Kelley Blue Book Reviews 

I AGREE WITH ALL THE 1 STAR REVIEWS. KELLY BLUE BOOK INSTANT OFFER IS AN ABSOLUTE SCAM. THE OFFER YOU GET IS VERY LOW AND WHEN YOU GET TO THE RESPONDING DEALERSHIPS, THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU THAT OFFER. ITS A COMPLETE SCAM FROM KELLY BLUE BOOK. KELLY BLUE BOOK IS SCANDELOUS.

Had KBB do an appraisal. Didn't realize they would be sending my information to 3 "participating" dealerships. In order to "participate" dealerships must pay KBB. Dealerships pay KBB when people trade their vehicles. KBB's appraisal was $21,000. Germain Honda of Beavercreek was at the top of the list and blew up my phone - 3 calls/3 voice mails/text in less then 24 hours. They were EXTREMLY interested. I should contact them ASAP.

I'm sure Germain Honda of Beavercreek paid even more to be at the top of the list.

KBB said I should redeem the "Instant Cash Offer" within 3 days...typical high pressure tactic...hurry hurry. After 2 days I got another email saying the Instant Cash Offer "expired in 1 more day." Sure ...sure it does.

KBB says I should take the Instant Cash Offer, title to my vhicle, drivers license, maintenance documentation, proof of insurance, all keys, remotes, manuals. It finished by saying, "Remeber to remove all personal belongingsand ifyou're not buying another car arrange for a ride home."

Complete nonsense, just KBB tryig to make me believe I'll miss out on the $21,000 appraisal.

I got several indepenant appraisals.

Germain's appraisal was $17,000-$19,000
Told an individual at Germain Honda of Beavercreek that I had gotten several independant appraisal and that their offer was way below fair market value of my vehicle, $21,000-$22,00. They said they would talk to their manager and call me. They never did. They did text me back 3 days later saying, "I wanted to touch base with you on your serach for a Honda Civic. Have you found anything yet?"

I texted Them back, "Your appraisal of $17,000-$19,000 for my vehicle was well below fair market value. If you're going to low ball; I'm not going to buy a new vehicle from you."

They texted me back and said, "I understand completly understand, I will say we do use a standard tool that shows market averages, if you would like to bring it in we can have our appraisers take a look to see if we can offer more. Does this work for you?"

More crap to try to get me to come into the dealership. They weren't going to redeem/honor the Instant Cash Offer. They never intended to.

I never went in and I saved my self from wasting @ 3 hours

The "standard tool", they use is Accu-Trade...they subscribe to it. Accu-Trades website says, "Turn More Cars For More Profit"...."...continually drive more highly profitable vehicles through your business."

Accu-Trade exists for the benefit of Germain Honda of Beavercreek only...to make them money and as much money as possible on every trade in.

New vehicle sales/inventory is low due to a computer chip shortage and supply chain issues. This has increased the demand for used vehicles a lot...meaning my vehicle is worth even more money (Germain - wants all this money.). Theirs a shortage of used vehicles increasing the value of my vehicle even more (Germain - wants all this money). Interest rates are high; inflation is at a 40 year high which is makeing my vehicle worth even more (Germain - wants all of this money too.).

Germain's offer of $17,000-$19,00 for my vehicle doesn't reflect current market conditions...they just wanto put that much more "extra" money my vehicle is worth into their own pockets.

Germain isn't going to "redeem" my Instant cash offer under any circumstance, in any reality. They never inteded too. They will find something, anything wrong with my vehilce as an excuse.

I see all the 1 star reviews here are useing the words, scam, and fraud when discribing Instant Cash Offer. From all the low 1 star reviews/complaints it looks like no dealership is actually honoring the Instance Cash offer.

This individual at Germain said the "standard tool" they use shows market averages. Yeah I have an average too...The average trade in appraisal from all the individual independnat appraisals I got was $21,000 too. Even the appraisals I have gotten are are lo do to the fact that they do not take into account that my vehicle still has 14 months left on the manufacturers extended warranty. My vehilce still being udner warranty increases the value of it. I'm sure Germain wants that money too.

