Consumer complaint received 2025-06-04 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Managing the loan or lease — Problem with fees charged
Company: ALLY FINANCIAL INC.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Urgent Complaint Regarding Undisclosed Charges and Misrepresentation on Vehicle Purchase XXXX of XXXX Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a vehicle purchase made at XXXX of XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX, which I believe involves misrepresentation, lack of disclosure, and possible deceptive sales practices. 

On that date, I purchased a XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  that was stickered on the lot at {$20000.00}. I have attached a photo of the window sticker as it appeared during the time of sale. Believing this was the sale price, I proceeded with the purchase and placed a {$10000.00} down payment directly with the dealership. 

However, on XX/XX/XXXX, I received my finance paperwork from ALLY Bank, showing that my outstanding balance is {$24000.00} after the {$10000.00} down payment had already been made. This indicates a total cost of over {$34000.00}, which is more than {$13000.00} above the advertised sticker price. 

When I contacted the dealership to understand this discrepancy, I was only then provided with the deal paperwork, a full three weeks after the purchase. That paperwork shows that the actual sale price was {$28000.00}, a figure that was never disclosed to me at any point during the transaction. No documentation, verbal explanation, or transparent breakdown was given that would explain : How the sale price increased by nearly {$8000.00} from the stickered amount ; What fees, add-ons, or charges ( if any ) were included in that number ; How my {$10000.00} down payment was applied.

This lack of transparency violates basic consumer protections and trust, and I believe it may also be in breach of Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) requirements, which mandate clear disclosure of financing terms and full pricing. At no point was it made clear that the down payment was being used to cover unspecified fees or markups I was led to believe it was being applied directly toward the principal balance of the vehicle, as reflected on the sticker.

The individuals I interacted with at the dealership were : XXXX XXXX, Salesperson XXXX XXXX, Finance Manager This experience has caused significant emotional and financial stress, especially given my good-faith effort to make a responsible, upfront payment. The unexpected financing burden for an 8-year-old vehicle raises serious concerns about the dealerships ethical practices. 

I am respectfully requesting the following : A full investigation into this transaction and dealerships pricing and disclosure practices. 

A correction or rollback of any undisclosed or unauthorized fees that led to the inflated sale price. 

Support in determining what options exist for revising the terms of my contract or voiding the transaction if necessary. 

Confirmation that XXXX XXXX XXXX holds dealerships under its name to fair advertising and consumer protection standards. 

I trusted that purchasing a vehicle from a XXXX dealership would come with integrity and clarity. Unfortunately, this experience has proven otherwise. I hope to resolve this matter amicably with your assistance. 

Thank you for your time and attention. 

Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation