Because they are in business to make money. Until you put down a deposit they really don't owe you much. Yes, it would have been nice for them to call you and tell you that it was decision time or they would sell it to someone else. But, put yourself in their shoes, you have a firm offer (maybe for more money) vs. a guy who might change his mind and not buy. Who would you treat better?
Maybe next time your should sign some papers and put down a deposit to hold the car while the details get worked out. Just write the final conditions for sale on the contract. If they can't meet your conditions (price, repairs, finance etc.) the deal doesn't go through. If they can, they know you are committed to buy. They would be much less likely to sell it out from under you at that point.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They did it because they probably made a better deal. No different than a customer doing the same thing. FAIK, you signed no paperwork, didn't give them a deposit. You didn't own the car.
I missed the last part. You didn't leave a deposit, I thought you did and they still sold it. Never mind.
In this case, the dealership didn't do anything wrong.
No deposit = no deal. If we were to "hold" a car without a dip for everyone that negotiates and then thinks about the price, then we'd have all of our 300 cars tied up without deposit in about 3 weeks, and go out of business about 2 weeks later because we'd be turning away potential buyers.
No different than buying a house. You go in negotiate, but aren't done negotiating, don't put a deposit on it, and someone else comes along and makes a bigger offer with an instant deposit. Who do you think the homeowner is going to sell to?
I am not going to add anything that already hasn't been said but I will suggest this.
Call the SM, tell him you are disappointed that car was sold, Explain to him that you are still in the market for a similar vehicle and pricing and to call you when he finds something available.
I missed no deposit. In that respect my experiences with dealers have been better than if I was dealing with someone like me. Any dealer has offered to hold for a car for a refundable deposit. They've never gotten burnt on that with me but I can't imagine I'd offer a refundable deposit deal if I were selling privately.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
At my dealership we will NOT take a dip on a used car. End of discussion. We will hold a new car (assuming we have ten just like it). In your case, I would have told you so there was no question - we will not hold this vehicle for you.
Right now, used cars are where our most important numbers come from: PROFIT! To take a car of the market for a wishy-washy guy who wasn't happy with the financing is flat out stupid. Why would I risk losing a deal that afternoon, for a guy who wasn't serious this morning?
There is an old saying; "The car you looked at today and want to think about until tomorrow may be a car someone looked at yesterday and will come back and buy today".
I for one, dont feel bad for you and think that the dealer didi nothing wrong. You had your opportunity to buy the car and you passed. Regardless what the APR was, you could have signed on the dotted line and ran right to your own bank or credit union on Monday to have them finance in more favorable terms.
So, am I wishy -washy if I want to take my time in getting a car? Honestly, I don't hurry when I lease a new car. I drive many cars to see what I like. Seek the terms, see if they are correct. If the car I really like is gone tomorrow, then they'll be a car somewhere else, or I will just wait for another. That is certainly not a reason to sign anything. I probably irritate the dealer, waiting so long. My salesmen treated me with the up most respect, looking at Honda's, VW's, drove many trims, models. I took a long time in getting new lease. I would say about 1 month of solid going back and forth with many different deals. Guess what? I ended up leasing 2 cars. Signed the papers, good to go. I felt good about them both. I am not sure the approach of either sign now or lose it, is a good card to use when trying to do business. I find that a little offensive. But, at the other side of things, I can see how frustrating it can be to have a deal there, and a person backs out or takes awhile to move. I can see how it would cause that approach to the deal. It is not personal, its just business, keep moving forward, makes the deals than can be made, you keep a positive and open attitude, then I would totally come back and do business, and I would certainly want you as a salesmen. People will remember, hey, that sales rep was polite and patient. I work with customers, Its quite rewarding and frustrating. You just smile and nod sometimes. Kill them with kindness. We need each other now, we are all just human at the end of the day. You know, I think I take my time in making any decision in my life, like choosing a paint color for my room. Spent like 2hrs in a store looking at paint chips. See, just pick a color! Pick a car already!!! Lol!
