Ford and Dealership Pricing

[wyominghotwheels]

I have written to the ford motor company several time's on this issue and wish that ford motor company would get involved with dealer pricing on cars.

 

I am sick to death of hearing that car dealership's have a right to price car's 15 to 20k over MSRP. How is this their right? If you are loosing billion's of dollars a quarter, and yet the dealership's are raking in cash hand over fist, why don't you start charging what these car's are selling for? If a Shelby mustang is worth 60K, as is the Z06 corvette, then you as ford motor company should make this the MSRP.

 

Personally, i am sick to death of ford dealerships selling ford's on ebay for 20k over sticker. These sales people stand around in their cubicles high fiving each other as another sucker pays way to much for a car we all love. If you want to help your loyal customer's, then start going after the dealership's for price gouging. Enough is enough Mr. Mullaly, this has got to stop.

 

If i were to sell ticket's to a sporting event for over face value, i would be charged with a crime. You should hold these dealership's to the same standard of the law. If they continue to gouge your customer's, the dealership should look at loosing their franchise license. This has gotten out of control on so many levels.

 

Here is a dealership that has 10 shelby gt500's for sale: BRIGHTON FORD IN BRIGHTON COLORADO and all 10 are for sale at 19,500 dollars over msrp, the price is not negotiable. Mr. Mullaly, you should fly down there dressed as an average Joe, and try to purchase one of these car's and you will see how disgusting this is. I believe if you did this with an open mind, you will feel the same way i do about ford dealerships taking advantage of the consumer.

 

here is another one allan: "We will be getting one..... As long as nothing changes about the way FMC doles out the specialty cars.

 

I am looking for $100k for it.......

 

10,000 deposit and its yours to your spec. Tower Ford"

 

This guy is wanting 100K for a mustang...........what is wrong with this picture..............

 

Please help the consumer............ Doug of insanemustangs.com

[partsisparts]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Everyone should just pay sticker. No negotiation at all. If the manufacturer put such a fair price on the car, why should every person that comes in the dealer look for a discount? The car buying experience would be much more pleasant for all. This is the way it was before Henry Ford II loaded his dealers with cars in the early fifties. They had to discount the cars in order to sell the overstock. In his quest to outsell Chevrolet he created a bigger problem.

Edited May 7, 2007 by partsisparts

[Deanh]

I have written to the ford motor company several time's on this issue and wish that ford motor company would get involved with dealer pricing on cars.

 

I am sick to death of hearing that car dealership's have a right to price car's 15 to 20k over MSRP. How is this their right? If you are loosing billion's of dollars a quarter, and yet the dealership's are raking in cash hand over fist, why don't you start charging what these car's are selling for? If a Shelby mustang is worth 60K, as is the Z06 corvette, then you as ford motor company should make this the MSRP.

 

Personally, i am sick to death of ford dealerships selling ford's on ebay for 20k over sticker. These sales people stand around in their cubicles high fiving each other as another sucker pays way to much for a car we all love. If you want to help your loyal customer's, then start going after the dealership's for price gouging. Enough is enough Mr. Mullaly, this has got to stop.

 

If i were to sell ticket's to a sporting event for over face value, i would be charged with a crime. You should hold these dealership's to the same standard of the law. If they continue to gouge your customer's, the dealership should look at loosing their franchise license. This has gotten out of control on so many levels.

 

Here is a dealership that has 10 shelby gt500's for sale: BRIGHTON FORD IN BRIGHTON COLORADO and all 10 are for sale at 19,500 dollars over msrp, the price is not negotiable. Mr. Mullaly, you should fly down there dressed as an average Joe, and try to purchase one of these car's and you will see how disgusting this is. I believe if you did this with an open mind, you will feel the same way i do about ford dealerships taking advantage of the consumer.

 

here is another one allan: "We will be getting one..... As long as nothing changes about the way FMC doles out the specialty cars.

 

I am looking for $100k for it.......

 

10,000 deposit and its yours to your spec. Tower Ford"

 

This guy is wanting 100K for a mustang...........what is wrong with this picture..............

 

Please help the consumer............ Doug of insanemustangs.com

four words....THEN DON"T BUY IT!

