How's your MPG and your cargo space? We haul antiques at times. Thanks. It sounds good so far. I also read some positive reviews.
Of course, MPG will vary per person. I have the "smaller" V8. My commute is 14 miles, with 80% of it being on highway. I get between 17 and 18 MPG. Once you put the back seats down, there's quite a bit of space. I don't think you'd be able to fit a dining room table in there though.
I have a 1998 Grand Cherokee that is essentially the same as your 96 was. With solid axles they don't ride the greatest and the handling can be a bit odd on rough roads but I like how mine drives. The new GCs are dumbed down compared to the original ZJ from 1993 to 1998. They do drive better on road then the old ones and they are quieter but they won't be nearly as good off-road.
I am waiting for a nice 2003 or 2004 with low miles to come in on trade then I am going to buy that to replace my 1998. Well not really replace just retire to secondary use as I plan to rebuild it for off-road work.
The 2005 and up models are much nicer to drive on road but I think the interiors look cheaper and they do have a little of the mail slot armored car styling that I don't like. I prefer the 4.0 inline six to the new V6 they are using now in the Grand Cherokees.
I bought a new Grand Cherokee in 1996 It rode like a buck board and the handling was terrible.
I had a 95 GC and I liked it alot. I liked that it road more like a car than the Explorer or Blazer which I test drove. You have to accept that a firm hard ride is not necessarily a bad thing.
On the way to town one day, the rear window literally blew (imploded)
I think that can happen with any car given the right weather conditions, and possibly a rear window heater left on too long. It happened to my 1976 Grand Fury.
I liked the 95 GC so much I leased it for an additional 2 years.....30 months plus 24, they had 30 month leases then. The 2000 GC was too big for our garage at the time (I had to load it up with books so had to have all the doors open), so I opted for a Cherokee. The ancient, 40 year old original Cherokee. Talk about rough ride and noisy, but the salesman said that was part of it's charm. And, I think it was....it makes it more human, faults and all....just like it's master!
As to off roading, I don't think if your wife will be doing too much of that. Although, considering some of the predicaments you have been in over the years, maybe it would be a good thing to have. :sick:
If I hadn't gone back to check the specials for my post I wouldn't have caught that huge savings of $400 for the month.
So, thanks guys, it really does help to take part in posting on Edmunds. With that saving, I won't even complain about the increase in dues this year. :P
I'm glad that you and Driver have enjoyed your GC's. While I need an suv for hauling small pieces of furniture, I'm just not the bumpy ride type. I'm too much of a floater. My Explorer has been great for seven years. It's not a floater, but it has a pretty good ride. I'll try out the Honda, the GC, and the Explorer before I decide definitely. Like you, I don't like cheap interior plastic. With Limited models, you tend to stay away from most of that look.
As for off the road driving, it won't be me. It will come nearer being my wife who thinks that road or no road, the car should go where ever the driver so desires. :P One thing is for sure. She won't go in my convertible again. :shades:
It will come nearer being my wife who thinks that road or no road, the car should go where ever the driver so desires
In 8 years of driving the Jeep I didn't go off the road (on purpose) ever, which is what most people would say too.
However, I was stuck in snow several times, and it never let me down. Once we were on the way to funeral in the country, and I went to turn around on what looked like a driveway, but it was just a ditch that had filled up with snow.
It took a lot of rocking and the 4 wheel drive locked in, but we got out and made it to the funeral just in time.
I said a little extra prayer for my Jeep that day.
driver...speaking of rentals, I was watching one of my favorite shows several weeks ago, Mecum Muscle Car auctions. They had an original Shelby Mustang (late '60s, I believe) made especially for Hertz hit the blocks. I forget what the car sold for, but being a Shelby, it was some serious cash.
