Dealer Wars
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
Dealer Wars
List, two weeks ago I placed a deposit for a new c-coupe at Laguna Niguel.
I originally test drove the coupe at my bay area local dealer in November. The saleswoman told me they had no room for negotiation on the price. She called back a couple of times before I made a deal with Laguna Niguel.
I have since told her we placed a deposit and were offered 700 over invoice. She has not accepted this and is upset we test drove the car with her, only to buy somewhere else for less money.
She is asking for a copy of our purchase agreement and says she will match it and get the car by middle of February rather than my expected delivery of end of March.
Last Sunday was the second time she called, since I told her I am buying from Laguna Niguel.
What do you guys think? If my local dealer can NOW get a better deal and sooner, should I give in or do you think this is dirty business and I should keep away?
Nathan
I originally test drove the coupe at my bay area local dealer in November. The saleswoman told me they had no room for negotiation on the price. She called back a couple of times before I made a deal with Laguna Niguel.
I have since told her we placed a deposit and were offered 700 over invoice. She has not accepted this and is upset we test drove the car with her, only to buy somewhere else for less money.
She is asking for a copy of our purchase agreement and says she will match it and get the car by middle of February rather than my expected delivery of end of March.
Last Sunday was the second time she called, since I told her I am buying from Laguna Niguel.
What do you guys think? If my local dealer can NOW get a better deal and sooner, should I give in or do you think this is dirty business and I should keep away?
Nathan
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If it's what you want, get all the promises in writing and tell them Laguna was throwing in a changer.
Dealers are dealers remember your not there to make friends.
One salesman tried to tell me his lifestory. I told him I really didn't care that his wife left him. :p
Dealers are dealers remember your not there to make friends.
One salesman tried to tell me his lifestory. I told him I really didn't care that his wife left him. :p
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
She wants to see what they offered in writing before she will offer anything concrete.
That is partly why I am so sceptical.
I also thought I might speak to Laguna Niguel and ask how my local dealer can promise me the car for Mid febuary.
Nathan
That is partly why I am so sceptical.
I also thought I might speak to Laguna Niguel and ask how my local dealer can promise me the car for Mid febuary.
Nathan
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Just on general principles, I wouldn't give a reward to a dealer that wasn't honest with you.
Of course, in the real world, if you can get the car cheaper for the same price, it might be worth it.
As people here know, I tend to get up on my soapbox, so I would go with the deal that you have now. I wouldn't have a warm, mushy feeling about a sales rep that needed a cow prod to give you a fair price. I'd also question what kind of trust you could have with her, and you can't assume that she'll be upfront with you now, based on your previous contact with her. Did she say how she could get a car that much earlier? Can she guarantee the time of delivery? Is it the exact car that you want? If it's middle of Feb. delivery, the car must be made already. Ask her for the printout from their system of the car, and its current status code. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Of course, in the real world, if you can get the car cheaper for the same price, it might be worth it.
As people here know, I tend to get up on my soapbox, so I would go with the deal that you have now. I wouldn't have a warm, mushy feeling about a sales rep that needed a cow prod to give you a fair price. I'd also question what kind of trust you could have with her, and you can't assume that she'll be upfront with you now, based on your previous contact with her. Did she say how she could get a car that much earlier? Can she guarantee the time of delivery? Is it the exact car that you want? If it's middle of Feb. delivery, the car must be made already. Ask her for the printout from their system of the car, and its current status code. Be afraid, be very afraid.
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From: CT
If the local dealer will meet the price, go with them. They did do the work of showing the car and they might be more motivated to keep you happy after sale if you buy from them. I always price shop out of town and then give the local dealer a chance to meet the best price (which has only happened in 1 of 6 car purchases). Be sure you are comparing "out the door" prices, since dealer prep/document prep/advertising coop fees can vary.
Thread Starter
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
I still have not given her the purchase order to play with, so nothing is yet in writing from her, but she is offering to get the exact match with factory leather.
Nathan
Nathan
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From: CT
I want to second Tommy's advice: get everything in writing, including copy of delivery/order/build info.
I don't like the dealers demand for a copy of your paperwork from Laguna Niguel. That is a clever ploy to put you on the defensive about trust. After all, you are buying and they are selling. My suggestion is to give them a call and tell them "I am buying a car for $xx out the door. I want only a yes or no answer about whether you will sell me a car for that price. If yes, fax me a copy of a sales contract and I will fax it back with a charge card authorization". Don't let them make you work too hard--leave them the option of only saying Yes of No.
I don't like the dealers demand for a copy of your paperwork from Laguna Niguel. That is a clever ploy to put you on the defensive about trust. After all, you are buying and they are selling. My suggestion is to give them a call and tell them "I am buying a car for $xx out the door. I want only a yes or no answer about whether you will sell me a car for that price. If yes, fax me a copy of a sales contract and I will fax it back with a charge card authorization". Don't let them make you work too hard--leave them the option of only saying Yes of No.
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
I got the full out of the door charges in the P/O from Laguna Niguel. Even though they assuered me they do not play games like that.
I have to say I am somewhere in between lack of trust and wanting a local dealer. Her justifications for buying from them, included the whole service stuff and what if laguna Niguel mess up my order.
I am thinking I will at least call Laguna Niguel and tell them what I am being offered. I am a bit worried I might end up with a mess if they think I am playing games with them.
Nathan
I have to say I am somewhere in between lack of trust and wanting a local dealer. Her justifications for buying from them, included the whole service stuff and what if laguna Niguel mess up my order.
