Online Services Experiences (Carsdirect.com, Carwoo.com, etc.)

onlinebuyer

Just purchased a 2000 Honda Accord LX via carsdirect. I highly recommend it. Great price, no haggling, no hidden charges. One week until they found the vehicle, first choice in color.
Slight drawbacks are playing phone tag from east to west coast and need to find out "where the transaction stood" or "what do I do next" from step to step. Also, location of car pickup is unknown and can be somewhat distant. Also, can't do trade-in through carsdirect so sale of last vehicle is totally independent of the online deal.

ods123

The idea is CD is looking to establish itself and subsidizes the difference between what the dealer wants for the car and what the CD price to us is.
The price of the Honda I was looking for just dropped $400+ on CD. I hope they can deliver. I'm concerned about where I'm getting the car from also. So far my dealings with them have been OK...will indicate how it works out. The extended warranty they offer also sounds excellent.
If anyone in Nassau or Sufflok has had their vehicle delivered through CD drop us a note and let us know if you were satisfied.

indyracer

I am ordering an SUV through CD. They called me back to say they had found the color I requested but with only 3 of the 5 options already installed. My advisor has informed me that the remaining 2 options would require me to pay additional charges to have them installed. There is no mention of additional charges on their web site. All I can find are price guarantees.

Is the advisor giving me the correct information? I also called their customer service line who told me the exact same thing and then tried to find something on the web site about additional charges but couldn't. I was told if I didn't want the SUV I could always cancel my order! She didn't waste any time in pointing out this option!

Any comments/advice? We're not talking about a great deal of money here but I wasn't expecting additional charges to be applied for non-installed options.

ods123

Good news...CD located my Honda...sent a VIN # & is arranging 3.9% financing through Honda (Hurry up this financing ends June 5th). Because I must take delivery by 6/5/00 I will have to travel to Jersey to pick up the car...about 50 mins away...but worth it to save the $. May be able to pick it up this sat or sun. HOWARDN - REGISTER WITH "GOMEZ.COM"!!! THEY WILL SEND YOU $100.OO IF YOU BUY THROUGH CD. Will write again when car is in my driveway. Let me know how you're doing.

gle_helle

Can anyone who's completed a transaction give a rundown of all costs apart from the price of the car and sales tax? Other online services charge advertising fees, etc. Does carsdirect.com also? Thanks.

howardn

congratulations on your success and thanx for the info....unfortunate that i lost two days before picking up the message and dont know if i'll be able to make the deadline. dealers don't know if incentives will be extended. next stop gomez....thanks again

silvercoupe

I found a local dealer that was willing to meet Carsdirects price when I bought my Accord Coupe in February. I just used Carsdirect as a bargaining tool, and it worked!!!

Noticed that Carsdirects price on the same car is about $400 higher now than when I purchased.

mney1962

car brokering is illegal in some states.ford and gm have told dealers not to do business with dot-com . for example the iowa attorney general has told people at priceline.com companies that they need a dealers license. it may get to a point where if you use these companies they void warranties on the vehicles sold.

rwm1

While it is true that NADA has forced laws through in every state but Alaska (hurray for them) limiting new car sales to "authorized dealers" it seems unbelievable that one can not use an agent to acquire a vehicle in these states. There have been vehicle brokers/agents for years for the rich, busy, or those just plain tired of the dealer bs. When one uses these agents/brokers one is still COMPELLED to purchase through a dealer in 49 states. The purchase through the agent, being through the dealer, is therefore simply having someone act on your behalf and NOT violating these trade restricting laws.

