How slimy do dealers get?

[rbattelle]

Beginning this weekend I'll be shopping for a dealer for my '03. I'm placing an order for one (even if they had the exact truck I want on the lot I'd still order), which means there will be a couple months (or more) between the time I place the order and the time I sign the paperwork and take delivery (and begin paying for it).



I don't have much experience with this sort of thing, and I was wondering what the chances are that the price I negotiate at ordering time might be suddenly increased at delivery time. Like the truck arrives and I go in to sign the paperwork and suddenly "gee, we don't recall agreeing to invoice price for this vehicle!". Or "we don't remember agreeing to pay you $3000 for your trade, but we'll give you $500!".



Has this ever happened to anyone?

 

[Steve G]

Find a dealer that is known to be good. I'm sure that someone on this board knows one in your area. When you order get everything in writing... Invoice, trade etc. Some dealers may ask you to make a deposit on the order, but I'm not sure of that since mine never did. I knew exactly what I would pay for the truck when I ordered it. The only thing I didn't know for sure was the rebates as I was told that they only apply at time of delivery.



Steve

 

[klenger]

Get the deal all on paper, including trade-in, dealer prep and handleing, tax, etc. If you are buying at dealer invoice +/- $x. xx, and the dealer invoice changes from Dodge, be prepared to pay the difference. That's expected. If the dealer doesn't honor the deal written on paper, then it's time to use Prepaid Legal.

 

[Dean Upson]

Run, don't walk away from any dealer that does not give you a deal in writing. Have your ducks in a row when you go to the dealer; know exactly what you want and what the invoice price is, know what your truck is worth if you sell it privately or what the dealer will offer you. If your present vehicle is in good shape or if you have a buyer, you will always make out better if you sell it on your own. The dealer is in business and will make profit from your trade or off the new vehicle, you will not get it both ways. Your present vehicle probably isn't worth what you think it is. Beware of add ons, refuse any undercoating, Simonize, Tefelon etc, they are, for the most part a rip off and high profit items for the dealer. If you want any accessories added by the dealer, i. e running boards, etc, get a written statement what the installed price will be. Often you can get these items at a better price when you are buying the vehicle. Check out the service department. Talk to the service manager and ask to see the shop facilities. You can get a pretty good read on the place, just by obseving the service operation. Ask about the dealership if you are not familiar with them. Within reason, low price, often is not the best price. Some of the low price dealers are low rent as well. Get your price with all the taxes and fees. That can be a nasty surprise when you pay up. If you get a service contract, they can come down quite a bit on the price, and be sure to purchase one from DC if you decide to go that way.



Dean

 

[Bill Stockard]

Hey SteveG,



Got your '03 yet?



Do you want me to go look in the BNSF intermodel terminal at Aliance Airport?



Bill

 

[rbattelle]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[radar doctor]

Advice

This sounds like good advice to me and thanks to you guy's for sharing it. I will be ordering one of these days. I'd like to see a post of the guy's that bought new 03 and lthey list what the money (Difference) was, Cash or Trade?? It would be interesting... .

 

[Steve G]

Bill,

Got it

See ya at the meeting.



Steve

 

[DCM554]

I just used CarsDirect this week with their local dealer contact. Ordered from dealer for $100 over invoice. CarDirect internet quote was like $130 over. Deal took less than 1 Hour, very easy.

 

[KL]

As several peole mentioned earlier, get everything in writing. But have someone higher up then the salesperson sign it (sales manager , owner etc). A few years ago, I decided to read all the fine print on a sales contract and it said it was void if only a salesperson signed it.



When I got my 02, I tried Autobytel.com (spelling ???). They offered a new truck at invoice and you kept the rebates. But I got the same deal at a small town dealer which was 30 minutes closer to home, so I went with the small dealer. Good luck. KL