[Deanh]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Everyone should just pay sticker. No negotiation at all. If the manufacturer put such a fair price on the car, why should every person that comes in the dealer look for a discount? The car buying experience would be much more pleasant for all. This is the way it was before Henry Ford II loaded his dealers with cars in the early fifties. They had to discount the cars in order to sell the overstock. In his quest to outsell Chevrolet he created a bigger problem.

agreed...and as much as I hate to say it, the consumer is as much to blame as the dealers.....funny how you never hear about gouging on mass produced Focus's, fusions, 500's, F-150's...it is all fine that one can go in and beat the dealers down...but wait ...here comes that 800 horsepower run of 1500 that I ACTUALLY WANTY, drool drool....and WHAT THE?????? is this the dealers revenge ...?????thats just not fair....WAHHHHHHHHHHH!

[sim]

agreed...and as much as I hate to say it, the consumer is as much to blame as the dealers.....funny how you never hear about gouging on mass produced Focus's, fusions, 500's, F-150's...it is all fine that one can go in and beat the dealers down...but wait ...here comes that 800 horsepower run of 1500 that I ACTUALLY WANTY, drool drool....and WHAT THE?????? is this the dealers revenge ...?????thats just not fair....WAHHHHHHHHHHH!

From what i have seen in my short time on this board, you piss and moan about how bad it is being a dealer, but i have yet to meet a dealer (just like farmers) who is poor! I am of course assuming that you have some part to play in running a dealership given the way you post. Do you advertise or put any reference in any post as to your actual dealership? I certainly would avoid a dealer with such an attitude and would find it none too helpful if you were a staff member of my dealership and drove away customers in the way you probably do with this attitude - and you wonder why people think car dealers are the scum of the earth, almost as bad as ambulance-chasing, frivilous suit championing lawyers. Of course there is some truth in things you say and i agree to a certain point with various parts of what you say, although by no means all of the posts! However the way that it comes across would make me cross the street and avoid buying from your dealership any day of the week.

[Deanh]

From what i have seen in my short time on this board, you piss and moan about how bad it is being a dealer, but i have yet to meet a dealer (just like farmers) who is poor! I am of course assuming that you have some part to play in running a dealership given the way you post. Do you advertise or put any reference in any post as to your actual dealership? I certainly would avoid a dealer with such an attitude and would find it none too helpful if you were a staff member of my dealership and drove away customers in the way you probably do with this attitude - and you wonder why people think car dealers are the scum of the earth, almost as bad as ambulance-chasing, frivilous suit championing lawyers. Of course there is some truth in things you say and i agree to a certain point with various parts of what you say, although by no means all of the posts! However the way that it comes across would make me cross the street and avoid buying from your dealership any day of the week.

if you had paid ANY attention to my previous posts you would see that I DO NOT agree with it ( addendums ) but they are here and are not going away, so get over it, I have....I basically don't sell them due to principle unless forced by a customer.... I understand why dealers do it, not justifying it at all, just trying to get all the nimrods that take such an issue with it to get over the fact that their dream car is NOT attainable for some...and you don't have to agree w my posts I just try to give a different perspective, right or wrong, but unlike some of the bleating whiney GT WANNABEES, there are TWO sides to the story. ....some need to remove their blinders...and what would happen if there was no such thing as the GT 500...then what would these "Pamela Anderson poster over the bed" cry babys bleat about.....seems you will be avoiding EVERY SINGLE Ford dealership in your quest for not paying over window on the GT500....sorry...BUT GET OVER IT!...........and funny thing is ...half the people bleating wouldn't buy the car regardless.....

Edited May 7, 2007 by Deanh

[akirby]

I have written to the ford motor company several time's on this issue and wish that ford motor company would get involved with dealer pricing on cars.

 

Ford wishes they had more control over the dealers also, but the fact is the state auto franchise laws specifically prevent Ford and other manufacturers from exercising any control over the dealers. Any attempt by Ford to control retail prices or dealer supply would be met with an immediate lawsuit - which the dealer would win. Ford is between a rock and a hard place with the dealer network. Too bad they can't just start over with new dealers and new rules.

