Call from the dealer- not good, I am PISSED.

Specialanthony · Jun 4, 2007

Ok so, we sign for this thing sight unseen, and it's supposedly getting transferred to us today, with us to call around 2pm to see the status. Supposedly, what we bought never existed?!?!? It was listed in the inventory drop ship but never showed up? Something's not right.

So the dealer apparently (and magically I might add) found the same exact spec'd Patriot and are going to be getting this one instead. I'm waiting to hear back the status if that's true or not. Our deal is supposed to stay the same.

At this point, I don't know what to think. We certainly aren't buying anything they don't have on their lot, for us to see in person, before we sign off on anything- obviously the vins will be different, negating the deal we made. AND they will be flatbedding whatever they find. No additional miles will be put on it, Freaking A this blows.

srothfuss · Jun 4, 2007

Man, totally sorry to hear about the run-around. I might offer: maybe the vehicle you picked out from the computer screen had already been sent to another person right before you signed the deal?

Specialanthony · Jun 4, 2007

Not sure. If that were the case, why wouldn't the dealer tell me that instead of the run around about it not really being in inventory? You'd think they'd have someone physically check to see if it was there on the lot.

silvermike · Jun 4, 2007

Why don't you plug the VIN for the one you were supposed to get to see if it has any recalls. That will tell you if it existed. You can also send in a question to customer service to ask build information and/or feature information. Will take a day to get a response. That will tell you if the car existed as presented to you.

Specialanthony · Jun 4, 2007

Vin's at home, but thanks, that's a good idea.

silvermike · Jun 4, 2007

...and if it did you can ask how it got lost on the way there. Hey you can probably find out which dealer it was shipped to. May make for some interesting conversations.

tcperconti · Jun 4, 2007

silvermike said:
...and if it did you can ask how it got lost on the way there. Hey you can probably find out which dealer it was shipped to. May make for some interesting conversations.

Absolutely. My initial reaction is that the salesman was able to work out a more lucrative deal for it elsewhere and simply told a tale to explain it away.

The thing to keep in mind is that in spite of what a salesman may imply, they have a lot of experience with selling and ordering vehicles. Don't fall for the "bungling fool" routine. Yeah, like a salesman has to get "check with his boss" 3 -4 times in order to close a deal. Or they are unsure of how to find out such-n-such. They act like the vehicle they are selling to you is the first one they've ever sold. Don't fall for it!

silvermike is right on. Do a little investigation. Catching a salesman in a lie is a powerful negotiating tool.
- - - - - - - - -
It reminds me of the time that I was working a deal to buy a new 1991 Caprice Station Wagon. I repeatedly told the salesman that if he gave me the best price that he could and it beat the lowest price that I already had, that I would buy it on the spot. After the "gotta see the boss" dance, he finally gave me a figure.

I asked him, "is the your best price?" He confirmed it. I asked again, "Are you sure?" "Yes, my boss said that this is the absolute lowest we can go." It turned out to be $400 higher than the price I obtained from a competitor.

I thanked the salesman for his effort in trying to get the lowest price and told him that his price is not lower than one I already obtained. I stood up and began to walk out.....

SALESMAN: "So what price did you get and where did you get it?"
ME: "What difference does that make to you?"
SALESMAN: "Well, aren't you going to give us a chance to beat it?"
ME: "Why? I asked you for your best price. You gave me a price. I asked you if you were sure it was your best and you said that it was. Are you telling me that this price ISN'T your best price?!"
SALESMAN: "Well, there's always room for negotiation."
ME: "So you lied when you said that you couldn't go lower on the price?"
SALESMAN: "Ummm, well... lie is a strong word."
ME: "It may be strong but it is accurate. I'm sorry that you couldn't be honest with me... have a nice day."

<< I walk to my car ... the salesman and "boss" literally run out to meet up with me >>

BOSS: "Sir, please wait. 'salesman' misunderstood what I told him about that being our lowest price! Give us a chance to make an acceptable deal."
ME: "Well... ok... but just one more offer."

<< return to the office... received a price that ended up being $250 lower than that low offer I had >>

Bunch of lying snakes the lot of them!

silvermike · Jun 4, 2007

Hey tcperconti I walked out over a $50 difference in price. I told the dealer to close the deal or I walk out and get something else. Wouldn't do it. Next day they called back and said they would do it. Said sorry already bought another vehicle (we had).

jlteefey · Jun 5, 2007

I couldn't find a good thread to post my question on. When will the 2008 Patriots be available? We were just told yesterday that we couldn't order a 2007. At this point, my wife and I might just wait to pick up last years model when the new ones come out.

silvermike · Jun 5, 2007

Specialanthony, any updates?

jlteefey, There are a few posts on the 08s. Production is slated for Mid July with cutover at end of June. Not sure if you can still order an 07. In any case there are minimal changes. Good luck with getting an end of year clearance. There isn't an inventory of 07's out there.

