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A decent contractor spends at least 6 hours a day on site updating the website, removing sold vehicles from inventory, adding new inventory, and checking for accuracy.
That sounds expensive!
Not really. Most of those contractors are working for $25 per hour with no benefits.
Called the Subaru dealer to see if they have a 3.6 Outback on the lot. Salesperson tells me computers are down; she has to look at the board. Waiting for a call back.
.
New car dealers seem to have a real problem with computers and technology. In general, their web sites suck swamp water, and their inventory is totally screwed up. You absolutely cannot trust what they show on their web site, they will list cars that they don't have, and many cars they do have will not be listed.
And some of them can't even find cars that they claim to have, running around in circles, "I know we have that car, I have the key in my hand, but I cannot find it."
And don't forget the "GET AN E-QUOTE!!!" button that only nets you annoying e-mails begging you to come down and test-drive a car...
Man, that 'e-quote' is an annoying one. Against my better judgement I pressed that e quote button on a Q5 back around Christmas. It, of course, required me to fill in a couple of fields so the could "give me the best deal possible". One was a contact # that was required and the second was preferred contact method which I selected email. I kid you not, 10 minutes after I submitted that the dealership was calling my phone. Not only that but that evening what was obviously a call bank called and wanted to know if I had set a time for a test drive.
Really turned me off that dealership.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
To me, one of the worst things a dealer can do is have an e-price or get your price button on their website and then not give you a price. Often they respond with an email asking for more information because apparently they do not know what you are asking even though you asked for a price for a specific vehicle. When this happens, I remove that dealer from my list for possible dealers.
Probably more significant for the dealer is that I generally advise other folks not to use that dealer.
For dealers who may lurk here, if you offer to provide a price it is best you provide that price. While there is a risk your price may be shopped, there is almost a certainty you will lose business by not providing what your website promises.
I have visited a number of Dodge dealers within a reasonable drive of where I live. I purchased the Charger from the CarMax in Norcross – about 2 or 3 miles from my house – for several reasons.
Best BBB reputation & I sold a car to this dealership a few years ago – with no issues. Best price on a new Charger that I could find. No ‘Doc Fee’. Excellent sales person – who was very patient with me over the 2 months + process. He even allowed me to drive a Challenger V8 automatic, though I told him I was likely holding out for the Charger. Convenience \ location. The actual sale was handled professionally & with no issues.
However, they have 2 web sites & each has issues. [ See below. ] One always shows incorrect pricing. Actually showing a ‘No Haggle’ sales price ABOVE the bottom line MSRP on the window sticker. [ huh ??? ] The other shows correct [ no haggle ] price, but no link to the window sticker – for details on options & packages. The price shown here is typical = $4,500 off an MSRP of $35,380. [ Includes a $1,500 rebate. ]
The sample information below [ hope those looong links work ] is for the exact same unit = a 2015 Charger VIN ending 26705. And the different information from their 2 web sites.
BTW, I pointed this discrepancy out to my sales guy, with printed documentation, to take to his management - and nothing has changed. . .
- Ray Happy with the car – and happy with the deal . . .
= = =
$ 36,375 Final Price 19MPG City 31MPG Hwy 3.6L V-6 cyl 8 speed automatic Torred Exterior Color Pearl/Black Interior Color Model Code: LDDS48 Stock #: 11397722 VIN: 2C3CDXHG0FH726705
Vehicle Located At: Carmax Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Norcross 1975 Beaver Ruin Road Norcross GA 30071 Call (888) 337-6016
Detailed Pricing $36,375 No Haggle Price
[ NOTE: window sticker bottom line = $35,380 ]
This site is the one that dodge.com ‘Search’ sends you to – It does have a link to the .pdf of that ‘Window Sticker’. It also shows vehicles ‘In Transit’ – and does clearly label them as such.
To me, one of the worst things a dealer can do is have an e-price or get your price button on their website and then not give you a price. Often they respond with an email asking for more information because apparently they do not know what you are asking even though you asked for a price for a specific vehicle. When this happens, I remove that dealer from my list for possible dealers.
Probably more significant for the dealer is that I generally advise other folks not to use that dealer.
For dealers who may lurk here, if you offer to provide a price it is best you provide that price. While there is a risk your price may be shopped, there is almost a certainty you will lose business by not providing what your website promises.
