...The best thing to do in this case is to not mention it and go some place else.
snake,
If you have thrown in the towel, I don't see where there is a problem letting the salesman know you're not the dope that he thought you were. If I'm not buying there, I would not a have any problem with letting them (salesman and sales manager) know that.
If enough people would do this, maybe, just maybe, this would slow down some of the sleazy practices that sales people of all types try to pull on customers.
My philosophy, as a consumer, is that you have to pick these people off one by one as you come across them.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If you have thrown in the towel, I don't see where there is a problem letting the salesman know you're not the dope that he thought you were. If I'm not buying there, I would not a have any problem with letting them (salesman and sales manager) know that.
That I agree with, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so or go overboard with it. Life is to short for stuff like that.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Did I miss 'ditsyquoin's' response to the help that was sought by him/her in post 2555. Several regulars, including yours truly, have provided some suggestions but I haven't seen a reply.
Oh well, looks like another poster who had an 'emotional moment' and is probably off solving their own problem (which isn't a bad thing to do if you know how to do it) after getting some of us to spin our wheels.
At least us regulars have a chance to talk.
Don't ya just love these rhetorical questions?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Do you know where I would be able to obtain a GM PIN for the purchase of a new Tahoe/Yukon. I get Z Plan from Ford but I like the new GM trucks. Thanks
Please don't provoke me with the original poster's username, in relation to the content of your post, i.e "another poster who had an 'emotional moment'" I'm already in trouble with the tidester.
But no jmonroe, you haven't missed anything. ditsyquoin.......ehhhh.....(holding back the demons)... has made only the one original post in the townhall forums.
I'm quite confident she would take my wheel spinning advice over snakes. But, maybe she will eventually find her way back here to let us know what she decided.
Hi gyoss, No, I don't know where you might get one, but if you use the search box at the left <---, and type in "GM Prices," you'll get a list of our GM-related pricing discussions. Find one about the trucks you like, and ask the question there, where you're more likely to get a response.
You can e-mail me if you need more help getting around the Forums.
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
...they are "less likely" to try another underhanded move after getting caught lieing the first time.
I beg to differ about the opinion that the salesman, a.k.a. "bad apple", will be less likely to try something like that again. He'll just be less likely to do something for which he can get caught. :surprise:
...dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught.
It wouldn't be stupidity. It would be a challenge that the "bad apple" dealership would have a tough time passing up. :shades:
A "bad apple" never improves. It only gets more rotten. It will also ruin the other apples around it. This is not just a saying, it is scientific fact.
I think it's naive to believe this was just a misunderstanding. I'm inclined to think the salesman did it deliberately, or the salesman is stupid to shoot his mouth off when he may not be sure of the vehicle's history. I mean really, he might as well have said it belonged to a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sunday and the grocery store on Tuesday's senior citizen day.
I would never set foot in that place again. One more saying,"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
The saga has ended. The salesman actually banged on my door at work tonight, long after we were closed. It's the post office where I am the postmaster. His initial statement was to thank me for visiting the dealership but his body language "was can we close on this deal"?
I asked him if he had seen the Carfax report and he said he hadn't had the time. When I showed it to him, it was exactly like someone stated it would be. I'd bet his reponse will be something like, "Oh sorry, I made a mistake".
I really thought he was going to cry at that point. Incompetent is an apt description. I didn't pursue the other truck that I was interested in. I want nothing more to do with this dealership which is under new ownership. The man that I have bought 5 trucks from is now the GM of the Honda dealership next door.
Thanks to everyone for your comments. My son, though disappointed, learned the true meaning of caveat emptor.
BR....I'd have to think you're the exception than the rule. But, I understand not wanting to get into competition with dealerships outside of your market area.
Just to reconfirm my research regarding price, I've always gone to at least a couple of dealers who compete "head-to-head". I've never had one say they wouldn't meet (or beat) another dealer's price.
That's not to say they won't try to "bump" me in other ways outside of the purchase price, but if the deal is legit (and both sides know it...even under invoice deals), I've yet to see any dealer want to lose a deal to their competition. One dealer may feign disbelief over what their competition is doing, but none of them want to lose to the other.
