So last night, the ex-mr. kirstie_h calls me up, seeking a bit of advice on his recent experience with a local dealership. His first mistake was going back to a dealership that had previously pulled all sorts of tricks on us during a car purchase, and we swore they'd never see a dime again. He said he went there because it was conveniently-located. Ok, whatever.
He's decided he wants a BMW - black, with black interior. They don't have it on the lot, but they've got it on another lot, and they'll just have it shipped over. They show him photos, and it's exactly what he wants. So, he signs a buyer's order, gives them a $2,000 deposit, and waits. And waits. Numerous flimsy excuses about the delayed arrival ensue. Then, voila! They've got it on the lot. Unfortunately, says Mr. Salesman, it's got a scuff, so please don't come over til we buff it out.
Finally, the day comes when it's time to pick up the car and finalize the deal. He'd decided to lease, and had told him that during the first meeting. When the salesperson calls, he says, "I've done the paperwork for a purchase instead." "Why? I specifically said I want to lease." "Why would you want to lease?" "That's none of your $%^ing business. " "Well... I'll have to talk to my manager about that..." (there are no credit issues, so lord knows what that was all about)
He arrives at the lot, and is taken over to the vehicle, which is white with a tan interior. "What's this??" "It's your car!"
I don't even know what these people were thinking - that he wouldn't notice that his black vehicle with black interior was now white with tan interior? Yeah... that's pretty easy to slip by most people.
He canceled the payment on his $2K deposit and walked away, told them he is NOT taking that car, it's not the one he ordered, and he doesn't want it. Ever since then, they've been calling him several times daily, telling him they need to sit down and talk, that he's obligated to buy the vehicle, and they've got his signature on an order, what are they supposed to do with this $40K vehicle on their lot... What's crazy is that the VIN on the buyer's order matches the vehicle that actually came in, but not the one they showed him.
My suggestion is to tell the dealership that if they EVER call him again, he's going to the police station and file a harassment report. This is definitely one of the more ridiculous experiences I've heard about.
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
His first mistake was going back to a dealership that had previously pulled all sorts of tricks on us during a car purchase
To liven things up even more... what kind of tricks?
He'd decided to lease, and had told him that during the first meeting. When the salesperson calls, he says, "I've done the paperwork for a purchase instead."
Wow. Unbelievable that this dealership would stoop so low.
If you could, and it's not to much trouble, call your husband back and see if you can get a transcript of his and the salespeoples entire conversations. With proper details and adjectives, like "none of your $&@*ing business"... this could go down as one of the top non-sales sales story in Edmunds history. :surprise:
Ah... the original trick (this was about 8 years ago) was the call-back after almost two weeks stating gee, we didn't get the loan we promised you. Come back and get hosed at a much higher interest rate. We fixed that by offering to return the vehicle.
Then, a few days after that, they called about my trade-in and said they needed a check for $1500 from us because the trade wasn't in the condition they thought it was. We fixed that by saying no. There was, seriously, nothing wrong with my trade-in, and it was only a $3K trade to start with. They couldn't even come up with a good reason for that one.
He admitted it wasn't to give them another chance - it was pure laziness, because they're the only dealership within 5 miles of his house. There are many others 10 miles away, but he thought this was going to be a simple enough deal (no trade, price already agreed on).
The amazing part to me was that they acted stunned, surprised, and offended that he wasn't willing to just say oh, OK, I'll take this white/tan one with higher mileage than the black/black one that you showed me and that we specifically agreed on. No problem.
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
He doesn't need a lawyer, because he didn't buy the car or drive it off the lot. They have nothing but a bogus "buyer's order" for the wrong vehicle. There's enough documentation that no court in the land would say he is responsible for completing the purchase on that vehicle, just because they want him to.
They have no existing business relationship, so in my opinion, he needs to tell them (and mean it) when they next call (which they will), that if there is even one more call, he's going to the police station to report the harassment. This particular dealership does not even have a hint of a good reputation, so I doubt the police would be surprised (it's a small suburb in St. Louis).
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
This is definitely one of the more ridiculous experiences I've heard about.
