Earlier this week my husband and I had the misfortune to try and purchase a mini-cooper. We did our research on the internet, figured out the price ranges and options, and searched the new car inventories of the dealerships near us. What we didn't realize was how unscrupulous these car dealerships can be.
I know, I know we should have guessed. After all, many a car salesman has been the butt of the joke. When we purchased our last vehicle - an H3 - the experience was exceptionally good and the salesman very knowledgeable and efficient. I guess I must have forgot what a disheartening experience buying a new car can be.
But I digress. After compiling all the background information about the mini cooper, my husband and I headed out to the dealership. They showed twenty-something new cars in stock of which several, five or six, were seriously interesting and about half a dozen others might have worked out. Once we arrived, however, we found out that none of the vehicles listed on their site were actually available, and if we wanted to purchase a car we would have to put down $1,000 and wait several months for next year's models to come in. I asked why the website showed this false inventory and was told the management saw this as a way of getting people to come to the dealership.
For your reference, here is the new inventory link:
I was speechless. I can understand a lag or slightly out-of-date inventory records, but blatantly saying the dealership has an inventory that it doesn't its the worst kind of false advertising. We took time out of our day to come to the dealership, not because we like car salesmen, but because we wanted to buy a car. Later that night, I did some calling around to other dealerships and found out it is a common practice for mini dealerships. The Morristown dealership shows forty vehicles in inventory of which none are actually for sale. Fortunately, we did not drive the two hours to that location to find this out.
Here is their link
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