Is my dealer playing me?

[SSMickey]

I'm not going to mention any names yet, as I'm still not sure. I was home on R&R and called around to check on ZL1 allocations. I found one dealer who stated they had two that were spoken for and a waiting list of 3. Another dealer stated they had 2 not spoken for. I went in and talked to the sales manager and a regular salesman. This was about 10 days ago. Dealer stated that they could not build the car in there system yet since they had no pricing. I told them the pricing was widely available and asked again if they had allocations. They said yes, we have allocations just need to wait for pricing. They called a few days later and said they had pricing on the car, but not the options and would e-mail me when they did. Still nothing and I see people with order numbers and understand that GM is going to start accepting orders on the 15th. They also said there was no need to put any money down, that they don't work that way. Is my dealer playing me? I'm starting to think so.

[Drake Heminger]

Originally Posted by SSMickey

I'm not going to mention any names yet, as I'm still not sure. I was home on R&R and called around to check on ZL1 allocations. I found one dealer who stated they had two that were spoken for and a waiting list of 3. Another dealer stated they had 2 not spoken for. I went in and talked to the sales manager and a regular salesman. This was about 10 days ago. Dealer stated that they could not build the car in there system yet since they had no pricing. I told them the pricing was widely available and asked again if they had allocations. They said yes, we have allocations just need to wait for pricing. They called a few days later and said they had pricing on the car, but not the options and would e-mail me when they did. Still nothing and I see people with order numbers and understand that GM is going to start accepting orders on the 15th. They also said there was no need to put any money down, that they don't work that way. Is my dealer playing me? I'm starting to think so.

i think they are...

[The Stig]

they're playing you.

[htron50]

They are "keeping you on a string" hoping they get more allocated than they got first time around. Hoping you will wait til 2013 comes around. I kinda doubt Herndon got ANY! MAYBE only one. If LOVE got TWO, I know Herndon didn't get as many. And the owner probably knows a pal that wants ONE if he even got one. Just opinion. I know who you are talking about. I know they added $5k markup on the Camaro's when they first came out too. Ask Jeremy at Love if Herndon got any. They probably talk. Jeremy might spill the beans to ya if you catch him without his defenses up.

Get on the internet, look at all dealers in 120 mile radius. Call their 1-800 numbers and ask for the BOSS.. the person who places all new car orders with the factory. BYPASS the salesman at this point! Tell them you want him to look at the GM WORKBENCH order system for you and see if he has any ZL1's allocated that are purchasable! Use their terminology to let them know you know what you are talking about..... special car takes special effort! I hate to see you getting played.

[Scarrzz]

I recognize this pattern. They are P.L.A.Y.I.N.G you.

If they won't take a deposit & won't give you an order number, they don't have one they will sell you.

Run, don't walk to another dealer. I saw a post of a couple at MSRP on the forum today.

Call every decent sized dealer in an expanding search radius and ask if they have an open allocation they will sell you at MSRP. You try hard enough & you'll still find one.

But they are getting scarce. Good luck.

[cactuseater]

Originally Posted by Scarrzz

Run, don't walk to another dealer.

DITTO. And if you see ANY additional dealer mark-up, let it sit there and never enter that dealership again. Parasitic morons. I absolutely cannot stomach "dealers" that pull that crap. Wait, there will be plenty out there in due time, you don't have to be one of the first and overpay for the thing.

[Sevn86]

Playing u

[1BADZL1]

Originally Posted by SSMickey

I'm not going to mention any names yet, as I'm still not sure. I was home on R&R and called around to check on ZL1 allocations. I found one dealer who stated they had two that were spoken for and a waiting list of 3. Another dealer stated they had 2 not spoken for. I went in and talked to the sales manager and a regular salesman. This was about 10 days ago. Dealer stated that they could not build the car in there system yet since they had no pricing. I told them the pricing was widely available and asked again if they had allocations. They said yes, we have allocations just need to wait for pricing. They called a few days later and said they had pricing on the car, but not the options and would e-mail me when they did. Still nothing and I see people with order numbers and understand that GM is going to start accepting orders on the 15th. They also said there was no need to put any money down, that they don't work that way. Is my dealer playing me? I'm starting to think so.

Originally Posted by 1BADZL1

Possible. If they have not received ordering instructions or the "Shell" in which to place the order from GM, they could be telling the truth this late in the game. If they are telling you they have allocation to place the order, call the dealer and ask to speak with the dealerships fleet manager or inventory manager. Request that the manager check this daily to see if the order can be placed. If it can't ask them to call you back when it can be placed. In the meantime, keep checking other dealerships.

////

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

It is possible that the dealer may not have all of the information on the vehicle at this time. It is still a fairly new product and something of a launch vehicle. I'm sure once ordering gets the full lockdown on how it's going to be handled through GM and the dealership things will smooth out. Also the allocations that have been published are based on estimates at this point so things are subject to change in the future. I certainly hope they are not playing you but if you feel that they are then there is nothing wrong with going to a different dealership. I hope this helps to possibly explain what might be going on in this situation.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

[toesuf94]

Did he tell you he could get you a BLUE ZL1 as well?

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

It is possible that the dealer may not have all of the information on the vehicle at this time. It is still a fairly new product and something of a launch vehicle. I'm sure once ordering gets the full lockdown on how it's going to be handled through GM and the dealership things will smooth out. Also the allocations that have been published are based on estimates at this point so things are subject to change in the future. I certainly hope they are not playing you but if you feel that they are then there is nothing wrong with going to a different dealership. I hope this helps to possibly explain what might be going on in this situation.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

THIS.

(However, I would still go to a dealer that has their head screwed on straight.)

[SSMickey]

Nothing about an IBM one. I guess the biggest question in my mind is, IF this dealership has allocations, which thet told me they did, why no more information on it than the base price of the car. There telling me they have no pricing other than on the car. No option pricing at all. Other people have order numbers and there order status is moving. I would think that if my dealership had an allocation, and was serious about getting the car, they would take some kind of action to make it happen. I'm not going to try and establish a relationship with another dealer at this time. I'm overseas at the moment. If my current dealer is playing me, I guess I'll just have to wait till I get back next year. Would have been nice to get picked up at the airport in my new ZL1 though!

[midnighter]

You're like an XBOX to your dealer right now.

[1BADZL1]

Originally Posted by SSMickey

Nothing about an IBM one. I guess the biggest question in my mind is, IF this dealership has allocations, which thet told me they did, why no more information on it than the base price of the car. There telling me they have no pricing other than on the car. No option pricing at all. Other people have order numbers and there order status is moving. I would think that if my dealership had an allocation, and was serious about getting the car, they would take some kind of action to make it happen. I'm not going to try and establish a relationship with another dealer at this time. I'm overseas at the moment. If my current dealer is playing me, I guess I'll just have to wait till I get back next year. Would have been nice to get picked up at the airport in my new ZL1 though!

For what its worth... The car can be ordered over the phone like many have done already. No need for a dealer visit.
I see you have internet connection, it could be done via email as well.
I do not really see the problem here? If they say they have allocation left but cannot order it, ask them when they think they can? Lets say they tell you they can order it Jan 5 for argument sake. Tell them you want the allocation spot, pay any deposit required and ask them if they are charging MSRP.
Place your order with this dealer or any dealer that tells you they have guaranteed allocation for MY 2012 ZL1. Bottom line is YOU have to decide whether or not to go with this dealer or another dealer with allocation. Piece of cake. Good luck let us know what happens.