Dealer said " I'm inclined to refund your deposit"

gadget · 04-03-2008, 02:08 PM

I have a deposit placed in a BMW dealer by my house to hold my spot for Sept 1 delivery of a 08 model.
Since I placed my deposit, I’ve made the decision to wait a few more weeks for a 09 build in Sept. for an Oct delivery.

I spoke to a different dealer who offered me their 1st 09 build with $2500 off MSRP if I get the car full loaded (~$73.5K reduced to $71K) Based on what I’ve read on this forum $2500 off MSRP is a hell of a deal.

Then called my dealer to tell him he would need to match or better his offer in order to retain my business. He is OK in giving me the 1st 09 but said it was crazy that I was getting so much of and told me I should buy the other car and that he was inclined to refund my deposit.

This is the second car I will get from this dealer (got my Z4 from him) I also referred a colleague who bough their Demo 335 vert that the dealer had been trying to get rid of for months. I work for the best and largest company in town and have sent several other colleagues to them as well. I leveraged this and the fact that my wife’s lease will be up in about 18 months and she wants to get an X5 or X6.

After questioning him if he just wanted me to F*@% off and take my business else where, he said he would talk to the manager to see what he could do. He said he would not be able to do $2500, I told him 2000 would meet my needs since both he and I know this dealer is much better.

What would you do in this situation? If I buy my car at the other dealer can I have it serviced at the dealer near my house who offers better service?

Thanks

gadgetec · 04-03-2008, 02:26 PM

If you can get it in writing $2500 off MSRP go for it, you can get your car serviced at any BMW dealership.

gadget · 04-03-2008, 05:31 PM

I've spoken to the dealer again.

They said that if i don't buy the car from them they will still service my car but will give priority, including loaner allocation to customers that have bought the cars from them. I think this is fair and should not be an issue.

SpencerM3 · 04-03-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

1st 09 build with $2500 off MSRP if I get the car full loaded (~$73.5K reduced to $71K)

$73.5K loaded? Where did you get that number from?

m3larson · 04-03-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

I have a deposit placed in a BMW dealer by my house to hold my spot for Sept 1 delivery of a 08 model.
Since I placed my deposit, I’ve made the decision to wait a few more weeks for a 09 build in Sept. for an Oct delivery.

I spoke to a different dealer who offered me their 1st 09 build with $2500 off MSRP if I get the car full loaded (~$73.5K reduced to $71K) Based on what I’ve read on this forum $2500 off MSRP is a hell of a deal.

Then called my dealer to tell him he would need to match or better his offer in order to retain my business. He is OK in giving me the 1st 09 but said it was crazy that I was getting so much of and told me I should buy the other car and that he was inclined to refund my deposit.

This is the second car I will get from this dealer (got my Z4 from him) I also referred a colleague who bough their Demo 335 vert that the dealer had been trying to get rid of for months. I work for the best and largest company in town and have sent several other colleagues to them as well. I leveraged this and the fact that my wife’s lease will be up in about 18 months and she wants to get an X5 or X6.

After questioning him if he just wanted me to F*@% off and take my business else where, he said he would talk to the manager to see what he could do. He said he would not be able to do $2500, I told him 2000 would meet my needs since both he and I know this dealer is much better.

What would you do in this situation? If I buy my car at the other dealer can I have it serviced at the dealer near my house who offers better service?

Thanks

I was told BMW would not let the dealer discount the car.. I paid full price however I brought a 550 there a couple years ago and an X5 4 weeks before I brought the M3.. They gave me $2,000 more for my 550 on trade to make up for not being able to discount the car.

To be honest, in our economy right now these cars are not flying off the dealer lots ( the dealer demo's)

jm1234 · 04-03-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3larson

I was told BMW would not let the dealer discount the car.. I paid full price however I brought a 550 there a couple years ago and an X5 4 weeks before I brought the M3.. They gave me $2,000 more for my 550 on trade to make up for not being able to discount the car.

To be honest, in our economy right now these cars are not flying off the dealer lots ( the dealer demo's)

This dealer (here and here) is advertising discounted cars on the Internet. I don't know who told you that but I don't see the evidence that it is true anymore.

