Dealer Ordered Cars

[Cuda340]

In a previous post, I noted that most Dodge dealers are ordering their 2007 SRT Chargers fully "loaded." (Similar to what they will do with the Challenger).

The following is a good example of what I found today on a dealer's lot:

2007 SRT Charger:

Base Cost (includes destination & gas guzzler tax)- $38,695
Tor-red Paint- $ 225
Option I (AC dual zone)- $ 675
Option II (Kicker stereo/alarm)- $ 845
Option III (Nav system)- $ 2,355
Side Air Bags- $ 390
Sun Roof- $ 950
Rear Seat Video- $ 1,150
Total Cost- $45,285

This "friendly" dealer in New Jersey checked off every possible option and ordered a car with $6,590 in options. This of course will maximize his profit at the buyer's expense. In addition, the lucky buyer will also pay an addtional $461 sales tax (@7%)!

For what you are getting $38,695 MSRP is reasonable. But who needs almost $7,000 in options that will not make your car go any faster or look any better?

I will definitely try to find a dealer where I can order a car with the options (if any) that I want.

[JonW]

I always order my cars. That way, I get exactly what I want. No one else has test-driven it. And when it comes in, I specify that they leave the front license plate bracket off, the mats in their baggie in the trunk, and no dealer nameplate. That's the only way to fly.

[sniper226]

Originally Posted by JonW

I always order my cars. That way, I get exactly what I want. No one else has test-driven it. And when it comes in, I specify that they leave the front license plate bracket off, the mats in their baggie in the trunk, and no dealer nameplate. That's the only way to fly.

Actually, to be thorough, you need to tell them not to prep it either. Give it to you as it came off the truck. No need to have some minimum wage yo-yo who does not give a rats @ss about the job scratching up that new finish.

We just bought a Jeep Commander and I caught our salesperson out in the parking lot before we took delivery attempting to make the SUV look better.

He was rubbing dirt off the hood with his sleeve!!!

[JonW]

Most dealers won't deliver a car until it's prepped for liability reasons. The dealer I do business with knows me well and they know how anal I am. They take very good care of me.

I get really baffled at you guys who shop around and try to chisel the dealer out of every last dime. I don't mind paying my dealer a fair profit. Because, in exchange, I want the royal treatment. I don't want my car scratched when I bring it in for service (yes, they do my service as well). I don't want some schmuck wiping a dirty towel all over it. I don't want grease on the seats. I'm willing to pay a couple hundred dollars more, if that's what it takes. It's well worth it to me. I have a very good relationship with my dealer. I get discounts on parts. I get treated like a king when I roll up to the service entrance. That's not a relationship you can build by buying strictly on price.

[Cuda340]

Originally Posted by JonW

Most dealers won't deliver a car until it's prepped for liability reasons. The dealer I do business with knows me well and they know how anal I am. They take very good care of me.

I get really baffled at you guys who shop around and try to chisel the dealer out of every last dime. I don't mind paying my dealer a fair profit. Because, in exchange, I want the royal treatment. I don't want my car scratched when I bring it in for service (yes, they do my service as well). I don't want some schmuck wiping a dirty towel all over it. I don't want grease on the seats. I'm willing to pay a couple hundred dollars more, if that's what it takes. It's well worth it to me. I have a very good relationship with my dealer. I get discounts on parts. I get treated like a king when I roll up to the service entrance. That's not a relationship you can build by buying strictly on price.

I agree that it is always best to buy from a local dealer who you trust.

That is what I plan to do as long as I get a fair price. When guys talk about buying out-of-state they are reacting to stories of dealers charging not hundreds but thousands of dollars in excess of MSRP.