What did you pay for your KIA Telluride?

[Razorback]

So much FUD from so cal dealers. Some say that they can’t special order or also will not negotiate on an order (even though it’s free money for Them). Is it confirmed that special orders can be canceled and that the deposit is refundable? These guys are just so sketchy!

@Tim-in-CA You could work a deal with another dealer and have it shipped to you, just a thought. I did this with my last BMW 435i because I got such a good deal and it only cost me about $500 to have it shipped to my house in an enclosed car hauler.

 

[Tman]

So much FUD from so cal dealers. Some say that they can’t special order or also will not negotiate on an order (even though it’s free money for Them). Is it confirmed that special orders can be canceled and that the deposit is refundable? These guys are just so sketchy!

It's completely negotiable as two dealers I've been working with both agreed to take a $500 deposit on a refundable factory order.

 

[Tim-in-CA]

Thanks

 

[Cronus]

I was considering placing an order, and the dealer wanted me to put down a $1000 non-refundable deposit. They claimed that a 40k+ vehicle that is customized carried risk for them. Of course they also said these were flying off the shelves, they can’t keep them in stock, and that they have a waiting list. Also, I mean, it’s not like I’m getting my name monogrammed into the seats or anything(In my case, the SX trim w/ Prestige package, AWD), seems pretty standard to me. They claimed it was ‘industry practice’. Of course I’d talked to several other friends who have custom ordered cars from other companies and the deposit was always refundable. Seems a little shady to me.

With no true concrete timeline, no guarantee of trade-in value, incentives, etc, I have a hard time agreeing to a non-refundable deposit.

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[Tim-in-CA]

It's completely negotiable as two dealers I've been working with both agreed to take a $500 deposit on a refundable factory order.

I was considering placing an order, and the dealer wanted me to put down a $1000 non-refundable deposit. They claimed that a 40k+ vehicle that is customized carried risk for them. Of course they also said these were flying off the shelves, they can’t keep them in stock, and that they have a waiting list. Also, I mean, it’s not like I’m getting my name monogrammed into the seats or anything(In my case, the SX trim w/ Prestige package, AWD), seems pretty standard to me. They claimed it was ‘industry practice’. Of course I’d talked to several other friends who have custom ordered cars from other companies and the deposit was always refundable. Seems a little shady to me.

With no true concrete timeline, no guarantee of trade-in value, incentives, etc, I have a hard time agreeing to a non-refundable deposit.

Typical shady practices from low rent dealers. Ask your credit card their position. I’m leery of going down the path of a special order.

 

[pringles]

Ended up paying $36,200 for a EX FWD with a MSRP of $38,855 and reminded myself how much I hate the car buying process. Went to one dealership and they were flying off the lot so went to another dealership that was in the process of moving locations, was the only client there until we started doing paperwork and then a dozen people came in wanting to check out the Telluride.

 

[StephenCantrelle]

I was considering placing an order, and the dealer wanted me to put down a $1000 non-refundable deposit. They claimed that a 40k+ vehicle that is customized carried risk for them. Of course they also said these were flying off the shelves, they can’t keep them in stock, and that they have a waiting list. Also, I mean, it’s not like I’m getting my name monogrammed into the seats or anything(In my case, the SX trim w/ Prestige package, AWD), seems pretty standard to me. They claimed it was ‘industry practice’. Of course I’d talked to several other friends who have custom ordered cars from other companies and the deposit was always refundable. Seems a little shady to me.

With no true concrete timeline, no guarantee of trade-in value, incentives, etc, I have a hard time agreeing to a non-refundable deposit.

I also require 1,000 non refundable deposit. With trade in I am offering a set trade amount and risk the trade value adjusting down 4 times in a 6-8 week process. The black book on trades update 2 times a month. There is another thing to realize and majority of dealers don’t even know unless they are doing high volume of special orders.(not standard request) Every time you special order a unit that is “sold” it takes priority but to discourage stores from just ordering “sold” units to get them faster they go against your allocation and don’t count on your monthly sold report.

Kia in general was never a special order type of brand. This is the 1st time it is seeing such a high demand in the custom order segment. That is why they have shifted production to custom order sold units first.

If you back out of your order the dealer then has a car that will sell(we aren’t worried about that) but will not count towards our numbers and will go against our allocation numbers(cars assign to us because of how much we are selling that will count).

This may seem like not a big issue if it happened one time but could quickly snowball out of control quickly if you have 20-30 salespeople taking custom orders.

Knowledge is key. Since Kia has never seen this type of custom order demand the GM’s who ask all the right questions first realize we need firm commitment for each order. The other stores who are taking refundable deposits are out there but will get bit in the rear in about 60-90 days.

Hope this helps understand better the dealer side mindset.

 

[mrmac]

That's nice for you. Car selling is risky business and the dealer wins like Vegas. I would never give a non-refundable deposit and I advise everyone who reads this to never do so.

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[StephenCantrelle]

That's nice for you. Car selling is risky business and the dealer wins like Vegas. I would never give a non-refundable deposit and I advise everyone who reads this to never do so.

Like any business it has its pros and cons.. question for you @mrmac how close are you to getting your Black Copper SX? I’m really looking forward to a video and pics of the color. Still waiting for the one to hit Louisiana..

 

[mrmac]

Like any business it has its pros and cons.. question for you @mrmac how close are you to getting your Black Copper SX? I’m really looking forward to a video and pics of the color. Still waiting for the one to hit Louisiana..