Sounds like another dealer rumor to me because they are afraid of the power of the internet.

mney1962

dealers are not afraid of the so called power of the internet.if sources like edmunds could be accurate on the exact costs of vehicles it would not be a problem.too many times they are off by 200-500 dollars which make the dealers look like crooks.ask yourself this,who do the majority of people believe edmunds or their dealer?

rchinn

I just took delivery of my Toyota Camry XLE-V6 that was purchased thru CD. Had a very positive experience with them. Their price was unbeatable ($600 below invoice), they found the car quickly, and the whole process went smoothly. I even went to the dealer to pick it up and the fleet manager there was absolutely great. At this time, I am also purchasing an Avalon on behalf of my parents thru CD. Again, they were speedy and efficient and even arranged delivery to their home which is about 70 miles away (which is to take place 6/9/00). I would highly recommend carsdirect!

photomel

I just had a negative experience with CarsDirect. I was quoted a price for a 2000 Isuzu Trooper and CardsDirect located one that fit my specs. The next day when I was ready to purchase the car they told me that they couldn't honor the price they quoted me due to a "technical" error. The price was about $2000 different. So really they don't GUARANTEE their prices. Has anyone else had this happen?

rchinn

In response to #372: I live in CA and I believe I caught it at the right time. The prices went down in mid-May and I believe it was only for the last 2 weeks in May. Was told CD wanted to increase their sales for this time period. So the base cost of my Camry XLE V6 was $22,743, with pkg. 2 and mudguards, it came to $23,785. My out the door price (tax, license, etc.) came to $26,146. Not bad, huh?

ods123

Didn't believe it was possible but did all my research and CD looked legit. Ordered a Honda Accord SE (Dealers in my area were having trouble getting it in gold and wanted about 19,000. CD price was 18,358. Ordered it, they found it, picked it up today and its in my garage. Even got Honda 3.9% financing. Dealer was great. Loves the program. If you go to Gomez.com and register, they'll send you $100 if you make a purchase with CD.
I'd do it again! Just make sure you know your prices as they fluctuate on CD. Good Luck all and thanks to all that helped me make the decision to go with CD.

howardn

congrats ods on the succcess story...and your info led me to take the e-route thry CD...but my story so far is not as successful....5spd (Yes, 5 spd!)Accord they said would be in one or two days is now been over a week and telecon with them did not sound promising...they have however been responsive to my inquiries as to status. I found 5 spds in CT (i'm in NY) and local dealer says hes got one coming in a week....CD still says none on their screen! CD was about $700 less...but i reluctantly put deposit with dealer on the one coming in...reading postings, success stories seem inconsistent.

tregniw

I bought a Ford EB Explorer via Cars Direct. I was totally painless and worked like a charm. I did not do any financing through them since this was a cash deal. Did it all using email and Efax. I never actually spoke with anyone until I got the match via the dealer and set up a time for pick up. There were the "normal" delays at the dealer but I was out the door in less than 2 hours. Time from inital contact to agreement with CD was 3 days.

Price was about $200 below invoice in a market that is ADDING $3000 to the MSRP. That put the sell prive $8000 below the sticker.

cyclerklm

I bought a Mazda MPV in December 1999 from carsdirect, and it a positive experience. I'm in Maryland.

However, now the website excludes Maryland from their sales area. They will lease, but not sell here. Has anyone else encountered this restriction? I realize that carorder.com had reduced their geographic scope, but didn't know that carsdirect had as well.

KCRam

Potential buyers who want to use online firms may want to read this:

Red Herring 6/16/00 - Autonation story

kcram
Co-Host - Smart Shopper & FWI Conferences
edmunds.com Town Hall

crossky

The CRV price in NYC is much lower than my home area which is 250 miles from NYC. I just talked with carsdirect rep and was told that unless I am living there (with resident address) I cannot use their service (low price). If this is just a cardirect rule, that's ok with me. I am worrying if this is a state or federal law that people are not allowed to buy car from the place other than their residency? I heard people buying car from out-of state.
Well, I have a sister in that area but I guess that won't help much except my personal convenience if there is a rule/law.

Anyone had this experience before? I don't need their delievery, I can go and drive it back.

rwm1

It is a carsdirect rule. Most local governments are happy when you buy a big ticket in their area because they get some/all of the tax money.

