General Etiquette > Life...in general

Buying a car -- Am I at fault here?! (long, sorry)

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daydrmr1999:
Hello all!  Long time lurker, first time poster.  Let me start this post with a little background.  For the last 3 weeks I have been trying to buy a car as mine died on me suddenly.  I was hoping to be able to finish school (Graduating in May) before this happened, but I knew that my previous car was quite old and wasn't too surprised when I needed to buy one now.  I had done some research and narrowed it down to car A and car B.  I really wanted car A, but it was slightly out of my price range.  I was lined up to buy car B, but a car A dealership called me up and said they had exactly the car I specified for and would be willing to sell it to me at the same price car B was being sold.

I cancelled with car B and went to see car A dealership.  When they brought out the car, it turned out to be a stick shift without power windows and locks.  These were the only three hings that I had wanted in a car (an automatic WITH power w/l).  The salesman said it was my fault that this was wrong and that this is the car I asked for.  He showed me paperwork that I had submitted online.  Now, there is a solid chance that I did submit my inquiry online wrong, however, I spoke with him 4 times prior to coming to get the car and I am well aware that I kept asking that it was an automatic with power w/Ls because I could not believe the car had everything I wanted at the price I asked for.  The salesman never admits fault but says he found the last "2 cars in the north east" that fit my description and they are both on a car A lot in CT.  He says they can be there by Monday 1/15.  I say I cannot wait the long, and start for the door.  He litterally CHASES me out the door and puts in writing that the car will be there by 1/15 or I will receive a free rental.  I agree and plan to meet him that day for the car.  I also ask for the VIN of the car for insurance purposes (he guarantees the VIN for Saturday, 1/13).

I go in Monday and receive my rental car and an am told that he simply cannot get ahold of the other dealer and has not received a VIN.  It's busy, it's a holiday, keeps leaving messages, etc. etc.  I say fine, I will call on Tuesday. 

Tuesday  I call 8 times (starting at 9 am and ending at 4 pm, every hour) and he is "never at his desk", "can't be found", etc. etc.  Finally I go in and plan to demand the VIN of "my" car or get my deposit back because it has been 2.5 days that they have been open that I've been waiting for this information. 

The salesman is sitting at his desk when I enter the building and the first words out of his mouth are "Well, aren't you Miss. Impatient?"  I lay out my problem and he tells me that he has been working to the bone trying to get this number and he just can't, etc. etc.  Finally I ask that he call again while I'm there.  He does, and on the phone he says things like, "This girl has been calling me 12 times a day, she obviously doesn't think I even have a car for her, etc. etc. etc." At the end of the conversation he finally comes clean that the car was NEVER on a lot, but it just got off a loading dock and is in transit with a trucking company.  But they're not sure where.  My S.O., who accompanied me because he thought this whole thing was getting ridiculous, asks why he never said that before.  The salesman grabs some paperwork off his desk and starts to raise his voice saying that I have to tell S.O. that I am at fault and I asked for the wrong car.  He was being a saint because he's been working so hard MY problem and that he DID give me a free rental car...

Let's just say that by the time I left the dealership I was shaking, feeling like I have completely screwed up this entire ordeal.  I did get a quote that "by Thursday I will have my car," and I received the VIN, but I am truly afraid to go back to the dealership alone and deal with this man.

I intend (once all the paperwork is signed and the keys are in my hand) to file a complaint with the manager about this salesman and write to car A headquarters.  I just wanted to check with E-Hell that I am not being the rude one here. 

Thanks for reading this, I know it's long.  Any ideas?

Maggie:
First, I know you want and need a car but don't buy your car there. 

Second, there is another thread on here you need to read before you buy it.  I'll try to find it in a minute and post it.

Third, seriously consider going back to Car B.  Sometimes if something is that much trouble it's not meant to be and Car B may really be just the exact car that you need.

These are just my opinions and I know what opinions are worth so do what you want but think about it first.

ETA:  This is the website of the other story  http://www.etiquettehell.com/smf/index.php?topic=591.45

fklwmn:
So let me get this straight... the man has intentionally lied and decieved you, avoided your calls, and you are wondering if you werein the wrong?

The fact of the matter is... your original inquiry is irrelevant at this point. When he realized the car that he had was not the one that you wanted, he could have let you walk out. HE is the one who decided to go through this 'hassle' of finding you the car that you want. I could care less if you submitted an incorrect online inquiry, or if you changed your mind in the process of shopping for a car. Once he knew what you were looking for he told you that he could deliver on that. And he hasn't.

PLEASE tell me you got him to put the price in writing, b/c I can just see this man trying to raise the price on you when the car gets in, saying that b/c of these options, or thetransport fees, or any other reason he can thing of, the price has to go up to this much.

The move he is pulling is classic. You will be less angry at HIS unprofessionalism if you think YOU are at fault. Don't fall for it.

ShadesOfGrey:
hmmm, I think it depends on whether you filled out your paperwork correctly.  He's probably helping many clients, and although you spoke with him many times, I cant really blame him for not remembering *your* specifications (probably referred to paper work when locating a car for you).  

That being said, it sounds like he was giving you an excuse by saying your paperwork wasnt filled out correctly (should have made a note on you paperwork as soon as he spoke with you) - and is desperate to sell you this car.  The fact that he lied about where your car is, is typical, but very rude and unprofessional. There's no reason someone can't sell you a car honestly, professionally and helpfully. 

I second Maggie's suggestion to go back to car B.  Definitely read the thread about car buying that Maggie posts.  

Cz. Burrito:
Run away!  Do not, under any circumstances, buy a car from these people!

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