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Bad Dealer Dealings - List Your Bad Dealer Experience

WOW! One reason I'm afraid of ordering. I guess you definitely have to get something in writing for the pricing.

A reputable dealership won't change pricing if there is an executed sales contract or buyer's order. The items subject to change are: (1) manufacturer changes in price or (2) manufacturer rebates / incentives. It is such a shame that some dealerships will take a deposit and then change price with dealer markups at end. I had a positive experience my dealership - the price agreed was the price paid. Unfortunately, too many people leave deposits for an open ended order (not an incoming VIN) and don't ask for or get a sales contract.

I specifically said on the phone when I went to place order: I will come in and order if there is no dealer markup - and they agreed (I forgot to say dealer adds too - so I got hit with a couple of those - but small amounts). I talked with at least 6 other dealerships - none who were willing to waive the markup - and that was over a year ago.

I asked what deposit they wanted - salesperson said: "well usually people leave 10% down", I laughed and said no way I'm leaving $4k when I don't know when this thing is going to show up. You can have $500, and I want a bill of sale showing final negotiated price - credit terms and rebates subject to availability at delivery. I also want deposit to be refundable. I spoke to sales manager face to face with salesman (I went up to booth while sales guy was talking with manager). That's important to not just talk to a salesperson, because the sales managers have the power and can play hardball while the salesperson just tries to be your friend and pretend he's advocating for YOU while the manager is the bad guy. It's a game... car buying of the 1990s. Plus, the managers are most likely to still be at the dealership in 4-6 months when vehicle arrives. There can be high turnover in salespeople.

Another dealership I talked with only wanted a $300 check that they never cashed and they would send a buyers order.

So, there are reputable dealerships... just need to find them. By now, I'd think that there should be a reputable dealership in every state (or nearby) listed on the forum.

Markups are common, but can be negotiated. Person just before me paid +$6k for same vehicle - presumably they didn't negotiate the markup.

My negotiation wasn't perfect from my side - they wouldn't budge on some things - but in the end I was happy and they were happy to make the sale - so I suppose it was mutually beneficial.
 
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A reputable dealership won't change pricing if there is an executed sales contract or buyer's order. The items subject to change are: (1) manufacturer changes in price or (2) manufacturer rebates / incentives. It is such a shame that some dealerships will take a deposit and then change price with dealer markups at end. I had a positive experience my dealership - the price agreed was the price paid. Unfortunately, too many people leave deposits for an open ended order (not an incoming VIN) and don't ask for or get a sales contract.

I specifically said on the phone when I went to place order: I will come in and order if there is no dealer markup - and they agreed (I forgot to say dealer adds too - so I got hit with a couple of those - but small amounts). I talked with at least 6 other dealerships - none who were willing to waive the markup - and that was over a year ago.

I asked what deposit they wanted - salesperson said: "well usually people leave 10% down", I laughed and said no way I'm leaving $4k when I don't know when this thing is going to show up. You can have $500, and I want a bill of sale showing final negotiated price - credit terms and rebates subject to availability at delivery. I also want deposit to be refundable. I spoke to sales manager face to face with salesman (I went up to booth while sales guy was talking with manager). That's important to not just talk to a salesperson, because the sales managers have the power and can play hardball while the salesperson just tries to be your friend and pretend he's advocating for YOU while the manager is the bad guy. It's a game... car buying of the 1990s. Plus, the managers are most likely to still be at the dealership in 4-6 months when vehicle arrives. There can be high turnover in salespeople.

Another dealership I talked with only wanted a $300 check that they never cashed and they would send a buyers order.

So, there are reputable dealerships... just need to find them. By now, I'd think that there should be a reputable dealership in every state listed on the forum.

Markups are common, but can be negotiated. Person just before me paid +$6k for same vehicle - presumably they didn't negotiate the markup.

My negotiation wasn't perfect from my side - they wouldn't budge on some things - but in the end I was happy and they were happy to make the sale - so I suppose it was mutually beneficial.

I actually just got off of the phone from speaking with a dealer that is 150 miles from me. They stated they would order, MSRP no markup but a 1k premium would be added because of the Nightfall package. I was told it could take up to 120 - 150 days to receive the vehicle with the possibility of it coming earlier. We are making a road trip this weekend to see them face to face and see if they are legit. They want a 1k refundable deposit. This is the first anywhere near my area that is selling at MSRP.
 
I actually just got off of the phone from speaking with a dealer that is 150 miles from me. They stated they would order, MSRP no markup but a 1k premium would be added because of the Nightfall package. I was told it could take up to 120 - 150 days to receive the vehicle with the possibility of it coming earlier. We are making a road trip this weekend to see them face to face and see if they are legit. They want a 1k refundable deposit. This is the first anywhere near my area that is selling at MSRP.