I think you missed the point: It was a USED car, not a new car. I understand that new cars can be shopped for weeks or even months, but used can't.
I don't care if you wanna shop and drive and shop some more when buying a new car. With used cars, you have nothing to compair to. In other words, this is the only one available in this condition with this many miles on it with the folder of records and reconditioning that we've done to this vehicle to build it's value.
So yeah bvdj84, I would say that this person is question was wishy washy and there was no reason for you to take any offense to what I said.
I respect and understand where everyone is coming from, but I was NEVER told to put down a deposit. I'm there to buy a car; they are there to explain the terms. That's their job. I didn't even know that was possible. I was waiting for their response on the rate, but like all Americans, I have to work, and I can't take off of work to wait for the dealership either. In my opinion, I understand they're out to make money, but they should have told me I could put down a down payment or else they would sell my car ten minutes after I left the dealership. I made it clear I was going to buy the car. Sure, I could have sat there all day and waited for them to make a decision, but they obviously didn't want to make the sale and were waiting for some other chump to come by and pay more money and at a high interest rate. There's a difference between ethical business dealings in a respectful manner and sleazy tactics. I respected his time by getting back to him promptly, he should do the same for me. As far as "you snooze you lose" goes, if a deal is too good to be true, you have to do some research. I'd rather snooze and lose than drop almost $30,000 without having done research. That's just dumb. Obviously, I lost, but that doesn't change my opinion that his business tactics were pretty sleazy.
I agree.. take your time when buying a vehicle. But if the one you wanted was sold, and there's no other one like it, don't blame the dealer for selling it to someone else if you had no deposit on it.
We're in the business of selling cars, not having them just parked on the lot. So if the right buyer comes along, it'll be gone.
a positive and open attitude, then I would totally come back and do business, and I would certainly want you as a salesmen. People will remember, hey, that sales rep was polite and patient. I work with customers, Its quite rewarding and frustrating. You just smile and nod sometimes. Kill them with kindness. We need each other now, we are all just human at the end of the day.
Although I do agree with parts of what you say, unfortunately people (read: buyers) have a short term memory, and will in most cases give in and buy from where they get the lowest price, even if they get treated like crap, or where they end up last on their shopping list.
I did the kind, gentle, easy, polite and patient approach, and although I did get compliments from my customers on it, I lost deals over as little as $100 to aggressive a-holes who slammed them into a car.
My follow up with the typical customers that I lost ot antoher dealer would sound like this:
Customer: "You did a great job, thanks for teaching us about brand and model XX. We chose the car over other brands because of you, but we bought at dealer ABe. Oh don't worry, the salesperson there wasn't as good as you and was so rude to us that we couldn't believe it! But you were our first stop, and after several dealers we were tired of shopping, and that was our last dealer and although we had bad service, since they beat your price by a hundred, and threw in a free oil change, we just went ahead and did it. But don't worry we'll still recommmend you . ................. now I have a question about something. They didn't go over the car with us in full and there's a rattle so can I bring it in to you so that you can help me.
Me: uhhh i don't think so.... go back where you bought it. :mad: :mad: :sick:
You researched, you wanted, you went and you test drove. You liked the vehicle.
You negotiated a price, and were happy with the price. Did you sign the deal? The worksheet? Did you sign anything that had the negotiated price written there?
Or did you tell them that you're not buying unless you get a better interest rate and they can call you once they do that.
Suppose they couldn't get you a better rate, would you still have bought it?
Yes. We told them we were going to buy the car, but they were just suppose to see if they could lower the rate. That's all. We were simply waiting for a response from them. I got back to them promptly to tell them we were going to buy, but nothing was signed. They offered no papers, no deposit, so how is a customer to know the dealer would sell the car after that customer leaves the building? The dealer could have easily told me that if I am serious about buying the car, he would have to have a deposit. Yes, I probably would have been hesitant giving him money without knowing the terms in full, but at least I would have been able to make a choice. There are too many irresponsible people spending way too much on a car without doing research and not at least trying to achieve a fair sale price and rate. All I'm asking is to be honest, clear, and open. Sure, it's business, but business does not have to be done this way. If they're doing it to me, I'm sure they're doing it to others, so eventually they will run into problems. In fact, on my way past the dealership today, there was a guy with a picket sign across the street protesting a bad deal they dealt him. Sorry people. For those who empathize with the dealer, I hope I never have to do business with you.
Sorry demstillers, but there's always two sides to every story.
The dealership in general could have been a bad one, BUT in my 5 years of selling cars, I never let someone go who said "I will buy this car" without signing the worksheet with the agreed on price, or leaving a deposit, SUBJECT to financing.
So would you have bought the vehicle if they couldn't get you a lower interest rate than what they were offering?
I got back to them promptly to tell them we were going to buy...
Exactly what did the dealer say when you told them you were going to buy? I am as surprised as anyone else here that no one asked for a deposit - or that you didn't offer one.
I see your point regarding the dealer should be working with you to help you buy.
Unfortunately our esteemed collegues from the frontlines have to deal with the full breadth of human nature and have all been burned by the guy who says " I'll buy " and is then never seen again so they think the worst when someone who is at their word says that. Since we the buyers buy cars so infrequently we expect the dealer/salesman to work with us to go through the steps. In this case, (in hindsight) you wanted them to say "OK, we'll see if we can get you a lower APR, but to hold the car you are going to have to leave a deposit on it". Instead you had a verbal agreement which you thought was good enough and the dealer didn't. I know, I know "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."(S. Goldwyn), but for some people their word means something and that is why the OP feels that the dealership sold the car out from under him, they didn't do their part in getting him to put down a deposit.
That is so true, I guess it really doesn't matter if the experience went well, as long as the deal went good. I guess I would do that too. Well, if the car is gone, I still feel, for most of your average cars, you can find another somewhere else. Now, if its some rare car, well, I could see that getting ugly. Then, I would move quick on that! But, if your looking for some VW, or Honda, they'll be another new model somewhere else or I'll just wait.
But, I will say this, that I am a young buyer, I am 24, I look young, and when I go into a dealer by myself. I get pounced on, and they are so overpowering sometimes. My local dealer just sits around, thinking I am joking when wanting more info. Now, I bring in my dad or Grandpa with me, well that changes thing a bit. Their tone seems to be much different. I think I was older than a few salesmen there too though...lol. I am now leasing 2 cars. Not from that dealer though. I will not lease my next Honda from them, it'll be from a dealer 1hr away. So, going through a bad experience for a deal there, wouldn't be worth it to me. Also, its pretty sad, I know more about the product, than the salesmen. lol. Especially the Honda.
I would say, I have gotten some good and fair deals on my leases.
I can see how this experience left you frustrated. But the dealer didn't do anything sleazy or unethical. Could they have handle things differently by asking you to leave a deposit? Of course. Now you know that you can leave a deposit. So next time around you'll be a more informed buyer.
Having said that, you should try to have your financing arranged beforehand. You should have loan terms that work for you. Then and only then tell the dealer "Here's a deposit, I have financing at rate X. If you can beat that, I will finance through you, otherwise, I'll go with the financing I had arranged."
all been burned by the guy who says " I'll buy " and is then never seen again
Exactly. If I could have a deal for every time someone said that, I'd be top salesperson in the nation during my first month in car sales.
I have a feeling the conversation went something like this, like it usually goes with wishy washy buyers:
OP: We would like you to work on the rate (or price) a bit more. I am a serious buyer, and will buy if the numbers are right. Call me and let me know what you come up with, then I'll think about it.
I have a feeling that the OP would not have purchased if they didn't provide him/her with a rate they wanted, which is fair, but then they shouldn't be upset about the car not being put on hold.
I can see how this experience left you frustrated. But the dealer didn't do anything sleazy or unethical. Could they have handle things differently by asking you to leave a deposit?
Angel, I agree. It seems there was just a misunderstanding between the buyer and the dealership. OP (buyer) thought there was a deal, and the dealership didn't. OP did the right thing in not buying until he was ready, unfortunately that will mean losing a deal from time to time, if not putting a deposit down.