One of the announcers gave some background on them that I didn't know (much too young when they came out to know any history). Seems as if when someone would rent one of these beasts, many times they'd take them to the track over the weekend, only to return them to Hertz after......some spirited driving. Also, since the Hertz clerks really weren't all that familiar with the Shelby back then, some "enterprising" individuals would rent the car, swap out the Shelby motor for a regular ole Ford V8, return it to Hertz, with no one the wiser. At least that was true until someone would rent the engine transplanted Hertz Shelby to take it to the track, where it would promptly get "spanked".
Don't know how the announcers knew these little historical tidbits unless they participated in some fashion in those endeavors.
I know Hertz had some more recent Shelby Mustangs available for rent not so long ago. But, they were much more diligent regarding their use, care, and condition upon their return.
GG, as incredible as it sounds, this seems to be true. You can read about it at; 1966 Hertz Mustang
Hertz repeated the deal in 2006. It was a very successful program. I wouldn't mind doing that but it would probably cost 4X as much as the Fusion. Guess I'll just have to use my imagination.
My wife and I just purchased a new car. Our local dealer had 2 vehicles at an advertised price of $16,995. This price included a $1000 rebate.
The current loan rates for new car purchases through VW was 2.9%, however our sales rep informed us that we would essentially lose the rebate if we were to be financed by VW. I'm no stranger to this as I've bought many cars. I asked the sales rep to run numbers with the rebate using my credit union apr (4.7%) and to also run numbers using the 2.9% without the rebate. He comes back and says that it probably makes more sense to go with VW financing unless we plan to pay off the loan early. He quoted us $310 (2.9%) and $350 (4.7%). We made the decision to go with the 2.9%
We met with the finance manager and signed all the paperwork for $310 @2.9%.
About an hour later, the sales rep left a voice mail stating that the finance manager was confused on how the rebates actually worked for this particular car.
What the finance manager actually wrote up is the sales price of $16,995 plus tax, lic, fees, etc. - $1000 rebate and at 2.9%!!
Mistake 1: The advertised price was 16,995 which included the rebate. So sales price should have been $17,995
Mistake 2: Because we choose the 2.9% financing based on the numbers they gave us, we shouldn't have gotten a rebate at all.
I know the finance guy made a mistake by essentially selling us the car for $15,995 and @ 2.9%. The question I have is, am I required to go back and resign contracts with the corrected numbers? This dealer mistake is effectively a $2000 swing. Can they back out of the deal stating that we couldn't be financed at the 2.9% even though we already signed and were approved? Our credit scores are both above 770.
I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract...just wondering if they could pull anything. I guess morally the right thing to do would be to offer to split the differences....what are you thoughts?
The sales reps' first clue should have been that your payments would be virtually the same in both cases (2.9% with no rebate versus 4.7% with the rebate).
I think you're being presumptuous in thinking the dealer would not rectify such an obvious error had the situation been reversed. Let's see what the good folks on the sales frontlines have to say about it. Anyone?
Well, well, well. These things do happen to other people. A situation similar to yours is what brought me to this wonderful site over two years ago. In my case, they forgot to list the payoff on my trade. The deal was done and the new car was sitting in my garage. I'll save you some time and trouble. Get in your car and go back to the dealer. Either fix the paperwork or turn in your new car. Don't think that they will split the difference with you. They won't. Been there; done that.
I talked with an attorney, as well as the guys here. There is no need to play hard ball with them. They still have the ball. As you will realize when you think about it, the dealer can simply not put the deal through with the finance people. That being said, you are actually driving the dealer's car. The dealer can demand that you bring the car back. Though you both signed the contract, the contract has not been finalized because the financing has not been completed. Read your fine print.
I know that you are angry and upset. I was, too. I ranted and raved and spoke those famous words, "Life isn't fair!" There was a wonderful poster here who now lives in Heaven. He finally set me straight. He told me to quit whining and complaining. He reminded me that no one promised that life would be fair. He, of all people, knew this best. At first, he pissed me off. I grew to love that guy. He gave me the correct advice. My attorney agreed.
