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[Timd32]

Bored so will post a long winded story of car buying since the whole world is crazy........


So I built my business on FCA, we have a small group of mini Van's, CUV's, SUV's. Mix in a couple 1500's and my 2500 gasser.

Been thru a bunch of sales and finance folks. Were pretty consistent 5-6 vehicles every 3 year or so.

We dont do trade in's, sometimes we have bought 5 at a clip with a check depending on rates of our line of credit vs the corporate banking rates.

I had a great commerical sales person for a few years at one dealership, he left, so I tracked him down, worked together again. He got sick and passed about 18mo ago. Was a great guy to deal with.

So I worked with that dealership on a small one off deal after he passed.

I needed to replace my personal family SUV it's a GM, so used a one off GM dealer for a one time.

Called on the phone the first Friday of the month, closed the deal and was driving by Monday AM. Hour and half all in at the dealership.

Well we had some stuff to clean up a week or so later, I forgot the way back seats of my trade, pick up plates, drop off something else.... I got a call from them asking if I had any other non GM in the house for the conquest rebate, they took my 96-2500 info and that was too old. I did not. There was another rebate they gave like a education thing that I did not qualify for. So like $6k in rebates they never checked, deal.was closed I made out pretty well.

The sales person was a newbie, was their first 2 weeks, which was fine because I called it in, it went to the internet desk and they gave it to the newbie who was not on commission yet so nothing wrong with the sales person. But I'm sure an experienced sales person would have been a second layer of protection for these kind of things.

I needed a few work vehicles so I worked it out that, hey give me some decent pricing on some work stuff, wont make up for the loss but you can move a few units.

Well 2 turned into 3 turned into 4, so all in 2019 we moved 5 deals thru GM, they were all OK, rebates were good, prices were good, deals were accurate, finance was on track. All is good. Same newbie sales, same finance, and Mgr. was a nice guy.

So last deal was like Aug 2019, had nothing for Q4. All quiet. They called and asked if I could take something for Dec I could not since we have employee bonuses to give. Said Q1 most likely could take 1.

Fast forward to mid Fed 2020, I get an "orphan customer" email that the sales person is gone and I have a new person who wants me to stop in and visit. I never replied. I'm not near the dealership and no time to chat really.

So March rolls around, I have a new hire for April 6th, I figure no brainers go to the new sales person normal deal, I pick 3 trucks they run rebates 2 were chevy 1 GMC let them decide what works for them and provide me the pricing and could they check the rates since the market just tanked figure rates should be lower then where we were 2019.

It was like a magic 8 ball response.

"Reply Hazy", I needed to stop in talk it over, can't give rates with out finance, I asked him to talk to the finance guy I did the past deals with, well he's gone to.another one of their dealerships.

I say fine, send pricing for the 3.

Basically they did like -$100 off the internet price no breakdown on the exact rebates and still need to stop and and take a look.

That's what got us in trouble on my personal deal they were shady on the rebates and got burned.

So I took the pricing said thanks I'm waiting to hear back from FCA dealer on Ram 1500s. Will get back to you.

Just a quick review of my preferred dealer, FCA had more truck for less $ on their internet pricing, they usually can beat that pricing.

Sent them an email reminded them who I was since it was about 13 months with no sales. They will work up.some numbers Monday and let me know.

So might be getting into another v6 1500 Ram classic, will see how it shakes out Monday.

It's odd how GM was in this case, I'm not surprised as they are my 4th overall dealer.

Just sucks to have to keep starting over and cant just get good pricing with out a bunch of run around. By no way are we a large customer just figured would not have to haggle on every deal.

I have a GM and FCA dealer less then .5 miles from me and I wont buy from either of them.

The GM flips the owner every 2 to 3 years had 3 names in past 7 years.

The FCA is a mess personnel wise they we dont agree on financing and basic business practices, like when I sign for a VIN and the deal is done and I come with a check and they say its $700 more, and I find out they sold my VIN and swapped with a new one, that had one extra option, I already had insurance on that VIN. None of that bothered them. So wont deal there.

I'm losing no sleep over this I could really care less it's just a white truck..

Will see where it goes.

