thatstoomuch

My local dealer has quoted me a July or August delivery on a 2016 Wagon and is insisting on a $10,000 deposit to take the order. I get that these are rare cars and that they have a very specific (small) market of dedicated owners. I don't mind the long wait for building the car if that cannot be avoided but the 10k deposit seems insane to me. Is this sort of deposit the norm for these cars?!

Lenin

I was not asked for any deposit. Put my order in on 11/1, the car was built in January and was in my driveway first week of February. Also got a nice discount off MSRP. PM me if you are interested. The dealer is in FL.

PeterUbers

No deposit... That's nuts... Is it non refundable?

thatstoomuch

Good to know. I have reached out to another dealer in a nearby city and been quoted $1000 deposit, which seems to be pretty standard with other cars I have ordered before. I think my local dealer is just an idiot.

thatstoomuch

Peter: I didn't even bother to ask. They told me I could have it refunded when I pick the car up or that I could apply it to the purchase/lease. It was so asinine I could hardly stand it.

Beemie

Where are you located? Here in California, the Vehicle Code sections 11736 (b) and (c) governs the deposit that may be collected (<2.5% of selling price) and when and whether they are refundable (refundable until a purchase agreement has been signed). Of course, that didn't stop an ignorant and/or shady salesman and his manager from impermissibly requesting a $10,000 nonrefundable deposit on a humble E350 wagon - asinine indeed.
I quickly took my business elsewhere and ordered with no deposit, although $1,000 (refundable) seemed to be typical when I was inquiring.

Lenin

My wagon is Polar White with factory black leather. Easy to find another buyer in case I canceled my order. However if you are looking for some exotic color exterior/leather, I can see how the dealer may get nervous.

PeterUbers

Good point, makes sense

grimesch

My dealer put me in line for $1k, when the hard order was placed (approximately 3 months before pickup in Germany) I ponied up the $10k. The balance was paid just before we left for Europe. I felt the dealer was pretty cool about the ordering, although I was anxious to ensure I had a vehicle coming. The terms for my last ordered E350 were about the same (different price, though.)

thatstoomuch

Lenin: Funnily enough that's precisely the color combo I was attempting to order. I think this particular dealer is just crazy. I have placed the order now with a different dealer.

KarlG

Good move. I have a sedan on order with a $250 deposit.

$10,000

thatstoomuch

No kidding.