Any Questions for a Car Dealer?

audia8q · April 2002

That sends up the red flag in my book.

rroyce10 · April 2002

..... 01 4x4 Escapes, with the toys and it being a clean one with 15/17/19k on em' --- are doing waaay over $17 at the auctions, that's why you are seeing them for $20 and change at the dealerships .. Edmunds is a wonderful site, but it is a little tough for them (or anybody) to keep a close reign on the used vehicle market.

Are you being realistic ..? I'm sorry to say-- No. Perhaps you may want to wait another year.

Good luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · April 2002

...... The price is in line, the warranty part would give me the "dead mullet" look ..

Why not a warranty .. they make money on em'.

I agree with Audi --- Hmmmmmmm.

Terry.

im_brentwood · April 2002

Money is right. Good price for the car.

You carfaxed it yet? If they will ONLY sell it as-is, ask em if you can have your mechanic look it over first.

A 98 MAY still have warranty too.

Bill

a_m_bancroft · April 2002

Thx for the quick responses.

Yes, I've CarFax'ed it. The only issue is a drop in the annual mileage over the last year (it did 5000 last year but 12000 in every other year). I'll be asking the dealer about this tomorrow.

I wasn't very clear about the warranty: they will sell one (from a 3rd party like warrantybynet.com). However, I know some dealers sell their used cars with a 30day limited warranty. eg. CarMax. This dealer doesn't want to do that. If this is normal practice that's fine, but I just need to check.

I've arranged an inspection by a mechanic & the dealer has no problem with that. They even offered to take the car to the mechanic if it was more convenient.

rroyce10 · April 2002

....... If they have offered to get the vehicle there --- Then I would assume, they have no fear.

Get a warranty through Edmunds info .. and save yourself a couple of hundred or so ..

Terry.

millerro3 · April 2002

In NJ, it is illegal for any car dealership to sell a car without a properly affixed monroney label that has warranties explained on it. One warranty MUST be checked, whether it's 90 days or 3,000 miles; 60 days or 2,000 miles; or 30 days or 1,000 miles. Illegal to retail a car without a warranty, the car must also be guaranteed to pass state inspection. hope this helps

Rob

a_m_bancroft · April 2002

Unfortunatly I live in TX & I don't think there is such a law. :-( It'd be great if there was.

I think the car just has to be able to pass an emissions test.

suvshopper4 · April 2002

I've seen plenty of cars on NJ dealers' lots with the window sticker where the box "As is, no warranty" is checked.
I also had a new car dealer tell me the used car I was looking at was not guaranteed to pass emissions testing.

a_m_bancroft · April 2002

When does a manufacturers (BMW in this case) warranty start? When the car is:
1. imported?
2. registered as a private vehicle?
3. first titled?

I'm trying to figure out when the manufacturers 4yr warranty expires.

raybear · April 2002

im_brentwood · April 2002

Also...

Whenever the car is first put into retail use.. or first put into service as a corporate or factory demo.

Demos generally have their warranties "punched"

Bill

protege_fan · April 2002

Hi all,
I was directed over here to ask my question:

If you've signed a contract/offer, can you still back out of buying a car? I'm not talking the bill of sale here...just the offer...financing has been approved through the dealership.
If you need more details please let me know.
Thanks

audia8q · April 2002

a contract is not the same as an offer....

What exactly did you sign?? Was it a bank contract??

protege_fan · April 2002

It wasn't me...it was my parents. Anyway, what they signed was a form that had the price of the vehicle, options, trade-in value, etc. I believe (not sure) that it was some sort of agreement.

I don't think it was a bank contract, and it sure as heck wasn't a bill of sale. Now, if for some reason, they wanted to back out, can they? They have put down a $500 deposit. If they do back out, will they lose this?

rroyce10 · April 2002

..... Lot's of variables here ...

Is this a vehicle they ordered ..? Is this a dealer trade? What cost has the dealer incurred so far..? Why is your family cancelling ? Are they in a dealers vehicle now..?

Not to sound silly, but you would really have to explain a lot more of the "meat and potatoes" of this deal.

Terry.

sbell4 · April 2002

If person "X" says they will buy this car for the agreed upon price with all of the details written out and all parties agree and the buyer puts a $500.00 deposit so the dealer will take it off the market so no one else will drive it or even look at their new car. Your question is, Do they have to buy it? The answer should be no, it just means person "X"'s word means nothing. Should they lose their deposit? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!

What would your post been like if they wanted the car and put the deposit on it and financing was approved by the dealer and you show up to get your new car and you see it being delivered to someone else that offered to pay more money?

If there are other variables of life and death involved my answer may be different.

abtseller · April 2002

the question in the "inconsiderate buyers" discussion.