I am new here and need your advice. I am moving from northeast to southeast united states in october 06 and currently do not own a car. I am planning to buy one very soon.
what i want to know is whether it is a good idea to buy it here and then take it with me when i move. will it be a problem? what kind of service would you expect from from the service station of a dealership if they know that i did not get the car from them.
if so, do you think it is better to buy the car in the new place and any problems, i can talk to the dealership from where i bought the car.
...I've yet to see any dealer want to lose a deal to their competition. One dealer may feign disbelief over what their competition is doing, but none of them want to lose to the other.
I’ll go along with that.
Last year when I bought a car the dealer could not deliver the car that night because they could not find all the paperwork and since it was closing time they said we would have to close the deal the next day. This didn’t bother me, since it gave them more time to clean it up. When I went home that night I emailed the other dealer that I had gotten an internet price from to let him know that I had just bought a car and would be picking it up the next day.
He called me first thing in the morning (I was barely coherent although this is not unusual) to let me know that if I had not actually picked up the car it was not a done deal. I told him that I was not going to play games over a few dollars. He said don’t make a move until I get back to you. He calls back in ten minutes and said he would beat the deal I had gotten by $800, I said please repeat that it’s still pretty early, did I hear you right? He said you sure did. I told him I would call him back. I was almost in shock since the price I had gotten from the first dealer was already $375 below Edmunds TMV.
I called the first dealer and gave him the news. He said you got a great deal from us, that it’s impossible for that deal to be beaten and the other guy is playing games with me because to sell the car at that price he would be losing money and no dealer is going to do that. I said I hear you but we’re talking $800 dollars here but if the other dealer is playing games I’ll be back if his price is still good. He said his price was good until closing time. I thank him for his trouble and hang up. I tell my wife what had just happened and that I was going to take the second deal if she didn’t mind taking the car in a different color. We saw this other color and she didn’t care, either color was ok with her. It seems we both liked the color of the $800 more. Before I can call the second guy back, the first guy calls and says he is also willing to lose money and that he will match the price. I scratch my head, call the second guy and tell him the first guy matched the price and that’s it. I bought the car from the first guy.
I feel I got a good deal but I have often wondered just how far is a dealer willing to go to make a sale. I know that none of them are going to lose money just to make a sale, so there has to be quite a few incentives that they are willing to share with the customer, when they have to, rather than lose a sale to a direct competitor selling the same car.
Boy, did I get carried away with this tale,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I had exactly the same thing happen last month. A had a guy come in, spend three hours of my time on a busy day driving cars and making dumb offers.
Finally we agreed on a nothing deal. We shook hands and I stanted putting the paperwork together when he suddenly remembered he had to be somewhere!
Usually I can smell this coming but not this time.
He said he would be back the next morning at 10:00 to finish things up and take delivery.
Of course, he didn't show and didn't bother calling me.
2:00, he calls me..." Uh, I sell...sorry, I got tied up...hey, I "happened" to stop by ABC Honda and they offered me the exact same car for 500.00 less"
" Really? You should buy it!"
" Uh...won't you match that?"
" No, I won't"
" Well...will you knock ANYTHING off your price?"
" No, I thought we had come to terms, we shook on it"
" Well...I'll call you back"
He called back two hours later to say he would be in and I had the pleasure of letting him know we had just sold the car to someone else!
Long story short, I decided to buy a vehicle from North Dakota, though I live in Wisconsin (this vehicle is a one-of-a-kind, so I couldn't resist). We arranged to meet in Minnesota and signed the papers and I gave him my trade-in right there. Besides that, we did everything else via telephone and e-mail. The experience pretty much went without a hitch.
Since the dealership I bought from is in North Dakota, however, I obviously can't service my vehicle through them, at least not realistically. So for anything that isn't routine maintenance or for warranty repairs (none yet - knock on wood), I go to the nearest garage that services my vehicle's make, which happens to be only 35 minutes away. So, across state lines, the warranty is still good and it's no problem at all to get your vehicle maintained somewhere that isn't the original dealership. I can assure you that another dealership will not turn you away and lost money just because you didn't buy from them.
