Posted By: Stump jumper
Car dealer rant - 07/12/18 05:30 PM
Well the Ford Escape is a goner. I have been shopping for a replacement vehicle for daughter. I wanted to get her something decent without breaking the bank. I wanted some of the latest safety features and with the targeted vehicle being a 4-5 year old compact SUV the choices were pretty much limited to the higher end models. She has a month on the rental so I should have put off my search but I found the perfect vehicle for her. It is a white Rav4 Limited and just a few miles from the house. I told her since she does not wash and wax a vehicle like she should then there is no choice of colors. Internet price is $15k so I offer $14k. Now I know of the tricks that some dealers pull these days and I even mentioned some to the sales guy. What does he do but come back with $16.2k which includes dealer prep $598, air in tires (a.k.a. nitrogen)- $299, & windshield coverage - $299 (new one on me). I told the dude that we have other choices and reminded him that the vehicle has been on his lot for a month+. After some haggling I got him close to my price. Now comes finances turn. We will give you x rate if you buy our 2 year warranty. Once the dude got the message that I want the rate but not the warranty the contract goes in to the printer. I get it and start checking it. Well the purchase price has been jacked up by $255. I felt like telling the dude that I did not fall of the turnip wagon yesterday. After some discussions centered on the merits of dealer add ons he figured out that someone had added paint protection. I just sat there thinking about how many people these places rape every day.