Completely agree! Oh BTW, I never got a price from that dealer. Ever. Not in numerous phone calls or emails from them did they ever bother to offer up a price.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I've given up on assuming that I can get an "E Price" on-line, or trust that the inventory shown on the web is accurate.
We had the same problem with the MINI dealer last year - daughter found a color combination and option set that she liked, only to find out it was "in transit" and had, in fact, been pre-sold. The car we did finally land on was also at the port when we signed the deal; it took a week for it to be shipped from CA to CO and go through dealer prep.
Since I start my research online when buying a car, the dealerships who provide the most information (car photos, inside and out, MSRP stickers as PDFs, etc), the more likely I'll set up a time to go to their store.
You don't have any information other than the manufacturer's link? You probably won't seem me or even know I was in the market for your brand.
some of the dealers near me have pretty good sites that seem to be mostly up to date. But a few other are just terrible. Hard to use, no basis in reality. But what bugs me even more are the ones where they don't list the equipment/options in any way that you can find. You pretty much have to guess based on price.
The quality and versatility of a dealership's website is solely dependent on the subcontractor used to update inventory lists, take photos of inventory from several angles and physically post photos, options, etc. No dealership can afford the cost involved in keeping accurate inventories on the website up-to-date. Most depend on a subcontractor to keep the website current, accurate and simple to navigate.
In both dealerships I worked, we used a contractor to manage the website. A decent contractor spends at least 6 hours a day on site updating the website, removing sold vehicles from inventory, adding new inventory, and checking for accuracy.
--------------------------------------------
Years ago when I worked at a local Chrysler dealer, I started and ran their internet department. My main job was to photograph new and used inventory and publish it online.
I had about 20 photos of each vehicle from every angle, but it was very time consuming and the way my pay plan was structured I still had to sell to top up my salary, which wasn't much to begin with. So when it got busy, the inventory didn't get updated, but was left with stock photos.
With most of the email leads, and get-a-quote leads, we had to reply "to get the guy into the showroom", meaning quoting prices was a lose lose situation 99.9% of the time. Unfortunately, the "come in and let's talk" emails got more sales than offering rock bottom price emails, which we tried for some time. Reason being is with most shoppers, there was almost a trade in involved, many times with negative equity, as well as financing, sometimes credit issues. So it was almost never a "give me your rock bottom price and I'll come buy it now deal".
Not to mention there were countless times when I took calls or emails asking for best price on specific models, only to find out the customer hasn't even seen the car in person, their wife didn't even know they're shopping for a car, or they were months away from buying. Negotiating is typically the last step in a consumer transaction, but many would start off with negotiating, not knowing if that's what they were going to buy.
And yes, it doesn't help that dealers offer an "best price" button on their sites, because that's what consumers start off when car shopping when realistically they should pick a car they like and they're comfortable with before grinding down the price . Unfortunately most of the consumer shopping tools on a dealer's site are just used to generate leads to get someone to walk into the door, nothing more and nothing less.
Good points, Boom. I do realize that many times the internet shopper is simply trying to compare dealer A with dealer B or is bored on their lunch break so they'll ping a dealer for a price on a car they may have no intention of buying etc.
But, in today's smart phone driven, instant access to info society there is that expectation from the consumer that has to be balanced.
I have had some great internet experiences...one was an Accord one was a BMW. In both cases we were dealing with real #'s and the first time I saw the cars was when I showed up at the dealership to close the deal.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Good points, Boom. I do realize that many times the internet shopper is simply trying to compare dealer A with dealer B or is bored on their lunch break so they'll ping a dealer for a price on a car they may have no intention of buying etc.
But, in today's smart phone driven, instant access to info society there is that expectation from the consumer that has to be balanced.
I have had some great internet experiences...one was an Accord one was a BMW. In both cases we were dealing with real #'s and the first time I saw the cars was when I showed up at the dealership to close the deal.
You're one of a very few who get a quote and show up to buy. Most of the time the internet leads end up nowhere and sales managers tend to freak out at meetings why a dealership received 100 leads and only got a handful of people to come in.
Apparently the one car that we were interested in has been sold. So, no test drive this evening.
