Build to order questions
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
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From: Austin, TX
C230K, C2, C7
Build to order questions
This might be a dumb question, but here goes:
I talked to an out of town dealership today while shopping for prices on a C230K, and got a relatively good price from one. It would need to be built-to-order (production date in mid-Feb).
However, they were reluctant to fax over a statement confirming that they'd sell 'this car with these options for this price', explaining that they didn't want me to show some other dealership (which I could understand, I think...), and that "it's in the system, there's a comment about our agreed price on the entry in the computer."
Is this normal for build-to-order orders?
Should I say "forget it!" if they won't fax over a written statement? grr.
I talked to an out of town dealership today while shopping for prices on a C230K, and got a relatively good price from one. It would need to be built-to-order (production date in mid-Feb).
However, they were reluctant to fax over a statement confirming that they'd sell 'this car with these options for this price', explaining that they didn't want me to show some other dealership (which I could understand, I think...), and that "it's in the system, there's a comment about our agreed price on the entry in the computer."
Is this normal for build-to-order orders?
Should I say "forget it!" if they won't fax over a written statement? grr.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 92
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From: Albany NY
99 ml320, 2002 C230K
If you're giving them a credit card and putting a $1,000 deposit on it, then yes they should fax you a bill of sale (or sales contract) with the prices listed, showing your $1,000 deposit. If you're not giving them a deposit, then I can see their reluctance.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 92
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From: Albany NY
99 ml320, 2002 C230K
In that case you should demand a written price. Tell them to stop treating you like crap, that you've already put a deposit down and that you're not going to another dealer.
Then when they still balk, tell them you don't want the car if they won't put it in writing. They may tell you that it's too late because they've already taken your deposit. Tell them you'll have the charge card company reverse the charge because they are being shady and won't give you a written price on the car.
I didn't get the final price in writing until after the car came in and I ended up paying an extra $450 in BS fees (plus tax on those fees).
Then when they still balk, tell them you don't want the car if they won't put it in writing. They may tell you that it's too late because they've already taken your deposit. Tell them you'll have the charge card company reverse the charge because they are being shady and won't give you a written price on the car.
I didn't get the final price in writing until after the car came in and I ended up paying an extra $450 in BS fees (plus tax on those fees).
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
sketchy.
why would you give money to a dealership BEFORE you got the price in writing? you are now in a position you dont want to be in.
greg
why would you give money to a dealership BEFORE you got the price in writing? you are now in a position you dont want to be in.
greg
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 258
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From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
Laguna Niguel faxed a receipt for the deposit and put in writing the $700 over invoice price, with all of the fees including advertising, documentation, tax (for my sales tax area) and DMV.
I think you should just state you need to know the out of door cost and would like it in writing. My salesman said he could not give an exact price until he had the sticker price for my exact car, but he would provide the written breakdown I have explained.
Nathan
I think you should just state you need to know the out of door cost and would like it in writing. My salesman said he could not give an exact price until he had the sticker price for my exact car, but he would provide the written breakdown I have explained.
Nathan
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Herb Gordon MB in Maryland faxed me a complete price breakdown (as agreed, via email, in a very professional manner on their part), signed, with a phrase " ok to charge CC" written on it by hand, but they NEVER charged my CC!!! So, I ordered the car w/o paying a dime... Now that's what I call serious business... The car arrived sooner than expected, with every option that had been ordered.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
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From: Obama Land
K Car
It seems to me that they should have no problem giving you the price and breakdown in writting if they know that they're giving you the best deal. By saying what they did, they're basically telling you that you can go someplace else and get a better deal.
I would demand the deal in writing, and if they won't do it, take your business elsewhere!
I would demand the deal in writing, and if they won't do it, take your business elsewhere!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
If you haven't signed anything, then I don't know how you should expect them to print out anything on this mystical car that doesn't exist.
Bigger question: why would you need it? I don't see any reason for needing paperwork on a car that you haven't ordered.
You get the paperwork when you've agreed to a price, and signed on the dotted line to buy the car. Then, the dealer orders the car, and you get your papers.
Why you agreed to put down $500 on nothing I don't understand either.
What you should do is sh*t or get off the pot. If you want the car, sign the paperwork for the car, get the paperwork, and sit there as patiently as possible for 3 months. Otherwise, if it was a negotiating tool for other possible deals, then you're wasting this salesperson's time.
Unless I'm missing something that's not explained by your original post...
Bigger question: why would you need it? I don't see any reason for needing paperwork on a car that you haven't ordered.