Unfortunately, I have heard of this before. It happened to an uncle that wanted a Buick when I was a kid. My uncle (my Dad’s brother) told my Dad not to deal with that guy but my Dad went to him anyway. This dealer gave my Dad a deal that he couldn’t refuse, UNTIL.
Yeah, there is always a catch and my Dad found it when they were writing up the papers. It seems the dealer had just found out that the trade was a year older than what it was. No big deal, “just give us another $85 and you got yourself a deal, ‘daddymonroe’. Well, this was in 1954 and $85 was not an insignificant amount back then. I don’t know this for a fact but I doubt that my Dad made $380 a month back then.
The dealer must have thought that since my mother, brothers and I were in the car and the lot guy was in the process of transferring the stuff from the trunk of the trade into the new Buick, my Dad would say OK. Well, he wasn’t made like that. He comes storming out to the garage where the new car was and says, “GET OUT, WE’RE NOT BUYING THIS CAR”. :mad: My MOM questioned him and he repeated his words but a little louder this time. :mad: :mad:
He was warned but he didn’t heed the advice of his older brother. Years later that was a good story that was told over and over again when the family got together. Everyone got a pretty good laugh when that tale was told.
Is your ex laughing yet? :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
He's kind of laughing, now that he's calmed down a bit. He's just really incredulous that they would expect him to just buy a car that he doesn't want, and that has specs the opposite of what he ordered.
He's probably able to laugh a little bit now that he's comfortable that he in no way is obligated to buy it, just because they say he is. Believe me - if he were really obligated to buy it, they would've just filed suit against him after the first time he said "I'm not buying that car."
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 didn't ask. My assumption is that he put it on a credit card, then disputed it with them. Or perhaps it was a check, and they just hadn't gotten around to banking it yet.
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
Not 100% sure on that one either. He *is* the ex-mr. kirstie_h, so there's only so much time and interest from me.
Kinda sounded like it... maybe a CPO lease. If I had to guess, I'd say he was doing a lease because it could be done as a business vehicle, through his business.
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
Then, a few days after that, they called about my trade-in and said they needed a check for $1500 from us because the trade wasn't in the condition they thought it was
LOL. Again... Wow! That has to rank number one in the craziest most absurd things I've ever read. I would have brought the purchased vehicle back to the dealership, and said you need another 2 grand off the price because it doesn't drive as nice as you thought it would. :P
Then, a few days after that, they called about my trade-in and said they needed a check for $1500 from us because the trade wasn't in the condition they thought it was. We fixed that by saying no.
A local Chevy dealer tried to pull a similar stunt on one of my law partners back in 1981; he turned in a car at the end of a three year lease and they called a couple of weeks later and said they needed $2000 because they sold the car and it didn't bring as much as they expected...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I haven't seen all the replies, but here I go. Prepare is list of questions to ask the dealership next time they call. I put a deposit on a black on black xyz. Is this the car we are taking about? Assuming the answer is no, Can I have my deposit bacK? etc... The main thing is to let the phone ring, have the answering machine let them start recording their spiel, then pick up before they finish their message and start asking your questions. This way they know they are being recorded and you can play it back to the Motor Vehicle Department, Consumer Protection or Attorney General's office.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Then, a few days after that, they called about my trade-in and said they needed a check for $1500 from us because the trade wasn't in the condition they thought it was.
Sure, I'll bring a check over and we can exchange it for the check you will give me for $5000 because the car you sold me wasn't in the condition I thought it was.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Prepare is list of questions to ask the dealership next time they call.
It would be great if you can get one of those consumer guys from Dateline or something to go along with a hidden camera. That dealership should lose it's BMW franchise.
Well, here I am in St Petes Florida, 78 degrees today...back home 8 inches of snow and 25 degrees. It is amazing what a difference a 3 hour plane ride can make.
I got the Thrifty Fusion special. The car they gave me is brand new, fresh off the truck, just 8 miles on it. They tried to scam me a bit at Thrifty....wrote up that I wanted the "no Hassle extra Program" that insures the car completely even the deductable with roadside assistance. The total bill on my internet bill was suppose to be $412....with the insurance it was $940. I told him I wasn't going to buy $1000 worth of coverage for $500!
He removed the extra insurance program, but I think he gave me the new car because he thought I was buying the insurance.
