Stories from the Sales Frontlines

roadburner

it gets very hot/cold b/c there is no insulation on the roof

That's interesting; I have a 1999 Wrangler Sahara with the sailcloth convertible top and the HVAC system works extremely well in both hot and cold weather.

howardpm

So I was at the car dealership to buy a SUV the other day, was there a good 3 hrs after a lot of going bath and forth we finally settled on a car, shook hands but I told them I wanted the contract stamped that I could back out within 5 days. I went back to the finance room and signed all the papers (they didn't have the car on the lot and had to get it from another dealer) The next day I get a call from the dealer saying they can't get that car anymore because the other dealership already sold it. Now technically I have a signed contract from them "with a vin #" that was tentatively mine. Now they can't seem to find another one so they said they have one on order. I'm wondering what my options are are this point? Cancel? Complain and say I want the next best comparable model? etc.

Thanks

stickguy

not sure how they would give a VIN before they "owned" the car, but your options seem to be to let them find another one just like it, or get your deposit back.

graphicguy

Howard....stickguy summed it up well. The dealer wasn't able to secure the vehicle you wanted. You have no obligation, whatsoever.

I have seen this happen before. Dealer A agrees to do a dealer trade with Dealer B on a vehicle. By the time it comes for Dealer A to go pick up the car from Dealer B, there's a customer at Dealer B that walks in and likes/buys the same car.

Get your deposit back and continue your search.

Just curious....what SUV are you looking at? If it's not some esoteric model that's in short supply (can't off the top of my head think of any rare, esoteric SUV), you shouldn't have much trouble finding something you want, either at your current dealer, or at another dealer.

driver100

I wanted the contract stamped that I could back out within 5 days.

This is just from my experience and not from a legal expert. First, without a downpayment I doubt if the contract means much.

I am sure the wording in the contract would say something to the affect, they will provide this car if they can obtain it from the dealer. The other dealer may not want to give up that car or may sell it themselves before sending it out.

You wanted a 5 day grace period. If you had put down a downpayment, and the dealers made a contract, then you would probably have your new car. The odds are not great it would have got sold at that exact time, but it did. You can either order one now, just the way you want it or your dealer can hunt down another one for you.

What kind year of an SUV were you looking at?

howardpm

It was for a 2013 Ford Escape and this particular configuration looks to be unavailable within a good 50 mile radius. I did not put a down payment down yet, but they were pretty adamant about getting me to sign a contract while I was there. I'm just surprised they could put a VIN # on a contract without a guarantee they could get it.

They said they have one on order but could take up to 2-3 weeks now.

driver100

I'm just surprised they could put a VIN # on a contract without a guarantee they could get it

I am guessing, but they can probably put a VIN number on the contract as long as they specify the deal has not been finalized. After all, the whole contract would mean nothing if you weren't referring to a particular vehicle.

It is my understanding a deal is not consummated unless money is actually put down. They didn't ask for money because they weren't certain they would get the car. If they took your downpayment, wrote the VIN number on the contract, and didn't stipulate certain conditions...such as the car may not be available, they could be in real trouble.

2 or 3 weeks is not a long wait to get the car you want. Do you distrust the dealer at this point? I don't think the dealer did anything wrong, they tried, but if the car got sold out from under them they can't do anything wrong.

Do you know how to look up the fair price to pay for a 2013 Escape on Edmunds? You list the equipment you want, give your location, and they will tell you what you should pay for that particular SUV. If you want help just ask and we can give you instructions. Also, there is a poster here who just picked up his new Escape yesterday.

Good luck, that new Escape looks good and the reviews sound good too.

isellhondas

No dealer in their right mind would agree to a contract with a five day back out clause. The buyer is either committed to buy the car or they are not.

I've never heard of such a thing and I'm guessing the store came to their senses and decided to simply end the deal.

