Many months ago I had issues with Nissan when we moved to the U.S. -- where they refused to transfer warranty on my car. Luckily my neighbor bought a Nissan dealership (Magic Nissan in Everett) and their service totally blew me away. I still have my car, which I still really like. They serviced the car and added a new exhaust for me, and they were very reasonable. Their GTR tech is amazing. I was so impressed with their service and I recommend them to anyone who has a Nissan looking for amazing service.
I need to buy a truck for random stuff, so I was looking at a Ford Raptor based on the fact that I'm a fan of Ford, and my neighbor has one and he really likes it.
I did a bunch of research on the Ford Raptor vs GMC Sierra Denali --- I like both, but the Ford won for my needs. I contacted a nearby Ford dealer and the salesman said he had two incoming and he would get back to me "immediately". That was last night, he hasn't contacted me since. I internet searched the dealership and it seems they have some pretty bad reviews, so I thought I would try another.
I did, I contacted another dealer nearby and they mentioned they have a 2011 Raptor with 1900 miles (used) that they would sell to me for $2000 over the manufacturers suggested retail price. How nice of them, I thought.
I promptly laughed, and told the guy "No, I'm not interested in paying over retail for a used truck, any other options?" and he said not really, the truck would not work for me so I should look elsewhere --- and we disconnected.
Then he instantly called back --- I thought it was one of those "auto call backs" where the phone doesn't properly hang up, but not the case.
He said "Oh hang on, someone just told me there is a brand new one (fancy that) on the lot that just came in"... The exact same truck I'm looking for. We went over the sticker, he sent it to me -- and sure enough it's *exactly* what I want.
Since I'm an employee of Microsoft I believe we get special pricing from the factory on Ford vehicles. This salesman told me there were no deals on the Raptor ever. So I then I just said "Okay, I'll pay MSRP, I want it by Friday..." --- Now normally I would try to negotiate, I like to feel like I'm getting a good deal, but instead I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Sure they have no stock, the allocation is tight, blah blah blah. I told him I'm a fan of Ford, I really respect his CEO Alan Mulally, and I emailed him a written offer for the truck at full MSRP. He said he'd get back to me....
He emailed me back saying they needed $5000 over list and asked if I was "flexible" on the price. Does that seem odd that the dealer is asking me if I'm "flexible" on the price when I'm already paying the suggested retail price for the car?
I don't get it. Ford, you disappoint me, really. That's two dealers and two strikes.
I am a Ford fan (search my blog for some of the history). I have owned and own Ford cars. ..but after this experience I'm not sure I want to do business with these guys since they'll probably charge me 25% "over" shop rates for service.
So is this normal practice? Is this another reason why American car companies are in trouble? What do you guys think?
BTW Ford PR did contact me last night on Twitter --- not sure how they plan to help, but they are obviously using social media. Good on them.