The Fusion is great! Black with gold flecks in the paint. Black leather seats with white stitching. The instrument panel is all lit up with bright blue, some red and some white....looks like a pin ball machine. It is smooth and quiet, very comfortable. Nice big windows and mirrors with a corner cut out for extra wide angles. Has a little drawer on the left side for change for tolls I think...you really need that around here.
The steering is pretty good too, not a BMW but better than most cars. I think for a car in this price range it is a spectacular value.
black over black leather. Perfect car for south Florida!
Good observation SG. I plan on getting a black car next, but normally I don't like black on black, but this one looks really nice. When you are in the car, the only black you see is a bit of the hood, so it isn't a big deal.
It is a really nice looking car...they improved the front end and the tailights. The black leather with white stitching is really nice, I don;t think it would work with other colors as well.
Quite a few black cars around, I guess with air conditioning it isn't a big issue any more.
She who must be obeyed is now questioning if we should buy the Benz since she is now a woman of leasure but not of her own choosing.
However the now 13 year old Saturn is showing some signs of issues. It may be minor and the thing will go a few more years or it could give up the ghost before it gets out of the driveway. So we are looking at following my original plan of something economical for my daily commutes. So I am surfing looking for what possibly be the next ride.
The wife mentioned the new Sonata.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I’ve never heard anyone say they knew how to drive at all. The way they rate a car is ridiculous, place one knob where they don’t think it should be and wammo, failure.
It's hard to top Kirstie's story, but here's what happened to me.
On Tuesday I get a call from somebody who said they're calling from my Jeep dealership. I thought it was a reminder for service. It wasn't. They wanted me to stop by because they really wanted to buy my 2008 Grand Cherokee. They want to buy it even if I don't buy anything from them.
It only has 23600 miles and it's paid off, so I wasn't even close to the point of thinking about selling it. However, the 2011 model looks pretty nice and I get Preferred Pricing through work. What do I have to lose? So I said that I'd stop by on Thursday, and we make an appointment for 11:30am. Much to my surprise my wife even agreed with my plan. If I get a good offer on the trade in., we'd buy a new one.
Wednesday afternoon I get a call to confirm my appointment. They also give me the name of the salesman who is going to help me. I wash the car (sorry Jim, didn't wax it) and head to the dealership.
I arrive right at 11:30. I get approached by a salesman before I even get to the front door. I tell him that I'm looking for Mr. X(not allowed to post names). He goes to get him. The salesman who met me at the door comes back and asks me why I'm stopping by today. Huh? They're the ones who called me. They should at least know why I'm there. I explain to him why I'm there and I can't tell that this is all news to him. He goes back to check with Mr. X.
The original salesman comes and tells me that he will be helping me since Mr. X is busy. Right away he starts asking me if I'm buying today. I hate games so am upfront with him. I tell him that I'm eligible for Preferred Pricing (1% under dealers invoice with no haggling) and that the only thing we need to agree is on the trade in price. I also told him that he only gets one shot. I don't want any back and forth. "Of course, I understand. Yes, very good."
He goes and does his thing. While he's gone, he puts me in a office/cube (glass walls) that has a computer in it. While I was waiting, 2 or 3 othe salespeople (one was a woman :-) ) came over to use the computer in my cube. There were 3 other empty cubes. I finally moved to another cube.
Eventually my salesman comes back and gives me an offer that is very low (I used several online sites to get an idea of what to expect). I know that the sites are a bit high. However, their quote was almost 30% lower than the lowest of all the websites for a trade in "fair" condition. I understand that no car is an "excellent," but my car is closer to excellent than to good. I thanked him for his time and asked for my keys back. He looked shocked.
He asked me "well, what sort of amount were you looking for?" "Sorry, I told you that you only had one shot. My keys please." I saw him go talk with Mr. X (who never came to introduce himself) and he asked my salesman "what amount is he looking for?" "He didn't, he just wants his keys back."
I'll keep my GC for a while longer, thank you very much. I think when I'm ready to buy a new car, I'll sell it to Carmax.
She who must be obeyed is now questioning if we should buy the Benz...
The wife mentioned the new Sonata.