The salesperson did try to convince us to come in to drive both a 2013 and a 2014 used 3.6– "It drives the same!"
yeah but it is the old body style and does not have the technology we are interested in. Pass.
Ah, no. No, the 13/14 do NOT drive the same. They did several suspension tweaks with the '15 model that improve that part of the experience noticeably (at least for me). I'm a little surprised that she pushed you to come in to drive an older model. Is she *trying* to lose you?
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
There was a long time poster named Rich @audia8q who either owned or ran a Mazda dealership somewhere in CT. He was "1 price" and I believe updated his car's online prices according to a bunch of different variables (how long it was sitting on the lot, what the manufacturers' rebate is...) Id like to hear from him and see how it is going.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Apparently the one car that we were interested in has been sold. So, no test drive this evening.
The salesperson did try to convince us to come in to drive both a 2013 and a 2014 used 3.6– "It drives the same!"
yeah but it is the old body style and does not have the technology we are interested in. Pass.
Ah, no. No, the 13/14 do NOT drive the same. They did several suspension tweaks with the '15 model that improve that part of the experience noticeably (at least for me). I'm a little surprised that she pushed you to come in to drive an older model. Is she *trying* to lose you?
Don't know. She left a voice mail this morning saying they had a "sold" 2015 we could test drive.
If you recently bought a new car and are really appreciating high-tech features you didn't have previously, a reporter wants to hear from you. Please email PR@edmunds.com by Thursday, February 12, 2015 and include your daytime contact information and a few words about your experience.
Apparently the one car that we were interested in has been sold. So, no test drive this evening.
The salesperson did try to convince us to come in to drive both a 2013 and a 2014 used 3.6– "It drives the same!"
yeah but it is the old body style and does not have the technology we are interested in. Pass.
Ah, no. No, the 13/14 do NOT drive the same. They did several suspension tweaks with the '15 model that improve that part of the experience noticeably (at least for me). I'm a little surprised that she pushed you to come in to drive an older model. Is she *trying* to lose you?
Don't know. She left a voice mail this morning saying they had a "sold" 2015 we could test drive.
I'm certainly not getting warm fuzzies from her.
Sounds like one that would put the hard sell on as soon as you hit the lot...'What do I have to do to get you to buy today?' type. Might even hit you with the old 4 Square! Time to move on to another dealer..
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Good points, Boom. I do realize that many times the internet shopper is simply trying to compare dealer A … (more)with dealer B or is bored on their lunch break so they'll ping a dealer for a price on a car they may have no intention of buying etc.
I went home, thought about it, went back 2 days later and made the deal. No excitement, no drama, no haggling.
But, in today's smart phone driven, instant access to info society there is that expectation from the consumer that has to be balanced.
Unfortunately, they have changed management since then.
I have had some great internet experiences...one was an Accord one was a BMW. In both cases we were dealing with real #'s and the first time I saw the cars was when I showed up at the dealership to close the deal.
You're one of a very few who get a quote and show up to buy. Most of the time the internet leads end up nowhere and sales managers tend to freak out at meetings why a dealership received 100 leads and only got a handful of people to come in.
Back about 15 months ago, September, 2013, I purchased a new 2013 Ford F150 Crew Cab. I picked out one I liked on the dealer website. They had PDF copies of the window sticker available, so that I could tell exactly how the truck was equipped. They had several pictures of THAT truck, so I could see the color. They had a sales price listed, right there on the web page, none of that "e-quote" BS.
When I showed up at the dealership, they honored the price listed on the web site. Furthermore, they offered me exactly what I expected for my trade (based on information provided by @qbrozen (thanks as always, Q).
I went home, thought about it, went back 2 days later and made the deal. No excitement, no drama, no haggling.
Unfortunately, they have changed management since then. They no longer list prices on their web sites. They don't even have the window sticker available in PDF format. When you come in, they start off by low-balling your trade. Totally different experience.
Apparently the one car that we were interested in has been sold. So, no test drive this evening.
The salesperson did try to convince us to come in to drive both a 2013 and a 2014 used 3.6– "It drives the same!"
yeah but it is the old body style and does not have the technology we are interested in. Pass.
Ah, no. No, the 13/14 do NOT drive the same. They did several suspension tweaks with the '15 model that improve that part of the experience noticeably (at least for me). I'm a little surprised that she pushed you to come in to drive an older model. Is she *trying* to lose you?
