On October 16 at approximately 7 pm, I visited Freeway Chevrolet in Chandler Arizona with the intention of purchasing a 2008 Corvette Z06. The salesperson was very knowledgeable, and very helpful. I did not get his card, however his first name was Sam. The sticker price on the Black 2008 Corvette Z06 was $74,000.
I explained to Sam that I was there to pay cash for the vehicle and would like to negotiate the price out the door at $68,500. He asked me to write down the price and initial it, which I did. He then took the offer to another man who I assumed to be the night manager or assistant manager. The manager came ack with a price of over $87,000 out the door, which was an increase of $13,000 over the sticker price posted on the window of the vehicle. Not only was Sam the salesman shocked, but my wife and I were totally dumbfounded that all of a sudden the price jumped to a figure not quoted or posted on the vehicle.
The manager, or assistant manager said there was a $5,000 fee that they (the dealership) charged to the purchaser for buying a Z06, and that Freeway Chevrolet was lower than any other dealer in the valley. He said that most dealers charged $20,000! After we said no, we were not interested in the car at that price, especially due to the fact that there was no truth in advertising, he then offered us the car at the sticker price of $74,000, which we were not willing to pay.
I would like to know how a dealership can add "hidden" dealer charges in excess of the posted price on the car, and where this money goes.in the last 40 years that I have purchased cars, most of which were for cash, I have never come up against anything underhanded, or not on a printed price list.
Not only would I like to file a complaint, but I would also like an answer as to whether these "hidden" charges are legal, and if they are, what statute number authorizes such charges.
A copy of this letter has been filed with the Attorney General's office as well as the Better Business Bureau.
0 comments