If you have a relative living in NYC perhaps you can use their address.

ods123

I live on LI. Bought through CD and went to a dealership in New Jersey. No problem. Jersey dealer registered vehicle in NY and pays NY the Sales tax. Just like a catalog order.

90maxima

I've just placed an order with carsdirec.com at a very good deal. I've received their confirmation e-mail with the requested options and the price. However, the salesman called me and said that carsdirect will not honor the price given to me because there was a technical problem with their computer.

This sounded rather immoral, if not illegal to me, as they are backing off from the advertised price which I agreed on in good faith. I am wondering if anyone has a similar experience, and how the situation was resolved.

howardn

I locked in to an Accord at a very good price...did all the paper...was told to go there and pick up the car...dealer "didn't have it"!!! now why is that???? very long delays in trying to get a vehicle at stated price.....its nice that they advertise a price, but it doesn't mean anything if they can't deliver. You are right-it is not right and maybe not legal
My "easy way to buy a car" became the worst way to buy a car

90maxima

After looking at your replies, I begin to think that they are doing the "bait and switch" tactic typically used at less reputable dealers. I'll give CD a chance to see what they will do for the agreement they failed to honor. I'll certainly direct this matter to the local Better Business Bureau, and call this to other people's attention should they continue to keep this practice.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. Good luck on your purchases.

wells5

I am considering using Carsdirect to purchase a Honda Accord, live in Northern California. Their quote is $800 less then any I have been able to get over the phone or through email. Still waiting to hear what kind of deal the credit union can come up with. Anyone purchase a Honda through Carsdirect in Northern CA? Have read great stories and also nightmares so I am a bit leery! Any advice would be appreciated. wells5

wells5

Thanks jim421 and markz2k for your comments. I ordered Monday 7/17 and as of today, 7/22/00 they still have not been able to locate the color I want. Ordering the Honda Accord SE which only comes in three colors, Gold, Green and Red. Only want gold! Glad to hear that jim421 did end up with the color choice that was chosen, even if it took ll days. I am also in no hurry! So far I've had good service from my rep. Good job printing the carsdirect quote and getting it matched markz2k! The quote for the SE is $600 below invoice and $700 less then my lowest quote through all the referral services online, AAA and emailing dealerships in the area. I may try it if this deal falls through with carsdirect but I doubt I will be able to get anywhere close to $600 Under invoice?! Rep is working today and still has some calls out so hopefully they will come up with one in gold! wells5

howardn

After waiting about 6 weeks for them to "find a car" and then send me to a dealer, with insurance and check in hand for a car that was not assigned to me, and then wait another week with virtually no input from CD staff, I went to a local dealer, found the exact car I asked CD for,( that CD couldnt find) and bought it at invoice price. The car is in the driveway as of yesterday (accord EX sedan). CD should have gotten this car for me ...instead i got a basket of "treats" with a pre-printed apology card...guess i'm not the only one they have screwed up. Apparently they advertise pricing that they are not prepared to deliver on with their "certified" or whatever dealers...so it cost me time, aggravation...and money. I feel I was very patient after entering my order on June 3 (originally wanted a 5 speed) and after a couple of weeks when they couldnt get one, changed my order to an automatic. Thats when they took another two weeks to get me to a non deal dealer with no car for me...i think the dealer (NARDY HONDA in Smithtown LI NY) played games with CD, but i was the one put in the middle and CD didnt act to resolve. They should have bit the bullet and aquired a car from a local dealer and delivered BUT THEY DID NOT...and i was totally disgusted chasing my rep with request upon request to finalize a deal.
So it seems there are either real good experiences or real bad experiences. In my case, I feel that they are like a bad dealer who runs a full page ad for a car you can never get from them. I am considering further action with state Attorney General and consumer organizations. They can have their basket of treats back if they like..i would rather have the $700 differnce i had to pay.
Good luck if you decide to use them
And PS...yes i would have posted very complimentary remarks if they kept their promise and completed the deal. But their lack of support and timliness in rectifying poor service in my instance just is inexcusable business practice.
And by the way, the Honda dealer on LI I used was HONDA CITY in Levittown...no hassles..straight deal and no games. Love the car so far.

audia8q

have you thought about walking into your local honda dealership with the CD quote and asking them to match or at least some real close on an instock car??? You might find that you have been wasting alot of time with email, , phonecalls, brokers, etc...