Damn...talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse. I know that a ton of snow can be depressing but that is rediculus to lose it like that. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
ll keep my GC for a while longer, thank you very much. I think when I'm ready to buy a new car, I'll sell it to Carmax
Hope you had a long hot shower when you got home, wouldn't want to miss any of the slime.
I think it is the desperation sales pitch. Get them in to the showroom, get them excited, make them feel wanted, be sure to get their keys....then play the numbers game. 1 out of 25 people will be so confused they will walk out with a new car.
Joe Girard the world's greatest car salesman used to cold call people when he didn't have a customer. \he would call people at random and say something like "Hi Mrs Jones, your new Impala came in today and it looks spectacular". Mrs Jones says "We didn't buy a new car" Joe says, "Oh, i am sorry, guess I have the wrong number, are you planning on buying a new car in the near future because I can give you a great deal...yada yada yada.
Damn...talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse.
You make it sound like we are going from a Rolls Royce to a Yugo. Have you seen the new Sonata? Its a nice car and can be had new with a turbo for about the same price as a 3-4 year old used C class Benz. And most likely far more reliable.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Similar thing happened to me a few years ago. I got a letter from the Honda dealership where I bought & serviced my beloved 2001 Prelude stating the dealership was looking for used Preludes to sell & that I should come in and they'll give me top dollar for my car & buy it even if I didn't buy another car from them. Right now at (almost) 9 years old and over 135,500 miles, I'd rate my Prelude's condition as a 7 out 10. Back then it wasn't perfect, but was a solid 9. Back in 2005, people would still stop me at gas stations shocked that my Prelude wasn't brand new or 1 year old. I checked REAL WORLD TRADE IN VALUES and thought that if I could get their number, that I'd be happy.
The dealership offered to buy my car outright for $4000 less than what they told me on RWTIV. The UCM that looked at my car told me they's be able to give me more for my car if I was buying another car from them and they'd just take less off the sticker price of the car I was buying. He told me: "Its a numbers game, you know."
I told him: "I don't play games with numbers."
Waste of time
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I don't know if it's because I've bought, or helped buy, so many cars for myself, my family, and my friends, but all of your scenarios are familiar. Not desired, but familiar.
-"yeah...got the exact car you want right here, come on in." -"trade-in is worth xx% than we originally thought." -"bank needs more money to do this deal."
And it goes on and on.
This is the reason I don't go with dealers I know who use those tactics.
Also, the reason I do the "one shot only" deals. If you accept my offer that's great. We've got a deal. If not, I'll just move on. No sense wasting my time, nor yours by doing the grind routine.
My Father In Law had a 2006 Subaru Outback LL Bean that he LOVED. It was his 1st Subaru. He got a "We're looking for good used Subarus..." letter sometime in 2008. I think they gave him what he owed on the car which was a good deal because the car was 2 years old & had 40K miles on it already. He picked up a brand new 2008 Outback LL Bean for less than he paid in 2006 + got a lower interest loan, so his payments were lower. Needless to say, he was very happy.
At dinner one Sunday last year night he joked about how he REALLY liked the look of the new 2010 Outback. My Mother-In-Law told him: "No more new cars until this one is paid off."
Sometime in the next 2 weeks, he was making a left turn into ashopping center at dusk and a woman driving a Boxster with no lights on hit him. Totally his fault, but NOBODY got hurt (that's what's important). The airbags went off, and he was able to open his door and step out of the car without a scratch. His Outback was totalled. Thank goodness for GAP insurance (mandatory in NY State). Once he settled with the insurance company & the GAP company, he went right back to the Subaru Dealer and leased a 2010 Outback (4 cyl w/ CVT) & continues to love his Subarus.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Personally, I'm just stunned that this behavior goes on in car dealerships!
Oh.. wait.. no, I'm not...
With all due respect to the salespeople that post (used to post?) here... these stories are more typical, than not... That is the sad reality of the car business..
It is great to have sales stories, though! Even if a Host has to start the ball rolling.... lol.
