No big deal, but I think there should be SOME consequence of dealers wasting our time.
Based on an ad for 2 Nissan 2004 Titans at a great price, I spoke with the assistant sales manager and confirmed one truck was still available (the other had been sold).
We agreed on an out the door total price. I told him I was pre-approved, had a cash downpayment, simply needed to inspect the truck. I made an appointment.
I brought my wife and toddler, who enjoyed the pony ride and games set up for the weekend of great prices.
The salesguy couldn't find the truck. Apparently the one advertised was at a body shop where they were repairing a scrape.
I was told I could buy the truck, sight unseen, and still have a chance to refuse it later if I didn't like it. I declined, since it's weird, and also because the big rebate ends this weekend and what if there was a problem with the truck? (besides the scrape).
A sales manager told me that I should look at 2005's. I mentioned that I was firm on price and would be VERY surprised if they could compete with an '04 given the 2,000 rebate only good on the 2004.
He claimed that he could compete—that model years didn't matter much to him, he simply needed to move vehicles.
One test drive and several hours later we came to the conclusion that, according to the "other" sales manager, they really couldn't even come close on a 2005.
The story isn't over yet. On Monday with the auto body shop open I might be able to inspect the vehicle and still purchase it at the agreed price. I plan to update this report to let you know how it goes.
But since Valencia Nissan similarly wasted my time today, I think it's worth noting here for other prospective buyers.
I was told the truck had been damaged for quite some time. I doubt that it's a coincidence that it was advertised at a great price, the final weekend of a big rebate, when the truck was unavailable.
0 comments