A far away dealership is offering better lease terms than local dealers. Some yelp reviews say they engage in bait and switch. I really don’t want to make the trip just to deal with the bs. What steps can I take to get the deal offered when I get there?
I had a local dealer did this to me once, boy I was pissed. Luckily they were only 10 minutes away. I’m in for ideas too as I’m about to reach far out soon.
I’ve been a victim for bait and switch several times before, so I know your worries. Had to drive for 40 mins for nothing.
I would ask them to send you a picture of the cars VIN and see if it matches the VIN on the website.
In my situation, they had the car they just straight took 40 minutes playing in the back then come out to tell me they can’t match the deal on the email. On the email they said come in and we will beat it by $500. I asked “are you sure? I’m coming” They said “yes, see you see”
Can you not ask them to send you the actual contract, or some contract agreeing to terms w/ VIN listed on sheet?
I’ve had it happen too, there’s no 100% way to avoid it. Best case scenario is to have it in writing before (a sales sheet) you go to dealership but there’s always a rest chance that they will pull something funny at the end.
There is no VIN in the email.
I got an offer on a model I want from them and then sent them a better offer from a local dealer.
They’re telling me they will beat it so it will be $2XX/mo inc tax and $8XX drive off. But yelp says they start tagging on mandatory dealer options like lojack and other BS fees when you get there. So, I want to outplay them at their game.
@hakuho is there more than 1 yelp review stating that? If yes, it’s prob true and you should prob not do business with them. If it’s just 1 review, could just be a disgruntled guy and a 1-off situation
I can ask, but I’m sure they’ll come back with “we need to pull your credit to draw up the contract”, then I’ll have the hard pull and no guarantee they’ll send the contract.
I would make it clear that you absolutely want no extra add on, LoJack, alarm, or aftermarket stuff etc…
A few reviews like that. Browning Mazda.
@hakuho, the only way to avoid it would be to do the complete contract by mail. Tell them to fedex you the contract and you’ll come in with the signed contract to pick up the car.
If they flat our refuse without a good reason, then you know where you stand. It’s common practice to deal with out of town customers, they should have a way to do this if you ask for it.
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Kia Cerritos did this to me, as did Fletcher Jones Mercedes…at this point, if they can’t do the deal over the phone/online/fax, then I won’t consider the dealership…they are looking to get you in, renegotiate, and hope you capitulate!
I’ve also done deals where they drive the car to me with the paperwork for me to sign…a good honest salesperson will do that.
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Exactly what @305Hackr said, if you have to travel a distance, sign the deal over email/mail and only go in to pick up the car. If they have a trend of doing that, and know you are coming a long way, they are that much more motivated to try it with you given you will probably cave given the prospect of a long return trip empty handed.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll try going that route. My concern is they’ll pull my credit and then try some shenanigans, but I guess there’s no 100% guarantee.
@hakuho don’t EVER let them run your credit unless you have a SIGNED sales sheet. They need to be held accountable if they try something after they run your credit.
Ask the sales person to put hands on the vehicle physically. Then let them know you want to put a $100 hold deposit on it. If its a bait and switch, walk out.
Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is a signed sales sheet? Is there a sample somewhere? When I google it only lease agreements come up.
looks something like this:
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Thank you, that’s what I got from the local dealer.