Only ones getting paid/benifitting are KBB and Germain.

Also I saw no disclosure from KBB saying they are getting payed by participating dealerhips for each person they refer and whom trade in their vehicle. There is a 1 star review here saying KBB is getting paid $650 per person they refer and whom trade in the vehicles.

I'm very disapointed in KBB and will not be useing their services again.

Once I saw Germains appraisal didn't match the KBB apprasial of $21,000, researched it and fould all these negative KBB Reviews here on Trustpiolet.Not particualy surprised dealterships are doing this.There's complaints about Instant Cash Offer going back to 2016.

We got a great "offer" at the website, but once we went to the dealership, they found "minor" isues and lower the value 20%. I think this is plain and simple a scam, they make you do the work, to increase their revenue.

Took vehicle along with paperwork to dealership and they didn’t honor cash offer, guess it just works to get you on the lot.

Autotrader's instant cash offer is a scam to get and then sell your information. I got no offer, but got many emails from dealers. To get an offer you have to give them email, and phone number in order to be able to click get an offer. And I wasn't able to find a plce on the site to opt out of sharing my information. What a scam!!!

We used KBB for a “cash offer” from a dealer. We got three dealers to participate. I called one of the dealers and they said they would honor that price if all was good with the info I provided. We drove there only to be told they will only give us less. They said KBB gives wrong values.

I think it’s a waste of time to use this KBB feature on for cash vale!
Beware.

Wish I could rate this a zero Star - what a scam - KBB instant cash offer was $9,015 - the Hyundai dealer in Bend Oregon offered me $7,000. I ask why the big difference - they said it was a rear wheel drive not an all-wheel drive - well duh, that's what it said on the Autotrader KBB instant offer! I asked if there was anything different about the car than was represented on the KBB offer - they said no...what a shady operation - can't believe I wasted an hour at that dealership and with the KBB instant offer - this is a SCAM

I participated in the KBB Instant Cash Offer program on 9/29/22 and obtained a $2582.00 established value for my 2014 VW Golf. That offer went out to 3 dealerships James, Tradition, and Auction Direct of Rochester. I chose James as they were the closest and had the most communication. They inspected my car, established a value, and disclosed the value to be the same (2582.00). I was able to view the dealership’s assessment of the 2582.00 offer on their computer. Then the sales/inspection person discussed the offer privately with the General Manager (Aaron) and came back with a low ball offer of 1000.00. I feel this is a classic bait and switch and a reluctance to bargain in good faith. KBB should force the dealer to make good on this offer. I'm sure this will never happen because these dealers and KBB are in bed with each other. This is pure and simple fraud. BBB has a report also.

SCAM...received a "cash" offer on KBB. Dealer rep from Ciocca dealerships in Pleasantville NJ called to set appt.
No one came to talk to me once i arrived. Receptionist handed me a paper notating the amount they would offer.
Little did they know that I was in the market for a new vehicle. Will never use KBB or CIOCCA.

KBB made me a reasonable on-line offer, albeit on the low side, at $12085 for my used car. We made arrangement for a dealer to inspect and purchase. When I showed up the dealer stated the car needed tires - IT DOES NOT. The fronts were only a couple months old (!) and the rears have at least 2 years left. My 2012 car has only 34K miles, has no mechanical issues, has no rust, has no paint chips, has only two very small dings (honestly hard to see), has good tires (2 new) and the interior is like new - truly. The dealer stated KBB's offer was now "ineligible", but the dealer would be willing to pay $9000. What a joke. I expect this type of crap from dealers but not KBB. Shame on you KBB. I drove out to the dealer because KBB's reputation was behind the credible, albeit a bit low, offer. What a sucker I was! KBB is in bed with the dealers, and I would not be surprised if they split the profits made from this low-ball crap. My advise: don't waste your time considering any offers from KBB - they cannot be trusted anymore than a used car dealer. They will tell you one thing to get you into the dealer, then they will make up BS to justify a ridiculous low-ball offer. KBB was one of the few on-line companies I actually respected. Fool me once...