[Deanh]

Ford wishes they had more control over the dealers also, but the fact is the state auto franchise laws specifically prevent Ford and other manufacturers from exercising any control over the dealers. Any attempt by Ford to control retail prices or dealer supply would be met with an immediate lawsuit - which the dealer would win. Ford is between a rock and a hard place with the dealer network. Too bad they can't just start over with new dealers and new rules.

Kirbs...I would be all over it, but it will/ can never happen unfortunately, and Saturns one price feature isn't exactly working either, had one customer that we gave 1200 more for their trade in...seems to me they were "stealing the trade" as such...and that is additional gross......and really, contrary to what some of the posters are griping about, dealers as a whole are not that bad...there ARE some doozies which i can name, but as a whole they/ we try to accomodate buyers as well as we can, and YES, some people DO take offense to addendums....but funny thing is they are not the ones that buy the car, in fact usually they aren't even considering it.......and for Sim, i will repeat...there is ONLY 3600 markup in a GT500, of which we receive MAYBE 3 a year....do you or anyone else rthink that is fair market value????? I don't, and that is why I don't dis-agree with what dealers do....I for one think there should be at LEAST 15k in limited production cars....and then perhaps you would see "just" a 10k addendum...would THAT be more acceptable? I wonder...a case of perception I guess.....

Edited May 7, 2007 by Deanh

[akirby]

Kirbs...I would be all over it, but it will/ can never happen unfortunately, and Saturns one price feature isn't exactly working either, had one customer that we gave 1200 more for their trade in...seems to me they were "stealing the trade" as such...and that is additional gross......and really, contrary to what some of the posters are griping about, dealers as a whole are not that bad...there ARE some doozies which i can name, but as a whole they/ we try to accomodate buyers as well as we can, and YES, some people DO take offense to addendums....but funny thing is they are not the ones that buy the car, in fact usually they aren't even considering it.......and for Sim, i will repeat...there is ONLY 3600 markup in a GT500, of which we receive MAYBE 3 a year....do you or anyone else rthink that is fair market value????? I don't, and that is why I don't dis-agree with what dealers do....I for one think there should be at LEAST 15k in limited production cars....and then perhaps you would see "just" a 10k addendum...would THAT be more acceptable? I wonder...a case of perception I guess.....

 

For the record, I don't have a problem with retail pricing. If people are willing to pay that much then go for it. It's not gouging if it's voluntary.

 

My issue is with the dealers that give subpar warranty service or who use shady sales tactics or do anything else the reflects poorly on Ford Motor Company. Ford should be allowed to protect it's name since it's on the dealership sign. Just think of all the complaints about how "I'll never buy another Ford" because the dealer screwed up some warranty repair. One bad apple......

[Deanh]

For the record, I don't have a problem with retail pricing. If people are willing to pay that much then go for it. It's not gouging if it's voluntary.

 

My issue is with the dealers that give subpar warranty service or who use shady sales tactics or do anything else the reflects poorly on Ford Motor Company. Ford should be allowed to protect it's name since it's on the dealership sign. Just think of all the complaints about how "I'll never buy another Ford" because the dealer screwed up some warranty repair. One bad apple......

I hear you and unfortunately it still go's on, but hey....it's NOT just the car business, we just seem to be at the forefront most of the time....if you put any business under the micro=scope on will see a few bad eggs...look at the Mortgage business....money made that would make dealerships eyes water....AND its pretty much flagrant....

[Deanh]

For the record, I don't have a problem with retail pricing. If people are willing to pay that much then go for it. It's not gouging if it's voluntary.

 

My issue is with the dealers that give subpar warranty service or who use shady sales tactics or do anything else the reflects poorly on Ford Motor Company. Ford should be allowed to protect it's name since it's on the dealership sign. Just think of all the complaints about how "I'll never buy another Ford" because the dealer screwed up some warranty repair. One bad apple......

heres one of my "two sides" stories...had a screamer in service a while ago...swearing himself blue in the face,,,POS Fords, our dealership sucked etc etc etc...come to find out that the Angelic customer in an effort to save a few bucks had had his fluids changed by Jiffy lube, only to find out the reason he had run a red light and almost had an accident due to lack of stopping capabilities was due to the fact they had put the WRONG fluid in his brake resevoir....then the boatloads of 6.0 diesels owners that had removed chips enabling MASSIVE boost pressures whilst blowing trannies, rear ends etc...funny how the chips were removed before entering the service drives....so theres another side of the fence...sad thing is neither side TOTALLY trusts the other....