Rich

wells5

I emailed all the local dealers and asked for their lowest OTD price on the car and also got quotes from the many sites available online. Even tried AAA's broker service, they were the highest! The closest was $700 higher. Since I am in no hurry I thought it was worth some time trying Carsdirect. Not only might I save $700 (which would also save on tax and license/reg fees here are based on sale price) I also wouldn't have to end up feeling awful after being put through the mill in a dealership office! If things don't pan out my next move will be to get a quote through the credit union (they charge for the service) and then I will look at all my quotes and go from there. One dealer has a higher email quote but has written regularly and we spoke once on the phone so I might just go there. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't feel any local dealership will sell this vehicle for $600 under invoice (as carsdirect has quoted) since my best quote so far is $100 over deal invoice. Actually it isn't just the money savings. I personally hate the back and forth dealings at the car dealerships, leaves a bad taste in my mouth! Thanks for the good advice though, I may end up taking it in the end! wells5

isellhondas

The pain some people go through to "save" 100.00!

A "quote" is one thing, getting the car is another!

The SE Accords have almost disappeared at this point. Finding one at all could be tough!

audia8q

Like I said...your methods are not only time consuming but as you have found out...wasteful.

How hard is it to walk in, pick out a car and say this is what I am prepared to pay TODAY? if your number isnt a fantasy number and you are truly prepared to buy it will take you less than 30 minutes from start to finish, ..so far it seems you have spent more than that and have nothing.

Im not trying to give you a hard time and please dont take it that way...but your going about this the hard way.

Rich

wells5

Maybe I am going about this the hard way, you are probably right. Just don't think a dealer will sell it for $600 UNDER invoice when the best offer I've gotten was $100 OVER invoice. It was implied in a hidden response that I was going through a bunch to save $100 when that is not the case at all. I wouldn't bother for $300. But to save $700 Plus Tax, so $750 plus lower cost on the tags seems worth it to me. I haven't spent as much time as it would take me to drive to the dealership at this point (we live in a rural area outside of town) so to me it is worth it. Possibly it wouldn't be to others who have less time or more money. I guess what it boils down to is that I don't want to be treated like an idiot offering a dealership such a low ball figure when someone is offering to sell it to me for that price online. Appreciate the input, wells5

audia8q

ok now that we have seen some numbers, you are doing fine. even the dealer price is good....my next question is whats the hold up?
could it be that you have read many posts about internet companies and the iffy results consumers have had? perhaps you don't want to wait weeks or months like others internet sales?

Rich

howardn

Wells...you are in exact mindset I was in that led me to the CD experience I posted up at #390....I agree, that $700 is a significant difference (it was also the difference in my ultimately completed deal).If you can wait for an undetermined amount of time, and maybe the end of model year CD might(stress MIGHT) come through,although I wouldn't count on it. If you want to get a car sooner, my method was to have financing ready to go, look in the lot, find the car you are looking for,jot down the stock number and tell the sales people you have looked at buying on the net, but give them the stock # and ask for the best price, that you are prepared to buy today but not haggle. My dealer gave me invoice price (I didnt take Honda financing so they got a $500 incentive)and i signed the order ...done in a matter of minutes.But it has to go both ways... you shouldn't then try to trim another hundred or two off a fair deal.
Good luck.

