How accurate is the inventory listed on dealer websites?
Hi,
I am in the market for a new car and wondered how accurate are the inventory listings on specific dealer websites? I've already visited a couple of dealers and it seems that the amount of cars hey have on lot re more than what is listed on the website.
Also, I am attempting to purchase a car via my credit union's buying service and they referred me to specific dealer. The salesman showed me some of the models. When I told him I was still shopping since I haven't decided on the exact model, I asked him if I wanted a specific color that wasn't in stock, and he said that essentially they have very limited stock and that since I am using the car buying service they would be reluctant to perform a dealer swap for the colors or options I would be interested in. The salesman at that appoint appeared to be in a hurry as there was another potential buyer waiting behind me. The funny thing is as I was leaving the dealership I noticed one of the employees bringing out a new car to get a pre-sale 'wash', the car was brought out form another section of the dealer lot and was a totally different color the ones I was shown.
So basically, my question is if what's listed on the dealer websites is accurate or just a few models to get people into the dealer?
I am in the market for a new car and wondered how accurate are the inventory listings on specific dealer websites? I've already visited a couple of dealers and it seems that the amount of cars hey have on lot re more than what is listed on the website.
Also, I am attempting to purchase a car via my credit union's buying service and they referred me to specific dealer. The salesman showed me some of the models. When I told him I was still shopping since I haven't decided on the exact model, I asked him if I wanted a specific color that wasn't in stock, and he said that essentially they have very limited stock and that since I am using the car buying service they would be reluctant to perform a dealer swap for the colors or options I would be interested in. The salesman at that appoint appeared to be in a hurry as there was another potential buyer waiting behind me. The funny thing is as I was leaving the dealership I noticed one of the employees bringing out a new car to get a pre-sale 'wash', the car was brought out form another section of the dealer lot and was a totally different color the ones I was shown.
So basically, my question is if what's listed on the dealer websites is accurate or just a few models to get people into the dealer?
0
Answers
Why don't you check local inventory using the Edmunds.com Home Page and see if anything comes up for you?
Some of that is bait and switch but a lot is just inertia and lousy systems.
We have inventory listed for dealers here (you can find the lists by drilling down to the Make|Model and plug in your zip code to find local dealers). Then if you see something you like, best call to see if it's in stock before driving down.
If you want to be snarky, when the dealer tells you yes it's here, ask the salesperson to send you a photo of it with their cellphone, and let them know if you drive down there and the car isn't on the lot, you're going to file a complaint with the FTC and the local AG's office for bait and switch.
5 Ways Car Ads Can Lie
And yeah, if you aren't making the salesperson a big commission, they may try to shine you on in favor of a less educated consumer. And they may be more reluctant to do a dealer swap.
Found the car in the dealer website inventory, but it was for a unit that was "in transit". For the first car (a MINI for my daughter), the one we really wanted was already sold (in fact, it was a special order), but no mention of that was on the website. We found another car that had just been delivered to the port in CA and we had to wait a week for the car to be shipped to Colorado.
Earlier this year, my wife wanted a Subaru Outback. Specific trim level, specific color. Again, we found the car we wanted via the web, but when we called to confirm availability, we were told it was being shipped from the plant in Indiana. We went to the dealer to test drive the same model in a different color, just to see if we liked the car. We did, so we left a $500 deposit to "hold" the car we wanted. Arrived two weeks later and we consummated the deal.
That said, I agree with the posts above that it's difficult to manage on-line inventory given the sales volume some of these dealers have.
What car specifically are you looking for? Is it that rare?
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