[akirby]

heres one of my "two sides" stories...had a screamer in service a while ago...swearing himself blue in the face,,,POS Fords, our dealership sucked etc etc etc...come to find out that the Angelic customer in an effort to save a few bucks had had his fluids changed by Jiffy lube, only to find out the reason he had run a red light and almost had an accident due to lack of stopping capabilities was due to the fact they had put the WRONG fluid in his brake resevoir....then the boatloads of 6.0 diesels owners that had removed chips enabling MASSIVE boost pressures whilst blowing trannies, rear ends etc...funny how the chips were removed before entering the service drives....so theres another side of the fence...sad thing is neither side TOTALLY trusts the other....

 

I have no sympathy for stupid customers nor do I think they have to be catered to as if they had done nothing wrong.

 

The difference here is if you buy an Izod shirt from Macy's and have a poor sales or service experience - you blame Macy's, not Izod.

[Deanh]

I have no sympathy for stupid customers nor do I think they have to be catered to as if they had done nothing wrong.

 

The difference here is if you buy an Izod shirt from Macy's and have a poor sales or service experience - you blame Macy's, not Izod.

Welcome to "the other side Kirbs"....just stating that a few spoil it for the rest......when it comes to cars people LOVE to blame ANYONE...except themselves....and if they don't get their way all hell breaks loose...

[xr7g428]

From what i have seen in my short time on this board, you piss and moan about how bad it is being a dealer, but i have yet to meet a dealer (just like farmers) who is poor! I am of course assuming that you have some part to play in running a dealership given the way you post. Do you advertise or put any reference in any post as to your actual dealership? I certainly would avoid a dealer with such an attitude and would find it none too helpful if you were a staff member of my dealership and drove away customers in the way you probably do with this attitude - and you wonder why people think car dealers are the scum of the earth, almost as bad as ambulance-chasing, frivilous suit championing lawyers. Of course there is some truth in things you say and i agree to a certain point with various parts of what you say, although by no means all of the posts! However the way that it comes across would make me cross the street and avoid buying from your dealership any day of the week.

 

Wow is this gonna hurt.... I have to rise to Deanh's defense.

 

Although we seldom agree about what Ford needs to do to pass the competition, Deanh does provide the unvarnished truth about how dealers see the game. Thank you Deanh for not just telling us what we want to hear, and thank you for not turning the board into advertising for your dealership. Agree or not, I do believe that Deanh is passionate about Ford and does want the company to succeed. The board needs the dealer perspective, and in fact, I think that it is grossly under represented.

[Deanh]

Wow is this gonna hurt.... I have to rise to Deanh's defense.

 

Although we seldom agree about what Ford needs to do to pass the competition, Deanh does provide the unvarnished truth about how dealers see the game. Thank you Deanh for not just telling us what we want to hear, and thank you for not turning the board into advertising for your dealership. Agree or not, I do believe that Deanh is passionate about Ford and does want the company to succeed. The board needs the dealer perspective, and in fact, I think that it is grossly under represented.

appreciated mate, I'm as much an enthusiast as the next guy, and yes in some areas Ford needs a kick, same goes with dealers, some of the stories I see posted peel my eyelids back and take me back to Dodo times...I personally think Ford is definitely going forward in a positive albeit slow for some manner. I can only hope as it is my livelyhood. As for the whole addendum fiasco, there is NO doubt it will keep rearing it's head in these posts, usually from people offended but whom would never contemplate purchasing said vehicle ! Hey, i'm as much a dreamer as the next guy, I helped manage a Ferrari, Aston, Lotus, Land Rover store...the Ferraris left an indeligible impression on me that I willl NEVER forget ( Porshe drivers...your cars just don't leave the same impression..sorry )...but heres an FYI...try and buy one new....Ferrari frowns on vehicles being sold over window...FACT...so they are pre-registered and sold used with 100 or so miles on them...for 80-100k over list sometimes 200-250k!!!!!!! So when someone starts posting about dealers and markups, someone that has no intention of buying the car in the first place...they need to look around...it is not just ford....in fact it is just the nature of something being desired...NOT required....

