Courtesy Kia of Brandon

Run! Run as far, and as fast, as you can away from Courtesy Kia of Brandon! This dealership has been problematic from the beginning, but my most recent encounter with them has been absolutely unacceptable. It resulted in my vehicle being totaled, being lied to, being charged hundreds of dollars for services on a car I will never see again and never even receiving an apology. Here’s the full story: My vehicle was picked up around 12:30 pm via valet service on June 15th for maintenance services (oil change, front brakes, engine filter replacement). I received a text message a few hours later saying they were finishing up the paperwork and my vehicle was finished. I didn’t hear anything for hours, despite trying to call and sending texts. I finally received a text saying the phone lines were down. Around 6:30 pm I got anxious knowing their end-of-day was approaching, so I called again, no answer. I called the Sales Department, and the woman that answered said she walked over to the Service Department and everyone had left for the day. She informed me that I would have to wait until the next day for my vehicle. However, I received a text from the service department about an hour later (around 7:30 pm) saying that they just sent the valet with my car, and it was on it’s way to me. Confused, I waited, but my car never arrived. The next morning, I received a call from a service rep saying that my car was in an accident on it’s way to me the night before. He stated that the driver of my vehicle was rear ended, and I was told that his manager (Fernando Malta) was going to contact Corporate because this situation had never happened, and they were going to get information on what to do next. He texted me pictures of the damage, and a document that stated the names and details of those involved in the crash. I waited for hours but heard nothing. I called, no answer. At that point, I had no idea where my car was or how to obtain the legal documents stating the details of the accident. I text back with my service rep, and I asked when they expected to hear back from Corporate because I would also like to speak with them, and the response I received was that the manager was in a meeting and going to call me when he got out. I never received a call back, and I didn’t speak to Fernando Malta until I finally got a hold of him in the days later. In the meantime, It was being said over and over that I needed to file a claim with Progressive and that they (Kia and the employee driving my car) were not at fault. When I spoke to F. Malta, he was incredibly rude and unresponsive to any concern(s) I had (have) . His main focus was to repeat that he will not be filing with his (Kia’s) insurance and that it was not his establishment’s or his driver’s fault (a lie!). The police report proves that Kia’s driver was at fault, and it also proves that my vehicle was involved in the accident at 5pm on June 15th, so not only did this happen, but the dealership lied to me for hours about where my vehicle was, making me believe my vehicle was on it's way to me when in fact it had already been in an accident and was sitting at their dealership. Never once did Malta offer even a simple apology or try to come to a resolution with me. When I out-right refused to make an insurance claim because I was not involved in the accident and no fault lies on me, Malta finally told me he would have my service rep call the insurance company of the other driver involved to file a claim. Still, Malta did not take the lead of the situation. That was the first, and last time I have ever spoken to the “manager” at Courtesy Kia of Brandon. He has also not answered or returned multiple calls from Kia Consumer Affairs. It’s clearly obvious that Fernando Malta does not care about the well being of his customers, his business or the brand his establishment represents. I paid for the report from the FL HWY Patrol, to obtain accurate information about what happened during the incident, and it clearly states that the Kia Employee “veered left failing to observe slower traffic ahead resulting in the right front of Vehicle 1 colliding with the left rear of [the Kia].” For weeks, I have been told that Kia was not at fault, and even now, showing Kia this information, PROVING their fault, no response. The end result is this: My vehicle has been deemed a total loss. It was a 2018 Kia Soul, purchased in December of 2017 with less than 30k miles. I have paid to maintain that car to factory specifications. I am currently without a vehicle, no loaner or rental is being provided, and I haven’t had a single phone call from Courtesy Kia of Brandon to follow up. 6 days ago I received an email from Consumer Assistance letting me know they will get in touch with me when Fernando Malta gets in touch with them (which we all know is unlikely to ever happen). As if this situation wasn’t bad enough, the dealership had the audacity to charge my debit card almost $500 on the services they completed to the car they totaled! I can not shout loud enough, Avoid this dealership at ALL costs! Next, I will be contacting the BBB, AUTO LINE, BayNews9 and 8 On Your Side to make sure that no one is treated the way I have been by this dealership.

Starting with my salesperson, Jim Darity, the deal went very smooth and everyone was so helpful without being pushy. Made for an experience you do always encounter. I’m glad I drove the distance I did, coming from Cape Coral.

Totally ruined my credit. I had a Kia Optima lease I was returning and ended up buying a Kia Soul. They told me the disposition fee on returning the lease would be waived. If I get a bill send it to them for them to take care of. Well I did just that and never heard from them after multiple times contacting them and even going to the dealership until they sent me a check after the last day for the payment was supposed to be due. Lost 80 points on my credit due to their mishaps. They also have a ridiculous $1500 fee tacked onto any purchase for providing nitro in your tires among some other non-nonsensical asks. But I don't even care about the $1500, the credit hit was the serious offense especially since I called multiple times and went back in person.

Tried for several days to get a quote on a 2020 Sorento. Rickey FInnerty was rude in emails and refused to provide a quote. I wanted all rebates listed and Rickey stated "We don't do business that way".

I bought a 2016 pre owned Kia from this dealer and they assured me it had a 100 pt or more service check. The first few weeks I noticed at traffic lights or stopped idling- and whole car had the shakes right through the steering wheel. So I took it in for a check when having an oil change done. The verdict was by technician that the alternator was not putting out enough voltage and causing the issue. So , really like this car has been own barely 4-6 months and this wasn't checked during all those so called point of inspection by the dealer's service people? Yet they have the nerve to want $300+ for the part and installation. So much for a no so great buy or check. But funny part is they are always short handed at service but had the nerve to furlough lube techs and increase wait times. This is how to operate a business. This all should fall on Fernando after all he runs the shop and there is definitely need for improvement.

Unacceptable behaviors. They don’t do things that they told you they will do for you. Don’t try to be nice to them. We were nice to them and then now they don’t want to give you what they promised. Get OUT!

Nick Nieto was very helpful and friendly, straight to the point with no hidden messages. Great person to work with, will recommend to anyone. Not a pushy person and will go above and beyond to help you get into your new vehicle. Thank you Nick

We walked out after 5 min...WOULD NEVER,NEVER, NEVER GO BACK.... Was very disappointed to say the least..... 👎👎👎👎👎 Don’t waist your time. I guess they’re used to people just walking in and not doing the research and paying whatever they ask what’s wrong with people nowadays??? He act like giving us $1000 off was some kind a great deal. 2019 Niro EX for 28,000 When Friendly Kia had the same car same options for 26 five out the door...

This is an update to my previous review. I received a boilerplate response to my review the same way I received one for my review on another dealer review website. I called to speak to Mr. O'Brien and it has now been 5 days without a response to my call. Evidently, this dealership is quick to post an automated response, but not so quick to actually speak to the dissatisfied customer!

Ashley Craig is an awesome Service Rep for Kia. She is thorough and complete. I have an older Kia I would like to keep running. She understands that and makes sure I am up to date on all needs of that car 2013 SXL. Thank you for all you do Ashley. You are TOPS with me! Kathy Warren