So in my experience, I'd have to say go for it, if that's the best option for you.
The difference is Isell, J had a real offer from another guy, or at least so he thought. Plus the $800 less offer was real, if they eventually accepted it, unlike you - you said it was "nothing" so with $500 less it would me "loss" and you made it clear it was unacceptable. Big difference.
Obviously there was enough profit left in that deal for them to dump another 800.00.
In my case, there wasn't. The guy was clearly lying and I knew it. He outsmarted himself.
I forgot to mention, this car was the last one out there in the color he had to have. I did a "locate" to determine that.
Later that day, his wife called. She thought it was terrible that we had sold their car "out from under them" to someone else. It was hard for me to bite my tongue.
I guess I was raised by parents who taught me that a handshake meant something. Guess not.
Dealers always like to make you believe that you get some special "priviliges" at service dept if you buy car there. What usually happen is there is no difference.
What really rules is the buck: very busy place may have some preference rules with appointment schedule etc. for regular customers, but really how busy dealer shops really are? Waranty services are generally paid at rates lower than retail, so they would rather take paying maintenance customers than those with warranty repair orders. So if any real preferences are extended (which I doubt), they may be to those who do regular maintenance (especially if they buy all "recommended" flush and shampoo services), rather than just those who bought a vehicle there.
He bluffed you and you called him on it. One big rule in negotiations is never get caught in a lie, he got caught and paid the price.
I for one never play that game, I might have another offer from another dealer and I may let you know I have an offer, but I am not going to let you know what it is. If you give me your lowest price and it doesn't beat the other dealer then you can't beat them, its plain and simple.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I agree in principal. I would say that: if your offer is X and I say "looks good, give me another day", both of us are free to go somewhere else (i.e. I ask another guy, you sell it to another guy). If, on the other hand I say "OK, we done here, lets bring the papers up", I should honor the price, you should not sell it to someone else.
But of course there is life: car "fall from truck " or Honda ABC beats your offer by 3 thousand :surprise: . It can probably be considered on case by case basis - how firm the "handshake" was, how much of a difference is there, etc.
You know I have wondered the same myself. I would suspect that if a shop knows they are a loyal customer it means that they have been in the shop many times. Other than that how would a shop know how many cars someone bought from a dealership?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
...to let him know I had just bought a car and would be picking up the next day.
Sounds like unethical behavior all around. You had an agreed upon deal you were going to break over $800. The second dealership you got an internet price from is trying to undercut an already agreed upon deal. And the first dealer lied when it told you, "the other guy is playing games with you because to sell the car at that price would be losing money..."
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe when you give your word to someone you should honor it. Even if it does cost you a couple hundred dollars, or more.
WOW...thats twice in 3 days we've agreed. We'll need to bookmark those posts. Hope our hosts haven't fainted.
But, I think I would have done the same thing with that customer you did isell...it goes both ways. I don't think a salesperson should lie or break their word to a customer, and a customer shouldn't lie or break their word to a salesperson.
Playing games during negotiation is one thing. But, when an agreement is reached...then it should be honored. Reguardless, if the "legal" signatures were obtained or not.
...Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe when you give your word to someone you should honor it.
jip,
It's funny that you mention this because when I started to negotiate with the first dealer the very first thing he asked was are you prepared to buy this car tonight and I said yes. Then I asked if he was prepared to sell that night and he said he was. As it turned out he wasn't, so I guess you would have to say that he didn't hold up his end of the deal.
...Even if it does cost you a couple hundred dollars, or more.
As I said in my post (2599), I told the second dealer I was not going to play games over a few dollars. By this I meant a couple hundred dollars but when I heard $800 he got my attention, real fast.
You said "or more". So I guess you would give away $600, right?
The first guy got the sale so I did keep my word. After all, he didn't have to take it if he didn't want to, I was unarmed. I'm SURE he still made money, he just made less.