(There's a hidden subliminal message in there somethere.)

Ed

protege_fan · April 2002

There's a reason I didn't post more. But your answers are sufficient for me. Thanks.

sergeym · April 2002

Do not pay much attention to what car dealers on this board are saying. No matter what your parents signed (purchase order or any other contract) they can change their mind and not buy a car at any moment until the car is driven of dealer's lot. BTW, I almost sure that the dealer himself did NOT sign the contract. They never do so that they can change their mind if the buyer willing to pay more shows up. If the contract is signed by one party only it does not have any legal value. Deposits are always refundable. Dealer needs them as a proof that you are a serious buyer and nothing more.

protege_fan · April 2002

Thanks for your unbiased advice.

isellhondas · April 2002

I think if they want to wiggle out of the deal they can do this and get their deposit back.

Until the car has "rolled" there really is no deal. Most dealerships aren't going to fight them over the deposit. Simply time to move on.

There are a small number of customers who will grind out a price, make up some excuse not to take delivery and leave a deposit to tie up a car.

Then, they will go shopping in an attempt to save a few dollars.

I have no use for "customers" like this and no doubt this wasn't the case in this situation.

I would think these people will have no problem.

protege_fan · April 2002

That was not the case here (ie. they were not shopping the price around). I never said that they were not going to take the car...I just wanted to see what kind of options they had. My parent's aren't rich and if, for some reason, they think that they really can't afford the car, should they be forced to take it? I don't think so.

They did not have to order the car. As the salesman told them, "oh it's on its way. We have that colour here now, so that means the rest of them (in that colour) are coming too." Sure buddy.

And I resent the implication that was made that they are "inconsiderate buyers." Your "advice" only serves to deepen my feelings about many in the car industry. Thanks.

rroyce10 · April 2002

....... I don't feel anyone is trying to pick any sides here.

You had a question, and with the small amount of information you have posted, it's very hard to answer your question.

Contrary to what SergeyM has posted, he is very wrong in his answer.

If a customer comes in ..and orders a vehicle, and it takes a simple 3 minute call to another dealer to retrieve it, then no harm is done -- on either side of the table.

But like I asked you before ( and didn't respond) .. what is the actual facts and potential residual of this.

Does the dealer, have to dealer trade one of his big sellers to trade ..? Has 2/3 hrs been spent by salesman and Mgr for drivers for the vehicle ..?

It's a easy question to answer -- "what's the facts .. Jack ..?"

Terry.

protege_fan · April 2002

As I just posted to Isell the vehicle was already "on its way." I took that to mean that it was already coming from port (ie. from Japan to Vancouver, to the dealership).

The car will sell irregardless if my parents take it or not. It was already coming...no special ordering took place.

Hope that helps, but really, I have my answer. It doesn't sound like they are "in too deep."

rroyce10 · April 2002

..... No they will not be made to take the vehicle ... l.o.l....

But, based on some possible variables .. they could loose some or all of their downpayment .. that's all I was trying to find out ..

But, have a nice weekend .. and enjoy it, if it all comes together. I have been to Vancouver a few times, it's one of my all time favorites ..!

Terry.

isellhondas · April 2002

I only tried to give you an answer based on the limited information you gave us.

I didn't try to imply anything in your case.

I did say what sometimes happens.

In your case, it sounds like a case of buyer's remorse maybe.

You can "resent" whatever you choose to. It does sound like you did get your answer and that's what matters!

protege_fan · April 2002

The "resent" was not directed at you, but a previous post. To tell truth, I only wanted some opinions. Perhaps it is buyer's remorse...I don't know, I'm not buying the car.

I understand the information was limited. Sorry for that, but I felt that only so much info was necessary.

I do appreciate the input Isell...thanks again.

rbrenton88 · April 2002

Dear Sirs,

"Irregardless" is a violation of Edmund's grammar policy. The correct terms are either "regardless" or "irrespective". Please make a note of it.

Have a nice day,
-The Grammarian

protege_fan · April 2002

From M-W.com

Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
Date: circa 1912
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

rbrenton88 · April 2002

The Grammarian maintains that it is a double negative, thus not proper. Widespread, but incorrect, usage does not legitimize a word.

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

Usage Note: Irregardless is a word that many mistakenly believe to be correct usage in formal style, when in fact it is used chiefly in nonstandard speech or casual writing. Coined in the United States in the early 20th century, it has met with a blizzard of condemnation for being an improper yoking of irrespective and regardless and for the logical absurdity of combining the negative ir- prefix and -less suffix in a single term. Although one might reasonably argue that it is no different from words with redundant affixes like debone and unravel, it has been considered a blunder for decades and will probably continue to be so.

