Lokey Kia

I was a serious out-of-state buyer from Dallas looking at a 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige listed by Lokey Kia on Cars.com. Unfortunately, the buying process became so chaotic and inconsistent that I ultimately lost confidence in the dealership entirely. The vehicle was advertised on Cars.com for $33,461, and after submitting an inquiry I received a dealership-branded email confirming both the vehicle and that exact price in writing, tied to the VIN and stock number. I then explained clearly that I was an out-of-state buyer evaluating whether it made financial sense to: * pay for an independent inspection, * fly to Florida, * and drive the vehicle back to Texas. I also explained that I compare vehicles based on true out-the-door pricing because remote purchases involve additional costs and risk. Instead of receiving a thoughtful response, I was repeatedly contacted by what appeared to be an AI email system that ignored the substance of my messages and continued pushing appointments and generic phone calls even after I explicitly asked for human assistance and requested no more AI responses. Things got worse after I proactively called the dealership myself and connected with a salesperson named James, who was professional and pleasant. While he was supposedly discussing the deal internally with management, another salesperson inserted himself into the transaction, emailed me separately, then called me and attempted to claim I was “his customer” because he had emailed me first. The conversation immediately became territorial and aggressive rather than collaborative. On top of that, I was then told the actual price of the vehicle was materially higher than both the Cars.com listing and the dealership-branded written quote I had already received. When I questioned the discrepancy, I was given shifting explanations about pricing systems and listing updates. At that point, my concern was no longer even the vehicle itself. It was whether the dealership was organized and trustworthy enough to handle a remote purchase professionally. To be fair, the general manager did eventually have someone else reach out personally (not the GM, but a lower boss), which I appreciated. But by then, the overall process already felt fragmented, defensive, and unnecessarily adversarial. My recommendation to future buyers: * get every number in writing, * verify advertised pricing carefully, * insist on out-the-door pricing early, * and be cautious if multiple salespeople suddenly begin competing for your transaction internally. The vehicle itself looked great. The dealership experience did not.

This dealership seems like it has UNETHICAL WAYS to lure customers into the store, even after taking a deposit, only to switch terms once you’re in the store, committed, and have turned down other offers. I recommend not to go here to purchase a car. I got what seems like a BAIT-AND-SWITCH on a BRAND-NEW KIA. I made a clear deal in writing with the manager, Ryan M. He requested and accepted my deposit after we agreed on the numbers and terms IN WRITING. I arranged to be dropped off from over an hour away. After about 30 minutes of confusion in the store, they told me they made a “mistake” and would not honor my deal. They then said I needed to pay AT LEAST $5,000 MORE or LEAVE. The GM, Daniel C, told me he did not care about what was agreed to and told me to leave the store. Now I’m currently stranded here over an hour away from my home with NO CAR and have to figure out how to get home. I also turned down other deals because I already had an agreement with them in writing and they accepted my deposit.

The staff were friendly. Some of the staff like Dave have been there for many years and make it comfortable and familiar.

The service department was excellent, attentive and quick. Dealing with management has not been easy.

Repeatedly poor service and lack of professionalism. I dropped my car off at 8am on 12/30. At 3pm the same day, I called for an update and was told they were on the phone with the warranty company and would call me right back. No one did. I called again at 12pm the next day and was told Dave was at lunch. I called again at 1:30pm and was told the same thing. Shortly after, Wade (service manager) called and said Dave was about to call the warranty company. I pointed out I had been told the same thing the day before. He then said they were very busy due to the holiday. After prior issues earlier this year involving rudeness from Mia (twice), I specifically requested that I only work with Dave Woodman, who has always been professional and excellent to work with. I was told Dave was my advisor, yet communication was actually routed through management instead. When I picked up my car, there was a McDonald’s wrapper dated 12/31 left inside, the car smelled like food, the mileage at pickup was ~100 miles higher than at drop-off, and my gas tank was nearly empty. This has happened before. In October I picked up my car with fewer than 7 miles to empty. I’ve been in July, September, October, and December, and each visit they find new problems that somehow weren’t issues the month before. They also no longer wash or vacuum vehicles after service. I was considering buying my third vehicle here (bought 1st one in 2012). I won’t be.

I’m checking all the boxes everything was great fast and easy, the service rider was very nice and professional explained everything so that I could understand overall great!!

The advisor Jackie Gale was extremely helpful. Jackie did some research for me. Thank you!

Thomas the service advisor provided 5 star customer service. My service was completed ahead of schedule. Waiting room allows for computer/work set up. Great experience.

Lack of communication from auto body shop, delays in getting parts, cost me hundreds of dollars in extra rental car days due to delays, was supposed to take 1 week and took 3 weeks, still waiting for refund of overpayment after more than a month. Other than that, couldn’t have been a worse experience! 😡

I have bought several vehicles from them. I am a buyer who has researched trade in values and financing options and who comes in with specific demands. I demand to be given a specific amount for my trade in, I demand a specific monthly payment. When they come to me with lower trade in value and higher payment I simply say no. They continue to work with me and eventually acquiese to my demands. They are easy to work with where other dealers don’t like my approach. I can’t see me using any other dealer.