I'm just curious but how many of you people here would give away $600?
Remember now, this is all about keeping your word,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Which Southeast state are you moving to? Tennessee and Georgia have laws that are very much in the dealers favor, and have very little by way of consumer protection.
You may have far more rights with regards to "lemon laws" where you are now, compared to where you're moving.
Well, I didn't mean to paint you as a villian in this jmonroe. Lord knows I am far from perfect, just ask my wife...or kirstie.
The original dealership did let you off the hook a bit by agreeing to meet the competitors price...without you asking. But, what would you have done had the original dealership asked you why you weren't keeping your word on having agreed to buy the vehicle at the agreed upon price, then refused to match the $800???
So I guess you would give away $600,right?
Yes...I would. But, it wouldn't be "giving it away". It would be honoring a verbal contract that heavily favors the seller. I've done it before(not that much though)...it's in one of these Smart Shoppers thread from about two years ago.
Maybe, I go back to original dealer and say I was offered the same vehicle for $800 less and ask if he can do better. If he says he can't, then I would go ahead and take the $800 hit and buy it...and no, I certainly wouldn't be happy about it.
Ya see tidester...it's like a big/tall guy being called "tiny". "Jip"
Well, I didn't mean to paint you as a villian in this jmonroe. Lord knows I am far from perfect, just ask my wife...or kirstie.
I am a HUGE fan of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
but seriously, don't ask. I have a big mouth.
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
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe when you give your word to someone you should honor it.
Me too...but not everyone agrees.
One of the brands we carry is the king of senior citizens and anyone who has sold some of our elders know it can be an interesting experience...Many still buy cars like they did in 1950....forget the internet just old fashioned horse trading and shopping.
many are wind merchants just looking for somebody to talk to but we had a live one on Sat. This ole'timer was looking at a Gran Marquis and he picked one out, grinded the poor salesperson to death, wanted everything "thrown-in" but finally agreed to the deal. Signed the buyers order and shook the salesperson hand....he loudly announced that his word was his honor and he never leaves deposits, blah blah. Right away bet the salesperson that he had no deal. Fast forward to Tuesday and of course the guy does a stealth cancellation via voicemail. I couldn't resist and called the guy and asked him about his honor and integrity that he bragged about...he stuttered and fell over his words, etc....so I said "so what your really saying is your word doesnt mean anything and that your not an honorable man? (normally I would never say such a thing, but he opened the door with his big mouth)
4 hours later he drove away in his new Gran Marquis...
So the bottom line is simple...some people need a little help in bringing out the honor of their word.
About 3 months ago, I bought a BMW. Had it in to the dealerships service dept to have some minor accessories (wood shifter & brake handle) installed about 1 month after I bought it. I understand that somehow/somewhere there's a cost associated for amenities like free loaner cars, etc. But, while my car was in their shop, and me driving their loaner car (another BMW), I got a call from the service advisor asking me if I knew that at I had a "driveway rash" mark on the lower bupmer. I told him I knew it since I had scraped it pulling out of a steep driveway curb.
I figured he was telling me this just to keep me from trying to blame the dealership for the "scrape" (something I wouldn't do anyway). He asked me if he could keep my car an extra day or two to see if he could get it buffed out. He also said I could hang onto their free loaner car. I told him it was fine as long as it wouldn't cost more than $50 to do it. He told me "not to worry about it".
Well, two days later the service writer calls me and tells me my car is ready. I get to the dealership and inspect where the scrape was. Thinking "they can mask it, but I'll still be able to feel it". Couldn't see where the scrape was and couldn't feel it. I asked the service writer what they did. He said they repainted the lower bumper. "How much will that cost?" "You're good to go....no charge" was his reply.
Long and short of it, having a good relationship with the dealership pays off.
isellhondas....gotta question for you. I do shop at least a couple of different dealerships for the same model just to make sure my price research is right. I also buy from people/dealerships I trust. But, if there's a big price swing (as in jmonroe's case), I assume if one dealership can set a price, another dealership will be willing to meet the price. What I'm hearing from you is that's not the case. What determines whether you meet another dealership's price or not?
