Tri-County Lexus

Misleading CPO Advertising & Dishonest Sales Tactics I came to Tri County Lexus only after confirming in writing a $37,000 out-the-door (OTD) price and that the vehicle was L/Certified, as clearly advertised on Tri County’s own site, CarGurus, and Lexus’ official L/Certified inventory. When I arrived, the price had jumped to over $42,000 OTD — a complete bait and switch. When I questioned the increase, the Pre-owned manager, Mohammad Alhiari, showed me an “adjusted MMR” to justify the price — but I later realized it was based on Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) values, even though they hadn’t actually included the certification. He then told me the car had “passed the Lexus certified inspection,” but to actually receive the L/Certified warranty, I’d have to pay an additional $2,900 to $3,900 — despite every listing saying the vehicle was already certified. He also pressured me to use their financing, quoting me a 13% APR to “get the internet price”, and admitted they don’t get kickbacks unless the rate is above 7.99% — an obvious red flag. All of this after I stated clearly I was preapproved through a credit union and came in based on a written price commitment. I ended up walking away, frustrated and disappointed. It was a complete waste of time, built on false advertising, broken written price agreements, and high-pressure financing tactics. Because of the serious misrepresentation around the CPO status, I also reported this to Lexus Corporate, who has now opened a formal file: Case #250623003433 ⸻ Bottom Line: If you value transparency, respect for your time, and truthful advertising, avoid Tri County Lexus. I gave them every chance to deal in good faith, and they failed at every step.

Great establishment here! Cristian was an amazing dealer to work with and easy to understand!

Bait and switch, avoid at all costs! It's not worth the time. You'll be disappointed!!

I took the Bait but fortunately did not fall for the switch. The salesman was honest, and I should have listened, He told me from the beginning that the internet sales was just to get me in the door and that they did. The appearance of the dealership is 9/10; the sales tactics are 0/10. The manager tried to continue the con, his manager took a shot at it. Incredible! Did not expect a high-end dealer to stoop so low. I reviewed all pricing over the phone, and they tried to tell me I was combining deals. I asked about the fees, which the internet sales verified with a manager, and it was $799 doc fee + $400 DMV in NJ. That alone is high, but I did agree. Then they added a $1900 refurbish fee. I am not sure how the state of NJ is allowing this. What did this add up to? A car advertised at 49K is 62K. Save yourself the hassle.

TL;DR: Tri-County used bait-and-switch tactics, falsely advertised a promotion, and completely disavowed a written quote they sent me before I drove 2 hours to their dealership. Be careful—they’re not honest or transparent. I rarely leave negative reviews, but the sales tactics at Tri-County are so misleading that I feel obligated to warn others. I contacted the dealership on the final day of their sales event to confirm that the car I was interested in qualified for both the double down payment match and the 0% financing offer. I also asked for an out-the-door quote in writing, which the salesperson confirmed and emailed to me (see attached). Wanting to avoid a wasted trip, I drove over two hours to the dealership only after receiving that confirmation. When I arrived, both the salesperson and sales manager claimed they had no idea who I spoke with. That should’ve been my cue to walk out, but I decided to test drive the car anyway. As expected, when it came time to talk numbers, the sales manager said there was no way they could honor the quote I was given—and to make matters worse, he claimed the sales event only applied to either the down payment match or the 0% financing, not both. The promotion they advertised and emailed was clearly worded in a way that suggested otherwise—anyone with basic reading comprehension could see that. In short, this dealership wasted my time with misleading promotions, a bait-and-switch quote, and a total lack of accountability. Buyer beware.

The sales team took my deposit after an agreed selling price and called me 48 hours later to raise the price of the car $2500 over MSRP. They are sleazy scam artists. Avoid them at all costs.

The sales team took my deposit on a vehicle after agreed on price and discussing payments. 48 hours later, Leo, called and said his manage raised the price $2500 after I paid the deposit and after we reached an agreed price AND monthly payment. They are scam artists.

⭐ 1/5 – Avoid This Dealership at All Costs! I wish I could give zero stars. TRI-COUNTY LEXUS is by far the worst car-buying experience I’ve ever had. From dishonest sales tactics to outright disrespect, here’s why you should RUN: 1. Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Advertised a great price online, but when I arrived, the car was suddenly "just sold" or had $3,000+ in mandatory add-ons. Classic scam. 2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics: The salesperson wouldn’t take "no" for an answer, hovering over me and insisting I sign before checking numbers. Felt like a used-car lot from a bad movie. 3. Hidden Fees & Bogus Charges: The final contract included $1,500 in "dealer prep," "nitrogen tires," and other junk fees they refused to remove. 4. Rude & Unprofessional Staff: When I questioned the fees, the manager became aggressive and condescending. No customer should be treated this way. 5. Shady Financing Games: Promised a low APR, but the finance office tried pushing a much higher rate. Had to walk out and go elsewhere. DO NOT TRUST THIS PLACE. They’ll waste your time, lie to your face, and squeeze every penny out of you. I drove an extra 150 miles to a reputable dealer and got a fair deal you should too.

Ask for David. He is friendly and helpful. Thank you for getting me a good deal!

Tri County Lexus is a complete scam—stay far away! Two weeks ago, I saw their ad on Cars.com for a Lexus Si 300 with 48,000 miles listed at $25,000. It seemed like a good deal, so I called and went to their dealership. Turns out, it was all a blatant lie—the car actually had 79,000 miles, and its condition was nowhere near what they showed in the photos. Then the sales consultant asked me to sign a document just so they could “check with the manager” about a discount due to their false mileage listing.. Next, the salesperson and manager bring out a contract stating I’d have to pay $1,000 per month for 72 months—plus a $3,000 down payment—for this overpriced, old car. I never even agreed to buy anything! They relentlessly pressured me, trying to justify their scam by saying the car is worth $42,000 elsewhere and that they’re offering a “special $16,000 discount.” Then they had the audacity to blame me for “wasting their time”! I felt extremely uncomfortable and even scared in that place—I ran out of there. These crooks tried to sell me a worn-out car for $75,000 when its real market price is only $23,000–$27,000. This dealership is a FRAUD. Avoid them at all costs!