Dealer Disappointment

[OldTimer]

The dealer I visited last week who put me on their waiting list and then said I could move up on the list if I paid a deposit, now cannot tell me what amount I need to deposit, and, that there will be a mark up on all camaro's they sell. Whats up with that? You cannot tell me how much you want for a deposit, but, you already have 5 or 6 in front of me. How can they NOT know what deposit they are requiring? Seems to me they are getting so much interest they are deciding to up the deposit and have decided they can mark up the price as well. I bet they are going back to the first 5-6 and telling them if they don't put up more deposit they are going to move them down. Once they see how much people are willing to pay to keep their place they will inform me what they want from me. They just lost a customer for life!

So I go to another mid-size to large chevy dealer and inquire as to the same thing, waiting list/deposit/markup. Their story is exactly the same, and I mean EXACTLY the same. I know GM cannot control the dealers, but, they are the ones that are in front of the customer and make the impression that determines who does and does not buy a vehicle.

I have not had that many posts on here, but, I have been reading everything that gets posted. Ok, so I miss a few. I have been as excited about this car as anyone on this forum. As much as most of you. Well, as much as alot of you.

My point to all this is, all those who worked tirelessly on this car, who sweat blood, who have an emotional and physical bond to this car are going to see all that dedication and effort go down the drain because of some of the dealers who will be responsible for selling it. I said SOME, not all Scotty! As for me, I won't be buying one in Houston. I have gone from the excitement of being on the top of the list to going out and buying something else this weekend and waiting a couple years. Unfortunately, that is the only recourse I have because there will be someone else right behind me that will take my place and take the BS. I love the camaro and still think it is the best looking car on the planet. I am, however, a believer in principle. I would never treat my customer that way and will not tolerate being treated that way.

Great car GM! Way to go to all of you who were on the team, but, because of whats happening downstream from you I wont be buying one now. I will end up with one, but, much later then I had my heart set on.

[65bus]

I agree, my car dealer told me $1000 deposit and there was 9 on the list allready and couldnt confirm a price. They need to be rejected from GM's send list but we all know this was gona happen even though GM said they werent going to be like DODGE, ect...... Thats why im starting to look towards the new G8 GXP and the Colbalt SS but ya never know there might be a vast supply considering the price of gas, and the market not doing so well. Time will tell and hopefully in our favor!

[Sizzox]

That’s the dumbest thing I have ever heard my dealer said he's not taking nothing until feb. 16th the day ordering officially starts which is what every dealer should do no waiting list no early deposits but I don’t have to worry he is my dad's best friend so I know im getting one no matter what.

[65bus]

^ur lucky wish i knew i would get one in feb.

[baileyrx]

production starts feb 16th, I'm sure orders will/can be placed about 3-4 months before that time...

[Sizzox]

Thats just what he told me they said to take orders then

[headpunter]

could we get this moved to the correct subforum plx...

ps. if your dealer is a prick go somewhere else, i bought my colorado from Gootee chevrolet (Chehalis/Centralia Washington State) (i listed the location hoping to spare some one some agony.) and after all the crap i had to put up with i wont ever buy from them again. Alot of dealers feel entitled to your business. but in the internet age people will drive 100+ miles to buy a car so they all need to learn better customer service. i know flying to milwaukee to buy a car from camaroscotty so i have a sweet roadtrip to break in the car.

[pinkcamaro10]

so you go to 2 dealers and give up? what does that say about you? If all else fails buy from camaroscotty and have the car drop shipped to your local dealer.

you arent trying very hard for a real camaro enthusiast.

[camaro5]

Scott said they shouldn't take deposits until the order books arrive at dealers in "Late Summer".

[Zieke]

Originally Posted by pinkcamaro10

so you go to 2 dealers and give up? what does that say about you? If all else fails buy from camaroscotty and have the car drop shipped to your local dealer.

you arent trying very hard for a real camaro enthusiast.

i dont want to seem like im hammering down on you,
but i agree with Pink.

[09'Z28]

Originally Posted by OldTimer

I know GM cannot control the dealers

actually they can a Dodge dealer in our area (won't mention names) got their license pulled by Chrysler so GM could threaten to pull their license and get it straightened out if they wanted to

[Speedy1975]

MSRP Markup and deposits on cars that you can't yet order are very fine lines. GM is struggling financially right now. The Camaro could really help that situation.