What I'm hearing from you is that's not the case. What determines whether you meet another dealership's price or not?
I don't think that was the case here - that $500 less wasn't there, as the guy came back after the refusal anyway just to hear the car wasn't there anymore. It was either deceptive offer from the other dealer or straight up lie from the customer-to-be.
dino....what I'm wondering is if the customer comes in, negotiates in good faith, but has a much better offer from another dealer, does the potential customer's attitude affect whether a dealer will "meet or beat" any other legitimate deals?
jipster...just giving an example of what I've experienced....that's all. No cookies. No Christmas cards.
Bought the BMW for $1,400 over invoice (which is a "good thing" for a BMW). Picking the right dealership....one who goes above and beyond what's called for, is important...as well as price. We've had this discussion before, though. If all you're shopping for is price, that's all you're going to get.
Can't help you with your Buick....I've never owned one. Never shopped for one.
Comments
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
snake,
If you have thrown in the towel, I don't see where there is a problem letting the salesman know you're not the dope that he thought you were. If I'm not buying there, I would not a have any problem with letting them (salesman and sales manager) know that.
If enough people would do this, maybe, just maybe, this would slow down some of the sleazy practices that sales people of all types try to pull on customers.
My philosophy, as a consumer, is that you have to pick these people off one by one as you come across them.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
That I agree with, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so or go overboard with it. Life is to short for stuff like that.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Oh well, looks like another poster who had an 'emotional moment' and is probably off solving their own problem (which isn't a bad thing to do if you know how to do it) after getting some of us to spin our wheels.
At least us regulars have a chance to talk.
Don't ya just love these rhetorical questions?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Well...at least now you're getting closer to the correct answer. :P
Thanks
I'm already in trouble with the tidester.
But no jmonroe, you haven't missed anything. ditsyquoin.......ehhhh.....(holding back the demons)... has made only the one original post in the townhall forums.
I'm quite confident she would take my wheel spinning advice over snakes. But, maybe she will eventually find her way back here to let us know what she decided.
No, I don't know where you might get one, but if you use the search box at the left <---, and type in "GM Prices," you'll get a list of our GM-related pricing discussions. Find one about the trucks you like, and ask the question there, where you're more likely to get a response.
You can e-mail me if you need more help getting around the Forums.
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 beg to differ about the opinion that the salesman, a.k.a. "bad apple", will be less likely to try something like that again. He'll just be less likely to do something for which he can get caught. :surprise:
...dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught.
It wouldn't be stupidity. It would be a challenge that the "bad apple" dealership would have a tough time passing up. :shades:
A "bad apple" never improves. It only gets more rotten. It will also ruin the other apples around it. This is not just a saying, it is scientific fact.
I think it's naive to believe this was just a misunderstanding. I'm inclined to think the salesman did it deliberately, or the salesman is stupid to shoot his mouth off when he may not be sure of the vehicle's history. I mean really, he might as well have said it belonged to a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sunday and the grocery store on Tuesday's senior citizen day.
I would never set foot in that place again. One more saying,"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
I asked him if he had seen the Carfax report and he said he hadn't had the time. When I showed it to him, it was exactly like someone stated it would be. I'd bet his reponse will be something like, "Oh sorry, I made a mistake".
I really thought he was going to cry at that point. Incompetent is an apt description. I didn't pursue the other truck that I was interested in. I want nothing more to do with this dealership which is under new ownership. The man that I have bought 5 trucks from is now the GM of the Honda dealership next door.
Thanks to everyone for your comments. My son, though disappointed, learned the true meaning of caveat emptor.
Thanks for letting us know how it went. I was having my doubts that you would get back to us.
My son, though disappointed, learned the true meaning of caveat emptor.
He will get over it, and for what it's worth I don't blame you for not dealing with a dealership that you can't trust.
Thanks again,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Just to reconfirm my research regarding price, I've always gone to at least a couple of dealers who compete "head-to-head". I've never had one say they wouldn't meet (or beat) another dealer's price.
