that Mike avoided answering me for over 3 months of where the theft ID was installed. We also told him how disappointed we were with Mike. John informed us he was one of the best salesmen. (GOD Help them).

John came out to the car with us. I took out my ultra violet flashlight and asked where it was installed. John then informed us that the theft ID was not installed and Ultra Violet was not even used by the dealership. John also stated nothing had to be done and the warranty would still be valid even if they didn’t install the theft ID. However, the theft contract clearly states “THE AUTHORIZED DEALER/DEALERSHIP MUST INSTALL THE ANTI-THEFT PROTECTION THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM FOR YOU TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE AGREEMENT.”

John then offered have someone install it immediately. My response was that I wanted my money back. John said no it was part of the sale. I informed John that since it wasn’t installed at delivery and now its 4 months later, I want my money back and John agreed. It’s now 6 months later no refund.

Kia of Clermont is owned by the Morgan Auto Group. On August 18th, we sent two certified return receipt letters, one to the president Larry Morgan and one to the CEO Brett Morgan of Morgan Auto Group. The letters were received and signed for on Aug 22nd. It is now 3 weeks later and I have still not received a response. Obviously, they couldn’t care less that their Clermont KIA dealer is scamming me.

I wonder how many other customers of KIA of Clermont has not installed the ID protection and has scammed. In the 60 years that I have bought cars I have never had an out and out scam done to me except by KIA of Clermont.

If you have been scammed by Kia of Clermont or any other Morgan Auto Group owned dealership, please comment back.

There is more dealer malfeasance by Kia of Clermont. When I have a chance, I will post it later to show the horrendous actions they have done.

NO AUTO DEALER HAS EVER TREATED ME THIS WAY. I WAS ALWAYS TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER EVERYWHERE. NOT AT KIA OF CLERMONT.

Any add on by the dealer is automatically a money maker for the dealer, I bought my car and they kept pushing having the car ceramic coated for $400. I bought 2 bottles of high quality ceramic coating for about $40 and this will recoat at least 2 more times in the future, so I basically did what they wanted $400 for about $15! This is with all additional products with a dealer because they can just make extra money easily!

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by VillagesDude

Kia dealers are the absolute worst of the worst and Hyundai dealers only second to Kia. Same awful philosophy in selling cars. The cars are nice and many models worthy of purchase. It’s the salespersons that keep me away from those brands. Oh, Toyotas great cars too with crappy dealership culture.
.

Originally Posted by Aces4

Baloney. KIA brand is the new Honda/Toyota kid on the block. They are a great vehicles with even more improvements coming down the road. Crappy dealer has nothing to do with the product produced. Even though I don't drive one, I know several people who do and they're very happy with their vehicles.

The company I consult for, owns 17 New Car Dealerships. I've built 15 of them.

I was working in the Automobile business, since August 1972. I was 19 year old salesman.

So that's 53 years, in and around the business.

Kia & Hyundai are 3rd Tier Manufactures. If you're a used car dealer and want to become a New Car Dealer, the easiest place to start, is with a 3rd Tier franchise (there are 4th Tier, like Fiat).

The quality of ownership and management at a 3rd Tier manufacturer, is vastly different from a Tier 1 or 2 Dealership. Stands to reason, doesn't it? No different than shopping at a first class men's shop or shopping at Beall's or similar.

The odds are, if you stop at a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus dealership, you're going to treated well ... less so at Chevrolet, Nissan, VW, etc. Toyota is right about the demarcation between 1/2. Most of them are very professional.

When you get down to the Kia/Hyundai realm, you're 1/2 step up from a Used Car Dealer & the odds are, the owner was a Used Car guy, not so long ago. The second you walk into a Dealership, you should be able to tell the difference.

[merrymini]

I have a Tesla S, a fantastic car, and I am not stuck with it, I chose it. I also previously own a 3, also a fantastic car. I would refrain from insulting people about their choices because they are not your choice. Also, although I do not own kia or had to deal with them, it appears that the cars are pretty nice, my son owns one and is happy with it.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

The company I consult for, owns 17 New Car Dealerships. I've built 15 of them.

I was working in the Automobile business, since August 1972. I was 19 year old salesman.

So that's 53 years, in and around the business.

Kia & Hyundai are 3rd Tier Manufactures. If you're a used car dealer and want to become a New Car Dealer, the easiest place to start, is with a 3rd Tier franchise (there are 4th Tier, like Fiat).

The quality of ownership and management at a 3rd Tier manufacturer, is vastly different from a Tier 1 or 2 Dealership. Stands to reason, doesn't it? No different than shopping at a first class men's shop or shopping at Beall's or similar.