Don't know. She left a voice mail this morning saying they had a "sold" 2015 we could test drive.
I'm certainly not getting warm fuzzies from her.
Sounds like one that would put the hard sell on as soon as you hit the lot...'What do I have to do to get you to buy today?' type. Might even hit you with the old 4 Square! Time to move on to another dealer..
au - the only problem is that this dealer is about a mile from my wife's workplace. Getting her to go to a dealer farther away may prove challenging, though if I find one on the lot in "her" colors, she might be willing.
And, I already thought about the answer to the "what will it take..." question. $34,000 for the new car and $14,500 on the trade. Not that I think it would happen, but I'd at least have an answer for them to take back to the "tower"
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
That's a powerful video of the car having problems and then clearing after sitting. Shades of Toyota's problems with runaway acceleration.
I'm no fan of Toyota and I can't imagine even thinking of buying a new one, but I don't think anyone was able to replicate Toyota's "issue" without hacking into the ECU in a manner that could never happen in real life.
I think you are right. I didn't think about it at the time, but I wonder if they were having these "issues" in other countries where there are fewer lawyers.
Michael, if she has a car you can drive, go drive it. At least you will know if that is the car she wants. if so, and you don't enjoy the experience at the dealer, thank them for their time, and go find a different dealer to work with. But at least you can give them a chance to surprise you.
Subes are quite common to order, because they offer a slew of accessories, and often cars on the lot have fluff you don't want. That, and as you are finding out, not many 3.6 outbacks around. They tend to come in pretty quick, so you can likely make a deal and not have to wait too long. It's easy for me, since I would be a corporate VIP program buyer, and all the pricing (and fees) are fixed.
Looks like outbacks must be hot now. I checked the 3 dealers around me, and they have a total of 11 listed, all 2.5is
Michael, if she has a car you can drive, go drive it. At least you will know if that is the car she wants. if so, and you don't enjoy the experience at the dealer, thank them for their time, and go find a different dealer to work with. But at least you can give them a chance to surprise you.
Subes are quite common to order, because they offer a slew of accessories, and often cars on the lot have fluff you don't want. That, and as you are finding out, not many 3.6 outbacks around. They tend to come in pretty quick, so you can likely make a deal and not have to wait too long. It's easy for me, since I would be a corporate VIP program buyer, and all the pricing (and fees) are fixed.
Looks like outbacks must be hot now. I checked the 3 dealers around me, and they have a total of 11 listed, all 2.5is
More here - but Colorado is a state where Subies are more popular. But, as noted, not many 3.6R's. That's OK, no rush on either of our parts. Maybe I can convince her to hit another dealer on Saturday - after confirming they have one in stock for us to look at and drive.
well, not that I am a technical expert, but at altitude engines lose power due to the thinner air. so the more power you start with, the more you have as you climb. But, I always heard that turbos are better in this application, because of the way they compress the air. Not sure if they still lose some power, just less, but forced induction is supposed to be beneficial up in the mountains.
Dropped off my Legacy for its 1st service with a little over 7,600 mies. My sales guy said he'd pick up the tab for the 1st oil change. I'll be on the hook for a tire rotation. They ave me a brand new 2015 Imprezza 5 door.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
well, not that I am a technical expert, but at altitude engines lose power due to the thinner air. so the more power you start with, the more you have as you climb. But, I always heard that turbos are better in this application, because of the way they compress the air. Not sure if they still lose some power, just less, but forced induction is supposed to be beneficial up in the mountains.
That is exactly right. When we head over the mountains (10,000+ or more passes a couple of times on I-70), the turbo doesn't seem to lose steam. The NA V6's felt sluggish by comparison.
well, not that I am a technical expert, but at altitude engines lose power due to the thinner air. so the more power you start with, the more you have as you climb. But, I always heard that turbos are better in this application, because of the way they compress the air. Not sure if they still lose some power, just less, but forced induction is supposed to be beneficial up in the mountains.
Exactly.... turbos lose less efficiency at high altitude.
well, not that I am a technical expert, but at altitude engines lose power due to the thinner air. so the more power you start with, the more you have as you climb. But, I always heard that turbos are better in this application, because of the way they compress the air. Not sure if they still lose some power, just less, but forced induction is supposed to be beneficial up in the mountains.