Davinhci · 04-03-2008, 11:47 PM

yeah shouldn't matter which dealer you go to, they all should take care of your service.

sayemthree · 04-04-2008, 02:01 AM

you should reply " i am inclined to take my business elsewhere."

Technic · 04-04-2008, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

you should reply " i am inclined to take my business elsewhere."

x1,000,000

gadget · 04-04-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

you should reply " i am inclined to take my business elsewhere."

Not in those words but I did them him that if he was telling me to "get lost and and F*ck off" He said he would speak to the GM and came back to me with an acceptable offer. I may not get a big a discount on the other place but I'm also not going to buy a a far away crappy dealer to save a few bucks. To me its about best value not absolute lowest price.

CnoteMD · 04-04-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

Not in those words but I did them him that if he was telling me to "get lost and and F*ck off" He said he would speak to the GM and came back to me with an acceptable offer. I may not get a big a discount on the other place but I'm also not going to buy a a far away crappy dealer to save a few bucks. To me its about best value not absolute lowest price.

From what I have read, it sounds like your dealer is probably willing to give a discount to keep your business, but probably won't be able to match your other offer.

In the end, if you have a good relationship with your dealer, it may be worth sticking with them. Sometimes good service is worth the few hundred dollars lost on a deal.

sayemthree · 04-04-2008, 05:40 PM

if you are a repeat cutomer there should be NO reason they can not match another dealers offer. well , I mean no GOOD reason. greed is not a good reason.

BMW3R · 04-04-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpencerM3

$73.5K loaded? Where did you get that number from?

Sounds like they marked the car up the $2500 to offer him the $2500 off. I hope that the '09 doesn't jump that much loaded!

GregW / Oregon · 04-04-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW3R

Sounds like they marked the car up the $2500 to offer him the $2500 off. I hope that the '09 doesn't jump that much loaded!

Maybe they were taking a stab at '09 price increases (which noone knows yet)? Actually, with DCT, that's pretty close (haven't done the math).

ky_soldier · 04-07-2008, 08:53 PM

BMW can NOT dictate what price the dealer sells the car for. That is illegal. They can "reward" certain dealers with allocation, etc for those who may keep within their intent as far as customer service, etc, but mostly allocation is earned with volume.

GT3 Tim · 04-08-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

I've spoken to the dealer again.

They said that if i don't buy the car from them they will still service my car but will give priority, including loaner allocation to customers that have bought the cars from them. I think this is fair and should not be an issue.

Then they are idiots. Nice customer service. I would take my business elsewhere, as well as my future servicing. If that is way too hard for you to do (distance, time, etc.), then either you bite the bullet and pay a bit more, or just deal with being 2nd priority.

For me, customer service is #1. When I get jerked around, I typically will not go back. With the dealer telling you they can't match anothers price, that is NOT a customer service issue....when he tells you that even though you have been a good customer, you will not be a priority to them, that is fricken lame, and bad customer service IMHO.

I dunno what to tell ya man, but that would straight piss me off.

GT3 Tim · 04-08-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

if you are a repeat cutomer there should be NO reason they can not match another dealers offer. well , I mean no GOOD reason. greed is not a good reason.

If they had half a brain, their goal SHOULD be customer service. They are obviously willing to let a good cusomter go somewhere else over $500. That speaks VOLUMES about them...and it aint good. What a bunch of retards.

GT3 Tim · 04-08-2008, 10:20 AM

OK, since I am on a customer service rant, I will share a quick story...sorry about the OT, but it is relavant to the discussion, at least in my twisted mind.

Three years ago, I bought my GT3, private party. Wanting to establish a working relationship with the dealer, I took it in for service...oil change, etc. I also had them change the gear oil (not even required till 90K!), etc. I was hoping to "send some business" their way, and establish a "cooperative" relationship. After I picked my car up, I was driving home and I noticed the CD (the newest Korn CD at the time) was missing from the CD player. I KNOW it was in there... So, I called up and informed the Service Advisory i delt with about it....just to make him aware that they have a thief there (nicely mind you...). I know it was personal property and not the dealers problem, per se. However, the response I got was basically, go f*ck yourself. Seriously.