Good news. And, if you're going to travel, I would definitely talk to a sales manager first - and ask if they can do a buyers order over the phone and you give a CC deposit. $1k deposit is common these days. You don't want to get there and then all of a sudden your sales guy you talked with is "off" that day (while he hides in the back) and another sales guy pretends to know nothing about MSRP. Haha. A $1k markup in total isn't bad either. I'd pay that. As long as there aren't some exorbitantly priced dealer adds like pulse braking and VIN etching and "tint". Point is be sure to ask about any required dealer adds... that's a lesson I learned. But, it only cost me $800 and I'm not losing sleep. :)
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A reputable dealership won't change pricing if there is an executed sales contract or buyer's order. The items subject to change are: (1) manufacturer changes in price or (2) manufacturer rebates / incentives. It is such a shame that some dealerships will take a deposit and then change price with dealer markups at end. I had a positive experience my dealership - the price agreed was the price paid. Unfortunately, too many people leave deposits for an open ended order (not an incoming VIN) and don't ask for or get a sales contract.

I specifically said on the phone when I went to place order: I will come in and order if there is no dealer markup - and they agreed (I forgot to say dealer adds too - so I got hit with a couple of those - but small amounts). I talked with at least 6 other dealerships - none who were willing to waive the markup - and that was over a year ago.

I asked what deposit they wanted - salesperson said: "well usually people leave 10% down", I laughed and said no way I'm leaving $4k when I don't know when this thing is going to show up. You can have $500, and I want a bill of sale showing final negotiated price - credit terms and rebates subject to availability at delivery. I also want deposit to be refundable. I spoke to sales manager face to face with salesman (I went up to booth while sales guy was talking with manager). That's important to not just talk to a salesperson, because the sales managers have the power and can play hardball while the salesperson just tries to be your friend and pretend he's advocating for YOU while the manager is the bad guy. It's a game... car buying of the 1990s. Plus, the managers are most likely to still be at the dealership in 4-6 months when vehicle arrives. There can be high turnover in salespeople.

Another dealership I talked with only wanted a $300 check that they never cashed and they would send a buyers order.

So, there are reputable dealerships... just need to find them. By now, I'd think that there should be a reputable dealership in every state (or nearby) listed on the forum.

Markups are common, but can be negotiated. Person just before me paid +$6k for same vehicle - presumably they didn't negotiate the markup.

My negotiation wasn't perfect from my side - they wouldn't budge on some things - but in the end I was happy and they were happy to make the sale - so I suppose it was mutually beneficial.

My problem is that I did not know they would be dishonest. I had not seen anything bad here on the forums about them. Hopefully someone else can learn from my mistake. I'm wondering if there is anything you can do to make sure this doesn't happen. The sad part is ultimately they are going to sell that car, and probably make more money from it due to the timing. This is the worst experience I have had buying a car, and I am actually really hoping car companies will eventually allow straight to consumer sales.
 
My problem is that I did not know they would be dishonest. I had not seen anything bad here on the forums about them. Hopefully someone else can learn from my mistake. I'm wondering if there is anything you can do to make sure this doesn't happen. The sad part is ultimately they are going to sell that car, and probably make more money from it due to the timing.

Yes, Ancira has been marking up since last year. If you want to order or buy in Texas at the best price, I would contact:

Huffines Kia Corinth or McKinney (though they have a long order book) At Corinth ask for Donovan Castillo or Alex Wiederholt. Only dealership I currently know in Texas with no markup.

Van Griffith Kia in Granbury - they may have a markup now - but they are small so a long wait time I'd imagine.

Classic Kia of Carrollton - you can check with Stephen Cantrelle on this site. Although they now have a markup, but it may be partially negotiable. You'd have to discuss with him.

You can also check with Moritz Kia of Alliance and Fort Worth.

Those are best pricing no nonsense dealerships that I know currently.
 
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Good news. And, if you're going to travel, I would definitely talk to a sales manager first - and ask if they can do a buyers order over the phone and you give a CC deposit. $1k deposit is common these days. You don't want to get there and then all of a sudden your sales guy you talked with is "off" that day (while he hides in the back) and another sales guy pretends to know nothing about MSRP. Haha. A $1k markup in total isn't bad either. I'd pay that. As long as there aren't some exorbitantly priced dealer adds like pulse braking and VIN etching and "tint". Point is be sure to ask about any required dealer adds... that's a lesson I learned. But, it only cost me $800 and I'm not losing sleep. :)

Thanks for the advice!
 
A reputable dealership won't change pricing if there is an executed sales contract or buyer's order. The items subject to change are: (1) manufacturer changes in price or (2) manufacturer rebates / incentives. It is such a shame that some dealerships will take a deposit and then change price with dealer markups at end. I had a positive experience my dealership - the price agreed was the price paid. Unfortunately, too many people leave deposits for an open ended order (not an incoming VIN) and don't ask for or get a sales contract.

