Poll: Am I a Scumbag??? Car Deal Gone Bad

MoreCowbell · 01-21-2009, 01:57 PM

Here is the story, short and to the point.

I have a dealer in my region that my family has used for many years and whom I trust. I also have a dealer, whom I live a bit closer to. My wife and I, with a new child on the way, decided to get an X5. Our current car is a 335 Coupe.

We (I) were undecided about whether to get the 3.0 or the 4.8. Options and color-wise we knew exactly what we wanted. After test driving both models, we decided to go for a 3.0, UNLESS, we were able get a 4.8 within about $30 per month of the best deal we could get on a 3.0.

To start, we went to the dealer that my family used for many years. He quoted us a price of $910 per month. We had a feeling his price wasn’t great. I then went to my local dealer and he beat the price offering $905 per month.

I wasn’t thrilled with either of these prices, I thought we could do better, especially considering the economy and that SUV’s aren’t selling very well. I spent a couple days calling and emailing several dealers in our area. Finally, I found a dealer about 40 miles away, who would give the 3.0 for $862 and had the car in his inventory(we were happy to custom order, but the fact that he had the car was an added bonus).

I told the dealer to give me 24 hours and I took his offer to the dealer my family uses in the hopes they would match and they agreed to the $862 price. Before signing the deal sheet and handing over the deposit, I asked the dealer if he could do the same exact deal, only on a 4.8 for $30 dollars more per month($892). He told me it was impossible for him to do or anybody else to do as it would be a large loss for the dealer. I trusted him, as not one dealer I had asked previously would be able to do this. We shook hands, and I handed him a deposit for the 3.0. The dealer then traded for the car with another dealer on the east coast and told me he’d have it in 3-5 days. I was excited.

The next day, while at work, my local dealer called. I informed him of my deal. He obviously wasn’t thrilled but understood. He asked why I didn’t go for the 4.8 and I told him that I wasn’t interested in paying over $900 per month. He put me on hold and came back, and said he would do the 4.8(custom order with my specs) for $892. I was shocked. I told him I’d call him back.

I then called my original dealer and told what transpired. He was angry(rightfully so) and so was I. He took the situation to his manager and then came back and told me there was no way they could match it. I told him I wanted my deposit back. I was informed that if I could produce the deal sheet from the other dealer, that they would refund my deposit.

The salesperson than basically “went off” on me, telling me that he was in loads of trouble with his GM, because not only did he lose a deal, but he had managed to put the dealership in an even worse spot because he added a “hard to sell vehicle” into inventory when all management wants to do is clear the lot.

I then called my local dealer, signed for the 4.8 deal and paid my deposit. I sent thee deal sheet to the original dealer, who then, as promised, refunded my deposit.

Question: Did I do the right thing or am I a scumbag?

For anybody interested in playing with the numbers, the particulars are below:

MSRP of car ordered: 70,720
Sale Price: 65300
3 remaining payments on current lease rolled into cap cost: 2418
Residual 59%
MF .00155
36 months
10k miles
8.625 tax rate

5000 drive off. Dealership makes 3 final payments(2418 total) on existing lease. $892 per month. Taxes are included in drive-off fees.

Crimson92 · 01-21-2009, 02:00 PM

dude youre the customer, the dealership makes up all kinds of shit to sell the car.

do whats better for you

Year's_End · 01-21-2009, 02:05 PM

+1 to crimson

MadDog · 01-21-2009, 02:06 PM

+2.

aut0sh0cker · 01-21-2009, 02:10 PM

Thats almost exactly what I did when I ordered my 3... but I know I am going to hell so it makes no difference for me

MCMLXXXIX · 01-21-2009, 02:14 PM

you did good!!!

rlb · 01-21-2009, 02:15 PM

There is about a $9,000 price difference between the 3.0 and 4.8. With all things being equal there is no possible way the 4.8 can work out to $30 more. If you use the lease #'s, it works out to about $115 a month more for the 4.8. And no I don't think you are a scumbag. Gotta go with the best deal. If the deal is legit then any dealer should be able to match it.

Bimmerbaby · 01-21-2009, 02:15 PM

I have to agree with crimson. Those dealers will say anything to get a sale.

Terrance28 · 01-21-2009, 02:25 PM

Good job guy, don't let it bother you a bit if they wanted your business they would match the other dealer.

consolidated · 01-21-2009, 02:28 PM

It's a buyers market, don't think they didn't take advantage of demand when times were better.

The inmates run the asylum now.

Whostheboss · 01-21-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson92

dude youre the customer, the dealership makes up all kinds of shit to sell the car.

do whats better for you

+1

KL2DC · 01-21-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson92

dude youre the customer, the dealership makes up all kinds of shit to sell the car.

do whats better for you

+3

Exactly. You're the customer.

MoreCowbell · 01-21-2009, 02:38 PM

Sometimes I just have difficulty being a "dicK'...

Worked out for me here though...

SoYank · 01-21-2009, 03:58 PM

I think the original dealer has voted.

MoreCowbell · 01-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoYank

I think the original dealer has voted.

