Mercedes-Benz of Calabasas

I'm sure all of these 5 star reviews cant' be written by actual customers, because my experience has been the worst car buying experience I've had on "3" continents! I wish I could have given zero stars! I found a used car I wished to purchase for my teenage daughter online, via the MB Calabasas website. Very interested in purchasing the car I emailed; the response was instant, and at that point I foolishly believed I was dealing with a reputable dealership, with at least a modicum of scruples, how wrong I was! Following several emails, I informed the person I was dealing with, (I say this because they would never attach their name to an email!), I was from out of state, and wished to purchase the car, and would have it shipped to my home address, to avoid the 2500 trip to collect the vehicle. At this point I should have walked away, and saved myself hours of wasted effort, but more fool-me, I didn't. I was informed after agreeing the price, that I couldn't arrange for a company to transport the car, why I asked? I was informed it was company policy to only allow shipping through MB Calabasas own transport company, and the cost would be $2,000. Wow, that was expensive considering 13 transport companies had quoted me between $800-$825, (one did price it at $1025 though!) After some haggling we agreed on $1,500. Next was pay a deposit, right. No, apparently they don't take deposits. Okay, I'll pay for the car in full! When I was eventually contacted, via email, payment could only be made by wire transfer I was told! This definately didn't sound right. So, I contacted the finance dept. You guess it, there was no there to talk to; this is a recurring theme, with anyone you wish to speak with at MB Calabasas; regardless of what time of day you phone, or how often. Finally, I received a phone from David Amby (Sales Manager), I informed him of issues I was having, and that all I wanted to do was give them money for a car; why was it so difficult? His reply was: That in actual fact I didn't only have the option of wire transfer, I could pay over the phone with a card. I even suggested if it would be easier, I would fly in to complete the transaction; "no that won't be necessary, we don't want to waste your time" was the reply. What joke that statement was! Great I said, and could he double check to see if all the costs I had been quoted were correct. He assured me he would, and get back to me. I never heard from him again! After more fruitless telephone calls, that no one answered. I received an email (from anon), asking if I was still interested in the car. I replied yes; to which I was assured now that everything was in place including shipping, and yes in fact I "could" make the purchase with a card over the phone. (See images of emails below) Wonderful I think, I transfer money from a money market account, and speak with my bank to ensure they aren't any issues making such a large purchase with my card; they make a note and everything is in place, but too late to complete the purchase, due to time difference. The next morning while working, two calls, and two emails were received; the emails stated: "Good morning are your ready to move forward on the Volvo purchase?" & "what works best for you today have everything ready". Sounds good I thought! Early afternoon I telephone, card in hand to complete purchase. To my surprise I'm informed they won't be selling the car to me! Why I ask? "Well, I'm told someone else is going to come and look at it later in the afternoon, and we have to give preference to Californian buyers who come in to look at the car". This is utter BS I say, I'm ready and have been for 3 days to pay the full amount. That doesn't matter, I'm told, selling to out of state buyers takes time sending document to sign etc. But I've said I'll buy the car now, I say, so the sale is already completed and you have the money in hand. "Sorry", the manager says we have to see if the person coming in to look at the car, wants it first!" End of conversation. These people are unethical [non-permissible content removed], beware!!!!!!!!!!