My Mazda dealership sent me a post card the other daying saying they are in "Desperate need!!" of my 2004 MPV. Reading between the lines that actually means they are in desperate need for me to give them the MPV for next to nothing... and buy one of their cars at MSRP with mop n glow plus.
snake - You're amazed that jmonroe makes a comment about a Hyundai? I think someone's chain is being pulled here.
kyfdx - (isn't hat the little guy from the old Superman comics?) - Yeah, behavior like that is the norm when I go into a dealership.It is a part of why I drive cars into the ground. I understand that it's the most economical way to do things but I'd turn cars over more frequently if the buying experience was better.
I get those letters about high demand for my particular car. Really? People are beating down their doors for an 00 Accord with 200K on it? Maybe it's the stick shift.....
Where the heck is Richard? He hasn't been in since he told us he died....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
In my next car purchase I want one of two things, something economical as it will just be used for commutting to and from work, taking the dog places or taking my bike someplace (we would use the ragtop for going out and taking trips) or something the wife would want as her car and I get the ragtop.
Maybe the wife will take the Sonata and give me the ragtop.
I have Friday off of my regular phoney baloney job so we will go out and look around.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I've said this before, graphicguy, the next time I go to buy a car, I'm really eager to use your method.
Through work I qualify for Ford X-plan and Chrysler (Jeep) Affiliate price. Can't get any easier than that. Unless it's a car that is a slow seller, it'd be hard to get 1% below dealer's cost.
However, if I buy another brand, I will also use graphicguy's method. Is it basedon bobst's method?
What I don't get is why my ex didn't just go to the dealership where I bought (used) my G35. For those of you who remember Bill, it's where he worked long ago. They were good, game-free, $99 doc fee, just wanted to make a straight-up sale without jacking around. I'm sure they could have completed his deal successfully - I have vowed never to give a bad dealership my business again, not rewarding that behavior.
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
we get those offers all the time for our Odyssey. What's funny is that I never get them for my Accord, and both are 2005s. Not sure if it is because they came from different dealers?
Comments
So last night, the ex-mr. kirstie_h calls me up, seeking a bit of advice on his recent experience with a local dealership. His first mistake was going back to a dealership that had previously pulled all sorts of tricks on us during a car purchase, and we swore they'd never see a dime again. He said he went there because it was conveniently-located. Ok, whatever.
He's decided he wants a BMW - black, with black interior. They don't have it on the lot, but they've got it on another lot, and they'll just have it shipped over. They show him photos, and it's exactly what he wants. So, he signs a buyer's order, gives them a $2,000 deposit, and waits. And waits. Numerous flimsy excuses about the delayed arrival ensue. Then, voila! They've got it on the lot. Unfortunately, says Mr. Salesman, it's got a scuff, so please don't come over til we buff it out.
Finally, the day comes when it's time to pick up the car and finalize the deal. He'd decided to lease, and had told him that during the first meeting. When the salesperson calls, he says, "I've done the paperwork for a purchase instead."
"Why? I specifically said I want to lease."
"Why would you want to lease?"
"That's none of your $%^ing business. "
"Well... I'll have to talk to my manager about that..."
(there are no credit issues, so lord knows what that was all about)
He arrives at the lot, and is taken over to the vehicle, which is white with a tan interior.
"What's this??"
"It's your car!"
I don't even know what these people were thinking - that he wouldn't notice that his black vehicle with black interior was now white with tan interior? Yeah... that's pretty easy to slip by most people.
He canceled the payment on his $2K deposit and walked away, told them he is NOT taking that car, it's not the one he ordered, and he doesn't want it. Ever since then, they've been calling him several times daily, telling him they need to sit down and talk, that he's obligated to buy the vehicle, and they've got his signature on an order, what are they supposed to do with this $40K vehicle on their lot... What's crazy is that the VIN on the buyer's order matches the vehicle that actually came in, but not the one they showed him.
My suggestion is to tell the dealership that if they EVER call him again, he's going to the police station and file a harassment report. This is definitely one of the more ridiculous experiences I've heard about.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Your ex sounds like a forgiver with too short of a memory. Hopefully this most recent runaround will cure him for good of those guys.
Seriously...how can a BMW ! dealership (usually) get away with crap like that? It boggles one's mind.
Made for a good (almost) sales story though :shades:
To liven things up even more... what kind of tricks?