That's not to say they won't try to "bump" me in other ways outside of the purchase price, but if the deal is legit (and both sides know it...even under invoice deals), I've yet to see any dealer want to lose a deal to their competition. One dealer may feign disbelief over what their competition is doing, but none of them want to lose to the other.
I am new here and need your advice. I am moving from northeast to southeast united states in october 06 and currently do not own a car. I am planning to buy one very soon.
what i want to know is whether it is a good idea to buy it here and then take it with me when i move. will it be a problem? what kind of service would you expect from from the service station of a dealership if they know that i did not get the car from them.
if so, do you think it is better to buy the car in the new place and any problems, i can talk to the dealership from where i bought the car.
thanks for your advice.
asrk
I’ll go along with that.
Last year when I bought a car the dealer could not deliver the car that night because they could not find all the paperwork and since it was closing time they said we would have to close the deal the next day. This didn’t bother me, since it gave them more time to clean it up. When I went home that night I emailed the other dealer that I had gotten an internet price from to let him know that I had just bought a car and would be picking it up the next day.
He called me first thing in the morning (I was barely coherent although this is not unusual) to let me know that if I had not actually picked up the car it was not a done deal. I told him that I was not going to play games over a few dollars. He said don’t make a move until I get back to you. He calls back in ten minutes and said he would beat the deal I had gotten by $800, I said please repeat that it’s still pretty early, did I hear you right? He said you sure did. I told him I would call him back. I was almost in shock since the price I had gotten from the first dealer was already $375 below Edmunds TMV.
I called the first dealer and gave him the news. He said you got a great deal from us, that it’s impossible for that deal to be beaten and the other guy is playing games with me because to sell the car at that price he would be losing money and no dealer is going to do that. I said I hear you but we’re talking $800 dollars here but if the other dealer is playing games I’ll be back if his price is still good. He said his price was good until closing time. I thank him for his trouble and hang up. I tell my wife what had just happened and that I was going to take the second deal if she didn’t mind taking the car in a different color. We saw this other color and she didn’t care, either color was ok with her. It seems we both liked the color of the $800 more. Before I can call the second guy back, the first guy calls and says he is also willing to lose money and that he will match the price. I scratch my head, call the second guy and tell him the first guy matched the price and that’s it. I bought the car from the first guy.
I feel I got a good deal but I have often wondered just how far is a dealer willing to go to make a sale. I know that none of them are going to lose money just to make a sale, so there has to be quite a few incentives that they are willing to share with the customer, when they have to, rather than lose a sale to a direct competitor selling the same car.
Boy, did I get carried away with this tale,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I had exactly the same thing happen last month. A had a guy come in, spend three hours of my time on a busy day driving cars and making dumb offers.
Finally we agreed on a nothing deal. We shook hands and I stanted putting the paperwork together when he suddenly remembered he had to be somewhere!
Usually I can smell this coming but not this time.
He said he would be back the next morning at 10:00 to finish things up and take delivery.
Of course, he didn't show and didn't bother calling me.
2:00, he calls me..." Uh, I sell...sorry, I got tied up...hey, I "happened" to stop by ABC Honda and they offered me the exact same car for 500.00 less"
" Really? You should buy it!"
" Uh...won't you match that?"
" No, I won't"
" Well...will you knock ANYTHING off your price?"
" No, I thought we had come to terms, we shook on it"
" Well...I'll call you back"
He called back two hours later to say he would be in and I had the pleasure of letting him know we had just sold the car to someone else!
Long story short, I decided to buy a vehicle from North Dakota, though I live in Wisconsin (this vehicle is a one-of-a-kind, so I couldn't resist). We arranged to meet in Minnesota and signed the papers and I gave him my trade-in right there. Besides that, we did everything else via telephone and e-mail. The experience pretty much went without a hitch.