The "over MSRP Markup" goes straight to the dealer's profits. GM gets ZERO of that. If too many dealers do this and it hurts sales, that'll be bad for GM as a whole. GM will probably wait to see how sales go before doing anything, and at that point it could very well be too late. Big companies are like big ships and it takes a long time to make them change direction.

The bigger problem is that there are fools out there that will pay more than MSRP for something just to have it first. That's the REAL issue. If no one would pay it, the markup would disappear quick.

There was a Mugen Civic Si at a local Honda dealer. It had a $5000 markup on it. It sat, and sat, and sat. It totally cracked me up because it was nearly as expensive as a C6 Vette at $39K for a CIVIC!

Needless to say, after about a month, the markup was removed, and the last time I was in there it had a $1000 discount on it.

[Supermans]

Originally Posted by Speedy1975

MSRP Markup and deposits on cars that you can't yet order are very fine lines. GM is struggling financially right now. The Camaro could really help that situation.

The "over MSRP Markup" goes straight to the dealer's profits. GM gets ZERO of that. If too many dealers do this and it hurts sales, that'll be bad for GM as a whole. GM will probably wait to see how sales go before doing anything, and at that point it could very well be too late. Big companies are like big ships and it takes a long time to make them change direction.

The bigger problem is that there are fools out there that will pay more than MSRP for something just to have it first. That's the REAL issue. If no one would pay it, the markup would disappear quick.

There was a Mugen Civic Si at a local Honda dealer. It had a $5000 markup on it. It sat, and sat, and sat. It totally cracked me up because it was nearly as expensive as a C6 Vette at $39K for a CIVIC!

Needless to say, after about a month, the markup was removed, and the last time I was in there it had a $1000 discount on it.

This would all be simpler if for the first batch, they take orders over the phone and simply ship them to your house directly. I bet they'd sell a lot more that way considering the price would be a lot lower.

[Speedy1975]

Originally Posted by Supermans

This would all be simpler if for the first batch, they take orders over the phone and simply ship them to your house directly. I bet they'd sell a lot more that way considering the price would be a lot lower.

The problem with cutting out the dealer, is that it could hurt GM sales other than the Camaro. A lot of people will go see the new Camaro just to see it. While they're there they may see a car they're really in the market for and make a purchase outside of the Camaro.

It's tricky really. GM should just lay the smack down and say no over MSRP bs or we yank your license.

[CamaroScotty]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Right now, Florida, Texas, and California seem to running into the biggest problem with "additional dealer mark up".

But this has been the trend with vettes as well, so no surprise to me. But this is a 80-100K a year car, so I see no reason why someone should pay it. Sure, I can't and won't have enough cars for everyone, but we'll help who we can. Point is - shop around before paying any added mark up....you WILL find a deal.

[Speedy1975]

Originally Posted by CamaroScotty

Thanks for the comments guys!

Right now, Florida, Texas, and California seem to running into the biggest problem with "additional dealer mark up".

But this has been the trend with vettes as well, so no surprise to me. But this is a 80-100K a year car, so I see no reason why someone should pay it. Sure, I can't and won't have enough cars for everyone, but we'll help who we can. Point is - shop around before paying any added mark up....you WILL find a deal.

My buddy went through this with his 08' Z06. He'd been looking since 07' and most dealers in Middle TN were marking them up 10K - 15K. He went to GA and got one for $68K OTD. Those suckers that paid $88K - $93K felt REAL stupid when he brought it home.

[Nexus6]

if i wasnt gonna wait till Dcember of 09 so i can get HUD i would totally fly up to WI to get mine from you scotty.Heck depending on how it is at that time i may do it anyway.depends on the weather though.i have vowed to never let any rain or snow fall on my camaro.

[Emher]

I've pretty much got three car firms I have my eye on that seem to be pretty reasonable. Not buying from my local GM dealer even if they get the Camaro simply because they are idiots and their service division doesn't deserve the name.

[The_Blur]

That dealer sounds a little sketchy. I understand the desire to get to the front of the list, but you're asking to pay more by putting down a deposit this early. Allow me to explain.

First, you go to the dealer committing to a car you haven't test driven. This shows the dealer that you will get this car no matter what obstacles are in your way. Thus, you put the ball in the dealer's court.

Second, by offering to pay for a spot before knowing the price, you suggest that you don't care what the price is. The dealer can ask for a deposit without guaranteeing that you will pay MSRP or less. You could be paying MSRP plus your deposit for all you know.

