Dyna Jim
06-05-2005, 04:04
Held Against My Will at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep; Tempe, AZ
To whom it concerns;
My wife has been interested in a new convertible for some time now. We’ve been going back and forth between paying too much for a 2005 Mustang Convertible (from $3-$8k over MSRP as market adjustment (A.K.A. screwing the customer due to lack of availability, but hey it’s the American way), or going with her other less expensive and more economical choice of a PT Cruiser Convertible (readily available at many dealerships).
She had previously seen a color she liked locally (Charcoal Grey touring edition), but it was no longer available as a factory ordered option, so I began to search for it on the internet and found
http://www.nobull.com/new/detail.php?vin=3C3EY55E25T327143&Model=PT%CONV% We contacted Gerry Ashland (Fleet and Internet Sales manager for Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep) on June 1, 2005 to inquire on pricing for a 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible. We were quoted invoice, plus $250, plus window tint ($299), minus the $2000 rebate for $23, 156. After doing more research, we called back on Saturday June 4, 2005 and asked Gerry for the out the door price on the vehicle. We were told invoice (not invoice plus $250), plus tint, minus $2000 for $22906 plus fees, license, etc.
We asked him to please fax the deal to us down in Tucson so there would be no misunderstanding upon arrival in Tempe. After waiting for about a half an hour, we called back to inquire on the fax. We were told that it was on the way within 15 minutes and then we were hung up on. After the fax arrived we called back once again to ask about the $1000 additional trade in allowance offered by Chrysler and was informed it would apply as well. He then agreed to $21906 as a complete price plus doc fee, plates and tax, also he gave us a rough blue book trade in value on our vehicle (he did inform us that he couldn’t give us exact trade in value for our vehicle until they appraised it). The amounts he expected we should receive were within $75 of what we had blue booked our vehicle for.
Gerry then informed us that while he would not be there to assist us directly, he would fill in John Nehouse (his sales associate) on the deal so that we could avoid any B.S., dealership games, and even explained what a pleasurable experience we would have with their dealership. He said we would enjoy the transaction and that it would be seamless, even so far as to avoid the closing game of the sales associate running back and forth to the ominous “deal booth” to get the sales managers approval.
We left Tucson, at approximately 4:00 pm and informed Gerry (via cell phone) we were on the road we would arrive between 6-6:30 pm at their dealership. We were now on our way to Tempe (2 hour drive). We first stopped at the Earnhardt Ford dealership to peek at the Mustangs they had sitting right on the entrance, which is the vehicle we would have preferred to purchase. As we pulled into the driveway, Shawn (a sales associate sitting at the entrance in a booth) jumped out of the cubicle by the driveway and jumped in front of the vehicle (so we had to stop and listen to him) and informed us that he would be helping us and directed us to park. We circled the lot found an exit and left the Ford dealer (right next to the Chrysler Jeep delaer) to find John Nehouse back at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, since he was the individual that was supposed to have our information ready, and handle our transaction for us.
Upon arriving at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, John had the doors open and the motor running on the PT Cruiser that we had come to see. We looked at the PT, looked at the Mustangs and then agreed to complete the discussed deal on the PT Cruiser. John looked over our trade and we went inside. We signed the appraisal agreement and they took our car key so that they manager could appraise and drive our trade if needed (I never thought they would use it to keep us there) then off went John.
We watched and waited, waited and watched. No one ever went to look at our trade. About 30 minutes later, John comes back with their offer. Invoice minus the incentives, plus alarm, GAP, scotch guard, extended warranty, etc., etc., etc., minus $8000 for our trade and financing of over $22K. We asked John how we had a deal of $21906 that turned into financing more than the sticker price (window decal was less than $22K on the car itself!) after our trade. Our faxed price was $21,906 and minus our trade of $8800 would have caused us to finance roughly $13,106 plus doc fee of $290 and sales tax (7.8% minus our trade in value) plus license (roughly $15k). John agreed that it didn’t make sense and went back to “the booth”. He returned and attempted to get us to sign for $19K and change financed, still only $8000 was offered on the trade. When questioned on the discrepancy of the trade, we were told that it was for the reconditioning fees. We asked for the key to our vehicle (we just wanted our cell phone, and Gerry’s number out of our car) and were told that they would get them for us. The sales manager came out and asked what the problem was. He then asked if we would split the difference on the trade with him. We said no and again asked for our key. Ten minutes later, John came back and said they were trying to work the deal. When asked about the keys, he said “they really were working the deal”. With a raised voice, I asked again nicely, he proceeded to give me a line about their working on it, and I began to loose my temper saying “Give me the ****ing keys to my car!”
