My dealer horror story
#42
Racer
Yeah the $50 gift card is generous.
A year ago I was going to buy a Volvo S40 instead of a TSX. The lone dealer with a used T5 was roughly 250 miles away so I drove down and took a look. I made an appointment, and the first day I was there they told me the car was unavailable and that they had forgotten about my appointment. I was livid. They promised to have the car ready to go 2 days later (I was in town for some other business as well) and I went and looked at it. I had the car inspected, cleared, and had the check ready. Then we couldn't agree on price and I walked away after making several reasonable offers (near blue book and what comparable S40s were listed for, less a small discount), completely empty handed.
I would have taken the $50 gift card and run in that situation. The dealer didn't offer me anything except a "well, thanks but no thanks" until they called me 3 months later offering to sell me the same S40.
A year ago I was going to buy a Volvo S40 instead of a TSX. The lone dealer with a used T5 was roughly 250 miles away so I drove down and took a look. I made an appointment, and the first day I was there they told me the car was unavailable and that they had forgotten about my appointment. I was livid. They promised to have the car ready to go 2 days later (I was in town for some other business as well) and I went and looked at it. I had the car inspected, cleared, and had the check ready. Then we couldn't agree on price and I walked away after making several reasonable offers (near blue book and what comparable S40s were listed for, less a small discount), completely empty handed.
I would have taken the $50 gift card and run in that situation. The dealer didn't offer me anything except a "well, thanks but no thanks" until they called me 3 months later offering to sell me the same S40.
#43
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 32
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I think OP's over it by now, guys.
#45
2016 Acura TLX
$50 is more than what I would have offered if I were the dealer. It's not like you paid for the car and they made you take it home. Seems like they're a pretty nice dealer for offering a reimbursement for gas.
#46
That would be correct.
The follow up to this story, is that the owner called me personally and apologized about the situation. Although he stated basically that his employees dropped the ball on that one, he did note that the price of the car was because of the shape it was in (which was what many of you have said). He agreed to drive the car himself to see if anything else was wrong with it. Regardless, he stated that he would have rather offered that car to someone locally than for someone who traveled out of state for it.
All in all, he agreed to reimburse my gas expense.
The follow up to this story, is that the owner called me personally and apologized about the situation. Although he stated basically that his employees dropped the ball on that one, he did note that the price of the car was because of the shape it was in (which was what many of you have said). He agreed to drive the car himself to see if anything else was wrong with it. Regardless, he stated that he would have rather offered that car to someone locally than for someone who traveled out of state for it.
All in all, he agreed to reimburse my gas expense.
#47
אני עומד עם ישראל
^ wow doesn't sound like a bad dealer at all....
#48
Team Owner
yup... if i get 50 GC and gas reimbursment for every disappointing trip i have taken to car dealerships, i would be fkin rich by now...
#49
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
OP: Sounds like your "lesson" turned out pretty well. But I would not expect this in the future, maybe if you're buying new there will be some expectations. Good on you for being forthright with them and not getting into a pissing contest.
And the dealer does sound OK, just some piss poor salesmen and GM's.
And the dealer does sound OK, just some piss poor salesmen and GM's.
#51
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Should have taken the gift card.. you weren't the first and you wont be the last. I've driven 2 hours to see cars that were sold days before even though the salesman said they had it on the lot after several phone calls.
#52
Three Wheelin'
Business is business. Dealers will do whatever it takes to sell cars, including pulling the carpet right from underneath you.
#53
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
How is 1.5 > 2? ..and it was pouring cats & dogs when I drove down.
I did go check out a 350Z on a Toyota lot. The salesman said he was holding out for a customer.. Said they didn't sell it or take a deposit but they were negotiating over the weekend. I told the fucking guy I'd buy it now. He said I'd have to wait.. teh fuck?
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IBankMouse
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