Now I have the opportunity to return the favor. Be a good guy. Quit complaining and go set the record straight. Remember that you have choices in life. You can work out the deal because you love the car, or you can turn in the car. Let us know how it goes. We are happy that you came to this thread. Though you may not always like what you hear, we will always try to be honest and helpful. Good luck to you.
BTW, there is a place here on Edmund's to register a complaint against a dealer. If your dealer is ugly about the situation, it may help your feelings to do this. At least you may prevent other customers from falling victim to a bad situation.
. I'll save you some time and trouble. Get in your car and go back to the dealer.
What a great answer, and from living through the exact same experience - answers don't get much better than that.
The only thing I might add, is if the customer takes the initiative and says, I think you made a mistake here, why don't we split the difference on the overpayment, the dealer might go along with it. It could be worth a try.
Having sold documents to car dealers for over 20 years (former Reynolds rep for those automotive insiders), typically in the printing on the back of the sales contract (not the finance contract), there is a clause that says that if there are any errors in the paper work that the car must be returned to the dealership and the agreement is null and void. So as another poster put it, the dealership just wont submit the finance paperwork and there will be no deal because you effectively won't have any financing in place.
Personally, I think the answer is obvious. It's an honest mistake by the dealership. You do what's right. There's a couple of different scenarios here.
1. Go back to the dealer and either redo the loan paperwork at the correct interest rate and financed amount.
2. Unwind the deal because the terms weren't suitable to you, and return the vehicle to them.
There would be no harm in asking them for some sort of consideration for the blunder....maybe a couple of free oil changes, some fancier floor mats, etc.
The fact remains it appears to be an honest mistake that should be rectified correctly.
The sales reps' first clue should have been that your payments would be virtually the same in both cases (2.9% with no rebate versus 4.7% with the rebate).
The quoted payments were $40 apart which would be a difference in the loan amount of over $1300 so the difference in payments really wouldn't give anyone a clue.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
There would be no harm in asking them for some sort of consideration for the blunder....maybe a couple of free oil changes, some fancier floor mats, etc.
As others have already stated here, it was an honest mistake, go back and do what's right. The same thing happenned to me in 2001 with a leased car I was buying and then trading in. The dealer forgot to charge sales tax on the purchase of the leased car. The dealer refused to honor our original agreement, it got ugly, but in the end we split the difference.
If it were me, I would ask for as much free service as I could get, maybe up to a couple of years worth.
I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract...
I was just wondering, it seems the dealer can cancel the contract quite easily if something goes wrong. However, it looks like the consumer doesn't have an out if he makes a mistake. Is that correct?
The quoted payments were $40 apart which would be a difference in the loan amount of over $1300 so the difference in payments really wouldn't give anyone a clue.
For anyone experienced with numbers, it should have. Heck, I don't do numbers for a living and I knew something was wrong as soon as I read that part of the story. 1.8% rate difference on $17k amounts to a hill of beans. And when you take the $1k lost rebate into account, $40 difference makes no sense.
I won't even bother running the numbers, but I'm pretty confident in saying the 4.7% and extra $1k discount is the better deal. So how an F&I manager doesn't know that off the top of his head is pretty disturbing to me.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract
I can only speak from experience. I have seen several cases where the dealership made an error in thier favor and corrected it when discovered. True, I have worked at ethical stores, but again the no where in hell is a derogitive generalization. I think Richard gave the best answer. Whatever it is in life, do what is right.
There is such a thing as Karma you know. If I didn't do the right thing I would worry about it and feel bad all the time I owned that car. Since it appears they have the upper hand I would be very gracious and agree to correcting the paperwork and do it with a smile. Hopefully they will help you out some.
Great answer Richard, I remember your problem very well. Good luck pip9ball !!
Wow. A chance to revisit richard's arrival here. I remember the story well. I remember thinking something along the lines of "who the heck is this idiot?" Of course it turned out to be a real self exploration and an education for all of us. In the end everyone did the right thing and there was a happy ending. Of course if it were me I'd probably STILL be saying "that's MY Solara!"......