 

[TFucili]

It is a shame the way the industry works. We are currently car shopping for my wife. I have bought a ton of vehicles over the years, and even still, the slime that oozes out of most sales managers and general managers is appalling, even after forewarning them not to play from their script. Yesterday, one was literally playing the shell game with the numbers. It finally got heated, and we walked. I felt like I had to take a shower when I got home.

 

[jhenderson]

We just upgraded Jackie’s 04 Grand Cherokee to a 17. We bought it from a large, multi line dealer about an hr away in Ma. They sell all their used vehicles through a single venue. They were competitive on finance so we agreed to go through them rather than our own credit union. They tried to set us up with Wells Fargo. When I told the financial guy I’d walk before giving the country’s dirtiest bank a nickel he looked at me like I had 2 heads. He did provide a reputable lender at the same rate to keep the sale but he wasn’t happy about it. I’m sure his kickback from WF was much better. They also botched the insurance side of things. We left them our company, agency, and representatives names and our policy number. The next day they left 3 messages telling us WE had to provide a binder for them to register the new Grand Cherokee. When I called them back and told them they had all the info to call our agent they said that was our responsibility. When I asked why they demanded my ins info if they weren’t going to handle things it got very quiet. When we picked up the vehicle there was no ins paperwork with the registration as is required by law. I spent 10 minutes straightening that out. In 40 years of buying this was the first time a dealer didn’t call my agent and put all the ducks in a row. Most dealers could up their game by spending a day in a customer satisfaction seminar from Mike Wilson

 

[RVTRKN]

I had a great salesman and finanace manager at the old Dodge dealer in Whittier CA. before it closed in 2002. I found the salesman at Frahm Dodge In Norco CA. I bought two trucks from him, my 04.5 and 07 C&C. They sold the dealership to a slimy conglomerate dealer, "Browning". That corporation chased off all the expert techs that I relied on and could trust. Moving forward to my new home and State in Las Vegas, I couldn't find a good Toyota dealer and was forced to go back to Comifornia to purchase my 2018 Highlander. The dealers here in Vegas are mostly crooked and you need to be on your game. I did find a decent Dodge dealer for my 2019 CTD, but went to all the dealers in Vegas to chose the best one. I seem to be building a relationship with the personel at Towbin Dodge, but I'm still cautious when I there. They were great to work a deal with, and after I'm through with the deal, then the wife works her magic to squeeze out any more on the deal. Overall I'm very happy with Towbin Dodge. I do my homework first, knowing pricing for all trim levels and options, then talk money. The biggest NO NO, negotiate payment first. If I were to buy in bulk (several at a time) I would do my homework on finding the best fleet manager for X brand, and then purchase.

 

[Timd32]

Finance is always my first stop, that's what annoys them I think.

I know the vehicles in and out, what's the rates, rebates and payments. It's really simple to calculate that out,we dont always get the best of the best rates, but our D&B report is flawless and very complete.

I'm pretty certain not going to replace Woody ever he was one of a kind, would come to my office and have me sign all the papers and would even deliver the vehicles if needed. The dealers and other sales people I got the feeling really hated that. It never bothered him a bit, it was a great way to make a sale, 5min stop in need anything, yes, he would come back in a few days with pricing, then all the paperwork.

I dont expect that from these folks. Just some fair, real pricing.

I wrote up a decent email to the FCA guy, if he is slow and wants to figure it out he has the option.

As it stands the GM regular cab V6, stripped except PW and PL, was same price as, RAM 1500 V6 Crew Cab same options, (chrome package, which I dont want) but it has it, better tires as well.

They also had one of the 1500s that your hear about FCA forced certain dealer to put in to their rental fleet, less then 5k mi, decent package crew cab, was same price as a completely stripped GM manual everything,std cab.

I actually want a standard cab base model for this one, but might have to settle for a crew cab.

I don't want the workers to have the extra room to put family members in, when you have the room its tempting to throw the family in the work truck. It happens, but really should be for work only.

Right now I'm in the one at a time range of vehicles, but yeah if I have to do multiples will have no choice but to shop a large fleet place.

I have 5, 2016s that will be due next year, so will have to keep an eye out.

I had a dealer do the DIY insurance thing that was annoying.