Since the dealership I bought from is in North Dakota, however, I obviously can't service my vehicle through them, at least not realistically. So for anything that isn't routine maintenance or for warranty repairs (none yet - knock on wood), I go to the nearest garage that services my vehicle's make, which happens to be only 35 minutes away. So, across state lines, the warranty is still good and it's no problem at all to get your vehicle maintained somewhere that isn't the original dealership. I can assure you that another dealership will not turn you away and lost money just because you didn't buy from them.
So in my experience, I'd have to say go for it, if that's the best option for you.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
In my case, there wasn't. The guy was clearly lying and I knew it. He outsmarted himself.
I forgot to mention, this car was the last one out there in the color he had to have. I did a "locate" to determine that.
Later that day, his wife called. She thought it was terrible that we had sold their car "out from under them" to someone else. It was hard for me to bite my tongue.
I guess I was raised by parents who taught me that a handshake meant something. Guess not.
What really rules is the buck: very busy place may have some preference rules with appointment schedule etc. for regular customers, but really how busy dealer shops really are? Waranty services are generally paid at rates lower than retail, so they would rather take paying maintenance customers than those with warranty repair orders. So if any real preferences are extended (which I doubt), they may be to those who do regular maintenance (especially if they buy all "recommended" flush and shampoo services), rather than just those who bought a vehicle there.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I for one never play that game, I might have another offer from another dealer and I may let you know I have an offer, but I am not going to let you know what it is. If you give me your lowest price and it doesn't beat the other dealer then you can't beat them, its plain and simple.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
But of course there is life: car "fall from truck
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Letting you know he had to have a particular something was his mistake and you took advantage of it.
I guess I was raised by parents who taught me that a handshake meant something. Guess not.
Well in cases like this legally a handshake is meaningless.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Such as? I always hear those things, but never in details.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Sounds like unethical behavior all around. You had an agreed upon deal you were going to break over $800. The second dealership you got an internet price from is trying to undercut an already agreed upon deal. And the first dealer lied when it told you, "the other guy is playing games with you because to sell the car at that price would be losing money..."
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe when you give your word to someone you should honor it. Even if it does cost you a couple hundred dollars, or more.
When he finally called me at 2:00 the next day, I let him know the car was available to others.
I realize a handshake in today's world is meaningless but I was taught otherwise.
I'm old fashioned too I suppose.
WOW...thats twice in 3 days we've agreed. We'll need to bookmark those posts. Hope our hosts haven't fainted.
But, I think I would have done the same thing with that customer you did isell...it goes both ways. I don't think a salesperson should lie or break their word to a customer, and a customer shouldn't lie or break their word to a salesperson.
Playing games during negotiation is one thing. But, when an agreement is reached...then it should be honored. Reguardless, if the "legal" signatures were obtained or not.
jip,
It's funny that you mention this because when I started to negotiate with the first dealer the very first thing he asked was are you prepared to buy this car tonight and I said yes. Then I asked if he was prepared to sell that night and he said he was. As it turned out he wasn't, so I guess you would have to say that he didn't hold up his end of the deal.
...Even if it does cost you a couple hundred dollars, or more.
As I said in my post (2599), I told the second dealer I was not going to play games over a few dollars. By this I meant a couple hundred dollars but when I heard $800 he got my attention, real fast.
You said "or more". So I guess you would give away $600, right?
The first guy got the sale so I did keep my word. After all, he didn't have to take it if he didn't want to, I was unarmed. I'm SURE he still made money, he just made less.
I'm just curious but how many of you people here would give away $600?
Remember now, this is all about keeping your word,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
To all those who will say "I will" please contact me to let you know where to send the money.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I had to pick myself up from the floor after seeing that!
tidester, host
snake,
Darn it, now you went and done it. You ruined it for be. I was going to say that.
Next time stay out of my money making deals.
Thanks for nothing. I guess I'll be grilling out tonight.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You may have far more rights with regards to "lemon laws" where you are now, compared to where you're moving.
Just something to consider.
The original dealership did let you off the hook a bit by agreeing to meet the competitors price...without you asking. But, what would you have done had the original dealership asked you why you weren't keeping your word on having agreed to buy the vehicle at the agreed upon price, then refused to match the $800???