He'd decided to lease, and had told him that during the first meeting. When the salesperson calls, he says, "I've done the paperwork for a purchase instead."
Wow. Unbelievable that this dealership would stoop so low.
If you could, and it's not to much trouble, call your husband back and see if you can get a transcript of his and the salespeoples entire conversations. With proper details and adjectives, like "none of your $&@*ing business"... this could go down as one of the top non-sales sales story in Edmunds history. :surprise:
Then, a few days after that, they called about my trade-in and said they needed a check for $1500 from us because the trade wasn't in the condition they thought it was. We fixed that by saying no. There was, seriously, nothing wrong with my trade-in, and it was only a $3K trade to start with. They couldn't even come up with a good reason for that one.
He admitted it wasn't to give them another chance - it was pure laziness, because they're the only dealership within 5 miles of his house. There are many others 10 miles away, but he thought this was going to be a simple enough deal (no trade, price already agreed on).
The amazing part to me was that they acted stunned, surprised, and offended that he wasn't willing to just say oh, OK, I'll take this white/tan one with higher mileage than the black/black one that you showed me and that we specifically agreed on. No problem.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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It shouldn't take much more than a sharply worded letter on a law office's stationery.
They have no existing business relationship, so in my opinion, he needs to tell them (and mean it) when they next call (which they will), that if there is even one more call, he's going to the police station to report the harassment. This particular dealership does not even have a hint of a good reputation, so I doubt the police would be surprised (it's a small suburb in St. Louis).
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Unfortunately, I have heard of this before. It happened to an uncle that wanted a Buick when I was a kid. My uncle (my Dad’s brother) told my Dad not to deal with that guy but my Dad went to him anyway. This dealer gave my Dad a deal that he couldn’t refuse, UNTIL.
Yeah, there is always a catch and my Dad found it when they were writing up the papers. It seems the dealer had just found out that the trade was a year older than what it was. No big deal, “just give us another $85 and you got yourself a deal, ‘daddymonroe’. Well, this was in 1954 and $85 was not an insignificant amount back then. I don’t know this for a fact but I doubt that my Dad made $380 a month back then.
The dealer must have thought that since my mother, brothers and I were in the car and the lot guy was in the process of transferring the stuff from the trunk of the trade into the new Buick, my Dad would say OK. Well, he wasn’t made like that. He comes storming out to the garage where the new car was and says, “GET OUT, WE’RE NOT BUYING THIS CAR”. :mad: My MOM questioned him and he repeated his words but a little louder this time. :mad: :mad:
He was warned but he didn’t heed the advice of his older brother. Years later that was a good story that was told over and over again when the family got together. Everyone got a pretty good laugh when that tale was told.
Is your ex laughing yet? :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
He's probably able to laugh a little bit now that he's comfortable that he in no way is obligated to buy it, just because they say he is. Believe me - if he were really obligated to buy it, they would've just filed suit against him after the first time he said "I'm not buying that car."
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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)
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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)
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Kinda sounded like it... maybe a CPO lease. If I had to guess, I'd say he was doing a lease because it could be done as a business vehicle, through his business.
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)
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2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
LOL. Again... Wow! That has to rank number one in the craziest most absurd things I've ever read. I would have brought the purchased vehicle back to the dealership, and said you need another 2 grand off the price because it doesn't drive as nice as you thought it would. :P
A local Chevy dealer tried to pull a similar stunt on one of my law partners back in 1981; he turned in a car at the end of a three year lease and they called a couple of weeks later and said they needed $2000 because they sold the car and it didn't bring as much as they expected...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Prepare is list of questions to ask the dealership next time they call.
I put a deposit on a black on black xyz.
Is this the car we are taking about?
Assuming the answer is no,
Can I have my deposit bacK? etc...
The main thing is to let the phone ring, have the answering machine let them start recording their spiel, then pick up before they finish their message and start asking your questions.
This way they know they are being recorded and you can play it back to the Motor Vehicle Department, Consumer Protection or Attorney General's office.