Anyway the car was a Ford Expedition, if I recall correctly, seems it would be fairly easy to get another "unbelievable deal" on one of those gas guzzlers.
I don't get it. One would expect that in this economy that it would be easier to get a good deal on a vehicle. However, I have made 2 purchases for new vehicles in the last 2 years; both at the end of March (2007 & 2008). Both made at different dealerships (Suzuki & Nissan). The Suzuki was a cash purchase. The Nissan was a trade + cash. I traded my one year old 2007 SX4 with 33,000 miles, the original tires which were almost bald and some minor road rash on one of the front rims and still got a decent deal.
I just tried to make a few deals (my trade + cash) here at the end of February (I shopped at a lot of new car dealers) and have found that the salesmen were nowhere near as eager to deal as they were the last 2 years when I made my previous purchases. (I thought used vehicles were in demand right now?)
I'm not expecting anyone to "give away" a car, but I would expect them to be AT LEAST as eager to make a deal as they were the past couple of years when the economy was better.
Well, there are definitely deals out there. Tons of them in fact. Could it be that the general public's idea of a deal and the dealer's idea of deal are different? It seems that way to me.
I had a "customer" offer me 50% off on one of my 2008 Porsches. He was completely convinced that his offer was reasonable due to the conditions we find ourselves in. No matter what evidence I provided him with to show that his offer was not reasonable, he would not budge.
I don't know your situation, but are you trying to get the world on your trade and a huge discount on the new? The market effects both new and used. Your trade isn't worth crap anymore and neither is the new car. You can expect a substantial discount on new, but expect the same on your trade.
Good luck out there. The deals are there to be had, but they aren't giving them away.
Probably you are over-valuing your trade in. It's not like new cars get cheaper and used cars get more expensive in a recession. It doesn't work that way. YOU also have to discount your merchandise. This isn't really a "cash deal" as you say.
Read my original post again - neither of you are getting it.
Madmanmoo, I specifically said I wasn't expecting a dealer to "give away" a vehicle, yet your reply suggests that you completely overlooked/ignored that statement. Also, my idea of a deal is based on 2 previous deals THAT I ACTUALLY MADE in the past 2 years and not some pie-in-the-sky fantasy. I get the feeling you are using my post as on opportunity to "vent" about that ridiculous offer (which is nowhere near what I expect from a dealer).
Mr. Shift I am not overvaluing my trade. I am a well educated buyer (thanks in part to this site).
Again, I am comparing my current situation to 2 previous deals that I have actually made in the last 2 years. I would think I could do at least as well (if not even better) this year as I did the last 2.
So again I ask, where are the deals and why don't salesman seem as eager as they have in my 2 previous buying experiences?
P.S. How do I change my icon? I can't find anyway to do it in my account preferences - I don't even know where it came from even. It was just there when I posted...
Well it all comes down to this: if the dealers won't bite on your offer, then your offer is too low for current market conditions. That's all madman was saying.
Without real numbers and a detailed description of what you are trading and the car you want, with options, it's very hard for a dealer to give you constructive advice I think.
Are you talking about the car that appears on the left when you are writing a post? That doesn't show up when your message gets posted so don't worry about it. It's just a generic pic. IIRC, I think that someday we'll have an icon option but I don't remember anyone mentioning it for awhile.
As a matter of fact, I don't see it now but I'm not at home using my Mac so maybe that's it.
Goodness, I thought I was being helpful. I'm not venting, just trying to give an example of how some of our customer's act.
If you truly want some advice on your situation, please explain in more detail about your potential transaction. What is your trade and how much do you want for it? What vehicle are you interested in purchasing and how much do you want to pay?
With this information, I think I will be able to let you know who is being unreasonable.
For what it's worth, the 'customer' who offered 50% off of my car considered himself a well-educated buyer. I'm not saying that you aren't, but it does seem very odd that a dealer isn't willing to sell a vehicle. That's kind of what they do.
