Am I hosed or what?

[casey]

When I bought my Caliber my salesman told me to list everything I wanted to get on it and to call the dealership and they would take care of it. So I called him back later because I wanted to put the sound gate system in it and have the windows tinted. He told me someone would call me and I could drop the car off at the dealership to have the work done.

So I call back today to find out why no one has called me about this and find out that my salesman doesn't work there anymore. I can't talk to the sales manager until Friday, but I'm hearing several things that I am supposed to have. The manager was supposed to approach me when I picked the car up to see if it was everything I wanted. And apparently there is a sheet I was supposed to have with a list of what the dealership still owed me.

So now I pretty much don't have the car I wanted. What kind of ammunition do I have when I have to talk to the sales manager? Is there a way to threaten to give the car back?

If anyone has any help for me, I would love to hear it.

thanks

[Prop1]

You have 72 hours to change your mind. If you didn't get what the dealer owed you in writing, and you're past 72, and the dealer doesn't have a heart, then you're pretty much SOL. Sorry.:sad:

[Strauclair]

I would suggest waiting to see what the Sales manager will tell you and go on from there. It might be surprising, but some dealers actually care about their customer's happiness.

[Prop1]

I got to thinking, maybe the reason your salesman isn't with them anymore is because he was making all these promises, and he wasn't suppose to. They may have been getting the same complaint from several customers. That maybe your saving grace.;)

[J. Kirsch]

My two simple rules of thumb when buying from a dealership are: 1.) Whenever possible, buy from the sales manager. 2.) Don't buy from a salesperson who's been at the dealership for less than a year.

reason for rule #1: Sales managers are replaced less quickly than general salespeople, particularly if the dealership is making money. therefore, you have someone who you can pester with your wants and needs who'll be there for you. Plus, you're usually dealing with the #3 ranked person at the dealership as far as accountability goes.

Reason for rule #2: Only career-minded movers and shakers ever make the cut at a dealership. Most dealerships (around here, anyway) pay their new salespeople a 30 or 60 day guaranteed salary plus commission. During that initial probationary period, the newbie is pushed hard to sell sell sell, initially using the FFAR method (family, friends, acquaintences and relatives) and then moving on to more aggressive lot and showroom techniques. Those who can't perform usually don't make it past the first 90 days and either quit or get fired. Only those who are willing to hustle to earn your sale are the ones who last at dealerships.

Whenever buying anything, make sure that you get everything possible in writing with your copy being signed by the salesperson. It's still not usually binding unless it's written on the sale invoice, but it does give you a small amount of leverage to use. You can also threaten to call the Better Buisness Bureau or an investigative reporter from your local newspaper, radio or TV station.

Please keep us in the loop about how you make out and good luck to you.



Joe