Sure, I'll bring a check over and we can exchange it for the check you will give me for $5000 because the car you sold me wasn't in the condition I thought it was.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It would be great if you can get one of those consumer guys from Dateline or something to go along with a hidden camera. That dealership should lose it's BMW franchise.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I got the Thrifty Fusion special. The car they gave me is brand new, fresh off the truck, just 8 miles on it. They tried to scam me a bit at Thrifty....wrote up that I wanted the "no Hassle extra Program" that insures the car completely even the deductable with roadside assistance. The total bill on my internet bill was suppose to be $412....with the insurance it was $940. I told him I wasn't going to buy $1000 worth of coverage for $500!
He removed the extra insurance program, but I think he gave me the new car because he thought I was buying the insurance.
The Fusion is great! Black with gold flecks in the paint. Black leather seats with white stitching. The instrument panel is all lit up with bright blue, some red and some white....looks like a pin ball machine. It is smooth and quiet, very comfortable. Nice big windows and mirrors with a corner cut out for extra wide angles. Has a little drawer on the left side for change for tolls I think...you really need that around here.
The steering is pretty good too, not a BMW but better than most cars. I think for a car in this price range it is a spectacular value.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Snake, you'll have to give me the url...looks like it is blocked.
Was it the BMW on a rail?BMW doesn't make monorails
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anyway it is some guy, looks middle eastern, riding a donkey with the BMW badge on the forehead of the donkey.
edited to add:
Shoot now its blocking me
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
This is all I can see:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good observation SG. I plan on getting a black car next, but normally I don't like black on black, but this one looks really nice. When you are in the car, the only black you see is a bit of the hood, so it isn't a big deal.
It is a really nice looking car...they improved the front end and the tailights.
The black leather with white stitching is really nice, I don;t think it would work with other colors as well.
Quite a few black cars around, I guess with air conditioning it isn't a big issue any more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
However the now 13 year old Saturn is showing some signs of issues. It may be minor and the thing will go a few more years or it could give up the ghost before it gets out of the driveway. So we are looking at following my original plan of something economical for my daily commutes. So I am surfing looking for what possibly be the next ride.
The wife mentioned the new Sonata.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Its kind of funky.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
They ought to stick to rating toasters.
They're not any good at that either :sick:
On Tuesday I get a call from somebody who said they're calling from my Jeep dealership. I thought it was a reminder for service. It wasn't. They wanted me to stop by because they really wanted to buy my 2008 Grand Cherokee. They want to buy it even if I don't buy anything from them.
It only has 23600 miles and it's paid off, so I wasn't even close to the point of thinking about selling it. However, the 2011 model looks pretty nice and I get Preferred Pricing through work. What do I have to lose? So I said that I'd stop by on Thursday, and we make an appointment for 11:30am. Much to my surprise my wife even agreed with my plan. If I get a good offer on the trade in., we'd buy a new one.
Wednesday afternoon I get a call to confirm my appointment. They also give me the name of the salesman who is going to help me. I wash the car (sorry Jim, didn't wax it) and head to the dealership.
I arrive right at 11:30. I get approached by a salesman before I even get to the front door. I tell him that I'm looking for Mr. X(not allowed to post names). He goes to get him. The salesman who met me at the door comes back and asks me why I'm stopping by today. Huh? They're the ones who called me. They should at least know why I'm there. I explain to him why I'm there and I can't tell that this is all news to him. He goes back to check with Mr. X.
The original salesman comes and tells me that he will be helping me since Mr. X is busy. Right away he starts asking me if I'm buying today. I hate games so am upfront with him. I tell him that I'm eligible for Preferred Pricing (1% under dealers invoice with no haggling) and that the only thing we need to agree is on the trade in price. I also told him that he only gets one shot. I don't want any back and forth. "Of course, I understand. Yes, very good."
To be continued (RIP you know who :sick: )
Eventually my salesman comes back and gives me an offer that is very low (I used several online sites to get an idea of what to expect). I know that the sites are a bit high. However, their quote was almost 30% lower than the lowest of all the websites for a trade in "fair" condition. I understand that no car is an "excellent," but my car is closer to excellent than to good. I thanked him for his time and asked for my keys back. He looked shocked.
He asked me "well, what sort of amount were you looking for?" "Sorry, I told you that you only had one shot. My keys please." I saw him go talk with Mr. X (who never came to introduce himself) and he asked my salesman "what amount is he looking for?" "He didn't, he just wants his keys back."