Specialanthony · Jun 5, 2007

All the dealers we went to said order cutoff was right before Memorial day weekend.

Updates- I'm actually on the phone right now with DC lodging a complaint/getting more info on the Jeep we were sold. It is what it was supposed to be, the cust service rep just told me that it was in fact just sold- trying to find out when. If it was sold after we made the deal on Sat, things are looking even worse for my dealer!

As far as what the dealer is doing- he is still searching for a Marine Blue 5spd for me- 4x2 or 4x4, I don't care at this point. Still waiting to hear back.

jrott32 · Jun 5, 2007

well if it is any consolation i my dealer booked my patriot with the bank as if i hadn't payed my deposit. thank goodness i found it or i would have been paying an extra 1000 dollars! But i sure do hope you get everything worked out, i bet it is super stressful!

SMJPG2008 · Jun 5, 2007

Wow! Sorry your going through this hassle!! Keep everyone updated on what happens and of course what you get!!

Specialanthony · Jun 5, 2007

Well the DC rep was kind enough to call the dealer it was originally shipped/sold to. It apparently is still there, but at a sister lot. The rep gave me the sales manager's name and number, I just spoke with her and she is going to have the sister lot physically verify that it is there. However she said if my dealer never got permission from them to release it, basically all bets are off- but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

What's most amusing about this is that a 10min phone call that I made found out more info than the dealer has since Friday. If by chance my original deal is still valid and I can still get this Jeep- what options do I have now with my dealer who has lied and tried to screw us over? What would you guys do?

silvermike · Jun 5, 2007

Screw the bastard. The original dealer failed to deliver so you can negotiate with whomever you want. I personally would go to the other dealer and even for a little more would buy from them. Have no place in my universe for someone who cannot be truthful on the simple stuff.

Specialanthony · Jun 5, 2007

Problem is the other dealer is about 300 miles away, and I have an 8mo pregnant wife and 2year old. I agree with not wanting to deal with our current one, but why would the other dealer match or do better than the deal we currently have? I'm not about to pay more, it's not like we'll be returning to that dealer 300miles away for service or anything.

tcperconti · Jun 5, 2007

silvermike said:
Screw the bastard. The original dealer failed to deliver so you can negotiate with whomever you want. I personally would go to the other dealer and even for a little more would buy from them. Have no place in my universe for someone who cannot be truthful on the simple stuff.

I agree! I would go to that other dealer and buy it from them. If the dealership was sleazy enough to do what they did, you shouldn't expect them to deal honestly and fairly with you once they get a vehicle.

I don't remember but didn't they end up giving you a general amount for your trade-in? If so, then consider it bait-n-switch. Bait you with an attractive trade-in allowance, then pull the switch and give you a vehicle at THEIR convenience.

Specialanthony · Jun 5, 2007

That's what seems to be happening. But if I can nail them down with the latest info there's no way they can take us for anything or have any sort of upper hand. And going to another dealer may help us in getting the Jeep, but doesn't help us with the trade in price which is really what sealed the deal- they offered a grand more than anyone else. I'm holding them to it. The original deal was good financially, I just want my damn Jeep! Now there will be some extras thrown in to boot.

polka · Jun 5, 2007

If I were you, I would go above the salesman and see the manager or even the owner of the dealership. If you get no satisfaction from either of them, then I would file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Good Luck!!!

tjrenegade · Jun 5, 2007

Honestly I would walk away from the whole thing....find a decent dealer and order one. This obviously has caused you much anguish over a vehicle...is it really worth it....I know you are excitited and have your heart set on this vehicle but perhaps its time to cut your losses. I have been buying cars for 20 years and have seen every imaginable scam....you rearly have to be willing to walk away when the BS starts.
Anyway......Good Luck hope it all works out....

Call from the dealer- not good, I am PISSED.

Specialanthony

srothfuss

Specialanthony

silvermike

Specialanthony

silvermike

tcperconti

silvermike

jlteefey

silvermike

Specialanthony

jrott32

SMJPG2008

Specialanthony

silvermike

Specialanthony

tcperconti

Specialanthony

polka

tjrenegade

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities