Bohn Brothers Toyota

I have a 2006 Toyota Prius which I bought new in Feb. 2006. Recently, I started having a problem with one of my headlights going out intermittently. So I figured I would just change the light. First, the procedure for changing a headlight is nothing what the 2006 Prius owner's manual states (not even close). Second, when I did find the procedures (online), it's a 4-hour procedure that requires you to remove the bumper and the entire headlight assembly to change a simple headlight bulb. If that was not bad enough, the specific bulb my car takes, the parts department informed me cost $200 a piece and the total bill to have both headlight (bulbs only) will cost over $700.

Now this is not my first rodeo and I've owned probably 8 vehicles in my lifetime. First of all, I've never paid more than $15 for a bulb. Second, you would think changing a headlight bulb would be a simple, easy fix since safety is involved but apparently, I looked the procedure for changing the light out that I have and they estimated it to be a 4-hour task; requiring you to remove dust covers and the front bumper as well as the light assembly. All to change a simple headlight bulb. It sounds like price gouging to me.

My husband and I found a used car we would like to purchase online. Before we went to the dealership to see the car we called the number listed on AutoTrader.com to be sure the car was still available. We talked to a friendly voice (Brian B.) on the phone who told us the car was there and gave us a number to use when we got there. I asked for directions to the location, he told me he was new to the area and didn't really know. I thought about it and began to wonder if this call center was even on site, so I called the number back to ask. This time a woman answered. She told me they were located at the dealership. When we arrived at the dealership, I asked if there call center was on site (Harvey, LA. They told me it was in Boston, MA.

After that lie, I guess I should have known not to trust what they said, but the people at the dealership seemed nice enough, and we had driven a long way to see the car so we looked at it. We liked the car and negotiated on price. Our salesman was not very knowledgeable about the car (a Toyota 4runner) I told our salesman, Jon "Wick" W. that I would need to transfer some money around so I couldn't make a down payment that day. He told me it was no problem and they could wait to cash my check. We decided to drive some other cars at other locations before we decided what/where to by. This was on Saturday.

On Monday, we decided we would by that car. We went back to the dealership after work. It took a very long time to get the paperwork done even though we had already gotten financing through our bank. I again explained that I was moving money from an online bank account to checking and my checking account and I didn't want the check to be cashed until the end of the week. Again I was told "No problem!" I raised this concern multiple times because I am very careful with my money and didn't want to overdraw my account. I was almost cut off by the salesman each time and assured the check would not be cashed.

When I checked my bank's website on Wednesday morning, sure enough, my check had been cashed and my account overdrawn. I called and called and left messages with everyone I could. I finally got Jon on his cell phone. He apologized for his "accounting department's mistake", saying that he had verbally told them not to cash the check. He said he could give me a tank of gas, but that was about it. (It would take me 1.5hrs round trip to get that tank of gas!) No thanks! I told him that if he could send me a gas card I could use nearby I would feel a little better. He is currently "checking on it."

The finance guy, Duane S., did return my call and find out about the communications breakdown. He is going to get me a gas refil and oil change. I guess that's something. Since I have never overdrawn my account before in the 10 years that I have been using it, I was not charged an overdraft fee. But if I ever overdraft again I will be charged.

Florence of Slidell LA (02/01/01)

March 17, 2000 I was listening to my car radio (FM-98) when I heard a advertistment from Bohn Bros Toyota. No down payment, no interest and no payment until 2001. I went to the dealership they try not to give me the deal. I told them that I heard the advertistment on the radio and I gave them the name of the station. Well, they decided to honor the advertistment. At least, thats what I through.

When the finance person said it would be better if I lease the car because I trade in cars every three years, so I did. This was the first time I had lease a car, I was new at it. Botton line they gave me a check for $4,000.00 to cover the payment until 2001. Frank added the $4000.00 back in the price of the car and boosted the price up. The car was on the lot for $18,000.00. So the $18,000.00 car is now a 25,000.00 plus car. I did not know until one of the sales person accidently inform me of this.

Bohn Bros. told me the price for leasing was different then purchasing a car. When I tried to get some answers all they said was you sign a contact. Billy the manager was a very nasty person. I tried to no avail to get this problem resolved. I even tried to refinance the car, but Bohn Bros would not help me. And I did not know that the insurance was higher on a lease car. They would not tell me the interest rate on the car or the APR.