(06-20-2023, 10:48 AM)p_rushing Wrote:

(06-20-2023, 10:14 AM)mikesez Wrote: My wife did a lot of that online configuration stuff on her last vehicle purchase, and she ended up being pretty rigid once she narrowed it down.  Had to be a specific accessory package, and had to be a dark blue exterior. 
We went to multiple dealers and expected them to say things like, "we don't have that now, but you can put money down and reserve it, and it will be here in X weeks."
They didn't say that.  We dealt with a very rude and condescending dealer and a very courteous and straightforward dealer, but at the end of the day, neither of them wanted to do a deal like that, and they were both very cagey about it.  They both spent a lot of time trying convince us to get the "wrong car" we test drove, then they made vague promises about "the car you want might be here in 4 or 6 weeks, but no we won't hold it for you. You'd have to check with us weekly."
Finally we figured it out.
The dealers could see that the car we wanted was already in stock at a dealership 2 hours away.  They wouldn't tell us that, and they wouldnt offer to trade with that dealer, but it was there.
The place 2 hours away, unfortunately, was one of the rude places.  They made us sit through multiple songs and dances about dealer fees and warranty extensions and it literally took all day.  I would rather have done business with either of the first two even ignoring the fact that they were 2 hours away.

You used the wrong option. There are 2 ways to shop now, build your configuration and search inventory or order it.

Dealerships always want to move the cars THEY have purchased. They will work on the pricing with you or throw in free dealer options, etc. You would think that they would want to take orders but they don’t because of how it works.

Orders are cars the dealer has to buy. The dealer is on the hook to pay for the car. If you change your mind, they can keep your deposit. If you are picky and get full options or go cheap, they may not be able to sell the car depending on the area and market.

Basically you need to just give them the build # and say order the car. Expect no pricing discussions except for addon warranty. Should be able to do it online.

I have employee pricing for most of them, so I'm able to just print it out and walk into a dealership and say give me this car for this price and doesn't matter if they need to order it or not. Makes it some much simpler.

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A few years ago, I was looking to buy a new car, and by coincidence, a guy I worked with was also looking to buy the exact same car with the exact same options.  His wife, who comes from China and, like many Chinese immigrants I have met, simply will not overpay for anything, went to the dealer and dickered over the price endlessly, walking out and going home several times without a deal.  It took her a month of negotiating to finally get that car for the price she wanted.  After she got the car, I went to the same dealership and said, "Give me the exact same car you sold Mrs. X and the exact same price, and you have a sale."  He pulled out her file and said okay.  Easiest deal I ever made for a car.

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