Exactly.... turbos lose less efficiency at high altitude.
While taking a train ride thru the Canadian Rockies a few years ago the train broke down. A fleet of taxis picked up the passengers. The cabs were equipped to run on gasoline or natural gas. At those altitudes they would not run at all in natural gas mode.
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
Lol! I know, I know! Maybe we can talk Breld into this one. It would tick all the boxes for his 'fun' car!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
Lol! I know, I know! Maybe we can talk Breld into this one. It would tick all the boxes for his 'fun' car!
breld is in Florida experiencing the tourist attractions until next week; no car buying for him while he's gone.
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
Lol! I know, I know! Maybe we can talk Breld into this one. It would tick all the boxes for his 'fun' car!
breld is in Florida experiencing the tourist attractions until next week; no car buying for him while he's gone.
Especially with those $600 & $700 doc fees they charge down in FLA! I think it is so cool you guys got to mee up and spend some time together.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
I like just about everything but the miles. Aside from that it's perfect for me- manual heated seats, xenons, H-K, and a slick top.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Its a shame about the black wheels, hopefully they are just plastidipped so it can be easily corrected. As I am sure you know an E46 M3 is the holy grail to many. And its Imola Red!!
Walt....why aren't you at the dealership right now waiting for the doors to open?
Lol! I know, I know! Maybe we can talk Breld into this one. It would tick all the boxes for his 'fun' car!
breld is in Florida experiencing the tourist attractions until next week; no car buying for him while he's gone.
Especially with those $600 & $700 doc fees they charge down in FLA! I think it is so cool you guys got to meet up and spend some time together.
We're hoping to get together and have lunch about once a month, if our schedules permit. Lots of restaurants to choose from in that part of town...
Hey guys, staying a away a few days and I have over 10 pages to read!
Update: If you remember, I mentioned that we ordered a 2015 MB S550 4matic and we were to take delivery when the car arrived at the end of October. They super low-balled our two trades so we nixed the deal. A couple of days ago I received an email from the salesman saying that they still have the car and was there any way that we would reconsider. I said we'll be home in a couple of weeks and may give them a call. In the email he said that the "powers-that-be" will sharpen their pencil to make the deal work.
The car's MSRP is $114K, what do you guys think would be a good second offer (not including the trades).
I really didn't think we would reconsider as I was so angry.... time heals I guess. Or, it might be putting gasoline back on the fire.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
It all depends on what the demand is for that car in your area. It's a newly redesigned model so dealers might try to hold firm on the price. However there's gotta be at least $10k markup in the S Class, so you might have a bit of leeway there.
I hit the "e-quote" button from a dealer's web site. Within seconds, a grizzled, old knight appeared on my screen and quote, "You have chosen unwisely."
New Conti on the XF, no wheel damage reported. Phew!
Bradd, hard to race on the Bruckner with folks wandering down the middle of it! Unless he had a starter flag in his back pocket that I missed. Stopped at Stew Leonard's for an ice cream cone, cruised Rte 1 to Sherwood Island connector. The times, they have a' changed.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Hey guys, staying a away a few days and I have over 10 pages to read!
Update: If you remember, I mentioned that we ordered a 2015 MB S550 4matic and we were to take delivery when the car arrived at the end of October. They super low-balled our two trades so we nixed the deal. A couple of days ago I received an email from the salesman saying that they still have the car and was there any way that we would reconsider. I said we'll be home in a couple of weeks and may give them a call. In the email he said that the "powers-that-be" will sharpen their pencil to make the deal work.
The car's MSRP is $114K, what do you guys think would be a good second offer (not including the trades).
I really didn't think we would reconsider as I was so angry.... time heals I guess. Or, it might be putting gasoline back on the fire.
Mark156
Well, truecar says markup from invoice to msrp is $7k, and you can get $5k off through their site without a hassle. So maybe dead invoice would make you happy?
'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
Comments
Really turned me off that dealership.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Probably more significant for the dealer is that I generally advise other folks not to use that dealer.
For dealers who may lurk here, if you offer to provide a price it is best you provide that price. While there is a risk your price may be shopped, there is almost a certainty you will lose business by not providing what your website promises.
