Thomas Kia of Highland

by David on 02/16/2024

Do not trust what the sales managers tell you, here. They only care about the sale, they do not care about the customers. I responded to an online posting for an electric vehicle 3 days ago, and I had extensive conversations with Kyle and Tim, two of the sales managers. Tom told me that he would bring the car over from their “sister dealership” in Joliet for me to look at. The car did not come on Thursday as Tom said it would, so I made sure that the car would be coming on Friday. I was told that the car was on its way. I was willing to put a deposit down, but no one told me it would be necessary. I told them that I had cars sold out from under me before and I wanted to prevent it from happening this time. I had conversations with Kyle and the financing department, providing information about how to process IRS tax credits for clean vehicles and I provided them the links to resources so that they could use it with me and other customers. Today, while waiting for the car to come, I got a message saying that someone else had put down a deposit, and the car was no longer available. They sold it out from under me. I’ve been talking multiple times a day for 3 days with this dealership, and they didn’t have the courtesy to give me the chance to put down a deposit or reserve the car. Angie in sales was great. This isn’t her fault, but when I spoke directly with Kyle, he told me. “This is a business, what do you want me to do.” I want him to treat me like a valued customer, not just focus on the easy sale. Clearly, you as a customer don’t matter to Kyle, so I’d suggest you take your business to a dealership who cares enough about you to give you a chance to buy a car from them.

Read more

by larryve on 01/26/2017

Online I saw a lot of people complaining about this dealership not honoring their Lifetime Warranty Forever or being told one thing by the salesperson and it being described differently in contract. Their website had fine print under the Lifetime Warranty Forever copy that read "restrictions apply, see contract for details" I emailed and asked for a copy or link to these restrictions and details and was told they would email it. After giving my email they told me they couldn't send it but had to explain it. I told him that I would prefer to read it and then they could explain if I had any questions. They then told me there was nothing to send because "there are no fine print". Realizing I was being given the runaround I asked for the owners email address. Instead I got response from the General Manager, Tom Seely, who basicly told me I was undeserving of respect. All this just for trying to find out what "restrictions apply" and asking to "see contract for details" Also used my email to start sending me spam.

Read more

by amy87 on 09/08/2014

I went to Thomas Kia on a Tuesday night to look at a 2011 Town & Country that was listed on their website. When we arrived at the lot, we were quickly greeted by Tracy M, who got us the keys for the van so we could take a look. Once we got into the van (the key fob needed new batteries), we quickly noticed it hadn't been cleaned yet. There was crayon on the sides, and just general dirt and muck everywhere. Really disappointing, but we took it for a test drive and were generally pleased with it, until we cleaned the front windshield and noticed the rather large crack in the middle of it. Once again, something that should have been fixed before listing the van for sale. Did you think no one would notice? When we returned, we told the salesperson that we were interested in working up some numbers if the van would be detailed and the windshield replaced. We went into the showroom and waited while Tracy got some numbers worked up, and got quite a surprise when he returned. The cost of the vehicle had suddenly gone up $4,000 because we didn't have a trade! I was upset that they snuck this in on us, and told him we weren't interested in the van for $22k when it had been listed for $18k on the website. He then wrote up on a piece of paper: $18,000 + tax, title, license X_________________ Drive Home He wanted me to sign it stating that I would take it home if they could offer it for $18,000, though we still had questions about the warranty and financing, plus the cosmetic work that still needed to be done! We refused, and when he continued to push the subject, we got up and left. I was absolutely disgusted by this tactic. We were clearly interested in the van and didn't need to sign our name to something to express that. The next day (Wednesday), I received a call from what I believe to be a third-party service review company. After sharing my bad experience with the service rep, he asked if we were still interested in purchasing the van if we could deal with a different salesperson. I agreed I'd speak with someone again, but would only deal with a manager. We disconnected with the promise that I would be contacted soon by a manager. The next day, I did receive a call from Daenan (I believe that's how you spell it), and he offered me the van for $18,495 with a lifetime powertrain warranty. I told him I would speak to my husband and call him back. Within a couple of hours, I called back to say we were interested, but couldn't come in until Friday night because my husband had physical therapy that night. He stated that was no problem and he'd see me then. On Friday afternoon, I got a voicemail from Tracy M, the original salesman that had caused me to walk out in the first place, saying that they took a deposit on the van that morning and the woman was coming in to pick it up that evening. I'm glad I was busy at work when that call came in because I may have said some things I regretted had I gotten that news from someone I was already unhappy with. I couldn't believe they had the audacity to have him call me! I called back and spoke with Daenan again and confirmed that yes, the van had been sold. I was incredibly upset. I had never been asked for a deposit, never called before they made the sale to confirm if I was indeed coming to purchase it that night. To agree on a price and commit the van to me and then sell it out from underneath me was bad business and just plain wrong! My husband and I decided to go by the dealership after work on Friday anyways to express our disappointment in how this was handled. I knew it wouldn't change anything, but I wanted him to know, face-to-face, how wrongly they had treated us. We got no remorse and an apology with no real feeling behind it. "That's the way it works sometimes" is all Daenan kept spouting off to us. I'm sorry, but that's not the way it should ever work in a properly-run business. On the phone, he said he wanted to earn my business, but it's clear to me that was never really the case. You cared about making a sale, but not about earning my business. There was no respect from anyone at that dealership, and I want everyone to know that they're only interested in selling you vehicle (no matter how dirty and banged up), but they're not interested in earning you rtrust and respect. There are a lot of other dealerships in that area, and I'll be making the trip to others in the future while I continue to spread the word of how awful an experience trying to purchase a vehicle there really was.

