Putnam Ford

Close to Worst Dealership Experience Ever

Very close to a worst experience ever. And I use to work at a dealership for many years in the accounting office, as a salesman, and as a finance manager.Bought a 2013 Ford Explorer for my fiance and wanted to make it as painless and as non-time consuming as possible considering we were about to go on our honeymoon. Mike, the salesman was good and seemed to understand my need for a hassle free and quick transaction. I put down a large deposit (in bank check form) from my bank accounts and then several weeks later came back with my fiance as a surprise and with the remaining balance in a smaller amount via cash. I was hoping the vehicle would be ready on the day that we arrived, but the day before our scheduled arrival I was told that the finance guy wasn't available to print the paperwork so my fiance would have to come back to finalize her loan and registration docs. She would have to use the dealer plates for now. That was Friday. Monday she went back, signed the paperwork and transferred plates. Two days later she realized the AC hadn't been working. Was told to bring the vehicle in, which ended up having to be left at the dealership because they didn't have the part (you'd think that the AC would've been checked during their supposed 100 point service inspection) . She got a decent loaner, which was nice, and we were told everything would be done in a day and they'd also give her an inspection sticker. The car wasn't done until 2-3 days later, and at that point the dealership had it delivered to my fiance's place of employment. However, after leaving, she realized they had forgotten to give her the inspection sticker. So, alas, she had to get one on her own. So basically, what should have been one trip for her, ended up being 3-4 time consuming tasks weeks before our wedding and honeymoon. Not the result we were looking for.The worst part is in our mailbox today we received a letter from Putnam Ford stating my fiance is being reported to the IRS via form 8300 indicating that she supposedly gave more than 10k in cash to the dealership when in fact she hadn't. I had given a large amount in bank checks to the dealership, and then a smaller amount in cash (from her dad as a wedding gift to us). In the letter it specifically noted that the reasons for this is that they "are required by the Internal Revenue Service to report more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments (cashier's check, bank draft, traveler's check, or money order) as defined in (26 U.S.C. 6050I)."Now, I took accounting and know some fair amount about tax law. And a simple review of the code would've helped this dealership's Office Manager, Cosley Campbell, understand that it is only cash and INTERNATIONAL BANK INSTRUMENTS that is reported not monetary instruments from within the UNITED STATES. Otherwise every bank check given over $10,000 would be reported on IRS form 8300. That's a lot of form 8300s. lol.See 26 U.S.C. 6050I (which was quoted in the letter but apparently not well read by the above office manager) and which pointed to 31 U.S. Code 5312 for Definitions and application:"(a) (3) monetary instruments means(A) United States coins and currency;(B) as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation, coins and currency of a foreign country, travelers checks, bearer negotiable instruments, bearer investment securities, bearer securities, stock on which title is passed on delivery, and similar material; and(C) as the Secretary of the Treasury shall provide by regulation for purposes of sections 5316 and 5331, checks, drafts, notes, money orders, and other similar instruments which are drawn on or by a foreign financial institution and are not in bearer form."You'd think the accounting office at this dealership would have a bit more knowledge about who to report on form 8300 and who not too. But thanks for causing us unneeded stress during our upcoming wedding and honeymoon, Putnam Ford.Talk about putting a consumer through a bunch of baloney when they give you their business.I should have stuck with Herb Chambers Ford and other friends in the industry. I'd never refer this dealership to a friend or acquaintance. I'll continue to post this review wherever I can.Kevin

A repeat customer

I have been buying vehicles from Putnam Ford for many years. I recently purchased a beautiful, ruby red Escape. Brian was very helpful in my decision. He was patient and professional with the cars he let me try to make sure I bought just the right one. David Pomes in the financial department made the sale very easy. I am a very satisfied customer and will continue to be a repeat customer.

used truck

looked at truck that fit my needs online. was contacted and all inquiries answered to my satisfaction. A relative has orevious dealings with them and is very satisfied with service there.

Dealer didn't seem interested selling to someone with...

Dealer didn't seem interested selling to someone with less then perfect credit. I take that back, they didn't even make an attempt. Sales person never followed up with me.