Merlex Auto Group — Attraction in Arlington

Avoid this place unless you enjoy getting played.

I walked in thinking I’d found a good deal on a 2019 BMW 540i listed for $23,995. What they don’t tell you until you’re sitting in the finance chair is that they tack on a $2,795 “aftermarket” fee, plus $1,084.50 in “fees” (on top of taxes). Out-the-door price? Over $29,000—nearly $5,000 higher than advertised.

When I questioned the excessive doc fee, the sales manager smugly said, “It’s a luxury car.” I asked if the registration was made of diamonds. Still waiting on a straight answer.

They also refused to allow a proper inspection before purchase, were cagey about warranty coverage, and gave conflicting explanations of their pricing structure. Oh, and before I even test drove the car, they pressured me to commit to financing.

I’m thankful I walked out—and bought the same model with fewer miles, a clean record, and a second key from a legit dealership for less.

Attached is a photo of their real price sheet. The listing was bait. The trap is the fine print.

Merlex Auto = bait-and-switch masters. You’ve been warned.

EDIT - RESPONSE TO OWNER

I appreciate your reply, but let’s clarify a few things.

First, no one from our side ever asked for a 2-year warranty. What we did ask for was clarity on fees and the ability to have the car inspected before discussing financing—basic steps any smart buyer takes. Instead, we were met with evasive responses, shifting numbers, and pressure to start financing before even seeing the car.

Second, you say we “still wanted a better cash price”—of course we did. That’s called negotiation, and it’s normal at any dealership. Dismissing that as unreasonable is telling.

Also, I never gave you my phone number, so your personal follow-up call to me felt intrusive and raises questions about how customer data is handled.

Lastly, the way you talk down to me in this response—suggesting I “have no idea what [I’m] talking about”—only reinforces the red flags I saw in person.

We’ve already found a better car at a more transparent dealership with no made-up “after-market” fees or condescending treatment.

All the best to...

Im so pleased with my experience at Merlex Auto Group! Even though the original car I wanted wasn’t available and my credit wasn’t perfect, they still went above and beyond to make sure I left with a really nice car that I love. The staff ( Eli, Alex & Nick were all friendly, patient, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate how they worked with me and made sure I was happy with my purchase. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for great customer service and a quality car!

Update to my experience

Extremely Poor Experience – Misrepresentation and Safety Concerns

I purchased a Porsche from Merlex Auto Group and had the car for only nine days before encountering a series of serious issues. The dealership engaged in what I believe was a bait-and-switch, as I initially came in looking for a Mercedes listed at $23,000 but was told I wasn’t qualified and was sold a Porsche for $30,000—well above market value ($19,000).

Other issues include: • Down payment misrepresentation – I paid $3,000, but the dealership claims $7,900. • Missing title – The title has never been issued or transferred. • Vehicle issues – The car needed repairs, including brakes, and was left at the dealership for two weeks without being fixed. • Unannounced delivery / key removal – The car was delivered to my home without notice, and the dealership instructed the mechanic to remove the key without my consent. • Owner interference / safety concerns – The owner blocked my communication and came to my house unannounced with another person in a manner that made me feel unsafe.

Due to these problems, I had to rescind the purchase. I am currently in the process of disputing the transaction and the financing.

Unfortunately, my attempt to resolve this has been unsuccessful so far, and I am now left without a key to my car, without a title, and the car is undrivable. Overall, this was a my first experience buying a car and it was a very stressful and unsafe experience. I do not recommend doing business with this dealership, and I urge others to proceed with...

One of the most unprofessional and insulting experiences Ive ever had.

I came here to look at a toyota they had listed online and to my surprise, the sales rep ( Blake) instantly said it wasnt there without hesitation then proceeded to try to sell me a different car.

Rather than take the time to hear my needs, he instantly goes into sales mode and tries to push a Lexus on me instead and when I told him specifically what I was there for and that I wasn’t budging, the guy he was training tried to also insist I look at the Lexus but he cut him off and said “ she doesnt like Luxury”

From there on I should’ve known the type of sales people I was dealing with. The man tried to get me off the lot the same day with a car he quickly pulled up at there other location, and when I stated I wanted to go home and look at it he asked why, joked about me “ going home to pray on it” multiple times and when i said i might and that i wanted to do my own research he insulted me and said “ you wont , i know your type, I can see right through you “. When I asked “oh? whats my type “ he wouldn’t answer and proceeded to skip this portion of the conversation and go back into sales mode. This was one of the many comments he made during that interaction.

From there he went back and forth from what I think was trying to flirt to insults? as I kept insisting on us focusing on the paperwork I was hit with comments like

“ I like you, you’re spicy, what country are you from ( MIND YOU I KEPT SAYING IM A US CITIZEN) , he said I should've brought a man with me instead , didnt want me to read any of the documents myself , asking me for my number, insisting on a date “ mind you ….. all this is taking place sitting on the PORCH of the dealership

I ended the conversation apologizing for wasting their time and that I wont be continuing my business there.

Overall this experience was distressing and I never got a chance to even look around a a singular car. As a customer regardless of my race and gender, this interaction shouldn’t...