So again I ask, where are the deals and why don't salesman seem as eager as they have in my 2 previous buying experiences?
Help me out with my questions and I think I'll be able to help you with yours.
That's what he was offering that on. He was seeing Caymans listed in the low $40k's (base models). He decided that $35k was a reasonable offer for $71k Cayman S.
I don't think that relying ONLY on price guides makes one an "educated" buyer. It certainly makes one a "more informed" buyer but guides are only "guides" when it comes to trade in values. On top of guides, one has to comparative shop their trade-in, compare it to online classifieds, and tap into manheim auctions database, things like that. TMV is great but it's not infallible because every used car is different.
You have to keep in mind that every deal is different. Even in this economy, some vehicles are maintaining a stable market value, while others have plummeted. Depending on which category the vehicle you want to buy falls into and the vehicle you want to sell falls into, it could be a better or worse deal (for you) than the previous two.
Sharing details will help, as others suggested. But you can't go on the premise that you got a smokin' hot deal two years ago, so you should get an even more smokin' hot deal this time.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I agree with Moo on this. I'm seeing a lot more "buyers" with a list of "demands", many quite unreasonable actually.
What kicks me is one "buyer" told me he's been trying to make a deal for the past 3 months and have been to almost every dealership in the city, and it seems like nobody wants to deal.
After hearing his "demand" manifesto, coupled with a super undoable low ball offfer, I'm not surprised he hasn't bought. :surprise:
The silly thing is that there ARE deals to be had - you just have to pick the right vehicle in the right geographic location. Hot-selling vehicles aren't going to be heavily discounted in ANY economy.
However, if I were in the market for a used, full-size truck right now, I could get an absolute steal in my area.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Over here in Texas they have this wonderful program that will assist folks with 3,000 towards the purchase of a vehicle from 2002 on up if they are in a car ten years or older. My question is, how do sales poeple view this program? I am interested in buying a used enterprise car, what are my chances of being able to talk the current price down from one of the current used cars? Just wondering- or should I take advantage of GM's current low 2.4 APR? Enterprise apr is 7%. What would be the cheapest way to buy a good used vehicle? :confuse:
I am clueless. Thank you. Also- I do have at least 1300 saved in the bank for other costs. thank you!
Trucks that are around 6 years old (or older) are going for, literally, dimes on the dollar.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I thought under that program that only cars and trucks from model years 2006-2009 (Federal tier 2 bin 5 vehicles) that cost $25,000 or less before TT& were eligible for the voucher. Also once you receive the voucher you have to go to a participating dealer that has signed up for the program so you might want to check and see if Enterprise is on that list. You should be able to get a good deal on a vehicle and may allow you to get a new vehicle vs a used one.
Comments
Why do dealerships do this to people? Dealerships in general don't do this. The bad ones will as they did to you.
Find another dealership to deal with, these guys sound like trouble.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Because they are in business to make money. Until you put down a deposit they really don't owe you much. Yes, it would have been nice for them to call you and tell you that it was decision time or they would sell it to someone else. But, put yourself in their shoes, you have a firm offer (maybe for more money) vs. a guy who might change his mind and not buy. Who would you treat better?
Maybe next time your should sign some papers and put down a deposit to hold the car while the details get worked out. Just write the final conditions for sale on the contract. If they can't meet your conditions (price, repairs, finance etc.) the deal doesn't go through. If they can, they know you are committed to buy. They would be much less likely to sell it out from under you at that point.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
No different than a customer doing the same thing.
FAIK, you signed no paperwork, didn't give them a deposit.
You didn't own the car.
If they have the opportunity to sell the car, they needed to sell it.
In this case, the dealership didn't do anything wrong.
No deposit = no deal. If we were to "hold" a car without a dip for everyone that negotiates and then thinks about the price, then we'd have all of our 300 cars tied up without deposit in about 3 weeks, and go out of business about 2 weeks later because we'd be turning away potential buyers.
No different than buying a house. You go in negotiate, but aren't done negotiating, don't put a deposit on it, and someone else comes along and makes a bigger offer with an instant deposit. Who do you think the homeowner is going to sell to?