If you expect a dealer to give you a firm commitment you need to do the same with them!

sterlingdog

I certainly see your point---and rob's as well. I just couldn't see investing more money after I had spent $16,400 over three years. When I added the residual to what I had already paid, it wasn't worth it. I knew that there was no need to argue the point. They weren't about to reduce the price of the Tahoe. They wanted their money and so be it. I handed them the keys and went on my merry way. There are lots of cars out there. I would never cry over one particular loss---except perhaps my '89 Town Car.

I received a very nice hand written note from Friends of Steve. You have some classy friends.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...because he's been complaining about getting too old too fast for it..."

No, I didn't. First, my wife doesn't like convertibles. Secondly, I'm tired of looking at the cheaply made interior. I don't understand how they could make a real quality soft top, use really good exterior paint, install nice looking hubs, and then screw up the interior with such cheap plastic.

"...but you'd probably turn your nose up at his car."

I can't say that I would blame him. Still, it's strange. Everywhere I go, people comment on what a pretty car it is. I believe that it is the bright blue paint and the black top. It does make an attractive combinaiton for a convertible.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...people will be more inclined to give you business if they think you are successful."

That's why realtors always drive nice cars...or so it seems. That can also be said of how you dress in certain business situations. A hand made suit and a silk tie, along with expensive shoes, does send a message to the client.

Richard

driver100

real quality soft top, use really good exterior paint, install nice looking hubs, and then screw up the interior with such cheap plastic

I just read reviews where they complained about the cheap plastic materials Chrysler used in the Sebring and first year Chrysler 200 models. But, this year they used good materials. I read the same about the 2013 Malibu, much better materials used in the interior.

I guess they are learning. I think if you are spending $20k or $30K for a car, you don't mind spending a bit extra for some nice interior materials, especially when the competition offers it.

driver100

That's why realtors always drive nice cars...or so it seems.

That's funny to me.....when I see a realtor putting up signs or walking through a home I always check out their car. Just curious!

fezo

I received a very nice hand written note from Friends of Steve. You have some classy friends.

Yeah, they are first rate! Unfortunately they all live a good two hours from here. Visiting me in the city actually was an easier trip for them.

Many thanks from me as well. You, too, Bradd!

Yeah, trying to buy your lease at turn in time is just about the most you can pay for a car - unless you go back to that Caddy....

So last night I am getting ready to call it a night as the ball game was running past my bedtime. I have a matzoh as a bedtime snack - and I lose a piece of a molar! First had to call the doc in NYC and make sure I can go to the dentist but he won't be able to see me until Wednesday (he could do it Monday but I'll be at the NYC doc.) It doesn't hurt so I'm OK with that.

In terms of inheriting a car I'm happy to hear you are looking at Mercedes now....

fezo

Richard test drives a Mercedes.

mako1a

I'm not much into baseball, but I am into old pics
Yankee Stadium circa 1935-45

fezo

Now THAT was Yankee Stadium!

nyccarguy

I'm so into baseball (closing early to get to this afternoon's 5:00 game), and would LOVE to experience a game like when that picture was snapped. So cool that a baseball game was truly an event. People got dressed up, wore ties & hats... Now the fans update facebook, tweet, and check email during the games. It is part of the reason I LOVED Fenway Park when I went there earlier this year.

verdugo

That's interesting; I have a 1999 Wrangler Sahara with the sailcloth convertible top and the HVAC system works extremely well in both hot and cold weather.

The HVAC in mine works really well too. They have a pretty beeffy system since it has to work extra hard for the fact that the roof has no insulation at al.

fezo

And back then - and even into the 70s a game would come in right around 2 hours. A football game would come in just under 3 hours.

bwia

Yankee Stadium circa 1935-45

Wow! that's a wonderful pic. Thanks for posting it. I too love old black and white photographs especially from the 1920s and 30s.