That's a good question. I haven't checked lately if we have a date. Their first SX in MG is due March 25.

 

[short]

A non refundable deposit on a non firm price/financing rate? If the terms of a contract change after it is signed, it is not enforceable. EVERY court will void it. Maybe this will help.

Click here: Games Dealers Play: Refusing to Refund the Deposit | Consumer Law Group, LLC

But then again, I wouldn't waste my time with a dealer trying to have it both ways. They want you to lock in but they don't have to. They are selling a commodity and their are plenty of other dealers who care about the customer.

 

[StephenCantrelle]

A non refundable deposit on a non firm price/financing rate? If the terms of a contract change after it is signed, it is not enforceable. EVERY court will void it. Maybe this will help.

Click here: Games Dealers Play: Refusing to Refund the Deposit | Consumer Law Group, LLC

But then again, I wouldn't waste my time with a dealer trying to have it both ways. They want you to lock in but they don't have to. They are selling a commodity and their are plenty of other dealers who care about the customer.

There is no contract you are signing. If a dealer is making you sign a contract with interest rate and rebates then yes I 100% agree that is stupid way to do business. It’s simply a deposit for ordering the car exactly the way you want. If a trade is involved then you need to agree on trade-in amount to make sure both client and dealer find the trade value acceptable. Sales price is also agreed upon. Then when vehicle arrives whatever rebates are available get applied and the way you prefer to purchase the vehicle is up to client if they prefer to pay cash, finance through Kia or Out side finance through thier independent bank.

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[short]

There is no contract you are signing. If a dealer is making you sign a contract with interest rate and rebates then yes I 100% agree that is stupid way to do business. It’s simply a deposit for ordering the car exactly the way you want. If a trade is involved then you need to agree on trade-in amount to make sure both client and dealer find the trade value acceptable. Sales price is also agreed upon. Then when vehicle arrives whatever rebates are available get applied and the way you prefer to purchase the vehicle is up to client if they prefer to pay cash, finance through Kia or Out side finance through thier independent bank.

You don't need to sign a contract to have a contract. When you purchase a pack of gum at the store, you have a contract. When the dealer took money, aka deposit, they are agreeing to sell the vehicle to the person. AKA a contract.

Here is info to learn more about contracts: American Bar Association Contract Law

Some states do not allow non refundable deposits by car dealers. The reality is a lot of companies, not just car dealers, get away with all kinds of funny business because people don't know their rights. Of course a lot of companies have bad behavior because they don't know the law either.

With all of that, I am not saying you can't have a non-refundable deposit - it depend on your state. I would skip that dealer.

What happens when I put a deposit down and I no longer qualify for financing? Or the finance rate changes to not be affordable? These are both outside of my control. Am I out the deposit?

 

[StephenCantrelle]

Great explanation. Thank you for that info. I definitely am not a lawyer nor claim to be. I forget that things are very different State to State. So glad I live in Texas where in our great State from my understanding a deal isn’t done even with all paperwork signed until buyer after signing drives vehicle off the lot to consummate deal. The 1,000 is to order the Telluride to the exact specifications requested and is refundable if it comes incorrect. Everyone I have spoken to has agreed on a sales price and if a trade in is involved agreed on a trade value.

I respect difference in opinion, as what works for some may not work for others. I simply wanted to give a greater reasoning from the dealership side as to why they are asking for 1,000 deposit.

Maybe there is dealerships that are custom ordering Tellurides with no deposits or refundable deposits but none in my area that I can think of.

 

[WhiteSX]

Great explanation. Thank you for that info. I definitely am not a lawyer nor claim to be. I forget that things are very different State to State. So glad I live in Texas where in our great State from my understanding a deal isn’t done even with all paperwork signed until buyer after signing drives vehicle off the lot to consummate deal. The 1,000 is to order the Telluride to the exact specifications requested and is refundable if it comes incorrect. Everyone I have spoken to has agreed on a sales price and if a trade in is involved agreed on a trade value.

I respect difference in opinion, as what works for some may not work for others. I simply wanted to give a greater reasoning from the dealership side as to why they are asking for 1,000 deposit.

Maybe there is dealerships that are custom ordering Tellurides with no deposits or refundable deposits but none in my area that I can think of.

Ordered a $100K plus custom optioned German car in the past with no deposit. Took 5 months to build / ship. I was never obligated to the vehicle until I took actual delivery. Can't understand why Kia dealers are asking for non refundable deposits on a vehicle that will obviously sell if the original buyer backs out.

 

[Tim-in-CA]

Ordered a $100K plus custom optioned German car in the past with no deposit. Took 5 months to build / ship. I was never obligated to the vehicle until I took actual delivery. Can't understand why Kia dealers are asking for non refundable deposits on a vehicle that will obviously sell if the original buyer backs out.

Completely agree. It’s not as though the car can be “customized” beyond the standard options. There’s not really much to choose from seeing as the SX comes loaded already.

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[Grim1]

Well, I just purchased the sx package (Canada). It's really hard to compare to the US lines. They seem to have mixed a bit of everything up to make them uncomparable. Went with gravity grey, this model retails at $49,995 here plus 1895 delivery.

 

[JDoggery]

I spoke with one dealer, mentioned that the deposit would be refundable, but I have yet to see the actual paperwork to confirm. Maybe it's a state thing? FYI, in CA.

 

[seashell]

Does anyone know what the invoice is for a telluride sx prestige?

 

[JamesH]

You can also look it up at KBB or Edmunds.

MSRP $46,535
Invoice $44,211