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Call the SM, tell him you are disappointed that car was sold, Explain to him that you are still in the market for a similar vehicle and pricing and to call you when he finds something available.
I was quite upset that I was in the middle of a negotiation and the rug was pulled up from under me.
You said it yourself. You were in the middle of negotiations. They got tired of waiting. Like what's his name said, ya snooze ya lose.
My name is Angel
Right now, used cars are where our most important numbers come from: PROFIT! To take a car of the market for a wishy-washy guy who wasn't happy with the financing is flat out stupid. Why would I risk losing a deal that afternoon, for a guy who wasn't serious this morning?
There is an old saying; "The car you looked at today and want to think about until tomorrow may be a car someone looked at yesterday and will come back and buy today".
I for one, dont feel bad for you and think that the dealer didi nothing wrong. You had your opportunity to buy the car and you passed. Regardless what the APR was, you could have signed on the dotted line and ran right to your own bank or credit union on Monday to have them finance in more favorable terms.
I find that a little offensive. But, at the other side of things, I can see how frustrating it can be to have a deal there, and a person backs out or takes awhile to move. I can see how it would cause that approach to the deal. It is not personal, its just business, keep moving forward, makes the deals than can be made, you keep a positive and open attitude, then I would totally come back and do business, and I would certainly want you as a salesmen. People will remember, hey, that sales rep was polite and patient. I work with customers, Its quite rewarding and frustrating. You just smile and nod sometimes. Kill them with kindness. We need each other now, we are all just human at the end of the day.
You know, I think I take my time in making any decision in my life, like choosing a paint color for my room. Spent like 2hrs in a store looking at paint chips. See, just pick a color! Pick a car already!!! Lol!
I don't care if you wanna shop and drive and shop some more when buying a new car. With used cars, you have nothing to compair to. In other words, this is the only one available in this condition with this many miles on it with the folder of records and reconditioning that we've done to this vehicle to build it's value.
So yeah bvdj84, I would say that this person is question was wishy washy and there was no reason for you to take any offense to what I said.
We're in the business of selling cars, not having them just parked on the lot. So if the right buyer comes along, it'll be gone.
a positive and open attitude, then I would totally come back and do business, and I would certainly want you as a salesmen. People will remember, hey, that sales rep was polite and patient. I work with customers, Its quite rewarding and frustrating. You just smile and nod sometimes. Kill them with kindness. We need each other now, we are all just human at the end of the day.
Although I do agree with parts of what you say, unfortunately people (read: buyers) have a short term memory, and will in most cases give in and buy from where they get the lowest price, even if they get treated like crap, or where they end up last on their shopping list.
I did the kind, gentle, easy, polite and patient approach, and although I did get compliments from my customers on it, I lost deals over as little as $100 to aggressive a-holes who slammed them into a car.
My follow up with the typical customers that I lost ot antoher dealer would sound like this:
Customer: "You did a great job, thanks for teaching us about brand and model XX. We chose the car over other brands because of you, but we bought at dealer ABe. Oh don't worry, the salesperson there wasn't as good as you and was so rude to us that we couldn't believe it! But you were our first stop, and after several dealers we were tired of shopping, and that was our last dealer and although we had bad service, since they beat your price by a hundred, and threw in a free oil change, we just went ahead and did it. But don't worry we'll still recommmend you . ................. now I have a question about something. They didn't go over the car with us in full and there's a rattle so can I bring it in to you so that you can help me.
Me: uhhh i don't think so.... go back where you bought it. :mad: :mad: :sick:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
You researched, you wanted, you went and you test drove. You liked the vehicle.
You negotiated a price, and were happy with the price. Did you sign the deal? The worksheet? Did you sign anything that had the negotiated price written there?
Or did you tell them that you're not buying unless you get a better interest rate and they can call you once they do that.
Suppose they couldn't get you a better rate, would you still have bought it?