Read more

by pjarz1 on 07/22/2013

As soon as we drove up to the dealership Joby greeted us at the door. He was the most presentable salesman there. There was no pressure to buy. He answered all of our questions and seemed very knowledgable about the car we were interested in. This was one of the most pleasurable experiences we have ever had buying an automoble. Thank you to Thomas Kia for a great experience.

Read more

by marknottoli on 04/07/2013

While in the market for a new vehicle I read several reviews and decided Kia was the car for me. The Optima was the car I wanted but now came the time to decide which dealer to purchase the car. I decided to start with Thomas Kia and I couldn't have been more satisfied. Upon entering the showroom Mark and Steve sat with me and after telling them what I wanted and then letting me test drive the Optima it was time to make the deal. Both were very knowledgable not only about the vehicle and its options but about the Kia Motor Company as well. I was treated with respect and didn't feel pressured by the typical sales pitches one may hear at other dealerships. We came to an agreement that I felt was a great deal and the papers were signed. After which I was then introduced to the rest of the staff from the finance manager to the service manager. Steve made sure that I was satisfied which included a follow up phone call and reassurance of satisfaction guaranteed. I was so satisfied with not only my purchase but the entire experience, that the next week I took another family member to Thomas Kia and she purchased a Soul which she is very satisfied with. Once again I would like to thank Steve and Mark for all their help making this experience a very memorable one. If you are interested in a new Kia or never owned one and would like to know more about them, I highly recommend seeing Steve who will assure that all your questions are answered and your needs are met. Thank you Thomas Kia.

Read more

by ronLarson on 03/10/2013

I simply did a little homework at Cars.com which created my curiosity about some KIA models and it indicated the closest KIA dealer to me so I could see different models up close and personal. I appreciated having a little time to look over vehicles before talking with anyone. Mark introduced himself, listened to our needs and helped make suggestions. His personality was more friendly than simply trying to sell a car. He identified additional tie-ins to what we said we would like in a car and then proceeded to point out additional packages that were included in the vehicles we considered such as remote starting. The experience was welcomed and the vehicle has more perks than I intended for a car I simply expected to commute in. What I mentioned above I have already mentioned to friends and family... and here, I'm mentioning it to those also beginning their vehicle search... I highly recommend the vehicle brand (Kia). Thomas KIA has is a nice selection of vehicles, an appreciated selection of perks and upgrades, and a no drama process of gathering information to include the process of finalizing a sale. Enjoy a no drama experience!

Read more

by larryett2000 on 02/13/2013

I have bought 3 cars from Thomas Kia and I believe this was my best experence. All of my experances was good but my last visit was the greatest. Joby was very professional. He answered all my questions and concerens. He also called to make sure everything was ok with the esed car i just bought. I would recommend him as a sale person. Thanks joby!!!!!!

Read more