Edited May 7, 2007 by Deanh

[FLLMTR]

The issue is choice. People who go over to Chevy and buy the Vette will likely not come back to Ford for their next purchase. With so many car companies out there, Ford should do more to control the pricing its dealerships charge. And save the bullshit about how Ford cannot control prices. Every manufacturer - Coach, Sony, Samsung, Starbucks, McDonald's have control over the selling price of their products. Sure each franchise owner may choose to participate in discount specials, but they cannot simply set a higher price than MSRP just because of higher consumer demand. If they did do that they would lose future product allocations.

 

The auto industry thinks all of the sudden that it’s selling a commodity. Believe me, the GT500 is no gemstone. Dealerships should be reminded of the story of the “Golden Goose” and understand that there are many choices out there. Dealerships don’t seem to understand that in their attempt to get a huge payday, they are unwittingly turning away customers who won’t come back when supply catches up. Think Thunderbird. Even the Mustang GT’s are beginning to pile up on local dealer lots. I wanted one last summer. Bu after such a bad experience with Maroone Ford over the dealer mark-up, it will be a cold day in hell before I buy another Mustang.

[Deanh]

The issue is choice. People who go over to Chevy and buy the Vette will likely not come back to Ford for their next purchase. With so many car companies out there, Ford should do more to control the pricing its dealerships charge. And save the bullshit about how Ford cannot control prices. Every manufacturer - Coach, Sony, Samsung, Starbucks, McDonald's have control over the selling price of their products. Sure each franchise owner may choose to participate in discount specials, but they cannot simply set a higher price than MSRP just because of higher consumer demand. If they did do that they would lose future product allocations.

 

The auto industry thinks all of the sudden that it’s selling a commodity. Believe me, the GT500 is no gemstone. Dealerships should be reminded of the story of the “Golden Goose” and understand that there are many choices out there. Dealerships don’t seem to understand that in their attempt to get a huge payday, they are unwittingly turning away customers who won’t come back when supply catches up. Think Thunderbird. Even the Mustang GT’s are beginning to pile up on local dealer lots. I wanted one last summer. Bu after such a bad experience with Maroone Ford over the dealer mark-up, it will be a cold day in hell before I buy another Mustang.

sorry, but this is the sort of bonehead post that makes me jump. Lets just take one of your case studies...Sony....check out how the prices of their XHRD displays has plummeted...they price "new Tech" in the stratosphere..TO BEGIN WITH, and when demand lowers... prices get SLASHED to where it should have been, basically reverse markup at the manufacturer level no less...so your getting addenDUMBed from the get-go......kinda a flip flop from the Auto industry..could it be...drumroll please...SUPPLY AND DEMAND...NOOOOOOOOO, can;t be. Cars are not and never will eb a commodity, but certain models go hand in hand with the "theres only so many" market prices..regardless of the manufacturer...and like I have said before...it is YOU that ultimately says yay or nay, you said nay to a GT ( for the life of me do not understand an addendum on a regular GT????? thats just wrong ) it is YOUR choice...and educated customers ( ie THOSE THAT CAN ACTUALLY BUY A GT500 IN THE FIRST PLACE ) may also grumble, but they understand....oh and PS...chevy has addendums on their Z06 last time I asked too...........

Edited May 8, 2007 by Deanh

[partsisparts]

Deanh, IIRC you are, or work at a dealer. I have two questions for you.

 

With the perceived differences between domestic and import dealers, what can Ford do to entice the dealers to be more like the imports? Also, the other way. What can the dealers do to entice Ford to work with them to make the dealership experience better?

Ford needs to help their dealers make money. In metro area there is way to many dealers cutting their own throats selling new cars. Ford needs to close 50% of their urban dealers.

 

Ford needs to be more agressive helping their dealers fix problems with the vehicles and be far more liberal with goodwill repairs.