In looking at the photo I cannot help but notice the Fedora hats worn by these "gentlemen" spectators. Oh, how times have changed and another industry has disappeared, perhaps never to return.

mako1a

I too love old black and white photographs especially from the 1920s and 30s. This is a good place to start>

20s B&W photos

explorerx4

I hope it wasn't a black/black Titanium. My wife just picked hers up last night.
The only downside to the delivery experience was the salesman and I standing outside the Escape in the cold, while the owner spent 1/2 hour with my wife in the car explaining all the features.
It rained today, so she didn't drive it to work.

verdugo

you drive with the hard top & soft top? How bad is the road noise? What did you have before the Jeep?

I agree with you completely about the Sahara or Sport being better suited. I have the hardtop only. I put Insuliners to help with the heat/cold and noise. In addition, the new Pentastar engine is not as loud as the previous one.

I get more engine noise than road noise and that's with the Rubicon's tires, which are noisier than the Sahara's/Sport's.

If you get one (hope you do b/c they're fun,) don't forget to do the Jeep wave.

howardpm

LoL, I'm not lying, they stamped the original, I have the carbon copy of the (buyers order and the retail installment sale contract). it basically said that I have up to 5 days to void the contract.

Anyways I think it was a pretty decent price for 34k delivered for a 36k car (before fees). I trust the dealership, I was just thought it was odd they can write up a contract without a guarantee, I don't really mind waiting a few more weeks, I'm just concerned about my carmax trade in re-appraisal.

driver100

it basically said that I have up to 5 days to void the contract.

Yes, you have 5 days to void the contract, but, they can void the contract at anytime.

driver100

Richard test drives a Mercedes.

If that's how he drives it then it won't be much by the time you get it.

btw....where's my thank-you note?

explorerx4

Thanks for posting those pictures. I enjoyed every single one of them.
Btw, when we went to the dealer to drive the Escape we ended up buying, they had a previously owned candy red 2012 Mustang 6cyl on the lot.
It only had 711 miles on it, and it made me wonder if it was your 'old' (HAHA) car. It was a stick not an auto trans.

fezo

Maybe the mail to Canada takes longer. Did you send something through the site? I can put in a complaint with my friends....

explorerx4

I wouldn't term it as a complaint, but if you are going to inquire...

fezo

UH oh. Can't right that off to Canada. Since I haven't even seen the list of who donated I can't check too easily, but let me know if this continues. Obviously thank yous are still going out so it might just not have come yet.

explorerx4

Fezo,
I'm really not concerned, it was an opportunity to tweak you a bit.
Your health is what really matters.

fezo

Thanks. I knew that but it bothers me that some folks haven't gotten acknowledged. The important thing is you guys know how much I appreciate it!

nyccarguy

Back in the day, pitching a complete game was expected. They would scoff at the notion of middle relievers, lefty specialists, & closers that have become such an integral part of today's game. Tonight I witnessed live, a dominant performance by our ace, CC Sabathia. 9 IP, 1 Run, 4 Hits. My Yankees have moved on the ALCS.

explorerx4

We were jumping around and yelling at our house every time they scored and at the end when CC finished the game.
Tigers are not the only team with a shut down ace.

driver100

Maybe the mail to Canada takes longer.

The mail does take longer to come to Canada, and they would have to put on extra postage.

No need to make your friends do extra work, they sound like they are really nice guys. It must be nice having such great friends. I was glad to help, and it was nice of the other guys to help out too.

driver100

The important thing is you guys know how much I appreciate it!

No problem and I am glad to help out.

Maybe they don't like people who drive BMWs and Escapes.

nyccarguy

Like I've said before, I change my mind on almost a weekly basis of what I'm going to look at when the lease on my BMW is up in 23 months. Who knows how things will be then. If gas is $5/gal & they have tremendous incentives & discounts, then I might bite. Wranglers are so cool. Everyone who owns one absolutely LOVES IT!

mako1a

candy red 2012 Mustang 6cyl on the lot.

Wasn't mine. The one I traded in was a 2013 A/T.

driver100

Wasn't mine. The one I traded in was a 2013 A/T.

Isn't it about time you traded that thing in for a newer one?

graphicguy

howard....there are plenty of Escapes out there. You can even order one, exactly to your specs. I wouldn't do any more hand wringing and find another Escape.

sterlingdog

"Maybe they don't like people who drive BMWs and Escapes."

