John Thornton Chevrolet

My experience began with me searching the online inventory. I found a vehicle that interested me and made an appointment to check it out. Arrived at dealership and asked to see the vehicle in question. Which was a red Equinox LT. My mistake at this point was not making sure that I was being shown the same vehicle that I had seen online, However I thought that this was the case and we went for a test drive. I mentioned I had seen the vehicle online was expecting to pay the online price. Upon returning from test drive. I stated that I was interested in the vehicle and wanted to discuss trade in and price etc to see we could agree to a deal. After trade in details and removal of coating add ons and applying some sort of discount for a Costco membership we agreed to a price very close to what I was expecting and I agreed to purchase the vehicle (still assuming the vehicle is the one and only vehicle I had test drove and still parked 20 feet from where we were sitting and since I had not even laid eyes on any other vehicles). My representative stated that he was going fill the tank and get the car ready for delivery while I was finishing the paperwork with the finance department. At this point I was satisfied with the process and very happy to be making the purchase. Paperwork having been completed. It is now well after dark and time to take delivery. There is a Red Equinox LT that has full gas tank and ready to go. It is unimaginable that this was a different vehicle than the one that I had test drove. So when the seats looked a little different shade I thought it was the lighting after dark that made them appear different. So off I went in My new vehicle. The next day in the light it was obvious this was not the car I test drove. I of course phoned my representative ( I do not mention his name because I feel he acted as directed by the Sales Manager who name is Derek S.) My rep was apologetic and stated that the car I received was the one I saw online. I of course said that may well be true and can understand how that can happen, but cannot understand how I could be told this during the process. He apologized again and took responsibility for the mistake. I stated that I appreciated the apology and but asked he speak to his management team and get back to me with possible resolution to this "mistake". I received a call from Derek S. the "Sales Manager" who was there the night before and was the person that approved on final numbers from the negotiations the previous night. I asked if had he been filled in as to what had happened. He said yes and basically blamed my rep for the "mistake" my personal belief he new exactly what was going on the night before. He then gave me a speech about the customer responsibility of making sure of the details while signing paperwork. I admit to making the mistake of trusting a Car Salesman which at 58 I should know better. Derek S. stated during the phone call that he wanted to make it right. I asked what could be done. He offered a couple of oil changes, I was not impressed. I felt we should unwind this deal and see if we can agree on a new one. He then quoted Georgia Law about know cool down period the paperwork is done the customer and no recourse other than live with the deal. Sounds like he has experience with this matters. I requested that he get with superiors and get back to me with possible remedies. He stated that he wants to make it right but I would need to suggest the remedy. I left it there hoping for a return call. Having not received a return call I stopped by that evening hoping to come up with a solution. Again Derek S. expressed an interest to do "anything to make it right" these were just empty words. The only thing he was willing to do is a couple of free oil changes. I suggested that if that all you can offer I should at least get free oil changes for the life of the warranty, His response was I cannot do that as if the request was outrageous. So I asked again what do he mean by wanting to do "anything to make it right" apparently that anything is confined to 3 oil changes". I left John Thornton Chevrolet very disappointed. It is my hope that this is not general practice at Thornton Chevrolet. The mistake was acknowledged but the response was in essence, you signed the paperwork there is nothing we are going to do. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this dealership based on my experience.