What would you do?

[AlblineStar808]

After back and forth all day today about a price on a new Pro I was offered an out the door price i couldn't refuse by text from my salesman so i said done deal I'm on my way. Half way through my trip down he sends me another text saying he hit a bump on the price for a reason that had to do with the correct invoice price. I didn't get mad expecting this "bump" to at the very most mean an extra $500-1000 but he hit me with an added 4k. I then at that point turned around and headed back. He apologized but didn't have a real good answer as to why it all of a sudden is 4k more. Not sure what to do at this point.....

 

[rigtec]

After back and forth all day today about a price on a new Pro I was offered an out the door price i couldn't refuse by text from my salesman so i said done deal I'm on my way. Half way through my trip down he sends me another text saying he hit a bump on the price for a reason that had to do with the correct invoice price. I didn't get mad expecting this "bump" to at the very most mean an extra $500-1000 but he hit me with an added 4k. I then at that point turned around and headed back. He apologized but didn't have a real good answer as to why it all of a sudden is 4k more. Not sure what to do at this point.....

Hi AlblineStar,

That sounds exactly like a "Bate and Switch" technique. The idea is to get someone excited about buying a brand new vehicle with an unbelievable invoice (a feeling of which us folks here may not be immune, "and a sign of a desperate sales person"), and so you start entertaining the thought. He knows that he'll have to explain that there was a problem w/ his quoted numbers at some point, but his hope is that even after you know that the price just radically ascended, he may still be able to 'persuade' you to the table on sheer impulse!

Just a theory; been going over my "R.E.B.T." (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy) notes quite a bit here lately hahaha! The way I determine if I'm just being impulsive when I get 'The itch' to buy something new is... I'll immediately put it aside for a predetermined period of time; depending on the item, let's say four weeks or a month for a large item. If after that time transpires I still feel the need to purchase that item I may take it seriously. This way I won't be AS subject to my "Impulse vulnerabilities" and have a much greater chance of making a good decision, w/less chance of "Buyer's remorse" after taking it home! Just a suggestion... Best to you!

rigtec, cheers

 

[AlblineStar808]

i basically jus feel like him sending me a offer is something he/the dealer should honor

 

[High_Country]

He may have someone else interested in it that he thinks will pay more.

I don't know that there's much leverage or precedent to hold them to an offer he texted you. Would it be honorable, yes. But, c'mon, don't forget who you're dealing with here.

If you are willing to try and stick to your guns, go press them on the issue and see what happens. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[mnofpeace]

dont fall for it...whether its bait and switch, or legit, or the salesman not ok'ing the price with the upper mang. before giving you the OK...

sure, go in, ask and ask, but be ready to just walk out if they arent ready to even move off of that amount of mark up.

Im sure once they get you sitting in the drivers seat, your emotional mind will start trying to justify the purchase at whatever price...its technical term is called 'lust'

 

[wfo9]

Bottom line, a text is not a contract.

You have no ground to stand on. It's not an uncommon situation with car dealers. When dealing with a remote dealership... I won't even entertain making the trip without a written contract in my hand.

Those trucks are way overpriced. That is reality. You need to be willing to pay a premium or just forget about it.

 

[c350z]

The TRD PRO's command a premium, he probably was going to sell it and his boss said no way someone will pay more.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

The TRD PRO's command a premium, he probably was going to sell it and his boss said no way someone will pay more.

Bingo

Salesmen usually aren't the brightest tool in the shed, and will lie straight to your face just to make a sale, it's their job. A dealership is in it to make a profit on all those vehicles "they" bought from Toyota.

 

[rigtec]

i basically jus feel like him sending me a offer is something he/the dealer should honor

How close was the text quoted price to the sticker... If it's pretty close e.g., a couple hundred bucks, then I'd do what [MENTION=117500]mnofpeace[/MENTION] suggested: go there, toss your 'oblongs' on the sales mgr's desk chanting... "NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE" and claim your prize; after all you saw it first and you have the text as evidence (not being sarcastic here)! If however, the price the salesman quoted you isn't even close (like 3 or 4K below sticker), then the text msg that you have isn't evidence, it's 'a wish list' and you've been had so now you can move on. I'm not making fun of you or having fun at your expense AlblineStar. Car salesman, politicians, lawyers (to name just a few fields of considerable dis-reputation) were not 'awarded' their weaselly reputations, a great many have worked tirelessly to 'earn it'; everybody knows somebody who has a story!

Now, I don't know this salesman so I don't want to smear his/her character or reputation based on the horror stories generated by others. But I am unable to just wish away the historically epic list of those who have been taken advantage of, again I'm not saying that ALL are dishonest people. Hey look at it this way... "you still have your $$,$$$" Rgds!

:usa2:

 

[gm350reratliff]

I agree^^

Go to the dealer and talk to the sales manager, only the manager. Show him the text. Firmly let him know this is a bait and switch trick and that you will not be had. Let him know you are dissatisfied by this. Firmly let him know you will buy at the lower price you were quoted via text. If they won't budge, walk out. It's a 50/50 shot with a TRDP.

I have bought a couple vehicles this way. Although stressful at the time, you will be happy you did down the road. I have also had dealers never call me back. Oh well, move on.

 

[Jivewalker]

I bought a Camry this way (for the wifey). They sent me a deal, i went to test drive. After the drive, I said I'd take it. Sales guy said OK, we will go get it. turns out they test drove me in a different vehicle, that had many other added options. Bottom line, I sat in the dealer until well past closing, demanding they sell me the test driven vehicle at the price offered. They put every big hitter closer in front of me (including one that looked like Mr. T), I stood my ground and finally got the deal.

You may be able to do the same. BTW, I had my wife and two screaming tired and hungry kids with me the whole time, which helped.

G/L

 

[mdrudy]

Sounds like a contract to me. Meets all the elements based on the limited facts provided. It's even in writing (although it doesn't have to be). I'd go to the GM and and pound my chest a little bit and maybe mention that you are willing to consult a lawyer of considerable "disrepute".

The question may be one of agency though. I.e., Did the sales person have the authority to make the deal. Without knowing more facts to the contrary, I'd think agency req't is met though. Good luck and let us know how it works out. And remember, they don't get to make the rules up as they go...no matter how much they may think so.

 

[CSix]

A dealer in Co says they are getting $3-5K over invoice, with people lining up in the streets... (That was a quote). With that kind of blood in the water, they will not deal. Good Luck!

Or, get a Trail premium and enjoy the sunroof.... ;-)