If I could give this 0 stars I would. Actually I’d give it a negative 5.
Not only is their instant cash offer a load of crap, when you try to inquire about the $3000 discrepancy between the instant cash offer and the dealership offer you get blown off NUMEROUS TIMES. I NEVER HAD ANYONE FOLLOW UP WITH ME….period. STAY AWAY FROM THE INSTANT CASH OFFER UNLESS YOU LIKE BEING RIPPED OFF!

I feel so stupid. I wish I would have found this earlier. Instant cash offer=total scam! To echo other users, so disappointing that they have "sold out". Used to be reliable, trustworthy, and considered standard for car value. Obviously after my experience I see that this a tool to get you to the dealer. Dealer gives you a lesser offer, with their "values". Very, very disappointing and dishonest.

KBB instant cash offer is a scam to get you to the dealership. Multiple dealers confirmed with me that I would receive my instant cash offer, I even have it in text. I have a pretty brand new truck as well that the dealer confirmed was in immaculate condition, there was absolutely nothing for them to change from what I reported using the KBB instant cash offer tool. They offered me 10k less by using auction prices and carmax. They only use the KBB instant cash offer to get you to walk through their doors, they have no intention of paying you the KBB instant cash offer. Total scam and waste of time and money. Second dealership was the exact same, told me what I would get, get there and they used carmax to value my vehicle instead of KBB, offered me 5k less. I hope one day these POS dealerships will have to close their doors when consumers can order direct from the manufacturer.

I wish I had read the reviews before I took half a day off work to go sell my car to a dealer! The instant cash offer seemed fair to me because it’s about $5,000 less than the dealers are selling the same car for right now. Someone opened their car door into mine and the car has spots that could use paintless dent repair because of it. It’s not heavy lifting repairs. The tires are well within specs. The mechanics and interior of the car are perfect. Because of the ding, I listed the vehicle condition as good instead of very good or excellent. Low miles. I went to West Herr Hyundai in Williamsville, New York, - they offered me $3,500 less than the instant cash offer! They would put $500 into fixing the car up and sell it for $9,000 or so more than they are offering me. What a scam! I can’t tell you how irritated I am. I won’t use the KBB instant cash offer ever again nor will I go to that dealership. I called KBB to report the issue and the representative (whose dog was barking in the background) told me that the dealerships can do what they want.

This is a complete waist of time. After going to 2 dealerships, neither even cared to compare the Kelly Blue Book Instant Cash offer to their offer. Both made claims that there were mechanical issues. Neither claim was correct. I think they thought since I am female that I do not know any thing about cars. The one issue that I do have with my car, the breaks shudder, was not mentioned. The first dealership was just rude from the beginning. The second made the offer gave me the paperwork and promised a check. I asked at least 5 times: Is this the correct amount? Are you going to change this offer? All of the time a surfing me this was a done deal. Then, they called 15 minutes later saying they could not process the paperwork and backed out of the deal. This is a SCAM!

Terrible experience with instant cash offers. Do not waste your time. Bait and switch, low ball offers, letting you wait so you agree to a low price having wasted your time already. All the bad tactics. They will try to trick you to get you in the door.

