Dealership

[versaperry]

I would like to ask experienced members of the community to share some insights. Today, I went to a dealership with the intention of purchasing a Bronco Sport Outer Banks because I saw an ideal price for it online. So, I contacted them and made an appointment for a test drive. However, when I arrived at the dealership, during the post-processing phase, they insisted that the price mentioned earlier was a website error and should not have included a discount of $2000. Additionally, they included unnecessary items such as paint protection coating and anti-theft features in the price quote. They claimed that due to the generous discount they offered, these additional accessories were mandatory and could not be removed.

In the end, I left without making a purchase. In the evening, I created the same car order on the dealership's website, and the price differed by less than $500 compared to the mentioned erroneous price, and it did not include any paint protection or anti-theft features. They even stated that the window tinting had already been applied to the car, making it non-negotiable at that price.

Since I recently moved to Arizona from another country just two months ago and I have a strong fondness for the Bronco Sport, I would like to request opinions from Bronco sports lovers here... Is this a common tactic used by dealerships, or is it the standard sales practice in this area? I really want to obtain a Bronco Sport as it is my dream vehicle!

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[Bronclahoma]

Unfortunately, it's too common. You did the right thing by walking. Never put any credibility into advertised prices by auto dealers. It's just to get you in the door so they can pull these tricks. It's amazing how many people get duped and know it's being done do them, but they just can't say NO and walk away.

 

[Bluejaye]

It is unfortunately not rare. But you did the right thing walking away from that bad deal. In particular, all of those "options" they tried to say you had to buy, when you get to the back room with finance and insurance, you will see that every one of those options has a "decline" checkbox on the contract.

You might enjoy watching a few of these videos to prepare yourself before you head to the next dealer.

https://www.youtube.com/@CarEdge

Read reviews of different dealers in your area, it is usually pretty easy to spot the sleazy ones.

 

[Bronclahoma]

I tell people buying a car is like playing a game say basketball. You play every few years and you challenge a team that plays every day. You never win-- walk away and get a draw.

 

[Flash]

I live in Arizona and found my Bronco Sport on the dealer's web page.

After the test drive, they offered it to me for $500.00 less than the website price and threw in 2 years worth of maintenance bumper to bumper for free.

San Tan Ford, Gilbert Arizona

 

[rocks]

Unfortunately, it's too common. You did the right thing by walking. Never put any credibility into advertised prices by auto dealers. It's just to get you in the door so they can pull these tricks. It's amazing how many people get duped and know it's being done do them, but they just can't so NO and walk away.

Even advertising at MSRP, you get there and there are thousands in dealer ad-ons. Even stupid costs like nitrogen for $199+.
One Ford dealer in Charlotte, NC had a $10K market adjustment and $1500 in dealer add-on accessories.

 

[Mark S.]

However, when I arrived at the dealership, during the post-processing phase, they insisted that the price mentioned earlier was a website error and should not have included a discount of $2000.

You might have grounds for a law suit. In most states it is illegal to advertise something for one price and demand a higher price later. If the car is still advertised with a $2000 discount after you have spoken to them then you might consider contacting a lawyer. If you told them about the "error" and they haven't fixed it then it's not an error.

 

[RS1]

Call your state attorney general and complain. Give proof. Find another dealer. A couple advertise on here and members have had good experiences from what they convey here. Good luck.

 

[RSH]

Unfortunately with most any of the popular vehicle models, dealers are charging a premium.
Some with pure added markup over MSRP or "market adjustment, some with unwanted dealer installed accessories, or worse the double dip, markup and unwanted accessories.
The best you can do is shop around and find a dealer that doesnt operate that way, they are out there.
You could also use a vehicle buying service like Costco or Sams Club or various other outfits that offer that service if you dont want to deal with dealer BS.

 

[davidg4781]

A lot of dealers have been doing some shady stuff like that. They get you all excited, run your credit (which for some, starts a timer on damaging your credit), then let you know the pricing was incorrect or you have non-negotiable add-ons.

I ended up with tint and paint protection. The tint was a little expensive but then I didn't have to take a day off and get that sorted out. So whatever for that.

The paint protection got me. On the contract I have, it states I can't cancel it but I can refuse it at the time of purchase. I 99% do not remember seeing that when I signed everything. Interesting, that's the only contract that doesn't have my signature. I'm still not sure what I want to do but it's a 7 year warranty and, if I get stuck with it, I do plan to use it to its fullest.

Unless you're absolutely desperate, walk from any dealers pulling this stuff. Ask if they can replace the nitrogen with regular air. Hell, take an air pump, ask them to empty the tires and fill them up yourself.

If you can wait, try ordering one or looking out farther away for a dealer that isn't going to play these games.

And I get they're trying to make a buck. At the end of the day, I would rather find one that has splash guards, fender flares, a tow eye, maybe recovery boards, some other goodies thrown in, add in a little mark up for installation, and they can make their extra money that way. At least the customer drives off with something to show for it.

 

[davidb1841]

Find another dealer...This is classic bait and switch...its not legal. Just wait till you have a warranty claim.....you will be paying for that to.....

 

[NMhunter]

The dealer close to me had a $5000 dealer markup on their Sports. I went to a dealership 25 miles away (in a small town), and was treated very well. They had pre-ordered a Sport and they just changed the order to match what I wanted. I got it in a couple of months, when others were waiting a year. I got 3 free oil changes as well.

 

[mikeyncc]

guess I should reply. my dealer jacked mine 6K. I walked away. Salesman shook. I asked if there was some wiggle room. told the salesman he could sell it at that price. Told me HE needed to sell it. Made and unacceptable offer that fortunately for me they agreed too.

Got it for 5K cheaper than the sticker, however 1K over MSRP.

The 1K got me tinted windows, smart shield paint protection and the dreaded nitro fill.

If anyone knows the deal on that SmartShield thing let me know..

thanks for reading.....

 

[PaulOinMA]

What you experienced is all too common.

Enter your zip code in the dealer locator at Ford.com with whatever distance you want.

I have LOTS of dealerships at my zip code.

A friend had a trade-in '14 Escape in April 2015 at the Audi dealer where he was general manager. I liked it, but wanted to also price new Escapes.

I went to Imperial Ford in Mendon, MA as they advertised an Escape was configured as I wanted. Went for a test drive and they drew up a price well above the advertised price. I inquired and was told that the advertised price is if I qualify for every available incentive.

I had to be something like a recent college graduate, first responder, and military veteran.

I might have also needed to have been born on Mars.

My friend's "friends and family" price was too good to pass up. A called the salesman I met to thank them for their time. They agreed that I should buy the Escape from my friend.

 

[gatornek]

Classic bait and switch. Gotta realize they are playing games. They are NEVER going to give you the price they had promised you, and even though you had convinced yourself that you were willing to sign at that price....you have to cut your losses now (all the time and effort it took out of your day to come down there) and walk right out. Maybe with a little mad dog scowl at the salesman for wasting your time.

Happened to me at a dealership also while I shopped for my BS last month.

Further to that, I will say, that when I did end up finding a dealer that didn't bait and switch me, and held true to the 'advertised price....I still had do to TWO THINGS I HAVE NEVER DONE during car purchase process. One was leave a $500 down payment, the other was due a "pre" credit check. Yep. Its different times nowadays.

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