Mark
Philadelphia,#2Consumer Suggestion
Mon, September 06, 2004
The problem with most car buyers is that they already have their heart set on what they want. This really places them at a disadvantage by limiting their options. For the last 3 new cars my family bought (in the last 2 years) we looked at the same model at a minimum of 4 dealerships. It took a whole Saturday. As soon as someone started blowing smoke, we got up and left. We didn't buy off the 4th dealership; we went back to the second. I totally ignore ads in paper, sale-a-thons, no money down noise and nonsense. Also, never tell a dealer how much cash you plan to put down. Always bring the Kelly Blue Book page for your trade. Dealerships do not enjoy doing business with us. I like it that way. My wife actually does most of the negotiating. We don't leave until they have a headache. By then, we know we have fully explored all parts of the transactions. By the way, car dealers are in the business to make money. You are in the business of keeping their profits fair. An educated consumer is a powerful force. By the way, most car dealerships are honest. Most of the dealerships who dwell in the sub prime market are not. If you can't afford a new car, don't buy one.
Stick - Rip-off Report Consumer Advocate
Phoenix,#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, September 06, 2004
Car dealers want car makers to think they have earned a good CSI. The real truth is they like to see to it that the "Unhappy car buyers NEVER get a CSI survey from the car maker. So what they do is put false car buyer contact info on what is called "RDR CARDS" In other words they make sure that the car makers get false contact info such as address and all phone numbers on the unhappy car buyers so the car makers can't find out how poorly the dirty car dealers treat the car buyers. Here in Phoenix we have a TV station called 3 TV www.azfamily.com that did not want to air a story that I brought to them about car dealers sending FALSE new car buyer contact info on the RDR cards. It's called CSI Diversion. This Report that would have protected thier viewers. If a car maker can't send you, the new car buyer a CSI survey how can they send you any safety re-call notices? Very soon I will be posting my own Rip Off Report all about 3TV in Phoenix AZ not willing to air a VERY INFORMATIVE story on car dealers and how they get away with CSI diversion. I also will have the EDitor post some recorded conversations that I made of me and 3TV's "On your side" reporter talking about the insider story we both worked on and 3TV refused to air the story. Trust me if you hate car deeler dirty tricks you will want to listen to the recordings that I soon will have posted for all to hear. Their motto is" The place with more stuff" I say their motto should be "The place that hides more stuff" ..more on this to come in another Rip-off Report Investigation, ..3TV The place with more stuff or more stuff to hide. Taped interviews will let viewers know the truth.
Bob
Albuquerque,#4Consumer Comment
Sun, September 05, 2004
What you can do on the survey if the dealer requests it. Fill it out, make a copy of it, take the original to the dealer - get your tank of gas, then send the copy to the company (not the dealer) with a letter stating what happened. If you want to rub it in, send a copy of the copy and a copy of your letter to the dealer. Smile broadly.
Cory
San Antonio,#5Consumer Comment
Sun, July 11, 2004
Bought a new Ford truck 1 month ago. 2 days ago I receivied a letter from my salesmen requesting that I bring my survey in to the dealer and let him "help" me fill it out. Offered a full tank of gas, as a "bribe". They might offer to save me a stamp too, and mail it for me. I filled it out and mailed it myself. Thank you very much. Do I see a trend starting?
Jim
Orlando,#6Consumer Suggestion
Sun, July 11, 2004
Chris.... Oh boy, you just wanted to drive home in a new car! Wow, I'm impressed. You are the PERFECT example of why these frauds and deceptions continue to exist. They clearly lied to you...they clearly defrauded you...they clearly deceived you. And what did YOU do? You REWARDED them! You gave them the business ANYWAY! Now, its their fault, right? Fraud and deception in the car business continue to exist NOT because the government hasn't shut them down yet...its because far too many car crazy, doormat types reward them for it. People, learn from this example. Don't be a doormat. When the dealer attempts to DEFRAUD or DECEIVE you, GET OUT. If the dealer tried to tell you how much a great deal a CAR FLEECE is, GET OUT. Don't reward evil with good. JT