Also bought 5 at a time and between the 5 of them I dont think I could drain all 5 and fill one full tank. Another reason I dont shop across the street. I don't expect a full tank, but atleast dont sell me 5 with the fuel light on all of them. That's a dealer prep issue, not a sales issue, but it all adds up to business pride.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Tim Tim Tim.............don't you know that car salesman have no souls!?!!!? They'd lie to their mother if it meant a sale. It's like addicted gamblers, they always have a "System"!

 

[Timd32]

Yet all dogs go to Heaven....

FCA got back, said internet rules, rock bottom is their online pricing.

So it's good to know.

He also said they have cars going out today and then nothing on the books for the rest of the week and expect the next 2-4 week to be pretty bad.

I have an 18 promaster city and an 16 caravan sitting, so I might just hold tight as well.

My plan is to re-route the Promaster city to Dallas, then a 1500 from Dallas to Portland.

But yeah he said everything is crazy right now.

 

[wyosteve]

Wow, I shuddered reading your experiences. I just closed a deal this morning for a 2019 Power Wagon. Bought from same dealership and sales rep/manager as my 2015 and 2018. Spent roughly 1 hr. total back and forth emails and we're done. Previous 2 trucks were done the same way. Sent info and pics on my trades and they priced fairly. They know I give them the straight details on my trades. Pick the new one up Tuesday. Guess my 2018 CTD will put even fewer miles on it now.

 

[endoscott]

Dave Smith was awesome to deal with on our 2014. No dicking around, did it all by phone and email, and they flew me over to pick it up. Any add ons like Bedliners or hitches, tire and wheel swaps, etc they do right there with fair pricing. Planning on a new one in 2021 or 22 if our retirement $ is not gone and will see if they are still good.

 

[SnoKing]

Dave Smith was awesome to deal with on our 2014. No dicking around, did it all by phone and email, and they flew me over to pick it up. Any add ons like Bedliners or hitches, tire and wheel swaps, etc they do right there with fair pricing. Planning on a new one in 2021 or 22 if our retirement $ is not gone and will see if they are still good.

Dave Smith Motors has sold since then, and people say the deals are not as good anymore and recommend Dennis Dillon in Boise, Id.

 

[RVTRKN]

Dave Smith was not as good to me, I know of them through this site, as the praise goes here. I called several times because the person on chat was not relaying the info. When I finally called and talked to a salesman, he sent me quotes on trucks I didn't want. After two or three conversations, I finally got a quote that worked, but then negotiating the trade was even worse, I gave up. I found my 2019 at a Local dealer and got a great deal, after all the BS with Dave smith, I never called back to see if they would beat the price.

 

[Timd32]

I punted, in process of moving a 18 promaster city to dallas,and then outfitting a 17 1500 with an ARE cap with rear doors and that's off to Portland,OR.

If any transport folks want some work let me know.

All dealers closed, DMV closed in NJ for sales.

 

[AnonEd]

@Timd32. Recently read in a trade book about GM's rebate system that even dealers have trouble with...it listed something like 30 possible rebate/incentives on just one particular vehicle. Not making excuses and FCA may be in the same boat. I get no "loyalty" bonus (last new purchase was 2004) so dealer #1 said ya gotta come in, refused to accept their emailed number and bored me for an hour. Dealer #2 listened and I was out in 20 minutes.

 

[Timd32]

@Timd32. Recently read in a trade book about GM's rebate system that even dealers have trouble with...it listed something like 30 possible rebate/incentives on just one particular vehicle. Not making excuses and FCA may be in the same boat. I get no "loyalty" bonus (last new purchase was 2004) so dealer #1 said ya gotta come in, refused to accept their emailed number and bored me for an hour. Dealer #2 listened and I was out in 20 minutes.

Interesting.

I have one right next to my shop FCA and GM, won't ever go back to the FCA unless they rotate a bunch of folks out of there.

The GM is brand new owner again and looks to have decent stock finally only took 6 months. I could try them, it's so close I could stop in and waste 30 min.

The GM dealer I've been using has no commercial rebates for the decals and upfitting that FCA always had something for that in the past.

What business person has time to go haggle over a stripped out Colorado or a V6 Ram.