Do the right thing. You'll sleep better. If the dealer starts turning ugly over things just return the car and walk away. That or spend a little money on a lawyer but realize all he'll do is negotiate a compromise - and probably eat up the rest of the money in fees for his time.
Assuming you are basically a good, honest person you won't feel right if you stay with this deal leaving the other side holding the bag.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Of course I should add that it turned out that richard wasn't an idiot at all and has turned into one of our MVPs (most valued posters) - as long as he's not correcting Craig's grammar...
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
This reminds me of an incident that happenned in our town. A lady bought a Bar-que from a local store. One day she returned to the store and wanted to order a cover for the bar-b-que. It was at this point that the store realized a new salesperson had sold her a bar-b-que that was almost twice as much as the one she bought.......because the cover that fit wasn't the same size as the model marked on her receipt, but, she paid the lower price. Now she was complaining to the consumer writer in the newspaper because the cover that she paid for did not fit the bar-b-que that she had bought. The store offered to split the difference in cost, between the model she got, and the cost of the one she really paid for. The lady refused, saying she would keep the more expensive bar-b-que, and would not pay anything more for it - it was the stores mistake and so their loss. There were lots of letters to the newspaper about what kind of mean ruthless person would do this. Although the store lost out, they did receive lots of sympathy and free advertising.
I guess the lady had to buy a cover somewhere else???
have seen several cases where the dealership made an error in thier favor and corrected it when discovered.
I think that would be true, but once we had a dealer who didn't correct a mistake against us. We were trading in a 1999 Mercedes for a 2004 model. We had bought an extended warranty for the 99 model, and it could be used to lower the price on the 2004 by about $1000.
The salesman didn't point this out to us at the time. We realized there was still another year of warranty on the car just after all the paperwork was signed. The salesman said, he couldn't change it at that time as all the paperwork was done, though it meant they would get at least another $1000 for the car when they sold it. I thought afterwards, they could have given us $1000 worth of service or something...or even $1000 off when we purchased our next car if they couldn't change the deal. It made me think they weren't the most ethical dealer, and though we would have bought a bmw next time around (because you can get a 6 speed manual transmission - and you can't with Mercedes, especially with all wheel drive), I would really have to want a Mercedes really badly to want to buy it from that dealer. I always think of them as being a little on the shady side.
I know that you are angry and upset. ... Quit complaining and go set the record straight.
Little late to the party, but I don't think the OP sounds angry and upset. I didn't get the feeling he was complaining. He was pretty calm, and asked for opinions.
Either you have ethics or you do not. It's as simple as that. You can do the "right thing" or you can try to enrich yourself over what you know was a mistake.
" I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract"
You know that for sure? You know for sure that that store is dishonest and would take advantage of you so you are now feeling that you should do the same thing to them?
I don't believe in karma or horoscopes. I do believe in the value of a handshake and doing the right thing.
Two choices..
1. Go in and have them redo the paperwork.
2. Have them unwind the deal and bring the car back.
As far as what the dealer would do if the shoe was on the other foot I'm not so sure. I have had a couple situations like that with much less money involved and they would not move a bit to do the right thing. Got the "tough luck - the papers are signed" routine.
That said you have to live with yourself. You know what the right thing is. If you don't do it you live with that.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
You made a good point. I guess that I was thinking about how I felt when it happened to me. Still, you know that he is upset to some degree. That would be natural.
To fezo and houdini: When I was first came here with my problem, I was very reactionary. My frustration and anger did bring out the idiot in me. Thanks to Mack and you guys, I was able to see the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the dealer was not nice when we tried to work it out together. On top of that, the salesman and the F&I guy tried to prevent me from seeing the owner of the dealership. I would never return to the dealership for those reasons. The unethical behavior following the error made more of an impact on me.
Problems in life usually have a way of working out for the best. In this case, I purchased a convertible that I like and met one of the nicest dealers in this country. In addition to that, I found you guys---better than any car deal could ever be.
I can remember your slowly turning on things and sorting it all out.