The Grammarian is also just poking fun.

protege_fan · April 2002

Understood

"...in fact it is used chiefly in nonstandard speech or casual writing."

I'd consider these forums casual writing. You're right though, I should have used regardless or irrespective. I ain't gonna make that mistake again.

lancerfixer · April 2002

Careful; more than one grammarian patrols these boards. You might make our heads collectively explode with statements like, "ain't gonna."

:-)

protege_fan · April 2002

You mean I didn't make your heads explode with that?? Dang...must try harder! LOL!

lancerfixer · April 2002

Please-- you're posting at Edmunds. I've read far worse than that here and have thus far remained cranially intact.

:-)

protege_fan · April 2002

LOL.

kkollwitz · April 2002

Recent postings regarding irregardless are not unmeaningless. What do you car dealers think?

agt_cooper · April 2002

You know all those evil car dealers will want to add extended warranties these bastardized words, irregardless of whether you want them or not. Then they're gonna insist that you pay a premium interest rate for the right to legitimize this nonstandard speech.

But just wait till you try to trade in these words...oh my!!! You ain't gonna get what you paid for 'em, no sirree!!! You see, they have this "dealer's only" dictionary that tells them what your mangled words are really worth, irregardless of what you've seen on the the NADA's (National American Dictionary Association) website.

Once again, it's all a big conspiracy, and the dealers are right in the middle!!!

mpyne · April 2002

I assume (hopefully) that dealers who work with carsdirect.com still make a profit. My question is is that dealer going to make an effort to win your business when it comes to service etc???

mustangron · April 2002

I have just ordered a 2002 Z71 4WD with 8 way heated seats, rear liftgate, and block heater. My invoice is 35,193 from all internet sites. The dealer said he would give it to me at invoice plus advertizing fees and TT&L, and any rebates or offers available at the time my SUV is delivered. Are there any other charges I should be ready to see on the invoice sheet and be aware of. I think invoice is a great deal for me and the dealer and I don't want to be a problem buyer. I just don't want stuff to show up that I don't know is a legitimate cost and then getting into a discussion about it. Is doc fee a legitimate fee and Flooring charge, and delivery and handling. I think they are part of doing business and delivery is covered by destination fee of $730. Just want to find the truth.

pohsyb · April 2002

This ain't no unsenseless post, it beats your triple negative with a quadruple negative ; )

rroyce10 · April 2002

...... All the charges off the invoice are legit .. even the zone or regional Ad fee's.

a Doc fee for $30/$40 is about standard .. and you have tire and battery tax, title and tag which run "around" $40 bucks --- Hey, if your buying the vehicle for FAC .. quite crying about a few legit charges. ..l..o..l...

Terry.

suvshopper4 · April 2002

Here in NJ a $125 doc fee is not uncommon. I've seen a couple recently that were pre-printed on the bill of sale - no waiving.

number42 · April 2002

A few months ago, the dealer asked for title, reg and tag at $150. He let me know that they charge the same for all vehicles and if it ends up being too much they refund the difference later.

Long story short: it was, they did. title tag and reg was about $110.

rroyce10 · April 2002

...... That's the way we do it at my stores .. this way there is no doubt on the cost of the work, runners, title time, etc. .. plus the customer is very happy when they get a check back for .. let's say $20/$30.

That in itself, will guarantee a loyal customer and a referral.

Terry.

number42 · April 2002

I could however, see that some might be put off by it. In my case, I had already calculated it out to the number it ended up being. I guess the way a customer reacts to that depends on the relationship they have with the dealer.

rroyce10 · April 2002

....... There is a little more to it, than the state cost of the paper work... l..o..l...

I have to send runners, I pay their fuel cost, time, Ins and most times there driving one of my vehicles with a dealer tag -- which of course opens me up to a HUGE potential of liability if an accident acures ...

So, when you have this all figured out .. please let me know and I will pass it along -- l..o..l....

Terry.

mustangron · April 2002

Why if you order a car does the manufacturer only give offer available at the time of delivery. If I walk into Target and they have a sale on and dont have the item in stock (like a dealer that doesn't have what I need) and have to order it, I get a rain check that gives me the current price even if it takes 6 weeks (funny, same time of most car orders) to come in.

mustangron · April 2002

CarMan@Edmunds · May 2002

Mustangron, unfortunately that is just the way that the auto industry works. Manufacturers will only allow consumers to take advantage of the incentives that are available on a particular vehicle at the time that they take delivery of it.

Your second question, "What does the May incentives look like?," is fairly vague. If you could be a little more specific about what vehicles you are interested in I think that we would be better able to give you an idea of what their May incentives programs should look like.

Car_man
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