So I guess you would give away $600,right?
Yes...I would. But, it wouldn't be "giving it away". It would be honoring a verbal contract that heavily favors the seller. I've done it before(not that much though)...it's in one of these Smart Shoppers thread from about two years ago.
Maybe, I go back to original dealer and say I was offered the same vehicle for $800 less and ask if he can do better. If he says he can't, then I would go ahead and take the $800 hit and buy it...and no, I certainly wouldn't be happy about it.
Ya see tidester...it's like a big/tall guy being called "tiny".
"Jip"
Contact me and I will tell you where to send the $600.00.
Sorry jmonroe
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I am a HUGE fan of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
but seriously, don't ask. I have a big mouth.
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
Me too...but not everyone agrees.
One of the brands we carry is the king of senior citizens and anyone who has sold some of our elders know it can be an interesting experience...Many still buy cars like they did in 1950....forget the internet just old fashioned horse trading and shopping.
many are wind merchants just looking for somebody to talk to but we had a live one on Sat.
This ole'timer was looking at a Gran Marquis and he picked one out, grinded the poor salesperson to death, wanted everything "thrown-in" but finally agreed to the deal. Signed the buyers order and shook the salesperson hand....he loudly announced that his word was his honor and he never leaves deposits, blah blah. Right away bet the salesperson that he had no deal. Fast forward to Tuesday and of course the guy does a stealth cancellation via voicemail. I couldn't resist and called the guy and asked him about his honor and integrity that he bragged about...he stuttered and fell over his words, etc....so I said "so what your really saying is your word doesnt mean anything and that your not an honorable man? (normally I would never say such a thing, but he opened the door with his big mouth)
4 hours later he drove away in his new Gran Marquis...
So the bottom line is simple...some people need a little help in bringing out the honor of their word.
I don't care about your household relationship. I've already proven that I like money.
Please call me for further instructions at:
555 - I OWE YOU
I'll be going to bed after the Steeler game. Please don't call after that.
Thanks,
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I figured he was telling me this just to keep me from trying to blame the dealership for the "scrape" (something I wouldn't do anyway). He asked me if he could keep my car an extra day or two to see if he could get it buffed out. He also said I could hang onto their free loaner car. I told him it was fine as long as it wouldn't cost more than $50 to do it. He told me "not to worry about it".
Well, two days later the service writer calls me and tells me my car is ready. I get to the dealership and inspect where the scrape was. Thinking "they can mask it, but I'll still be able to feel it". Couldn't see where the scrape was and couldn't feel it. I asked the service writer what they did. He said they repainted the lower bumper. "How much will that cost?" "You're good to go....no charge" was his reply.
Long and short of it, having a good relationship with the dealership pays off.
isellhondas....gotta question for you. I do shop at least a couple of different dealerships for the same model just to make sure my price research is right. I also buy from people/dealerships I trust. But, if there's a big price swing (as in jmonroe's case), I assume if one dealership can set a price, another dealership will be willing to meet the price. What I'm hearing from you is that's not the case. What determines whether you meet another dealership's price or not?
I don't think that was the case here - that $500 less wasn't there, as the guy came back after the refusal anyway just to hear the car wasn't there anymore. It was either deceptive offer from the other dealer or straight up lie from the customer-to-be.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
So, whats the secret to developing this good relationship with the dealer?. I would like to get some free body work done on my Buick Regal.
Paying MSRP? Buying a new vehicle from the dealership every 6 months? Referrals? Christmas cards & cookies?
I think for most people just having the dealership fix their vehicle right the first time, and on time, would be good enough.
Bought the BMW for $1,400 over invoice (which is a "good thing" for a BMW). Picking the right dealership....one who goes above and beyond what's called for, is important...as well as price. We've had this discussion before, though. If all you're shopping for is price, that's all you're going to get.
Can't help you with your Buick....I've never owned one. Never shopped for one.
I would expect that kind of service from any high end retailer not just those I created a "relationship" with.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D