I have visited a number of Dodge dealers within a reasonable drive of where I live. I purchased the Charger from the CarMax in Norcross – about 2 or 3 miles from my house – for several reasons.
Best BBB reputation & I sold a car to this dealership a few years ago – with no issues.
Best price on a new Charger that I could find.
No ‘Doc Fee’.
Excellent sales person – who was very patient with me over the 2 months + process. He even allowed me to drive a Challenger V8 automatic, though I told him I was likely holding out for the Charger.
Convenience \ location.
The actual sale was handled professionally & with no issues.
However, they have 2 web sites & each has issues.
[ See below. ]
One always shows incorrect pricing. Actually showing a ‘No Haggle’ sales price ABOVE the bottom line MSRP on the window sticker. [ huh ??? ]
The other shows correct [ no haggle ] price, but no link to the window sticker – for details on options & packages. The price shown here is typical = $4,500 off an MSRP of $35,380.
[ Includes a $1,500 rebate. ]
The sample information below [ hope those looong links work ] is for the exact same unit = a 2015 Charger VIN ending 26705. And the different information from their 2 web sites.
BTW, I pointed this discrepancy out to my sales guy, with printed documentation, to take to his management - and nothing has changed. . .
- Ray
Happy with the car – and happy with the deal . . .
= = =
$ 36,375 Final Price
19MPG City 31MPG Hwy
3.6L V-6 cyl
8 speed automatic
Torred Exterior Color
Pearl/Black Interior Color
Model Code: LDDS48
Stock #: 11397722
VIN: 2C3CDXHG0FH726705
Vehicle Located At:
Carmax Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Norcross
1975 Beaver Ruin Road
Norcross GA 30071
Call (888) 337-6016
Detailed Pricing
$36,375 No Haggle Price
[ NOTE: window sticker bottom line = $35,380 ]
This site is the one that dodge.com ‘Search’ sends you to –
It does have a link to the .pdf of that ‘Window Sticker’.
It also shows vehicles ‘In Transit’ – and does clearly label them as such.
http://www.carmaxchryslerjeepofnorcross.com/new/Dodge/2015-Dodge-Charger-d3edf5e70a0a006549cfa053a94786c2.htm
= = =
Hurry! Manufacturer's rebate expires soon!
Price includes $1,500 purchase rebate ending 3/2/2015
Features
Leather Seats
Sunroof(s)
Front Seat Heaters
Cruise Control
Auxiliary Audio Input
Rear View Camera
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Pricing and Financing
MSRP $35,380
Factory invoice $33,951
You Save on MSRP $4,541
Georgia No-haggle price $30,839*^
http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/default.html?id=11397722&AVi=0&No=0&Rp=R&D=90&zip=03031&N=4294963070+4294962874&sY=2015-2015&Us=15&Q=e7adbedb-b684-4f42-a058-b0c66e6501fa&Ep=search:results:results page
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
We had the same problem with the MINI dealer last year - daughter found a color combination and option set that she liked, only to find out it was "in transit" and had, in fact, been pre-sold. The car we did finally land on was also at the port when we signed the deal; it took a week for it to be shipped from CA to CO and go through dealer prep.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
You don't have any information other than the manufacturer's link? You probably won't seem me or even know I was in the market for your brand.
In both dealerships I worked, we used a contractor to manage the website. A decent contractor spends at least 6 hours a day on site updating the website, removing sold vehicles from inventory, adding new inventory, and checking for accuracy.
--------------------------------------------
Years ago when I worked at a local Chrysler dealer, I started and ran their internet department. My main job was to photograph new and used inventory and publish it online.
I had about 20 photos of each vehicle from every angle, but it was very time consuming and the way my pay plan was structured I still had to sell to top up my salary, which wasn't much to begin with. So when it got busy, the inventory didn't get updated, but was left with stock photos.
With most of the email leads, and get-a-quote leads, we had to reply "to get the guy into the showroom", meaning quoting prices was a lose lose situation 99.9% of the time. Unfortunately, the "come in and let's talk" emails got more sales than offering rock bottom price emails, which we tried for some time. Reason being is with most shoppers, there was almost a trade in involved, many times with negative equity, as well as financing, sometimes credit issues. So it was almost never a "give me your rock bottom price and I'll come buy it now deal".