 

To all you whiners about dealers charging over sticker for certain models. I sold Hondas back in the eighties and the price was 3K over sticker for an Accord and 2K on a Civic. We would tell the customer if you don't buy it somebody else will.

Since when is it a God given right to ge a discount on a car? I bet all of you share how I beat up my dealer and I got over on them stories. It works both ways.

[akirby]

Ford should do more to control the pricing its dealerships charge. And save the bullshit about how Ford cannot control prices.

 

Apparently you weren't listening earlier. Automobile dealers have very specific state laws that specifically prohibit auto manufacturers from dictating or controlling prices in addition to other restrictions like not selling cars directly to the public and not allowing other dealerships to be opened within X miles, etc. etc. Other franchises do not have the same legal protection.

 

I once asked the Lincoln VP of Marketing (who owned and fully supported the LS) why they didn't just force each Lincoln dealer to stock one manual transmission Lincoln LS for test drives. He said "because they would throw me in jail". Not really, but the point was that it is illegal under most state laws.

[Deanh]

Deanh, IIRC you are, or work at a dealer. I have two questions for you.

 

With the perceived differences between domestic and import dealers, what can Ford do to entice the dealers to be more like the imports? Also, the other way. What can the dealers do to entice Ford to work with them to make the dealership experience better?

Unfortunately domestic buyers are a different breed than import buyers...I have worked with both, for some reason domestic buyers come in with their guards up, and the differences expand expodentially as the market moves more upmarket...the Aston, Land Rover, Jaguar and Ferrari buyers were a completely different beast...more relaxed and low key. I do not know if it relates to income or buying education due to past experiences. Product excitement is the number one reason for people to visit showrooms, Ford needs some drawcards and they seem to be headed in the right direction. However...if the product is unreliable or receives bad press it is product crucifixion. Next up, quality sales people, but this is a double edged sword...you cannot get GOOD sales people for the income I see on the front lines...a rotating door as such. i am talking 2500 amonth or so before taxes. Ford helps to a certain extent with what they call spins, but in reality they should not be necessary. Income to the sales people comes down to gross profit, and at the 20-25% salespeople receive if they sell say a Fusion at full window sticker ( WHICH NEVER HAPPENS! ) they receive somewher in the vicinity of 250 bux....in reality the car is usually sold at a couple of hundred over invoice and the voucher is a flat $100..before taxes....figure out how many have to be sold to make a reasonable living????? Pretty scary, some of the crooners should come and work on the line for a while...would either shut them up, make them commit suicide or garner their respect....It is a tough call, I have no answers really, bottom line is personally i try to treat people EXACTLY as I would want myself dealt with, so I give what I get, their is absolutely NO place for rude salespeople OR rude customers...as i have said numerous times..."Mr Customer...I do NOT have to sell you a car....." At least from my own standpoint a transaction can be as pleasurable as one wishes it to be...from both sides. Service is along the same lines..it comes down there to personell...if an a$$ is in the drive it can hurt everything one has built up in the sales side...and I speak from experience....Dean, you were great but i am taking my car elsewhere for service...and guess what he does there whilst waiting...he roams THEIR showroom...so in short???????? ( this ios short???? ) Ford cannot really control whom the dealership hires.....THAT is the main problem...good people, and they won't work where they cannot survive....vicious circle....

[bri719]

Ford wishes they had more control over the dealers also, but the fact is the state auto franchise laws specifically prevent Ford and other manufacturers from exercising any control over the dealers. Any attempt by Ford to control retail prices or dealer supply would be met with an immediate lawsuit - which the dealer would win. Ford is between a rock and a hard place with the dealer network. Too bad they can't just start over with new dealers and new rules.

 

 

umm what state is that... last I checked there were 50 of 'em

 

just curious

[joihan777]

The difference here is if you buy an Izod shirt from Macy's and have a poor sales or service experience - you blame Macy's, not Izod.

Well put.

 

I've had 3 experiences with Ford dealers. Two were sterling, the last disgusting.

 

1. Bought my 1st new car, it was a 91 Ford Escort LX. Salesman was Phil Johnson at Hayward Ford. Treated me like a king the whole way, even taught me how to drive it (it was my 1st stick shift too) in the parking lot. Given the choice, I'd buy my next Ford from him in a New York minute.

