Holding keys hostage

bobthebike

I went through the experience of buying a new vehicle recently. Having a trade-in, they obviously needed the keys to check it out. No problem. Then the business side of the transaction kicked in. After being the obligatory thousands of dollars apart, I asked the salesman to grab my keys as he went back to the sales manager. Of course, the sales manager came back, with the salesman, to explain his numbers (and vice-versa..). No keys. This time, I told the salesman I wanted my keys. Again, the suit came back with new numbers, but no keys. After the next stage of negotiation, the manager left. I followed him to back. Seeing the keys on his desk, I ask the salesguy to grab them. Initially he wouldn't do it, so I entered the office and firmly asked for the keys. Now completely annoyed, the salesguy chased me into the lot, ran back in, and then ran back telling me the deal was good. Too late. This basically happened to me again the next day at a different dealership. Note to self: Do not start any negotiations without keys!

stever

Must have been a 20th century dealer - that trick is as old as the hills (at least they didn't throw your keys on the roof).

Next time take a spare set and if has a key fob, test out the panic button to see if it works.

Feel free to write up a Dealer Review.

brian125

lol.. That's why you always start Negotiation Via emails and direct phone calls to each dealerships internet manager negotiating price 1st before stepping foot into dealership. Works so much better and you will avoid nonsense you posted above. Always negotiate at months end. last 2 days , last day of any month. This helps secure the best deal.

bobthebike

brian125 said:

lol.. That's why you always start Negotiation Via emails and direct phone calls to each dealerships internet manager negotiating price 1st before stepping foot into dealership. Works so much better and you will avoid nonsense you posted above. Always negotiate at months end. last 2 days , last day of any month. This helps secure the best deal.

I wish it was that easy! As much as you try, there's always a surprise waiting for you on the paperwork.

Mr_Shiftright

Just go with the used car manager for a test drive in your car before you even begin any negotiations. Get the trade out of the way first.

kyfdx

I condone threatening physical harm, in cases like this. I did that once, about 35 years ago.. got my keys pretty quick.