First Nissan bait and switch ad for new truck out being repaired Simi Valley California
No big deal, but I think there should be SOME consequence of dealers wasting our time.
Based on an ad for 2 Nissan 2004 Titans at a great price, I spoke with the assistant sales manager and confirmed one truck was still available (the other had been sold).
We agreed on an out the door total price. I told him I was pre-approved, had a cash downpayment, simply needed to inspect the truck. I made an appointment.
I brought my wife and toddler, who enjoyed the pony ride and games set up for the weekend of great prices.
The salesguy couldn't find the truck. Apparently the one advertised was at a body shop where they were repairing a scrape.
I was told I could buy the truck, sight unseen, and still have a chance to refuse it later if I didn't like it. I declined, since it's weird, and also because the big rebate ends this weekend and what if there was a problem with the truck? (besides the scrape).
A sales manager told me that I should look at 2005's. I mentioned that I was firm on price and would be VERY surprised if they could compete with an '04 given the 2,000 rebate only good on the 2004.
He claimed that he could compete--that model years didn't matter much to him, he simply needed to move vehicles.
One test drive and several hours later we came to the conclusion that, according to the "other" sales manager, they really couldn't even come close on a 2005.
The story isn't over yet. On Monday with the auto body shop open I might be able to inspect the vehicle and still purchase it at the agreed price. I plan to update this report to let you know how it goes.
But since Valencia Nissan similarly wasted my time today, I think it's worth noting here for other prospective buyers.
I was told the truck had been damaged for quite some time. I doubt that it's a coincidence that it was advertised at a great price, the final weekend of a big rebate, when the truck was unavailable.
Dennis
Simi Valley, California
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Dennis
Simi Valley,California,
U.S.A.
I take it back--got the truck at the ad price after all
#3Author of original report
Tue, January 04, 2005
The next business day First Nissan got the truck out of the auto-body place. I test drove it and bought it at the ad price, keeping the "due" bill to have the auto body place fix the dent later.
The process went smoothly with no attempts on their part to raise the price.
I am now happy with First Nissan of Simi, including my sales guy Brad, and would recommend them to other buyers.
Yay!!! I bought the truck at the "loss leader" advertised price--nearly 1/3 off the MSRP! I know it is a screaming deal because I went to 10 other dealers offering $500 more and no one would touch it.
Paul
Anaheim,California,
U.S.A.
Dude, dream on! New car dealers are basically honest except for everything they say, and everything they do!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Sun, January 02, 2005
They tried to steal your cash down payment on a car they claimed was in the body shop!
New car dealers are basically honest except for everything they say, and everything they do!
Once you understand that rule, you'll know how to deal with them.
What's that you say, Mr. Salesman? I can't hear you, but I can see your lips moving, so I know you're lying.
Trust nothing. Believe nothing. Check everything. Then, go home and sleep on the deal before you buy.
Even after all this, you'll still get cheated. But, what the hell, it's the only way to get a new car.