Third, by discussing other deposits with you, the dealer is gauging your interest. You don't know their deposits, and I bet that you will want to be on that list to guarantee a spot. You will be willing to give them more money to get your spot. They may even offer to place you higher if you give them more dough. The dealer may raise the deposit to commit you to the sale. This brings in a solid commission for the salesperson and gives the salesperson the opportunity to lower customer service standards with you. You're committed to the car, not the dealer, and the dealer knows this. Because they know this, you may pay more, get treated worse, and not get the same deal as someone who cares more about which dealer sells them the car.

I would definitely get something about price written and signed by the dealer. If you can't get a written guarantee of MSRP, then I would talk to another dealer.

[gagliano7]

If we all stick together and not pay over sticker they will have no choice but the problem is someone will cross the line and then this will be the trend.I work in a union and the biggest problem is we don't stick together and a few people have side deals and this screws up everything for everyone and the boss loves it because we don't stick together.They play mind games and they feed on the weak to help themselves.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by CamaroScotty

Thanks for the comments guys!

Right now, Florida, Texas, and California seem to running into the biggest problem with "additional dealer mark up".

But this has been the trend with vettes as well, so no surprise to me. But this is a 80-100K a year car, so I see no reason why someone should pay it. Sure, I can't and won't have enough cars for everyone, but we'll help who we can. Point is - shop around before paying any added mark up....you WILL find a deal.

Yea Florida has been hit pretty hard with it...sadly I wanted oh so badly to drive away in a chevy truck a few years back...long story short...I was a college student and had to go with Ford.

I am sorry....but 20k for a 4banger colorado is bull s---. I think if we are patient and wait it out some prices will come down. For those of you who NEED the camaro the first month its available...well, your gonna have to do some hunting or talk to scotty.

[hollyt]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

That dealer sounds a little sketchy. I understand the desire to get to the front of the list, but you're asking to pay more by putting down a deposit this early. Allow me to explain.

First, you go to the dealer committing to a car you haven't test driven. This shows the dealer that you will get this car no matter what obstacles are in your way. Thus, you put the ball in the dealer's court.

Second, by offering to pay for a spot before knowing the price, you suggest that you don't care what the price is. The dealer can ask for a deposit without guaranteeing that you will pay MSRP or less. You could be paying MSRP plus your deposit for all you know.

Third, by discussing other deposits with you, the dealer is gauging your interest. You don't know their deposits, and I bet that you will want to be on that list to guarantee a spot. You will be willing to give them more money to get your spot. They may even offer to place you higher if you give them more dough. The dealer may raise the deposit to commit you to the sale. This brings in a solid commission for the salesperson and gives the salesperson the opportunity to lower customer service standards with you. You're committed to the car, not the dealer, and the dealer knows this. Because they know this, you may pay more, get treated worse, and not get the same deal as someone who cares more about which dealer sells them the car.

I would definitely get something about price written and signed by the dealer. If you can't get a written guarantee of MSRP, then I would talk to another dealer.

When I purchased my 50th Anniversary Corvette they did the same thing. A lot of dealers where getting $5,000 to $10,000 over MSRP. I ordered mine from a dealer before the pricing was out for the car. What I did was place the order for the vette and put down $1,000 but on the order we agreed that I would not pay more than MSRP and that if the Anniversary edition cost more than $5,000 over the regular vette price I could get my deposit back with no penalty.

There are honest dealers out there but you have to look for them.

[CamaroScotty]

I would expect we get the pricing and build info in December. Orders go in January, build starts February...No dealer can do it any different.

We are all created equal......until others decide to mark it up - then we're different!

[RickyTheStorm]

Find a dealer that will write in the contract no more than MSRP including deposit and only requires $500 for a deposit. My dealer did that for me - it is just finding the right dealer. I'd never give up the camaro just because one or two dealerships try to rip me off. I would continue to look for one that will write in contract what I want. That's what I love about my dealer, customer for life. I have been going there since I started driving, my parents have been going there for 19 years - they never have done us wrong. Heck, they are honest too - my colorado got hit by one of their staff trying to park another car, so it had to get repainted - they cut off $2000, fine by me! It's just finding the right dealer, for example Scotty's, and there are others out there just like that. Dealer for life, not one time!

[Mr Twisty]

Watch out for their MSRP + admin fees crap too.