Settle a bet - Fair advertising?

[slapyak]

So, found a car that I'd like to purchase at a fair price (MSRP) in Illinois. The dealer's site indicates "Total Price : $45,080" - you can find it for this VIN: 5XYP3DGC0PG393967

The dealer will not actually sell it at that price. They're asking for a $5k market adjustment, $2k paint protector, and $3k "VSC" (whatever that is) which is not reflected in that price.

By my reading of Illinois code, this is likely illegal... Is it worth it to demand performance or should I just move on?

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 14, § 475.310 - Advertised Price
It is an unfair or deceptive act to advertise the total price of a motor vehicle without including in the advertised price all costs to the purchaser at the time of sale, or which are necessary or usual prior to delivery of such vehicle to the purchaser, including any costs of delivery, dealer preparation and any other charges of any nature; provided, however, taxes, license and title fees and a documentary service fee, as defined herein, may be excluded from the advertised price if clearly disclosed in the advertisement that these costs are excluded from the advertised price. Purchasers shall be able to purchase all vehicles described by the advertisement at the advertised price.

 

[pbinde]

Why not, if you have the time and will to do it. Show that dishonesty in advertising isn't worth it. Only question is do you have another place to take it for service? Because after you do this I am sure you are not going to be so welcome there anymore.

 

[Gambit]

The law is the law. I'm sure it's also unlawful to make you pay for add-ons you don't want that are not already on the vehicle. I say fight it if you have the time and energy to do so.

 

[SC300ES]

Move on and find another MSRP dealer.

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[Senator20]

So, found a car that I'd like to purchase at a fair price (MSRP) in Illinois. The dealer's site indicates "Total Price : $45,080" - you can find it for this VIN: 5XYP3DGC0PG393967

The dealer will not actually sell it at that price. They're asking for a $5k market adjustment, $2k paint protector, and $3k "VSC" (whatever that is) which is not reflected in that price.

By my reading of Illinois code, this is likely illegal... Is it worth it to demand performance or should I just move on?

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 14, § 475.310 - Advertised Price
It is an unfair or deceptive act to advertise the total price of a motor vehicle without including in the advertised price all costs to the purchaser at the time of sale, or which are necessary or usual prior to delivery of such vehicle to the purchaser, including any costs of delivery, dealer preparation and any other charges of any nature; provided, however, taxes, license and title fees and a documentary service fee, as defined herein, may be excluded from the advertised price if clearly disclosed in the advertisement that these costs are excluded from the advertised price. Purchasers shall be able to purchase all vehicles described by the advertisement at the advertised price.

The way I read it is they are following the law. It says at the time of the sale. Doesn’t mean it is right. But I am not a lawyer and could have interpreted it wrong.

 

[Wolf in X-Line Clothes]

The Federal Trade Commission is getting ready to come down hard on these types of advertisements. I believe June 23 is the date when compliance will be mandatory. They have until that date to become compliant with “Truth in Advertising” laws towards car dealers taking affect. After that date, report the thieves.

 

[Senator20]

They do this because people will pay it. I believe it is wrong but people know what they are signing up for when they purchase them. Just like the student loans.

 

[slapyak]

I don't have a problem with dealers that want to charge over MSRP. I do have a problem with dealers that advertise one price for a specific VIN and won't actually sell the car at that price.

And there's also a few dealers I've seen that advertise a given price and then in the fine print state that the price is after applying an assumed $2-5k down payment.

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