Perhaps!!!

Kev · 01-21-2009, 04:03 PM

I would have done the same, considering in this economy and you're only paying a little over a grand over the life of the lease. The 4.8 feels more beasty anyways.

T-MC-G · 01-21-2009, 04:05 PM

just going to have to always go to the selling dealership for the best customer service from now on.

MoreCowbell · 01-21-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev

I would have done the same, considering in this economy and you're only paying a little over a grand over the life of the lease. The 4.8 feels more beasty anyways.

Exactly!!!

She's optioned up nicely also...

darkcloud · 01-21-2009, 04:34 PM

I would have done it. Hell, I'm going to do it soon.

I was new to leases when I got my 325i and I hadn't stumbled upon this wonderful site yet. Well I know they took me on a little ride on the car. I'm not paying terribly high but I could have done much better. I figure what goes around, comes around. They know I've read up and they know I'm going to get a hell of a deal on the next ride. They also know I'll go to any of the other dealers in the area as I have no major ties to them and have youth on my side. Who wouldn't want to keep a 25 y/o who should hopefully be purchasing/leasing cars every 2-4 years?

Advskier · 01-21-2009, 05:38 PM

I don't get it.

Isn't a handshake on a deal (let alone with a deposit) worth anything anymore?
I guess I've got to go against the tide here. A person is only as good as his word in business, and you majorly broke yours.

We get so bent when dealers jack us around, but when we behave like this we pat each other on the back?

You sold your word and integrity for a relatively small amount of change, on a luxury purchase at that, so I think you figured out what you are.

Greeney · 01-21-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advskier

I don't get it.

Isn't a handshake on a deal (let alone with a deposit) worth anything anymore?
I guess I've got to go against the tide here. A person is only as good as his word in business, and you majorly broke yours.

We get so bent when dealers jack us around, but when we behave like this we pat each other on the back?

You sold your word and integrity for a relatively small amount of change, on a luxury purchase at that, so I think you figured out what you are.

I cannot agree with you. Although yes a handshake means something, in this case he is also the consumer and the lowest deal goes in that sense at least to me...

Joonsup · 01-21-2009, 05:56 PM

i dont think you did anything wrong. If they wanted the sale that bad they would have offered you that price range you wanted. The only drawback is if you end up going back to them for another bimmer and if they remember you, they may not be willing to cut you a good deal, but who cares right? And didnt you say that the dealership traded cars with some other dealer? You did nothing wrong.

View Poll Results: Am I a Scumbag???
No, thats what I would have done...	84	88.42%
Yes...I hope you drop dead and rot in hell...	11	11.58%
Voters: 95. You may not vote on this poll

