A car expert's phone call with a Honda dealership exposed what he claims is a classic bait-and-switch scheme.
For consumers already navigating the stressful process of car shopping, discovering that advertised deals don't actually exist can feel like a gut punch, especially when dealership staff refuse to acknowledge the problem.
The manager's response has viewers stunned and highlights why so many people dread visiting dealerships.
Car Expert Shares 2025 Honda CR-V "Bait-and-Switch" by Dealership
In a viral video with more than 299,000 views, content creator Billy (@billythecarkid) shared his experience calling a Honda dealership about vehicles listed online.
What started as a simple inquiry about pricing and vehicle availability quickly turned into a heated exchange when he discovered that none of the nine advertised 2025 models were actually available for purchase.
Billy initially called about a specific 2025 Honda, asking for the out-the-door price. He said that shortly after the call, the salesperson sent him a text message stating that no 2025 models were available. Instead, she offered to show Billy an identical 2026 model, which is a few thousand dollars more and doesn’t come with the advertised discount.
"For those of you who don't know what a bait and switch is, this is a prime example of a dealership misleading consumers with advertised prices and advertised vehicles that don't exist, just to generate a lead or [get] you to call, and then they flip you to the more expensive vehicle," Billy said.
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Why Do Dealerships Pull This “Bait-and-Switch”?
When Billy called back to speak with a manager, he asked why all nine of the 2025 models listed on the dealership’s website weren't actually for sale. The area sales manager claimed it was "a manufacturer's requirement" to keep sold vehicles listed until the sale is on the road.
Billy pushed back on this explanation. "Why would Honda have you do that?" he asked. "It generates calls all day for you guys. That's all it does."
"Well, we are in the business of selling cars," the manager responded.
Billy pointed out that he specifically called about the 2025 model with the discount, only to be switched to a more expensive 2026 model. "You're advertising that it is available. That's what I'm trying to say," he said. "I wouldn't call your dealership if it wasn't."
The manager maintained that it was a manufacturer requirement, but Billy countered: "It sounds like a dealership policy, not a Honda requirement. Honda wouldn't make you guys advertise things falsely. That's not—they're not in the business of being misleading."
When Billy asked to speak with another sales manager who might have more information, the exchange took an even more confrontational turn.
"The answer is not gonna change," the manager said.
"That's OK. Can I check my theory and just talk to somebody else, please?" Billy asked.
"No," the manager replied flatly.
Billy expressed disbelief: "So you're deciding that I, the customer, can't speak to another manager? You're laying down the law, saying I can't speak to another manager and just get to the bottom of my question?"
"Yeah, I've given you an answer," the manager said.
"Wow," Billy responded.
In the on-screen caption at the end of the video, Billy shared that the dealership ended up taking all of the 2025 cars off the website after the call.
“So much for the manufacturer’s policy,” he said.
Gallery: 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV
Bait-and-Switch Tactics Are Illegal
Bait-and-switch scams are illegal under federal false advertising laws, and many states have specific laws prohibiting these tactics, LawInfo reported.
The practice involves baiting customers to a dealership with an advertised price that's too good to be true, then pressuring them into a different vehicle at a higher price once they discover the advertised car isn't available.
Consumers who fall victim to these scams can take legal action against car dealerships for fraud, with potential damages including actual damages, return of trade-in vehicles, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. However, dealerships often get away with these practices because car buyers don't report them.
How to Avoid Dealership Bait-and-Switch Tactics
In his caption, Billy offers advice for consumers trying to avoid similar situations. His key recommendation: don't just drive to the dealership because you saw a great deal online.
"Call the dealership and confirm that the vehicle is physically there," he writes. "Ask them to send you a picture of the VIN so you can match it to the one listed on their website."
Billy explains that many dealerships leave old listings up or post deals they don't actually have just to get customers in the door.
"It's one of the oldest tricks in the book, and without verifying, you could waste your time on a car that was never really for sale," he notes. "Always double-check before making the trip."
Commenters React
“In 2025, we should be buying cars directly from the manufacturer. The middle man of car dealerships is unnecessary and off-putting,” a top comment read.
“Our sales managers at my dealership would be LIVID if our internet sales team did this,” a person said.
“Ohh this is gross. Her attitude is the worst, too!” another wrote.
Motor1 reached out to Billy for comment via email and Instagram direct message. It also emailed Honda and Lindsay Honda. This story will be updated if any party replies.