The odds are, if you stop at a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus dealership, you're going to treated well ... less so at Chevrolet, Nissan, VW, etc. Toyota is right about the demarcation between 1/2. Most of them are very professional.

When you get down to the Kia/Hyundai realm, you're 1/2 step up from a Used Car Dealer & the odds are, the owner was a Used Car guy, not so long ago. The second you walk into a Dealership, you should be able to tell the difference.

Thanks for the facts. If you read car reviews concerning longevity, repairs, etc., Kia/Hyundai have a terrible track record. Good cars but generally not for the long run.

Human nature is what it is meaning, generally everyone is looking for a "deal" without considering the quality of what they are purchasing. So, the cheaper the better and that's where Kia/Hundai fall. I'm not saying our american cars are a lot better but in general the Korean car market is lower on the totem pole.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

The company I consult for, owns 17 New Car Dealerships. I've built 15 of them.

I was working in the Automobile business, since August 1972. I was 19 year old salesman.

So that's 53 years, in and around the business.

Kia & Hyundai are 3rd Tier Manufactures. If you're a used car dealer and want to become a New Car Dealer, the easiest place to start, is with a 3rd Tier franchise (there are 4th Tier, like Fiat).

The quality of ownership and management at a 3rd Tier manufacturer, is vastly different from a Tier 1 or 2 Dealership. Stands to reason, doesn't it? No different than shopping at a first class men's shop or shopping at Beall's or similar.

The odds are, if you stop at a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus dealership, you're going to treated well ... less so at Chevrolet, Nissan, VW, etc. Toyota is right about the demarcation between 1/2. Most of them are very professional.

When you get down to the Kia/Hyundai realm, you're 1/2 step up from a Used Car Dealer & the odds are, the owner was a Used Car guy, not so long ago. The second you walk into a Dealership, you should be able to tell the difference.

I'm not impressed by snobbery but by reliability, styling and features. KIA makes some great vehicles, pricing is better and their warrantees are honored. Yeah, my Lexus RX had a beautiful price tag, a lot of bells and whistles of which 80% I don't care for and I don't have to sit in a massage chair with snackies and beverages to have my vehicle serviced every time. There is a lot of room in the market for Kia vehicles and I'm more impressed by the product than by the snobbery. Pretentiousness isn't my bag.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by jrref

Thanks for the facts. If you read car reviews concerning longevity, repairs, etc., Kia/Hyundai have a terrible track record. Good cars but generally not for the long run.

Human nature is what it is meaning, generally everyone is looking for a "deal" without considering the quality of what they are purchasing. So, the cheaper the better and that's where Kia/Hundai fall. I'm not saying our american cars are a lot better but in general the Korean car market is lower on the totem pole.

You might want to to review the 2025 comments regarding the Kia product:
Reliability Summary (2025)
🔧 RepairPal: ⭐ 4.0/5.0 — Ranked 3rd out of 32 brands
Average annual repair cost: $474 | Only 10% chance of severe issues
📊 Consumer Reports (2025):
• Ranked Top 10 among mainstream brands
• Strong scores for the Forte, Soul, and Sportage
• Some hybrids and dual-clutch models show more variability
🏆 J.D. Power:
• Kia ranks above average in the Vehicle Dependability Study
• Consistently strong performance in Initial Quality Study
Ranking based on problems per 100 vehicles (lower is better)
🗣️ Community Sentiment:
Positive. Owners often praise Kia’s long warranty, value for money, and modern tech. Some concerns exist around hybrid battery systems and dual-clutch transmissions in select models.
✅ Bottom Line: Kia has become a top-tier choice for reliability and value. Shoppers should still compare model years and powertrains, but most newer Kia vehicles perform well long-term.

[Babubhat]

Originally Posted by roamingelk

The first mistake you made was buying a Kia.⁹

There are Kia on display at Costco. Use there buying service. Absurd to think you can negotiate better than a salesman

[bopat]

Just wait until you have to have maintenance or repairs on that Kia, I'd anticipate another thread incoming.

[roadrnnr]

Originally Posted by biker1

Yes, it came off the price, as opposed to collecting at tax time. They were also offering the red for no extra charge. Mine was a couple of K less than yours. I believe ordering and paying the deposit prior to September 30 is sufficient for the tax credit. Did you get your VIN yet? Did you use a referral code when you ordered?

Yes, I have the vin and I used a friend referral code

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by bopat

Just wait until you have to have maintenance or repairs on that Kia, I'd anticipate another thread incoming.

Did you have a major problem? On a 6-year-old Kia there was a major issue for a friend of ours. On top of it all it was during covid. Other than the delay in time for parts, they were provided a new vehicle during the wait and to this day run their Sorrento with no problem. That is what has impressed us!