Not to mention there were countless times when I took calls or emails asking for best price on specific models, only to find out the customer hasn't even seen the car in person, their wife didn't even know they're shopping for a car, or they were months away from buying. Negotiating is typically the last step in a consumer transaction, but many would start off with negotiating, not knowing if that's what they were going to buy.
And yes, it doesn't help that dealers offer an "best price" button on their sites, because that's what consumers start off when car shopping when realistically they should pick a car they like and they're comfortable with before grinding down the price . Unfortunately most of the consumer shopping tools on a dealer's site are just used to generate leads to get someone to walk into the door, nothing more and nothing less.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
But, in today's smart phone driven, instant access to info society there is that expectation from the consumer that has to be balanced.
I have had some great internet experiences...one was an Accord one was a BMW. In both cases we were dealing with real #'s and the first time I saw the cars was when I showed up at the dealership to close the deal.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
I'm certainly not getting warm fuzzies from her.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I'm certainly not getting warm fuzzies from her.
Sounds like one that would put the hard sell on as soon as you hit the lot...'What do I have to do to get you to buy today?' type. Might even hit you with the old 4 Square! Time to move on to another dealer..
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
If you recently bought a new car...
That is sort of a blanket statement, given this crew:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
http://www.bmwstore.com/used/BMW/2002-BMW-M3-cincinnati-70a5b34a0a0a006540bccbecdabcb02f.htm
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When I showed up at the dealership, they honored the price listed on the web site. Furthermore, they offered me exactly what I expected for my trade (based on information provided by @qbrozen (thanks as always, Q).
I went home, thought about it, went back 2 days later and made the deal. No excitement, no drama, no haggling.
Unfortunately, they have changed management since then. They no longer list prices on their web sites. They don't even have the window sticker available in PDF format. When you come in, they start off by low-balling your trade. Totally different experience.
au - the only problem is that this dealer is about a mile from my wife's workplace. Getting her to go to a dealer farther away may prove challenging, though if I find one on the lot in "her" colors, she might be willing.
And, I already thought about the answer to the "what will it take..." question. $34,000 for the new car and $14,500 on the trade. Not that I think it would happen, but I'd at least have an answer for them to take back to the "tower"
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Subes are quite common to order, because they offer a slew of accessories, and often cars on the lot have fluff you don't want. That, and as you are finding out, not many 3.6 outbacks around. They tend to come in pretty quick, so you can likely make a deal and not have to wait too long. It's easy for me, since I would be a corporate VIP program buyer, and all the pricing (and fees) are fixed.
Looks like outbacks must be hot now. I checked the 3 dealers around me, and they have a total of 11 listed, all 2.5is
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
4.0L in the '02 Explorer - 210 HP
3.5L (Honda sourced) in the '05 VUE - 250 HP
3.6L GM in the '08 VUE - 257 HP
2.3L turbo 4 in the CX-7 - 244 HP
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Exactly.... turbos lose less efficiency at high altitude.
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2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
[ VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN ]
http://media.vw.com/release/923/
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mighta been a contenda...
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Update: If you remember, I mentioned that we ordered a 2015 MB S550 4matic and we were to take delivery when the car arrived at the end of October. They super low-balled our two trades so we nixed the deal. A couple of days ago I received an email from the salesman saying that they still have the car and was there any way that we would reconsider. I said we'll be home in a couple of weeks and may give them a call. In the email he said that the "powers-that-be" will sharpen their pencil to make the deal work.
The car's MSRP is $114K, what do you guys think would be a good second offer (not including the trades).
I really didn't think we would reconsider as I was so angry.... time heals I guess. Or, it might be putting gasoline back on the fire.
Mark156
( not including the [ super low-balled ] trades )
?
- Ray
Did you drive the S550? Impressions?
It all depends on what the demand is for that car in your area. It's a newly redesigned model so dealers might try to hold firm on the price. However there's gotta be at least $10k markup in the S Class, so you might have a bit of leeway there.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
New Conti on the XF, no wheel damage reported. Phew!
Bradd, hard to race on the Bruckner with folks wandering down the middle of it! Unless he had a starter flag in his back pocket that I missed. Stopped at Stew Leonard's for an ice cream cone, cruised Rte 1 to Sherwood Island connector. The times, they have a' changed.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
'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