Now wtf is that? I could not believe what I heard. It wasn't even as nice as "that is personal property and not our responsibility". He basically said, "oh, that's too bad", CLICK. WTF!

So, the moral of the story is that because of thier piss-poor customer service, I took my business elsewhere and they have lost thousands of dollars because of it...all over a $15 CD. Well, not even that. All over crappy customer service is more like it. I did NOT expect them to buy me a CD, etc. I just wanted to inform them they had a thief, that this was going on at their shop! And I got a "f$ck off" in return.

So, when I hear your story about poor customer service, it really gives me a bad feeling. I won't go back to places that are a$$holes. Screw them. I can go somewhere else! If I was in your shoes, I prolly would tell them to piss off, and why I was telling them that....they may change their tune...but if they don't, RUN with your business to somebody else!

gadget · 04-08-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpencerM3

$73.5K loaded? Where did you get that number from?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW3R

Sounds like they marked the car up the $2500 to offer him the $2500 off. I hope that the '09 doesn't jump that much loaded!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Maybe they were taking a stab at '09 price increases (which no one knows yet)? Actually, with DCT, that's pretty close (haven't done the math).

Greg, you are on the right track exact math below:

Fully Loaded price is $72,595 but goes up to $73, 895 with the GGT

WCH · 04-08-2008, 12:56 PM

Yep. $73K is right. Mine is very similar has heated seats only and a black interior with CL.

Did they give you an acceptable offer?

gadget · 04-09-2008, 03:58 PM

A few more details on the two dealers

Dealer (A)
This is where I bought my Z, I also sent a co-worker there who bought a 335 vert.
• This dealer is the "best" one in the city- It has the best location, and is close to the more affluent areas. It is the highest volume dealer in the area. They have better allocations and can get the cars faster.
• My Z experience has been very good, service, loans etc.
• Has a huge inventory of parts so you don’t have to wait for them to order.
Dealer (B)
• Very far away (40 miles) on the north edge of the city.
• Looks like a KIA dealership,
• Staffed by morons the salesman that I spoke to took 10 mins to confirm the price of the 19"s, then left me waiting because he realized he sent out another customer in a 335 but the key was still in his pocket
• I've heard negative things about them.

Based on this I really want t stay with Dealer A, I’m willing to pay a slight premium but expect them to give a discount and treat me well.

I have spoken to my salesman again and reminded him the following
1. I'm only 27, bought a Z4 less than 2 years ago and now going to an M3, probably safe to assume I'm only getting started.
2. My wife wants an X5
3. My dad is looking to buy a new car
4. The company I work for has 10,000s of employees in the city. In the office people are always asking me about cars and my opinion, I can send more business his way. (out of 3 people I've sent, one bought a car)
5. I can very quickly spread the word about their greedy ways every time someone asks about my car and where I got it. Here in Ohio the M3 will get a lot of attention from people (Not that I care- it is what it is)
6. My salesman is the number 2 salesman at the dealer, selling me the car for less profit still helps him meet his quota and puts him 1 car closer to beating the other guy.
I think he got the point, We agreed to negotiate once we are closer to the date (I'm getting the first 09 from them) Based on what I told him, I think he will match or come very close to the other offer- He has no choice and will lose an great customer over a trivial amount of money. Not only am I a good customer of the amount of cars I will buy but also because I am direct and to the point. This is what I want, here is my money. Imagine the “old folks” who spend hours asking question, leave, come back a few day later ask more questions, are indecisive and take 10 hours of his time only to buy a used 328i.

In the end, based on the feedback above,

I am willing to settle for a smaller discount ($500-1000 less). If his discount is not good enough I will buy from dealer (B) but service it at dealer (A) with the expectation that they will treat me as if I bought my car there. If they give me 2nd priority (i.e. old loaners etc) I will do the following

1. Buy all my future cars elsewhere
2. Buy My wife and Audi Q7 or Porsche Cayenne (She likes all the same)
3. Tell my dad to buy a Lexus
4. Tell all my colleagues the greedy ways of dealer (A) when the topic comes up
5. Send and e-mail to BMW NA copy the GM of Dealer “A” just as an FYI
Bottom line, I’m sure we will find a way to reach an agreement that meets both our needs.