I specifically said on the phone when I went to place order: I will come in and order if there is no dealer markup - and they agreed (I forgot to say dealer adds too - so I got hit with a couple of those - but small amounts). I talked with at least 6 other dealerships - none who were willing to waive the markup - and that was over a year ago.

I asked what deposit they wanted - salesperson said: "well usually people leave 10% down", I laughed and said no way I'm leaving $4k when I don't know when this thing is going to show up. You can have $500, and I want a bill of sale showing final negotiated price - credit terms and rebates subject to availability at delivery. I also want deposit to be refundable. I spoke to sales manager face to face with salesman (I went up to booth while sales guy was talking with manager). That's important to not just talk to a salesperson, because the sales managers have the power and can play hardball while the salesperson just tries to be your friend and pretend he's advocating for YOU while the manager is the bad guy. It's a game... car buying of the 1990s. Plus, the managers are most likely to still be at the dealership in 4-6 months when vehicle arrives. There can be high turnover in salespeople.

Another dealership I talked with only wanted a $300 check that they never cashed and they would send a buyers order.

So, there are reputable dealerships... just need to find them. By now, I'd think that there should be a reputable dealership in every state (or nearby) listed on the forum.

Markups are common, but can be negotiated. Person just before me paid +$6k for same vehicle - presumably they didn't negotiate the markup.

My negotiation wasn't perfect from my side - they wouldn't budge on some things - but in the end I was happy and they were happy to make the sale - so I suppose it was mutually beneficial.
This is actually very useful.

The dealer I ordered from is 35 minutes away but I'm going to take your advice and say hey I'm in the area...let's put pen to paper (other than email) and write up a sales contract for MSRP...will keep you posted on how that goes.
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Saw a nice White SX today. Drove it , asked for best price. Is $59,000 a good deal? See attachment.
 

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Saw a nice White SX today. Drove it , asked for best price. Is $59,000 a good deal? See attachment.

What is the vehicle worth to you? Seriously...

Does it have towing? Prestige?

You see the headache some of us are dealing with trying to get our hands on these unicorns...take all of that into consideration as you move closer to making a deal...OR...walking away from it.
 
What is the vehicle worth to you? Seriously...

Does it have towing? Prestige?

You see the headache some of us are dealing with trying to get our hands on these unicorns...take all of that into consideration as you move closer to making a deal...OR...walking away from it.
No prestige, no towing! Unreal.
______________________________
 
Yes, Ancira has been marking up since last year. If you want to order or buy in Texas at the best price, I would contact:

Huffines Kia Corinth or McKinney (though they have a long order book) At Corinth ask for Donovan Castillo or Alex Wiederholt. Only dealership I currently know in Texas with no markup.

Van Griffith Kia in Granbury - they may have a markup now - but they are small so a long wait time I'd imagine.

Classic Kia of Carrollton - you can check with Stephen Cantrelle on this site. Although they now have a markup, but it may be partially negotiable. You'd have to discuss with him.

You can also check with Moritz Kia of Alliance and Fort Worth.

Those are best pricing no nonsense dealerships that I know currently.
I talked to Donovan at Huffines yesterday, they DO have markups, If I remember right they have a mandatory appearance package, which I think was $1899, and a dealer fee. I don't remember what the dealer fee is, also if you are from out of state, it's a $1000 non refundable deposit to order.
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I talked to Donovan at Huffines yesterday, they DO have markups, If I remember right they have a mandatory appearance package, which I think was $1899, and a dealer fee. I don't remember what the dealer fee is, also if you are from out of state, it's a $1000 non refundable deposit to order.

Good to know. They didn't have markups last year or any mandatory adds, but perhaps they are requiring it now.
 
Kia denville said they had a car and when I got there it was mysteriously just sold. Dealer markup as well. Avoid!

Jack Daniel's KIA also marks up.

KiA of nutley was fair honest and sold at msrp!
 
Watching Tellurides coming in, monitoring through cars.com and CarGurus. Seeing the prices easily go over the 50K mark, 51K, 52K just AT STICKER w/o dealer markups & add-ons. Seems like the normal price point for SX AWD now. If you add lots of options prices easily go to mid 50K! Never though this was possible but here we are. Getting hard to justify a new vehicle over $50K plus tax. Being priced out of the market (at least for me). Too bad because I love the vehicle. But perhaps the thrill is gone for me.
 
They stated they would order, MSRP no markup but a 1k premium would be added because of the Nightfall package.
Hilarious, they are charging you a $1k premium for the pleasure of purchasing a $1,295 option, which of course makes no sense at all. It’s a markup by any other name.
 




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