Maybe you two tight wads didn't send enough to merit a note. :P

Ducking and running

Richard

driver100

Maybe you two tight wads didn't send enough to merit a note.

lol!

driver100

there are plenty of Escapes out there. You can even order one, exactly to your specs

Actually the price he got sounded pretty good (Anyways I think it was a pretty decent price for 34k delivered for a 36k car (before fees). )

I just wonder if they sensed this was going nowhere....a contract where the buyer could change his mind within 5 days, so they made out a contract just so he would leave and not come back.

What dealership would transfer a car unless it was a sure sale?

oldfarmer50

I've been busy working OT trying to get enough money to put my mechanic's kids through college.

Took the Eclipse in to the dealer to get a weather strip on the door sill replaced. I figured it should be covered under warranty, the dealer differed. I put on my best Edmund's face and haggled it into being done free. I also had them change the brake fluid as per you guy's recommendations for $99. Hope I didn't get hosed too bad.

Next I had my indie guy replace the rotors on wife's PT Crusier. Chrysler dealer told me they were warped because she doesn't drive it enough (18k miles in 3 years). Sounded like hooey to me. Indie guy said it COULD happen that way but his tone of voice said "yeah and pigs COULD fly". Any way, cost $266 whichbI thought was steep for just rotors.

Then I took the hooptie van in for brake work which it needed badly. The rotors had gouges in them like the Grand Canyon and were so warped that the van vibrated like an earthquake. It also had developed a habit of not starting every time it rained. Turned out to be a badly cracked distributor cap and funky plug wires. Throw in some tire rotations and re mounting and I got dinged for another $650.

Finally, I took the Vette in because one of the flip up head lights didn't flip up and I got tired of either driving it around like a cyclops or popping the hood to manually raise it in the dark. As you would expect, the Vette fought to keep it's electrical problems unsolvable and it took two visits for the mechanic to figure out which of the 3 relays needed to be replaced. Cost a reasonable $78.

Now I am as happy as a clam and am joyfully jumping back and forth between cars which now all please me again.

abacomike

as I mentioned in a previous post, our entire family flew in for a surprise birthday party for my dad's 90th birthday. My twin brother and his girlfriend, my 2 nephews and my niece, my kids and their children and spouses flew on from all over the country. We literally took over the Mariott in Boca Rston and had a private room at Morton's Steakhouse for all of us. Just got home and it was a great success, not to mention how good it was to see my family together under one roof for the first time in many years.

The food and wine were great (it had better be for $3550 for all of us). My brother picked up the whole tab and paid for the airline tickets and the hotel bill. He's very generous with his family. Imagine having an entire family under one roof - 25 people - seeing all the great nieces and nephews (we are very heavy in boys - 2 girls and 7 boys) for my father's great grandchildren.

Get together s like this don't happen very often in one's lifetime. All in all, a great evening!

imidazol97

That's a lot of money on those three cars.

jmonroe

Get together s like this don't happen very often in one's lifetime. All in all, a great evening!

Nice to hear you had a great time with the family. It doesn’t get any better than that.

I went to a pretty swanky wedding (looked like a damn Penguin) for my cousin’s daughter last night. Today is another family get together. My great nephew is having his 4th birthday today at a bowling alley. What ever happened to cake and ice cream in the back yard? :confuse:

jmonroe

tjc78

Well, everyone I'm officially a married man. The entire day went off with only the tiniest detail needing attention. Our guests were blown away with everything and we received nothing but compliments.

My bride was absolutely stunning and we are both extremely happy. We now have a week of work and then onto the honeymoon. We can't wait.

Mike, sounds like a great event, I'm sure Morton's delivered a fine meal with exceptional service.

Farmer,
Doesn't sound all that bad for work on four different cars. The money you spent wouldn't even be a downpayment on anything new.

oldfarmer50

"...brother picked up the tab..."

Long after everyone has forgotten the expense they'll still have the good memories.