When I bought the current van the dealership proved to be awful - something I didn't learn until the extensive "we owe" list sat there doing nothing and no one wanted to answer questions. I finally got the things that were in writing and learned once again that if they say the sun will rise tomorrow you still want to get it in writing because otherwise it won't happen. I was angry for quite a while but have gotten to the "don't buy from them and warn others" stage.
The other stage I am in now is "gee, I'd like to buy a car but they all work and there's four kids to think about."...
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Ok, I'll admit it. I though you were an idiot when you first burst on the scene and no doubt you felt the same way about me when I not so gently shared my feelings with you on that manner.
Now, I have nothing but great respect for you. You could have simply slunk away but, instead, you accepted our feelings and adjusted your own as a result.
Without actually saying "I was wrong", you did so in your own way.
It takes a big person to do this and in doing so, I know you certainly earned my respect.
I'm glad this happened and I'm glad you have stuck around.
I'll admit something, too. You did give me hell and I thought that you were arrogant and opinionated. Then it finally dawned on me. You were being professional and stating sound arguments. All of your advice to people here made sense. I must say that you, Mack, and jmonroe never let me off the hook. It was a lesson well learned. For forty years I gave advice to students and teachers. It was high time that I took some of the same medicine. After all, education, not cars, was my bag. It was time that I became the learner. I have learned a great deal here.
It also takes a big guy to post what you did today. I have a great deal of respect for you as well. Now if you would just let me correct more posts... :P
To you and stickguy: I know that it is very cold where you live, but can you imagine how we feel today in the sunny South? It was 15 degrees last night with a wind chill of 4 degrees! It has warmed up to 28 degrees today. My poor heat pump won't work unless I move it up three degrees above what I want it to be. I'm turning on the gas logs tonight. We left the cars in the garage today. It's too cold to make my babies run around town. My wife is walking around the house in three layers. It may be all in our heads, but it is COLD down South!
Will be into the high 30's tonight and we're freezing...had the driveway blacktopped this afternoon so all the cars are outside. Have been spoiled by my warm garage and warm car. Such is life...could be so much worse!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Comments
Richard
It's been great. But there are some hardcore Jeep fans that unless you can do the Rubicon in it, it's not a "real" Jeep. :P
Of course, MPG will vary per person. I have the "smaller" V8. My commute is 14 miles, with 80% of it being on highway. I get between 17 and 18 MPG. Once you put the back seats down, there's quite a bit of space. I don't think you'd be able to fit a dining room table in there though.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Portland. I had reserved a standard car from Hertz. They gave me a Corvette ZHZ. Too bad it was raining the whole time.
WOW! I hope I can swing that deal. With my luck I'll get the Yugo option.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am waiting for a nice 2003 or 2004 with low miles to come in on trade then I am going to buy that to replace my 1998. Well not really replace just retire to secondary use as I plan to rebuild it for off-road work.
The 2005 and up models are much nicer to drive on road but I think the interiors look cheaper and they do have a little of the mail slot armored car styling that I don't like. I prefer the 4.0 inline six to the new V6 they are using now in the Grand Cherokees.
I had a 95 GC and I liked it alot. I liked that it road more like a car than the Explorer or Blazer which I test drove. You have to accept that a firm hard ride is not necessarily a bad thing.
On the way to town one day, the rear window literally blew (imploded)
I think that can happen with any car given the right weather conditions, and possibly a rear window heater left on too long. It happened to my 1976 Grand Fury.
I liked the 95 GC so much I leased it for an additional 2 years.....30 months plus 24, they had 30 month leases then. The 2000 GC was too big for our garage at the time (I had to load it up with books so had to have all the doors open), so I opted for a Cherokee. The ancient, 40 year old original Cherokee. Talk about rough ride and noisy, but the salesman said that was part of it's charm. And, I think it was....it makes it more human, faults and all....just like it's master!
As to off roading, I don't think if your wife will be doing too much of that. Although, considering some of the predicaments you have been in over the years, maybe it would be a good thing to have. :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If I hadn't gone back to check the specials for my post I wouldn't have caught that huge savings of $400 for the month.