You get the paperwork when you've agreed to a price, and signed on the dotted line to buy the car. Then, the dealer orders the car, and you get your papers.
Why you agreed to put down $500 on nothing I don't understand either.
What you should do is sh*t or get off the pot. If you want the car, sign the paperwork for the car, get the paperwork, and sit there as patiently as possible for 3 months. Otherwise, if it was a negotiating tool for other possible deals, then you're wasting this salesperson's time.
Unless I'm missing something that's not explained by your original post...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Texas - U.S.A.
camper shoes
hello, mhw
I'm in Austin as well. I'm going to buy the c230, but not for a month or so. I would like to keep in touch with you as you deal with the salesmen out here. Can you send me an e-mail? austinindian@hotmail.com
Thank you and good luck.
Thank you and good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Austin, TX
C230K, C2, C7
greg230 wrote:
tommy wrote:
Yes, so we agreed to a price, I wanted the paperwork, they didn't want me to wave the price around at other dealerships (well, figuratively - I'm in Austin where there's only one dealership), so I put a deposit down to indicate that I was serious, but then wasn't able to get written proof from them afterwards. So I've withdrawn that deposit, and am back to calling around.
revstriker wrote:
You're probably right. 
why would you give money to a dealership BEFORE you got the price in writing? you are now in a position you dont want to be in.
You get the paperwork when you've agreed to a price, and signed on the dotted line to buy the car. Then, the dealer orders the car, and you get your papers.
revstriker wrote:
It seems to me that they should have no problem giving you the price and breakdown in writting if they know that they're giving you the best deal. By saying what they did, they're basically telling you that you can go someplace else and get a better deal.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
its very simple:
they hand you a purchase order, you hand them a credit card.
if its not a 1 to 1 exchange, some is getting f'ed... and it isnt the dealer.
even MB of princeton, a total den of inequity follows the above rule.
greg
they hand you a purchase order, you hand them a credit card.
if its not a 1 to 1 exchange, some is getting f'ed... and it isnt the dealer.
even MB of princeton, a total den of inequity follows the above rule.
greg
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Joined: Nov 2001
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See Garage
I agree with the others that you should press for the agreement in writing (actually before you left the dealer). Once you offer your credit card as earnest money, they have an obligation to fix the out the door price of the car.
Really, I don't understand how you guys get yourselves into such a pickle. Not to pick on this particular thread, but this issue comes up time and again, and it's so needless.
Really, I don't understand how you guys get yourselves into such a pickle. Not to pick on this particular thread, but this issue comes up time and again, and it's so needless.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Originally posted by MB-BOB
it's so needless
it's so needless
MB-BOB hijacks another thread. What else should be expect from someone from the ultra-manly development of "Flower Mound". :p
Since you grew up in St. Louis, what's your unbiased prediction for the Super Bowl? I'll say Lambs by 10; but Marks will try an onside kick with 30 seconds left in the game, just because he's so Billeck-like in his arrogance.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
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See Garage
Originally posted by tommy
As needless as listing an automatic when describing your c320?
MB-BOB hijacks another thread. What else should be expect from someone from the ultra-manly development of "Flower Mound". :p
Since you grew up in St. Louis, what's your unbiased prediction for the Super Bowl? I'll say Lambs by 10; but Marks will try an onside kick with 30 seconds left in the game, just because he's so Billeck-like in his arrogance.
As needless as listing an automatic when describing your c320?
MB-BOB hijacks another thread. What else should be expect from someone from the ultra-manly development of "Flower Mound". :p
Since you grew up in St. Louis, what's your unbiased prediction for the Super Bowl? I'll say Lambs by 10; but Marks will try an onside kick with 30 seconds left in the game, just because he's so Billeck-like in his arrogance.
I don't like Marks either, but as Dizzie Dean once said, "It ain't braggin if you can do it." Besides, the team members do all the work, and they're not constantly getting arrested for selling drugs (like the Cowgirls). So, if the Rams are the "lambs" and the Cowboys are the "cowgirls," does that mean that the Giants are the "gnomes?" At least the "lambs" are in the big game 2 out of three years running! I agree with your spread, though.
Oh, and back to cars and needless explanations... Let's see, the people who should know that the C320 only comes with an auto are also the same people who should know to get a signed contract in exchange for their deposit, right? Or know how to read their owner's manual, etc.? Sometimes you just have to assume the "Man from Mars" approach. Especially around here.