I am thinking I will at least call Laguna Niguel and tell them what I am being offered. I am a bit worried I might end up with a mess if they think I am playing games with them.
Nathan
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
I wouldn't use the local dealer because they were not honest with you. They claimed "no room to negotiate". I'm not a fan of the dealer games so when I ask for best price, I only give them one chance. I did that with LN and they were the lowest so I bought there.
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I agree with tommy. Not only get the status codes, but insist on the VIN number. Any car that can be delivered in mid-Feb is not only built, but on the water. Get it all in writing. How hard will it be to get your deposit back from MB of Laguna Nigel?
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
I tend to agree w/ the majority -- stick with the deal you've already made. Too bad that the saleswoman spent time w/ you and a test drive. That's her job. If she can't satisfy your price point and someone else does, that's her and her dealer's problem. There's no guarantee that anyone will buy a car from someone who helps them. I'm not sure you want to jump back and forth at this point. You got the deal you were looking for, and if you change now and something else screws up, Laguna won't be very happy if you weasle out of this deal and try to come back later.
Many times I've come down to signing papers and the deal falls through due to price. I've gone to another dealer (although also local), and worked out the deal. Then a few days later, the manager from the first place calls and I say "too bad, I already bought it". Let them realize that there is competition out there! Good luck w/ your decision.
Many times I've come down to signing papers and the deal falls through due to price. I've gone to another dealer (although also local), and worked out the deal. Then a few days later, the manager from the first place calls and I say "too bad, I already bought it". Let them realize that there is competition out there! Good luck w/ your decision.
Thread Starter
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
Dealer Wars Part 2
Can't reply so I started a new thread.
I think I agree with you Mark. I really have found Laguna to be easy to deal with. I called them last week and asked to add rubber car mats, they said they would give them to me but third party see through mats would look better and to try there also.
I think it would be a lot easier to buy locally I think the sob story is dirty. I also think the lesson to this dealer might help others in future.
BUT Having spent so long deciding I am impatient to receive the car.
Do you guys think it is worth letting Laguna Niguel what I have been offered and question how they can get it sooner than them?
See if it prompts them to work harder to get the car sooner?
Nathan
I think I agree with you Mark. I really have found Laguna to be easy to deal with. I called them last week and asked to add rubber car mats, they said they would give them to me but third party see through mats would look better and to try there also.
I think it would be a lot easier to buy locally I think the sob story is dirty. I also think the lesson to this dealer might help others in future.
BUT Having spent so long deciding I am impatient to receive the car.
Do you guys think it is worth letting Laguna Niguel what I have been offered and question how they can get it sooner than them?
See if it prompts them to work harder to get the car sooner?
Nathan
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Originally posted by nboyd
I have to say I am somewhere in between lack of trust and wanting a local dealer.
I have to say I am somewhere in between lack of trust and wanting a local dealer.
Aside from this, I agree with tommy that you should stick with the dealer that made you the good offer. To heck with what the local saleslady thinks. She had her shot and took a pass.
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
I have to agree with the majority here as well. I would pass on the local dealer. They had their chance and lost it. This shows you how they may play in the future.
In my book, you only get one chance before I move on and I DON'T look back.
In my book, you only get one chance before I move on and I DON'T look back.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Re: Dealer Wars Part 2
Originally posted by nboyd
BUT Having spent so long deciding I am impatient to receive the car.
Do you guys think it is worth letting Laguna Niguel what I have been offered and question how they can get it sooner than them?
See if it prompts them to work harder to get the car sooner?
Nathan
BUT Having spent so long deciding I am impatient to receive the car.
Do you guys think it is worth letting Laguna Niguel what I have been offered and question how they can get it sooner than them?
See if it prompts them to work harder to get the car sooner?
Nathan
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
I would probably stick with the deal with Laguna Niguel. You local dealer should have at least offered to work with you on the price instead of shut you out and said no room for negotiation. Then now she realizes you are a smart shopper and want your business back, however still not trusting you and want you to prove with the paperwork from your deal with Laguna Niguel.
I really don't like it when they pressure me to prove myself when I am the one who is spending the money here. The saleswoman should be able to either match it or not according to her margin.
I really don't like it when they pressure me to prove myself when I am the one who is spending the money here. The saleswoman should be able to either match it or not according to her margin.
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
I had a similar situation. My local dealer made it clear there was no room for negotiation. Then MB of Clearwater offered me a very good deal. Then local dealer offered to match it. But when I went in, they starting playing games with delivery fees and other tactics. I went right back to MB of Clearwater and ordered my car there.
I'm SURE that the local dealer would have met the price, they were within $200 and wanting to talk more. But why should I reward that classical used-car salesmen mentality? These are Benz they are selling, not Kias. So I'm sticking to MB of Clearwater and rewarding the dealer who gave me no hassle, no pressure, and a great price from day one.
So my recommendation is stick to Laguna. They earned your business. You can still get service locally.
I'm SURE that the local dealer would have met the price, they were within $200 and wanting to talk more. But why should I reward that classical used-car salesmen mentality? These are Benz they are selling, not Kias. So I'm sticking to MB of Clearwater and rewarding the dealer who gave me no hassle, no pressure, and a great price from day one.
So my recommendation is stick to Laguna. They earned your business. You can still get service locally.
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From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
as everyone said.... why reward someone that shut you out to begin with, and now is being shady and distrustful with your hard earned money??
LN offered you a good deal, a realistic delivery date, and no games. why should you repay their honesty towards you with a bunch of BS???
greg
LN offered you a good deal, a realistic delivery date, and no games. why should you repay their honesty towards you with a bunch of BS???
greg