So, thanks guys, it really does help to take part in posting on Edmunds. With that saving, I won't even complain about the increase in dues this year. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Also a kid with a pellet gun can take out a rear window too.
Don't ask
My rule has always been that you've hit paydirt in this forum when you get no response from the professionals.
As for off the road driving, it won't be me. It will come nearer being my wife who thinks that road or no road, the car should go where ever the driver so desires. :P One thing is for sure. She won't go in my convertible again. :shades:
Richard
In 8 years of driving the Jeep I didn't go off the road (on purpose) ever, which is what most people would say too.
However, I was stuck in snow several times, and it never let me down. Once we were on the way to funeral in the country, and I went to turn around on what looked like a driveway, but it was just a ditch that had filled up with snow.
It took a lot of rocking and the 4 wheel drive locked in, but we got out and made it to the funeral just in time.
I said a little extra prayer for my Jeep that day.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Are you takin to me? :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
jmonroe
HAHA, no I wasn't. Was saying that while there's a lot of space back there, you won't be able to fit something really big.
Are you takin to me?
That was funny. You are going to have to trade in your Gennie for a moving truck!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One of the announcers gave some background on them that I didn't know (much too young when they came out to know any history). Seems as if when someone would rent one of these beasts, many times they'd take them to the track over the weekend, only to return them to Hertz after......some spirited driving. Also, since the Hertz clerks really weren't all that familiar with the Shelby back then, some "enterprising" individuals would rent the car, swap out the Shelby motor for a regular ole Ford V8, return it to Hertz, with no one the wiser. At least that was true until someone would rent the engine transplanted Hertz Shelby to take it to the track, where it would promptly get "spanked".
Don't know how the announcers knew these little historical tidbits unless they participated in some fashion in those endeavors.
I know Hertz had some more recent Shelby Mustangs available for rent not so long ago. But, they were much more diligent regarding their use, care, and condition upon their return.
1966 Hertz Mustang
Hertz repeated the deal in 2006. It was a very successful program.
I wouldn't mind doing that but it would probably cost 4X as much as the Fusion. Guess I'll just have to use my imagination.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2011 Saab
My wife and I just purchased a new car. Our local dealer had 2 vehicles at an advertised price of $16,995. This price included a $1000 rebate.
The current loan rates for new car purchases through VW was 2.9%, however our sales rep informed us that we would essentially lose the rebate if we were to be financed by VW. I'm no stranger to this as I've bought many cars. I asked the sales rep to run numbers with the rebate using my credit union apr (4.7%) and to also run numbers using the 2.9% without the rebate. He comes back and says that it probably makes more sense to go with VW financing unless we plan to pay off the loan early. He quoted us $310 (2.9%) and $350 (4.7%). We made the decision to go with the 2.9%
We met with the finance manager and signed all the paperwork for $310 @2.9%.
About an hour later, the sales rep left a voice mail stating that the finance manager was confused on how the rebates actually worked for this particular car.
What the finance manager actually wrote up is the sales price of $16,995 plus tax, lic, fees, etc. - $1000 rebate and at 2.9%!!
Mistake 1: The advertised price was 16,995 which included the rebate. So sales price should have been $17,995
Mistake 2: Because we choose the 2.9% financing based on the numbers they gave us, we shouldn't have gotten a rebate at all.
I know the finance guy made a mistake by essentially selling us the car for $15,995 and @ 2.9%. The question I have is, am I required to go back and resign contracts with the corrected numbers? This dealer mistake is effectively a $2000 swing. Can they back out of the deal stating that we couldn't be financed at the 2.9% even though we already signed and were approved? Our credit scores are both above 770.
I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract...just wondering if they could pull anything. I guess morally the right thing to do would be to offer to split the differences....what are you thoughts?
Thanks,
Pip
I think you're being presumptuous in thinking the dealer would not rectify such an obvious error had the situation been reversed. Let's see what the good folks on the sales frontlines have to say about it. Anyone?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I talked with an attorney, as well as the guys here. There is no need to play hard ball with them. They still have the ball. As you will realize when you think about it, the dealer can simply not put the deal through with the finance people. That being said, you are actually driving the dealer's car. The dealer can demand that you bring the car back. Though you both signed the contract, the contract has not been finalized because the financing has not been completed. Read your fine print.
I know that you are angry and upset. I was, too. I ranted and raved and spoke those famous words, "Life isn't fair!" There was a wonderful poster here who now lives in Heaven. He finally set me straight. He told me to quit whining and complaining. He reminded me that no one promised that life would be fair. He, of all people, knew this best. At first, he pissed me off. I grew to love that guy. He gave me the correct advice. My attorney agreed.
Now I have the opportunity to return the favor. Be a good guy. Quit complaining and go set the record straight. Remember that you have choices in life. You can work out the deal because you love the car, or you can turn in the car. Let us know how it goes. We are happy that you came to this thread. Though you may not always like what you hear, we will always try to be honest and helpful. Good luck to you.
BTW, there is a place here on Edmund's to register a complaint against a dealer. If your dealer is ugly about the situation, it may help your feelings to do this. At least you may prevent other customers from falling victim to a bad situation.
Richard
What a great answer, and from living through the exact same experience - answers don't get much better than that.
The only thing I might add, is if the customer takes the initiative and says, I think you made a mistake here, why don't we split the difference on the overpayment, the dealer might go along with it. It could be worth a try.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
1. Go back to the dealer and either redo the loan paperwork at the correct interest rate and financed amount.
2. Unwind the deal because the terms weren't suitable to you, and return the vehicle to them.
There would be no harm in asking them for some sort of consideration for the blunder....maybe a couple of free oil changes, some fancier floor mats, etc.
The fact remains it appears to be an honest mistake that should be rectified correctly.
The quoted payments were $40 apart which would be a difference in the loan amount of over $1300 so the difference in payments really wouldn't give anyone a clue.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As others have already stated here, it was an honest mistake, go back and do what's right. The same thing happenned to me in 2001 with a leased car I was buying and then trading in. The dealer forgot to charge sales tax on the purchase of the leased car. The dealer refused to honor our original agreement, it got ugly, but in the end we split the difference.
If it were me, I would ask for as much free service as I could get, maybe up to a couple of years worth.
I was just wondering, it seems the dealer can cancel the contract quite easily if something goes wrong. However, it looks like the consumer doesn't have an out if he makes a mistake. Is that correct?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For anyone experienced with numbers, it should have. Heck, I don't do numbers for a living and I knew something was wrong as soon as I read that part of the story. 1.8% rate difference on $17k amounts to a hill of beans. And when you take the $1k lost rebate into account, $40 difference makes no sense.
I won't even bother running the numbers, but I'm pretty confident in saying the 4.7% and extra $1k discount is the better deal. So how an F&I manager doesn't know that off the top of his head is pretty disturbing to me.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I can only speak from experience. I have seen several cases where the dealership made an error in thier favor and corrected it when discovered. True, I have worked at ethical stores, but again the no where in hell is a derogitive generalization.
I think Richard gave the best answer. Whatever it is in life, do what is right.
Great answer Richard, I remember your problem very well. Good luck pip9ball !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Do the right thing. You'll sleep better. If the dealer starts turning ugly over things just return the car and walk away. That or spend a little money on a lawyer but realize all he'll do is negotiate a compromise - and probably eat up the rest of the money in fees for his time.
Assuming you are basically a good, honest person you won't feel right if you stay with this deal leaving the other side holding the bag.
Now he's Dean Of Grammar and one of the MVP'S !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
This reminds me of an incident that happenned in our town. A lady bought a Bar-que from a local store.