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
The dealership in general could have been a bad one, BUT in my 5 years of selling cars, I never let someone go who said "I will buy this car" without signing the worksheet with the agreed on price, or leaving a deposit, SUBJECT to financing.
So would you have bought the vehicle if they couldn't get you a lower interest rate than what they were offering?
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Your "deal" was made of air and smoke I'm afraid. I'm surprised the salesperson left it so loosey-goosey.
This whole thing was bound to fail I think.
Exactly what did the dealer say when you told them you were going to buy? I am as surprised as anyone else here that no one asked for a deposit - or that you didn't offer one.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Unfortunately our esteemed collegues from the frontlines have to deal with the full breadth of human nature and have all been burned by the guy who says " I'll buy " and is then never seen again so they think the worst when someone who is at their word says that. Since we the buyers buy cars so infrequently we expect the dealer/salesman to work with us to go through the steps. In this case, (in hindsight) you wanted them to say "OK, we'll see if we can get you a lower APR, but to hold the car you are going to have to leave a deposit on it". Instead you had a verbal agreement which you thought was good enough and the dealer didn't. I know, I know "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."(S. Goldwyn), but for some people their word means something and that is why the OP feels that the dealership sold the car out from under him, they didn't do their part in getting him to put down a deposit.
But, if your looking for some VW, or Honda, they'll be another new model somewhere else or I'll just wait.
But, I will say this, that I am a young buyer, I am 24, I look young, and when I go into a dealer by myself. I get pounced on, and they are so overpowering sometimes. My local dealer just sits around, thinking I am joking when wanting more info. Now, I bring in my dad or Grandpa with me, well that changes thing a bit. Their tone seems to be much different. I think I was older than a few salesmen there too though...lol. I am now leasing 2 cars. Not from that dealer though. I will not lease my next Honda from them, it'll be from a dealer 1hr away. So, going through a bad experience for a deal there, wouldn't be worth it to me. Also, its pretty sad, I know more about the product, than the salesmen. lol. Especially the Honda.
I would say, I have gotten some good and fair deals on my leases.
I can see how this experience left you frustrated. But the dealer didn't do anything sleazy or unethical. Could they have handle things differently by asking you to leave a deposit? Of course. Now you know that you can leave a deposit. So next time around you'll be a more informed buyer.
Having said that, you should try to have your financing arranged beforehand. You should have loan terms that work for you. Then and only then tell the dealer "Here's a deposit, I have financing at rate X. If you can beat that, I will finance through you, otherwise, I'll go with the financing I had arranged."
Don't get discouraged.
Good advice. Learning how to buy a car is often done at the school of hard knocks.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Unfortunately many of us come here AFTER an unhappy purchasing experience.
Exactly. If I could have a deal for every time someone said that, I'd be top salesperson in the nation during my first month in car sales.
I have a feeling the conversation went something like this, like it usually goes with wishy washy buyers:
OP: We would like you to work on the rate (or price) a bit more. I am a serious buyer, and will buy if the numbers are right. Call me and let me know what you come up with, then I'll think about it.
I have a feeling that the OP would not have purchased if they didn't provide him/her with a rate they wanted, which is fair, but then they shouldn't be upset about the car not being put on hold.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
What do you expect to hear when you in an "Ask a dealer board"?
And I hope to never have to deal with a wish washy person such as yourself.
I, for one, expect courtesy - from both sides.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Angel, I agree. It seems there was just a misunderstanding between the buyer and the dealership. OP (buyer) thought there was a deal, and the dealership didn't. OP did the right thing in not buying until he was ready, unfortunately that will mean losing a deal from time to time, if not putting a deposit down.
Anyway the car was a Ford Expedition, if I recall correctly, seems it would be fairly easy to get another "unbelievable deal" on one of those gas guzzlers.
I just tried to make a few deals (my trade + cash) here at the end of February (I shopped at a lot of new car dealers) and have found that the salesmen were nowhere near as eager to deal as they were the last 2 years when I made my previous purchases. (I thought used vehicles were in demand right now?)
I'm not expecting anyone to "give away" a car, but I would expect them to be AT LEAST as eager to make a deal as they were the past couple of years when the economy was better.
What gives?
I had a "customer" offer me 50% off on one of my 2008 Porsches. He was completely convinced that his offer was reasonable due to the conditions we find ourselves in. No matter what evidence I provided him with to show that his offer was not reasonable, he would not budge.
I don't know your situation, but are you trying to get the world on your trade and a huge discount on the new? The market effects both new and used. Your trade isn't worth crap anymore and neither is the new car. You can expect a substantial discount on new, but expect the same on your trade.
Good luck out there. The deals are there to be had, but they aren't giving them away.
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Madmanmoo, I specifically said I wasn't expecting a dealer to "give away" a vehicle, yet your reply suggests that you completely overlooked/ignored that statement. Also, my idea of a deal is based on 2 previous deals THAT I ACTUALLY MADE in the past 2 years and not some pie-in-the-sky fantasy. I get the feeling you are using my post as on opportunity to "vent" about that ridiculous offer (which is nowhere near what I expect from a dealer).
Mr. Shift I am not overvaluing my trade. I am a well educated buyer (thanks in part to this site).
Again, I am comparing my current situation to 2 previous deals that I have actually made in the last 2 years. I would think I could do at least as well (if not even better) this year as I did the last 2.
So again I ask, where are the deals and why don't salesman seem as eager as they have in my 2 previous buying experiences?
P.S. How do I change my icon? I can't find anyway to do it in my account preferences - I don't even know where it came from even. It was just there when I posted...
Without real numbers and a detailed description of what you are trading and the car you want, with options, it's very hard for a dealer to give you constructive advice I think.
Visiting Host
I don't see an icon. Exactly where are you seeing this?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Are you talking about the car that appears on the left when you are writing a post? That doesn't show up when your message gets posted so don't worry about it. It's just a generic pic. IIRC, I think that someday we'll have an icon option but I don't remember anyone mentioning it for awhile.
As a matter of fact, I don't see it now but I'm not at home using my Mac so maybe that's it.
If you truly want some advice on your situation, please explain in more detail about your potential transaction. What is your trade and how much do you want for it? What vehicle are you interested in purchasing and how much do you want to pay?
With this information, I think I will be able to let you know who is being unreasonable.
For what it's worth, the 'customer' who offered 50% off of my car considered himself a well-educated buyer. I'm not saying that you aren't, but it does seem very odd that a dealer isn't willing to sell a vehicle. That's kind of what they do.
So again I ask, where are the deals and why don't salesman seem as eager as they have in my 2 previous buying experiences?
Help me out with my questions and I think I'll be able to help you with yours.
That's what he was offering that on. He was seeing Caymans listed in the low $40k's (base models). He decided that $35k was a reasonable offer for $71k Cayman S.
Where should I send the shipping info?
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Sharing details will help, as others suggested. But you can't go on the premise that you got a smokin' hot deal two years ago, so you should get an even more smokin' hot deal this time.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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What kicks me is one "buyer" told me he's been trying to make a deal for the past 3 months and have been to almost every dealership in the city, and it seems like nobody wants to deal.
After hearing his "demand" manifesto, coupled with a super undoable low ball offfer, I'm not surprised he hasn't bought. :surprise:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
However, if I were in the market for a used, full-size truck right now, I could get an absolute steal in my area.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Over here in Texas they have this wonderful program that will assist folks with 3,000 towards the purchase of a vehicle from 2002 on up if they are in a car ten years or older. My question is, how do sales poeple view this program? I am interested in buying a used enterprise car, what are my chances of being able to talk the current price down from one of the current used cars? Just wondering- or should I take advantage of GM's current low 2.4 APR? Enterprise apr is 7%. What would be the cheapest way to buy a good used vehicle? :confuse:
I am clueless. Thank you. Also- I do have at least 1300 saved in the bank for other costs. thank you!
Rachelly
Houston, TX
Evne new 08s are heavily discounted. Especially from Ford and Dodge since the redesigned 09s arrived.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
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