01-21-2009, 01:57 PM	#1
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 490 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Poll: Am I a Scumbag??? Car Deal Gone Bad Here is the story, short and to the point. I have a dealer in my region that my family has used for many years and whom I trust. I also have a dealer, whom I live a bit closer to. My wife and I, with a new child on the way, decided to get an X5. Our current car is a 335 Coupe. We (I) were undecided about whether to get the 3.0 or the 4.8. Options and color-wise we knew exactly what we wanted. After test driving both models, we decided to go for a 3.0, UNLESS, we were able get a 4.8 within about $30 per month of the best deal we could get on a 3.0. To start, we went to the dealer that my family used for many years. He quoted us a price of $910 per month. We had a feeling his price wasn’t great. I then went to my local dealer and he beat the price offering $905 per month. I wasn’t thrilled with either of these prices, I thought we could do better, especially considering the economy and that SUV’s aren’t selling very well. I spent a couple days calling and emailing several dealers in our area. Finally, I found a dealer about 40 miles away, who would give the 3.0 for $862 and had the car in his inventory(we were happy to custom order, but the fact that he had the car was an added bonus). I told the dealer to give me 24 hours and I took his offer to the dealer my family uses in the hopes they would match and they agreed to the $862 price. Before signing the deal sheet and handing over the deposit, I asked the dealer if he could do the same exact deal, only on a 4.8 for $30 dollars more per month($892). He told me it was impossible for him to do or anybody else to do as it would be a large loss for the dealer. I trusted him, as not one dealer I had asked previously would be able to do this. We shook hands, and I handed him a deposit for the 3.0. The dealer then traded for the car with another dealer on the east coast and told me he’d have it in 3-5 days. I was excited. The next day, while at work, my local dealer called. I informed him of my deal. He obviously wasn’t thrilled but understood. He asked why I didn’t go for the 4.8 and I told him that I wasn’t interested in paying over $900 per month. He put me on hold and came back, and said he would do the 4.8(custom order with my specs) for $892. I was shocked. I told him I’d call him back. I then called my original dealer and told what transpired. He was angry(rightfully so) and so was I. He took the situation to his manager and then came back and told me there was no way they could match it. I told him I wanted my deposit back. I was informed that if I could produce the deal sheet from the other dealer, that they would refund my deposit. The salesperson than basically “went off” on me, telling me that he was in loads of trouble with his GM, because not only did he lose a deal, but he had managed to put the dealership in an even worse spot because he added a “hard to sell vehicle” into inventory when all management wants to do is clear the lot. I then called my local dealer, signed for the 4.8 deal and paid my deposit. I sent thee deal sheet to the original dealer, who then, as promised, refunded my deposit. Question: Did I do the right thing or am I a scumbag? For anybody interested in playing with the numbers, the particulars are below: MSRP of car ordered: 70,720 Sale Price: 65300 3 remaining payments on current lease rolled into cap cost: 2418 Residual 59% MF .00155 36 months 10k miles 8.625 tax rate 5000 drive off. Dealership makes 3 final payments(2418 total) on existing lease. $892 per month. Taxes are included in drive-off fees.
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01-21-2009, 02:05 PM	#3
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	+1 to crimson __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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01-21-2009, 02:06 PM	#4
MadDog Careful, I Bite..... 153 Rep 504 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: S.F. Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [7.50]	+2.
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01-21-2009, 02:10 PM	#5
aut0sh0cker meh 123 Rep 1,756 Posts Drives: E92 335i, 997.2 C4S Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 91362 iTrader: (2)	Thats almost exactly what I did when I ordered my 3... but I know I am going to hell so it makes no difference for me
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01-21-2009, 02:14 PM	#6
MCMLXXXIX wat 238 Rep 3,406 Posts Drives: a gr3at whit3 5hark Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	you did good!!! __________________ 2012 Toyota Highlander SE - PAST - 2008 e92 335i, 2006 e90 325i
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01-21-2009, 02:15 PM	#7
rlb Private First Class 5 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 335i, 300ZX Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	There is about a $9,000 price difference between the 3.0 and 4.8. With all things being equal there is no possible way the 4.8 can work out to $30 more. If you use the lease #'s, it works out to about $115 a month more for the 4.8. And no I don't think you are a scumbag. Gotta go with the best deal. If the deal is legit then any dealer should be able to match it.
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01-21-2009, 02:15 PM	#8
Bimmerbaby Midget General 320 Rep 29,203 Posts Drives: Montego blue...car Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	I have to agree with crimson. Those dealers will say anything to get a sale. __________________
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01-21-2009, 02:25 PM	#9
Terrance28 Brigadier General 109 Rep 3,334 Posts Drives: Crimson Red E92 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (17)	Good job guy, don't let it bother you a bit if they wanted your business they would match the other dealer. __________________ Mods list got too long, lets just say more than enough.
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01-21-2009, 02:28 PM	#10
consolidated Lieutenant Colonel 205 Rep 1,864 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 1999 Porsche Spec B ... [0.00] 2014 Ram 1500 Laram ... [0.00] 2007 Porsche GT3 RS [10.00] 2013 Tesla Model S 85 [0.00]	It's a buyers market, don't think they didn't take advantage of demand when times were better. The inmates run the asylum now.
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01-21-2009, 02:38 PM	#13
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 490 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Sometimes I just have difficulty being a "dicK'... Worked out for me here though...
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01-21-2009, 03:58 PM	#14
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	I think the original dealer has voted. __________________ **2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec** SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7 European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
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01-21-2009, 04:03 PM	#16
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 481 Rep 8,828 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	I would have done the same, considering in this economy and you're only paying a little over a grand over the life of the lease. The 4.8 feels more beasty anyways. __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
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01-21-2009, 04:05 PM	#17
T-MC-G Captain 72 Rep 671 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Trier, Germany iTrader: (5)	just going to have to always go to the selling dealership for the best customer service from now on. __________________ "tell me what you don't like about yourself..."
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01-21-2009, 04:34 PM	#19
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I would have done it. Hell, I'm going to do it soon. I was new to leases when I got my 325i and I hadn't stumbled upon this wonderful site yet. Well I know they took me on a little ride on the car. I'm not paying terribly high but I could have done much better. I figure what goes around, comes around. They know I've read up and they know I'm going to get a hell of a deal on the next ride. They also know I'll go to any of the other dealers in the area as I have no major ties to them and have youth on my side. Who wouldn't want to keep a 25 y/o who should hopefully be purchasing/leasing cars every 2-4 years? __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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01-21-2009, 05:38 PM	#20
Advskier Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 267 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Salt Lake City iTrader: (0)	I don't get it. Isn't a handshake on a deal (let alone with a deposit) worth anything anymore? I guess I've got to go against the tide here. A person is only as good as his word in business, and you majorly broke yours. We get so bent when dealers jack us around, but when we behave like this we pat each other on the back? You sold your word and integrity for a relatively small amount of change, on a luxury purchase at that, so I think you figured out what you are.
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01-21-2009, 05:56 PM	#22
Joonsup Lieutenant General 322 Rep 17,316 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E30 325i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [9.50]	i dont think you did anything wrong. If they wanted the sale that bad they would have offered you that price range you wanted. The only drawback is if you end up going back to them for another bimmer and if they remember you, they may not be willing to cut you a good deal, but who cares right? And didnt you say that the dealership traded cars with some other dealer? You did nothing wrong.
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