Update: I went to the local AutoNation Volkswagon Dealership and although it took a few more hours than i expected, they honored the deal
read below for the previous days disappointments though:
this is a total waste of time. I received an instant cash offer on your site for $43,300 for my car
I was immediately contacted by phone from
AutoNation Hyundai Mall of Georgia
3445 Buford Dr
Buford, GA 30519
I spoke to “Justin” there on Thursday night and asked him if I could come Friday night at 6:30 and if he would be there for me to work with. He confirmed the time, and said he would be available. I asked him if they would indeed honor the price I saw online and he said “I will tell you the same thing I tell all of my customers – If the vehicle matches exactly what you put in online and there are no surprises, we will honor that price”
I explained to him that my car was like new with less than 7,000 miles and does not have a single ding, scratch or smudge on it inside or out. It really is like new. He assured me that the would honor that price.
When I got to the dealership on Friday at 6:29 (after 30 minutes in traffic), I find that Justin is not there and nobody can find him or knows where he went. I am not happy about this, but another rep was there to help me so I though all would be good.
After presenting my offer to the sales rep, I am told after a few minutes that the KBB “system” has been down all day and they don’t know when it will be back up so I should come back tomorrow.
I am not happy about this, so I ask if it is down for EVERY dealer of just their dealership (I figure I can go elsewhere). The sales rep assures me that the system is down for everyone, and not just them. I ask if we can get everything approved and ready to go so I can just come back tomorrow and pickup my check so I don’t have to waste another day sitting in the dealership. I can see the sales rep’s face getting a little nervous so I can already see where this is headed. He said he needed to check with his sales manager to see what he can do.
He comes back after a few minutes and tells me that they cannot buy the car at that price. I ask him why and he tells me that the price is too high and that is the price that they would sell it for. I remind him that Justin had told me that they would honor that price and he tells me “I am not sure why Justin would have told you that”
This conversation continues for several minutes and I finally ask to speak to the manager who would not honor the price, and am told he would be there “shortly”
The manager never came so the sales rep gets another “manager” whose name tag does not state manager on it, and he doesn’t look like he is a manager. He politely tells me the same thing, but then very insultingly tries to explain to me in basic terms with a calculator how they would not make enough money on the vehicle if they purchased it at the price that I was offered by KBB. I explain very nicely to him that I understand math, but why would they participate in this program if they would not honor the prices that are shown on the website? I asked him if he could find a single thing wrong with my vehicle that would diminish the value in any way. He tells me that they DIDN’T EVEN INSPECT my car, but it looks like it is in great shape. At this point I decide that I am not going to waste any more time at this dealership as they clearly will never honor the price that KBB has guaranteed me. So I leave angry and frustrated and 45 minutes of my life gone.
On my way home, I realize that
Mall of Georgia MINI
3751 Buford Dr
Buford, GA 30519
Is on my way home and they also participate in this program. I figure I should stop there to see what they have to say about my offer. I get there and get seated with a sales rep who I ask very specifically the same question I asked Justin: will they honor the KBB price? He said after a little bit of clarification, that “if the condition matches what I put online” that yes, they would match that offer.
So I sit patiently for about 20 minutes while the sales rep types on his computer, frequently shaking his head. Eventually he says he needs to speak with his sales manager quickly.
I wait.
He returns, only to tell me that they are on a “buying freeze” and would not be able to purchase my car for at least another few weeks. Suspicious indeed. How could sales reps not know about this buying freeze? So once again I find myself leaving empty handed, and feel completely deceived.
I will be honest, I really didn’t expect that this process would go any differently considering that the car industry is such a deceptive and awful industry but I really had thought that Kelly Blue Book was a step above this cesspool of an industry and that maybe I would have a chance at completing this transaction with honesty and integrity.
Apparently I was wrong.

Crooks. I learned from a dealer that they have to pay KBB $650 when someone sells a vehicle to them who have gotten an instant offer. Guess who really pays that…the seller!

I realized that the car dealers would inspect the car and make a lower offer. However, I presumed from the information I entered that the KBB offer would be a reasonable upper limit and the dealer offer would be close enough to for me to accept their offer. Not so at all - you may call me stupid!. The KBB offer was $7,265, the dealer came back with $4,000. I did not waste my time any further with "negotiation", checking with the floor manager game, etc etc.... My lesson is the KBB offer is merely a way to get you into the dealership so the old game can begin. The guy at the dealership said the KBB offers are always too high as he began to justify his much lower offer.

Well as other folks have mentioned the instant cash offer is utter garbage. Went to dealership listed on offer and of course the instant cash offer was not honored. What a waste of time. Our vehicle is a cream puff, extremely low miles (17K), only five years old with no damage, accidents, yada, yada. Dealership came in at 5K lower than instant cash offer. They even said "well you have a 6K value add for the low mileage." Duh, that's why it has higher value, idiot.. Anyway, please just use Carmax and avoid KBB offers, it is simply garbage and not honored. By the way the dealership that did not honor the offer is Phil Long Hyundai of Co Sprgs. This is a very low class dealership as well, just avoid..