 

2. When shopping for a suitable family machine, the San Leandro Elk Grove Ford Store had great staff. They took the time to show me the vehicle and answer all my questions. Unfortunately I thought the 3.0L Freestyle wasn't up to the task.

 

3. When I first started salivating for the current Mustang, dropped by the Elk Grove Ford dealership to check it out. The salesman hardly seemed interested. When I asked to see some of the verts, he pointed me in the general direction.... what an a__! He had that stereotypical salesman attitude: Buy or bye! I did my best not to kick him in the nuts. Sensing absolute lack of salesmanship, I decided to cut my losses and just leave. I asked for a brochure, the fat bast__d didn't even look at me when he burped "We don't have any."

 

Salesmanship, as well as price, make or break a deal with me. (There are 5-6 Ford dealerships in the greater Sacramento area to choose from)

When the Mustangs priced over MSRP don't sell, the overpricing will stop. However if they are selling...... SOL, sorry.

I know of a Toyota salesman that gets orders from word-of-mouth off certain forums. If you call him and tell him how you heard of him, he'll give you a great price and have your vehicle shipped to your local dealership. Maybe you can try this approach for your Mustang.

 

Ultimately, I hope the dealership treats you like a king, because in the end YOU are the one with the cash!

Edited May 8, 2007 by joihan777

[Deanh]

Well put.

 

I've had 3 experiences with Ford dealers. Two were sterling, the last disgusting.

 

1. Bought my 1st new car, it was a 91 Ford Escort LX. Salesman was Phil Johnson at Hayward Ford. Treated me like a king the whole way, even taught me how to drive it (it was my 1st stick shift too) in the parking lot. Given the choice, I'd buy my next Ford from him in a New York minute.

 

2. When shopping for a suitable family machine, the San Leandro Elk Grove Ford Store had great staff. They took the time to show me the vehicle and answer all my questions. Unfortunately I thought the 3.0L Freestyle wasn't up to the task.

 

3. When I first started salivating for the current Mustang, dropped by the Elk Grove Ford dealership to check it out. The salesman hardly seemed interested. When I asked to see some of the verts, he pointed me in the general direction.... what an a__! He had that stereotypical salesman attitude: Buy or bye! I did my best not to kick him in the nuts. Sensing absolute lack of salesmanship, I decided to cut my losses and just leave. I asked for a brochure, the fat bast__d didn't even look at me when he burped "We don't have any."

 

Salesmanship, as well as price make or break a deal with me. (There are 5-6 Ford dealerships in the greater Sacramento area to choose from)

When the Mustangs priced over MSRP don't sell, the overpricing will stop. However if they are selling...... SOL, sorry.

I know of a Toyota salesman that gets orders from word-of-mouth off certain forums. If you call him and tell him how you heard of him, he'll give you a great price and have your vehicle shipped to your local dealership. Maybe you can try this approach for your Mustang.

 

Ultimately, I hope the dealership treats you like a king, because in the end YOU are the one with the cash!

like my long winded previous rant...comes down to personell...and hard to get good ones AND get them to hang around for what they are making........and the righty person/ attitude can even make buying the ludicrous GT500's at 15k over a pleasurable experience.....

[shllshck]

15k-20k over MSRP for GT500s? It's all part of supply and demand. There's a limited supply with a pretty good demand. If the dealer can find a buyer at the higher price then more power to them. On the flip side in my local area, there are a bunch of Lincoln Mercury dealerships sitting on Zephyrs. There are other Ford dealerships sitting on an over abundance of Freestyles and Five Hundreds. Low demand = low pricing. Another thing to keep in mind, it's not like these dealerships are sitting on a dozen GT500's. They may only have an allocation of a couple for the year. Of course they are going to want the make the most they can from those few they get to sell.

[Ron W.]

Ford needs to be more agressive helping their dealers fix problems with the vehicles and be far more liberal with goodwill repairs.

 

I don't know if i would say more aggressive, but i definitely feel any and all warranty repairs should be handled as quickly and as painlessly as possible for the vehicle owner. Damn the expense, it'll pay for itself in repeat sales and repairs.