wells5

I followed your story and was sorry it didn't work out for you at carsdirect. From the posts I've read it is hit and miss. According to articles I've read elsewhere they have sold a lot of cars so many people do benefit from their service, unfortunately you weren't one of the lucky ones! Of course I am hoping to be lucky and have the time to wait and see. My current car runs fine so I have the luxury of not being rushed. With the new model coming out shortly the deals can only get better, I would think, so if the SE's sell out I'll buy a different model! I appreciate hearing how you handled it after you gave up dealing with carsdirect. I placed my order one week ago today so not much time has passed. I've had good customer service so far. We'll see. wells5

CarMan@Edmunds

This topic was archived some time ago, but for
some reason is not currently frozen. If you feel
as though you have a question about a subject that is very similar to this one please use the "Topic Search" function on the side of the screen to find an appropriate place to make your post. If no appropriate topics come up in your search, by all means please feel free to start a new one. Thanks.

Car_Man
Smart Shoppers / FWI Co-Host

KCRam

Existing discussions were made in the old topic Topic 1305/CarsDirect.com, and that topic for whatever reason had been victimized by a glitch that permitted posting while archived. Please continue that discussion here. Thanks!

kcram
Co-Host - Smart Shopper & FWI Conferences
edmunds.com Town Hall

KCRam

A new topic has been created to prevent any confusion. Please follow this link to continue existing discussion:

Topic 2293/Carsdirect.com continued...

kcram
Co-Host - Smart Shopper & FWI Conferences
edmunds.com Town Hall

jim421

If you're thinking about buying via CarsDirect or another on-line source, register FIRST at Gomez.com to qualify for $100 cash back if you do indeed purchase. You must register BEFORE you buy a vehicle.

Wells5 - congrats on the new car - enjoy!

wells5

Hey thanks jim421 for mentioning that! Luckily I had seen it in a prior post while I was researching and shopping and did indeed register! Sent them the info yesterday! Also noticed, after the fact though, that if you are a member of www.ebates.com and go through their site you can get a $40 rebate. I would have done both had I noticed the link at ebates.com. Right now Carsdirect.com is the last link at their automotive dept. sites list. wells5

wells5

Today I received my car mats from Anderson Honda in Palo Alto, CA! My car, purchased through Carsdirect.com, came from Anderson Honda and they were excellent to deal with! Shannon and Sharon in the fleet dept. can't be beat! They were informative, helpful, a pleasure to deal with! Someone had neglected to throw in the car mats that come standard with the Accord SE. They promised to send them UPS and that is exactly what they did! If you are considering a Honda and live in the Palo Alto area I would definitely check them out. Although I purchased the vehicle through Carsdirect.com I checked out the Andersondirect.com website and it is very comprehensive. They list all their vehicles and give online quotes! Just wanted to give high marks to people in car sales that deserve them! Carsdirect.com was great to deal with also! Wish I lived closer to Anderson as I would definitely feel comfortable taking my vehicle there for service! Wish everyone's car purchase were as pleasing as mine was! wells5

ctic

Gomez.com is stupid. The way it works is you're supposed to be a member of Gomez first, then it refers you to Carsdirect or Carorder. But nobody ever goes to Gomez.com. It's a stupid nothing site. So what's happening is people surfing at CO or CD message boards find out about the Gomez kickback, then they go and get the free $100. CO and CD are wasting their money on Gomez.

I got one of my cars at CO, and was going to Gomez to sign up first. But the sign-up form was too invasive. There was too much personal information to release for $100 so I basically gave up $100.

wells5

ctic, I didn't find signing up at Gomez.com too invasive, the only personal info I think I gave out was my mailing address and I have a post office box so that didn't bother me. I've had vendors selling me items ask a lot more then that (questions I generally don't answer!) I think the site is OK. I checked out a couple of sites on there to see how people rated them, etc. To each their own. Worth a hundred bucks in my opinion but I can understand people not wanting to give out info over the internet! wells5

wklenha

I didn't see a $100 rebate through gomez.com only the $40 rebate through ebates. Is it still on? I ordered from cardirect.com through ebates but it just linked me to carsdirect site and never said anything about giving me a rebate. How do I get my rebate?

carsdirect quoted me $1630 BELOW invoice on a 2000 Nissan Altima. That seems like a very good deal to me, even though I know Nissan is offering dealer incentives on the Altima right now.