04-03-2008, 02:08 PM	#1
gadget Major 108 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 09 e92///M SSII DCT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Dealer said " I'm inclined to refund your deposit" I have a deposit placed in a BMW dealer by my house to hold my spot for Sept 1 delivery of a 08 model. Since I placed my deposit, I’ve made the decision to wait a few more weeks for a 09 build in Sept. for an Oct delivery. I spoke to a different dealer who offered me their 1st 09 build with $2500 off MSRP if I get the car full loaded (~$73.5K reduced to $71K) Based on what I’ve read on this forum $2500 off MSRP is a hell of a deal. Then called my dealer to tell him he would need to match or better his offer in order to retain my business. He is OK in giving me the 1st 09 but said it was crazy that I was getting so much of and told me I should buy the other car and that he was inclined to refund my deposit. This is the second car I will get from this dealer (got my Z4 from him) I also referred a colleague who bough their Demo 335 vert that the dealer had been trying to get rid of for months. I work for the best and largest company in town and have sent several other colleagues to them as well. I leveraged this and the fact that my wife’s lease will be up in about 18 months and she wants to get an X5 or X6. After questioning him if he just wanted me to F*@% off and take my business else where, he said he would talk to the manager to see what he could do. He said he would not be able to do $2500, I told him 2000 would meet my needs since both he and I know this dealer is much better. What would you do in this situation? If I buy my car at the other dealer can I have it serviced at the dealer near my house who offers better service? Thanks
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04-03-2008, 02:26 PM	#2
gadgetec Private 11 Rep 96 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 IB M3, 2013 X5 35d Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl iTrader: (1)	If you can get it in writing $2500 off MSRP go for it, you can get your car serviced at any BMW dealership.
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04-03-2008, 05:31 PM	#3
gadget Major 108 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 09 e92///M SSII DCT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I've spoken to the dealer again. They said that if i don't buy the car from them they will still service my car but will give priority, including loaner allocation to customers that have bought the cars from them. I think this is fair and should not be an issue.
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04-03-2008, 11:47 PM	#7
Davinhci Colonel 55 Rep 2,484 Posts Drives: 08 M3 E92 & 08 E70 X5 4.8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	yeah shouldn't matter which dealer you go to, they all should take care of your service.
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04-04-2008, 02:01 AM	#8
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	you should reply " i am inclined to take my business elsewhere." __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
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04-04-2008, 05:40 PM	#12
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	if you are a repeat cutomer there should be NO reason they can not match another dealers offer. well , I mean no GOOD reason. greed is not a good reason. __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
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04-07-2008, 08:53 PM	#15
ky_soldier General of The Universe 50 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW i8 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Prospect, KY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW i8 [9.00]	BMW can NOT dictate what price the dealer sells the car for. That is illegal. They can "reward" certain dealers with allocation, etc for those who may keep within their intent as far as customer service, etc, but mostly allocation is earned with volume. __________________ 2017 Tesla Model X P100D 2017 BMW M2 2015 BMW i8 & i3 1946 Willys CJ-2A 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti OTO
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04-08-2008, 10:20 AM	#18
GT3 Tim Moderator 94 Rep 1,920 Posts Drives: 2014 MB E63S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0)	OK, since I am on a customer service rant, I will share a quick story...sorry about the OT, but it is relavant to the discussion, at least in my twisted mind. Three years ago, I bought my GT3, private party. Wanting to establish a working relationship with the dealer, I took it in for service...oil change, etc. I also had them change the gear oil (not even required till 90K!), etc. I was hoping to "send some business" their way, and establish a "cooperative" relationship. After I picked my car up, I was driving home and I noticed the CD (the newest Korn CD at the time) was missing from the CD player. I KNOW it was in there... So, I called up and informed the Service Advisory i delt with about it....just to make him aware that they have a thief there (nicely mind you...). I know it was personal property and not the dealers problem, per se. However, the response I got was basically, go f*ck yourself. Seriously. Now wtf is that? I could not believe what I heard. It wasn't even as nice as "that is personal property and not our responsibility". He basically said, "oh, that's too bad", CLICK. WTF! So, the moral of the story is that because of thier piss-poor customer service, I took my business elsewhere and they have lost thousands of dollars because of it...all over a $15 CD. Well, not even that. All over crappy customer service is more like it. I did NOT expect them to buy me a CD, etc. I just wanted to inform them they had a thief, that this was going on at their shop! And I got a "f$ck off" in return. So, when I hear your story about poor customer service, it really gives me a bad feeling. I won't go back to places that are a$$holes. Screw them. I can go somewhere else! If I was in your shoes, I prolly would tell them to piss off, and why I was telling them that....they may change their tune...but if they don't, RUN with your business to somebody else! __________________ Tim <--- apparently likes "3" cars 2014 E63S -- The Rocket 2014 F30 328i -- Kids car 2008 E90 M3 -- Sold 2004 GT3 -- Sold 1997 M3/4 -- Sold 1995 M3 -- Sold
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04-08-2008, 12:56 PM	#20
WCH Lieutenant Colonel 347 Rep 1,844 Posts Drives: '20 M8C convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (8) Garage List 2022 Porsche Cayenn ... [0.00] 2020 BMW M8C [0.00] 2017 Porsche Macan GTS [0.00]	Yep. $73K is right. Mine is very similar has heated seats only and a black interior with CL. Did they give you an acceptable offer?
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04-09-2008, 03:58 PM	#21
gadget Major 108 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 09 e92///M SSII DCT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	A few more details on the two dealers Dealer (A) This is where I bought my Z, I also sent a co-worker there who bought a 335 vert. • This dealer is the "best" one in the city- It has the best location, and is close to the more affluent areas. It is the highest volume dealer in the area. They have better allocations and can get the cars faster. • My Z experience has been very good, service, loans etc. • Has a huge inventory of parts so you don’t have to wait for them to order. Dealer (B) • Very far away (40 miles) on the north edge of the city. • Looks like a KIA dealership, • Staffed by morons the salesman that I spoke to took 10 mins to confirm the price of the 19"s, then left me waiting because he realized he sent out another customer in a 335 but the key was still in his pocket • I've heard negative things about them. Based on this I really want t stay with Dealer A, I’m willing to pay a slight premium but expect them to give a discount and treat me well. I have spoken to my salesman again and reminded him the following 1. I'm only 27, bought a Z4 less than 2 years ago and now going to an M3, probably safe to assume I'm only getting started. 2. My wife wants an X5 3. My dad is looking to buy a new car 4. The company I work for has 10,000s of employees in the city. In the office people are always asking me about cars and my opinion, I can send more business his way. (out of 3 people I've sent, one bought a car) 5. I can very quickly spread the word about their greedy ways every time someone asks about my car and where I got it. Here in Ohio the M3 will get a lot of attention from people (Not that I care- it is what it is) 6. My salesman is the number 2 salesman at the dealer, selling me the car for less profit still helps him meet his quota and puts him 1 car closer to beating the other guy. I think he got the point, We agreed to negotiate once we are closer to the date (I'm getting the first 09 from them) Based on what I told him, I think he will match or come very close to the other offer- He has no choice and will lose an great customer over a trivial amount of money. Not only am I a good customer of the amount of cars I will buy but also because I am direct and to the point. This is what I want, here is my money. Imagine the “old folks” who spend hours asking question, leave, come back a few day later ask more questions, are indecisive and take 10 hours of his time only to buy a used 328i. In the end, based on the feedback above, I am willing to settle for a smaller discount ($500-1000 less). If his discount is not good enough I will buy from dealer (B) but service it at dealer (A) with the expectation that they will treat me as if I bought my car there. If they give me 2nd priority (i.e. old loaners etc) I will do the following 1. Buy all my future cars elsewhere 2. Buy My wife and Audi Q7 or Porsche Cayenne (She likes all the same) 3. Tell my dad to buy a Lexus 4. Tell all my colleagues the greedy ways of dealer (A) when the topic comes up 5. Send and e-mail to BMW NA copy the GM of Dealer “A” just as an FYI Bottom line, I’m sure we will find a way to reach an agreement that meets both our needs.
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