I'll keep my GC for a while longer, thank you very much. I think when I'm ready to buy a new car, I'll sell it to Carmax.
The wife mentioned the new Sonata.
Damn...talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse. I know that a ton of snow can be depressing but that is rediculus to lose it like that. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Hope you had a long hot shower when you got home, wouldn't want to miss any of the slime.
I think it is the desperation sales pitch. Get them in to the showroom, get them excited, make them feel wanted, be sure to get their keys....then play the numbers game. 1 out of 25 people will be so confused they will walk out with a new car.
Joe Girard the world's greatest car salesman used to cold call people when he didn't have a customer. \he would call people at random and say something like "Hi Mrs Jones, your new Impala came in today and it looks spectacular". Mrs Jones says "We didn't buy a new car" Joe says, "Oh, i am sorry, guess I have the wrong number, are you planning on buying a new car in the near future because I can give you a great deal...yada yada yada.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The Burgh doesn't have a Carmax, that I know of, so we can't do that here.
We'll just have to settle for going to the Superbowl more often than most cities.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You make it sound like we are going from a Rolls Royce to a Yugo. Have you seen the new Sonata? Its a nice car and can be had new with a turbo for about the same price as a 3-4 year old used C class Benz. And most likely far more reliable.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The dealership offered to buy my car outright for $4000 less than what they told me on RWTIV. The UCM that looked at my car told me they's be able to give me more for my car if I was buying another car from them and they'd just take less off the sticker price of the car I was buying. He told me: "Its a numbers game, you know."
I told him: "I don't play games with numbers."
Waste of time
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I don't know if it's because I've bought, or helped buy, so many cars for myself, my family, and my friends, but all of your scenarios are familiar. Not desired, but familiar.
-"yeah...got the exact car you want right here, come on in."
-"trade-in is worth xx% than we originally thought."
-"bank needs more money to do this deal."
And it goes on and on.
This is the reason I don't go with dealers I know who use those tactics.
Also, the reason I do the "one shot only" deals. If you accept my offer that's great. We've got a deal. If not, I'll just move on. No sense wasting my time, nor yours by doing the grind routine.
At dinner one Sunday last year night he joked about how he REALLY liked the look of the new 2010 Outback. My Mother-In-Law told him: "No more new cars until this one is paid off."
Sometime in the next 2 weeks, he was making a left turn into ashopping center at dusk and a woman driving a Boxster with no lights on hit him. Totally his fault, but NOBODY got hurt (that's what's important). The airbags went off, and he was able to open his door and step out of the car without a scratch. His Outback was totalled. Thank goodness for GAP insurance (mandatory in NY State). Once he settled with the insurance company & the GAP company, he went right back to the Subaru Dealer and leased a 2010 Outback (4 cyl w/ CVT) & continues to love his Subarus.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Oh.. wait.. no, I'm not...
With all due respect to the salespeople that post (used to post?) here... these stories are more typical, than not... That is the sad reality of the car business..
It is great to have sales stories, though! Even if a Host has to start the ball rolling.... lol.
regards,
kyfdx
(not the Host here)
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kyfdx - (isn't hat the little guy from the old Superman comics?) - Yeah, behavior like that is the norm when I go into a dealership.It is a part of why I drive cars into the ground. I understand that it's the most economical way to do things but I'd turn cars over more frequently if the buying experience was better.
I get those letters about high demand for my particular car. Really? People are beating down their doors for an 00 Accord with 200K on it? Maybe it's the stick shift.....
Where the heck is Richard? He hasn't been in since he told us he died....
By the way, that was funny a couple of days ago when you asked if the will had been read yet !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Maybe the wife will take the Sonata and give me the ragtop.
I have Friday off of my regular phoney baloney job so we will go out and look around.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
That works. My terrible towel is ready.
Through work I qualify for Ford X-plan and Chrysler (Jeep) Affiliate price. Can't get any easier than that. Unless it's a car that is a slow seller, it'd be hard to get 1% below dealer's cost.
However, if I buy another brand, I will also use graphicguy's method. Is it basedon bobst's method?
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
Nice reply! Unfortunately most people will fall for that. Oh well.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.