One day she returned to the store and wanted to order a cover for the bar-b-que. It was at this point that the store realized a new salesperson had sold her a bar-b-que that was almost twice as much as the one she bought.......because the cover that fit wasn't the same size as the model marked on her receipt, but, she paid the lower price.
Now she was complaining to the consumer writer in the newspaper because the cover that she paid for did not fit the bar-b-que that she had bought.
The store offered to split the difference in cost, between the model she got, and the cost of the one she really paid for.
The lady refused, saying she would keep the more expensive bar-b-que, and would not pay anything more for it - it was the stores mistake and so their loss.
There were lots of letters to the newspaper about what kind of mean ruthless person would do this.
Although the store lost out, they did receive lots of sympathy and free advertising.
I guess the lady had to buy a cover somewhere else???
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think that would be true, but once we had a dealer who didn't correct a mistake against us. We were trading in a 1999 Mercedes for a 2004 model. We had bought an extended warranty for the 99 model, and it could be used to lower the price on the 2004 by about $1000.
The salesman didn't point this out to us at the time. We realized there was still another year of warranty on the car just after all the paperwork was signed. The salesman said, he couldn't change it at that time as all the paperwork was done, though it meant they would get at least another $1000 for the car when they sold it. I thought afterwards, they could have given us $1000 worth of service or something...or even $1000 off when we purchased our next car if they couldn't change the deal. It made me think they weren't the most ethical dealer, and though we would have bought a bmw next time around (because you can get a 6 speed manual transmission - and you can't with Mercedes, especially with all wheel drive), I would really have to want a Mercedes really badly to want to buy it from that dealer. I always think of them as being a little on the shady side.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Little late to the party, but I don't think the OP sounds angry and upset. I didn't get the feeling he was complaining. He was pretty calm, and asked for opinions.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
That says it all, doesn't it?
Either you have ethics or you do not. It's as simple as that. You can do the "right thing" or you can try to enrich yourself over what you know was a mistake.
" I know if the situation were reversed, there is no way in hell they would change the contract"
You know that for sure? You know for sure that that store is dishonest and would take advantage of you so you are now feeling that you should do the same thing to them?
I don't believe in karma or horoscopes. I do believe in the value of a handshake and doing the right thing.
Two choices..
1. Go in and have them redo the paperwork.
2. Have them unwind the deal and bring the car back.
That said you have to live with yourself. You know what the right thing is. If you don't do it you live with that.
To fezo and houdini: When I was first came here with my problem, I was very reactionary. My frustration and anger did bring out the idiot in me. Thanks to Mack and you guys, I was able to see the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the dealer was not nice when we tried to work it out together. On top of that, the salesman and the F&I guy tried to prevent me from seeing the owner of the dealership. I would never return to the dealership for those reasons. The unethical behavior following the error made more of an impact on me.
Problems in life usually have a way of working out for the best. In this case, I purchased a convertible that I like and met one of the nicest dealers in this country. In addition to that, I found you guys---better than any car deal could ever be.
Richard
When I bought the current van the dealership proved to be awful - something I didn't learn until the extensive "we owe" list sat there doing nothing and no one wanted to answer questions. I finally got the things that were in writing and learned once again that if they say the sun will rise tomorrow you still want to get it in writing because otherwise it won't happen. I was angry for quite a while but have gotten to the "don't buy from them and warn others" stage.
The other stage I am in now is "gee, I'd like to buy a car but they all work and there's four kids to think about."...
Now, I have nothing but great respect for you. You could have simply slunk away but, instead, you accepted our feelings and adjusted your own as a result.
Without actually saying "I was wrong", you did so in your own way.
It takes a big person to do this and in doing so, I know you certainly earned my respect.
I'm glad this happened and I'm glad you have stuck around.
There! I said it!
although after walking the dog and filling the tires on the van, I could use some warming up right about now...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It also takes a big guy to post what you did today. I have a great deal of respect for you as well. Now if you would just let me correct more posts... :P
Richard
Richard
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Some people who come here STILL think that!
I do try to temper my responses but sometimes I probably don't do a good job at that.