I just placed the order today and got my email response. I'm waiting to hear from a rep before I pass judgement on carsdirect. So far they seem legit but we will see. The experiences recounted here seem both positive and negative.

While placing my order I used their live advisor screen several times. That was very good and someone got back to me in a matter of minutes everytime.

I have many questions that aren't answered anywhere on their site. Their site is purposely vague I feel. Probably so they don't say something they will later regret.

One question is, Where do you get your car? I read where someone had to drive 80 miles to a different state? Are there any guarantees on distance? I'm also not too thrilled about the extra charges I've been hearing about. Also, Nissan is offering excellent lease financing right now. Can I do Nissan's leasing even if I buy through CD?

wells5

I purchased a 2000 Accord SE through Carsdirect.com and there were no additional charges. I paid the figure on the website, period. I believe they try to find the car you are looking for at a dealership they deal with within a certain distance from where you live. I'm not sure what the cut-off is for how far you would have to drive. Because I would not be flexible with the color, the closest dealership they could find my car at was over 150 miles away. They paid to have it dealered to me. I'm not sure about leasing but I know I could have gone with Honda financing had I chose to do so. Unfortunately in order to get the $100 from Gomez.com you have to have signed up with Gomez Before you ordered your vehicle. Hopefully you did. Good luck, hope all goes well! wells5

wklenha

I ordered the car today. They said I should have it on Friday. It took about 15 minutes on the phone. I had to settle for a different color, but not too disappointed. They were good on the price and I'm going to pick the car up at a dealer about 15 minutes from my house.

I got a total $1640 BELOW DEALER INVOICE. I know Nissan is offering rebates, but I have never bought a car this easily, at this good a price without ANY stress.

The only complaint I have is I finally called them today, before they called me. But I got right through and they worked with me completely to close the deal.

I realize the Nissan Altima is probably not the most popular car in the world and dealers are trying to unload them, but it is the car I wanted and the price is great, so I am very happy!

audia8q

The founder of CarsDirect has very recently left the company to persue other ventures. His seat on the board has been replaced by auto dealer Roger Penske.

Rich

wells5

Sounds like a really quick deal, that's great. I think with the end of the model year color and options can be an issue. The car I wanted only came in three colors and I didn't care for the other two which is why I didn't want to be flexible. Had it come down to it I may have chosen a different color rather then have to have had to deal at a dealership. Some people don't mind the whole car deal thing but I just won't do it. The last car new car I bought almost ten years ago I did the deal over the phone. Glad you got the car you wanted for a Great price, hope it all goes smoothly at the dealership, I'm sure it will! wells5

wklenha

Speaking of Bill Gross, the founder of Cars Direct, I had a chance to hear him speak at a seminar a few months ago. He was recounting why and how he started Cars Direct. He was already a very wealthy man (idealab!) but had a bad car-buying experience, so decided to use the Internet to make it easier. He put up some of his own money, had the website created and launched the Cars Direct website just to see what would happen. The first night they sold 6 cars. They had to go out and buy the cars from dealers (some at MSRP) to meet the orders. They quickly took the website down and then he went out and was able to raise several millions in VC money based on that result - the rest as they say, is history. I, too, wonder how they make their money, but it has to be through the financing.

We pick up our car tomorrow - so far so good. We'll see what happens at the dealer and if they remember my floormats, but I can't say anything bad about Cars Direct at this moment.

skerew

What charges does the CarsDirect price quote contain. For example, Honda generally charges a destination fee of around $500. Would that be added to the CarsDirect Price along with tax &doc fees, or do you get away without paing this thru Carsdirect. Any help is appreciated.