Felix Chevrolet — Attraction in Los Angeles

To Felix Chevrolet Owner,

I am writing to formally address a series of concerning experiences I have had with Felix Chevrolet, which I believe reflect discriminatory, unethical, and potentially unlawful practices. I urge your dealership to take immediate corrective action to prevent further violations of consumer rights and to restore trust in your establishment.

Incident 1: Denial of Test Drive and Discriminatory Practices (2023)

In 2023, I visited your dealership with the intent to test drive and potentially purchase a vehicle. I was refused the opportunity to test drive based on my race, which is a blatant violation of anti-discrimination laws. I was informed that I would need to purchase the vehicle outright without a test drive. Additionally, I was told that if I chose not to keep the vehicle, no refund would be provided. This conduct not only discriminates against me but also violates fundamental consumer rights and California laws that protect against racial discrimination in business establishments.

Under California Civil Code §51.5 (Unruh Civil Rights Act), it is unlawful for businesses to discriminate against individuals based on race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. Your dealership’s refusal to allow a test drive on these grounds is a clear breach of this law.

Incident 2: Misrepresentation and Deceptive Practices (2024)

In 2024, I contacted your dealership regarding the availability of a specific vehicle. The General Manager assured me that the vehicle was ready for purchase. However, upon my arrival, I was informed that the vehicle was not in your inventory. This misrepresentation wasted my time and demonstrated a lack of professionalism and honesty.

Additionally, I was once again subjected to unethical behavior: I was told that I must purchase insurance before being allowed to test drive a vehicle. According to California Vehicle Code §17583, dealerships are required to maintain liability insurance on vehicles in their inventory, ensuring that potential buyers can test drive vehicles without undue restrictions or additional costs. Forcing customers to purchase insurance to test drive a vehicle is a deceptive and illegal practice.

Legal Violations and Consumer Rights

Your dealership’s actions violate several California laws, including but not limited to:

California Civil Code §51.5 (Unruh Civil Rights Act): Prohibits discrimination by businesses based on race or other protected characteristics.

California Business and Professions Code §17200: Prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices.

California Vehicle Code §17583: Requires dealerships to maintain insurance for vehicles in their inventory, ensuring customers can test drive vehicles without purchasing additional coverage.

Call to Action

I demand the following actions to address and rectify these issues:

A formal written apology from Felix Chevrolet for the discriminatory and unlawful practices I experienced.

Implementation of anti-discrimination training for all staff to ensure compliance with California laws.

Assurance that deceptive practices, such as forcing insurance purchases or misrepresenting inventory, will cease immediately.

A public statement outlining the steps your dealership will take to prevent such incidents in the future.

Failure to address these concerns will leave me no choice but to escalate this matter by filing complaints with the following:

The California Department of Consumer Affairs

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)

Local and national media outlets to expose these practices to the public

Conclusion:

I trust that you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate corrective action. I look forward to receiving your written response within 14 days of the date of this letter. Failure to respond adequately will result in further legal and public actions to hold Felix Chevrolet...

I gave my vin# over the phone to buy parts for my suburban and confirmed the department have it in stock for me to pick it up. I had limited time to waste because it was a Saturday and my mechanic shop closes early and this dealer closes early as well. So I arrive around just before noon and confirmed the second time the parts are correct for my suv. I had a picture on my phone for the employee to read of the vin# to put it in the system. He (Carlos) refused to see and had his assistant to read it for him. Once she reads it for him he confirmed it’s the right parts so I paid and left. Once I got to my mechanic shop and delivered the parts I was told it’s the wrong parts. Carlos gave me parts that belongs to a different model. Since I didn’t have time I told my mechanic to use parts that are not from a dealer because thanks to Carlos I wouldn’t have a car till Monday. I rely heavy on my SUV for my family to get around and it would be difficult to do so without a car. I went back to Felix Chevy to return the wrong parts and I put it on the counter as I was the only one customer in the store. Carlos almost immediately started to give attitude because apparently when I put the parts on the counter some how his keys fell and gave me a hard stare down and said I shouldnt put the parts on the counter and I should move it 30 inches to the right. I forgot to mention the wrong parts that I got are motor mounts and a hub that costs $900. I was not expecting this type of treatment especially when Carlos and his assistant gave me the wrong parts. I was expecting anything positive but not even an apology and taking an accountability for there mistake. The female assistant was kind enough that took my phone to read the vin# to Carlos it the only person that was nice. I repeatedly mentioned to Carlos that I need parts for my 2019 2 wheel drive suburban but he gave me 2014 4wd suburban parts. My invoice number is 14352 if you would like to look it up. My reward number last 4 is 8732.

In response to below from Felix Chevy, I was given a number to reach out to a manager but it’s a phone number that’s try’s to connect you to different departments. I spoke to an operator and she connected me to parts department which all the problems started.

Can I have a direct number to the manager or his/her...

They charged me $43,000 for a $23,000 2024 Chevy Trax. They sent two different contracts after delivering my car. They did not answer my questions. They did not abide by my requests to stick to my budget or not to put any add-ons on the vehicle. They have not responded to my certified letters asking them to fix the deal. They put me with a lender that they chose even after I had a pre-qualification for the exact car with my own lender. They did not provide me with my credit report that they used (which I thought was required by law). They took advantage of me as a disabled, older man who was excited to be able to buy my very first brand new car. I put $10,000 down through my Social Security lump sum and now am stuck in payments so high that the interest is much higher than the principal. They made my loan term 71 months when the pre-qualification I had was 48 months. The car arrived with a deep scratch and they did send touch-up paint but I feel they should have fixed it professionally...I am afraid to use it since I might make it look worse. I requested the lender they stuck me with to do a fraud investigation but they sided with the dealership. Both the dealership and the lender are saying it's too bad you signed the contract. The contract was sent twice, was so tiny, had two different lenders and in the end, I was WAY TOO TRUSTING that these people were listening to my needs and requests and were actually being true and honest about my needs as a consumer. They had me send my down payment to Sierra Chevrolet (?). The finance people did not answer my questions. I felt obligated to sign the digital papers with tiny print they sent because they had delivered the car to me already a couple of days before they sent the confusing double contracts. They were very angry when I called the sales manager on the phone. They saw me coming. It seems to be true about car salespeople - they are slimy, shady and wear green plaid suits! NEVER EVER AGAIN will I purchase anything from Felix Chevrolet...not even a key...