John proceeded back to the “booth” and 5 minutes later handed me my keys (In retrospect, I should have ran out the door, and got my wife and son out of the place at that very second…).
Outside we were followed, by John, who assured us that “they were working the deal for us” and then went back inside. We attempted to call Gerry back to find out what was going on. Of course, there was no answer. After waiting about another ten minutes (it is now 8:03 at night and the dealership closes at 8:00pm) we decided that we were done with the games and loaded my wife and my 6 year old son in our car to leave. As we began to pull out of the parking spot, John came running out of the sales compound waving his hands and ran up to the car. He said they were almost done and to please just wait. I informed him that he had thirty seconds and I was leaving. John got on the cell phone to the manager and told him that we were ready to leave. He said they could do the financing for $15K taking our trade for $8800 and he came outside as well.
By this time my wife was to the point of almost throwing up she was so upset, it was late and I was sick of the run around (the not giving me my keys after asking three times had killed any possibility of buying the car in my mind). I discussed with my wife briefly as to if she wanted to continue (after all it was a trip for her and it was going to be her car and her decision to buy or not), in the meantime the sales manager was leaning on a car trying hard to ease drop on our private conversation. I rolled up the window while we discussed this for about 30 more seconds.
We agreed they had gone too far, and we didn’t want their car any longer. I rolled down the window, informed the sales manager “we would think about it, goodnight” and since the car was already running and in gear I simply proceeded towards the exit. At the exit gate they had a lot person, who was holding the gate closed so that no new customers could enter the dealership. As we proceeded to move towards the gate, the lot attendant started to open the gate. Then from behind us, we heard the sales manager yell out, “Don’t open it!” the lot attendant, looking confused, proceeded to close the gate again. I yelled out the window at the lot attendant, “You better ****ing open it!” and it remained closed. At this point I almost panicked and drove through the gate with our SUV. I controlled my emotions, pulled right up against the gate, and proceeded to power-brake our vehicle, acting as if I was going to push the gate open unless he opened it. By this time the sales manager had run to my window and actually said to me “But sir, we’re closing….” I replied, “you should have taken care of us to begin with!”, and now the gate was opening, so I proceeded into the street and as far and as fast away from the Earnhardt Chrysler Dealer as I possibly could get.
I’ve never been held against my will before while trying to purchase something. I’ve never had my civil liberties so disregarded in such a manner before period….. let alone while shopping for something. If this is truly how this dealership does business, I would advise anyone and everyone to not allow this to happen!
Make your voice known about unethical business practices such as this, and spread the word to others who might fall for such terrorist-type-sales tactics as these. I am so thankful I did not send my wife to this dealership alone, who knows what they might have done to her. I have customers, and forum members numbering over 5000, and I will be forwarding this information to any and all customers in Arizona, or any who desire a copy themselves.
Sincerely,
Jim Davis
To whom it concerns;
My wife has been interested in a new convertible for some time now. We’ve been going back and forth between paying too much for a 2005 Mustang Convertible (from $3-$8k over MSRP as market adjustment (A.K.A. screwing the customer due to lack of availability, but hey it’s the American way), or going with her other less expensive and more economical choice of a PT Cruiser Convertible (readily available at many dealerships).
She had previously seen a color she liked locally (Charcoal Grey touring edition), but it was no longer available as a factory ordered option, so I began to search for it on the internet and found
http://www.nobull.com/new/detail.php?vin=3C3EY55E25T327143&Model=PT%CONV% We contacted Gerry Ashland (Fleet and Internet Sales manager for Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep) on June 1, 2005 to inquire on pricing for a 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible. We were quoted invoice, plus $250, plus window tint ($299), minus the $2000 rebate for $23, 156. After doing more research, we called back on Saturday June 4, 2005 and asked Gerry for the out the door price on the vehicle. We were told invoice (not invoice plus $250), plus tint, minus $2000 for $22906 plus fees, license, etc.
We asked him to please fax the deal to us down in Tucson so there would be no misunderstanding upon arrival in Tempe. After waiting for about a half an hour, we called back to inquire on the fax. We were told that it was on the way within 15 minutes and then we were hung up on. After the fax arrived we called back once again to ask about the $1000 additional trade in allowance offered by Chrysler and was informed it would apply as well. He then agreed to $21906 as a complete price plus doc fee, plates and tax, also he gave us a rough blue book trade in value on our vehicle (he did inform us that he couldn’t give us exact trade in value for our vehicle until they appraised it). The amounts he expected we should receive were within $75 of what we had blue booked our vehicle for.
Gerry then informed us that while he would not be there to assist us directly, he would fill in John Nehouse (his sales associate) on the deal so that we could avoid any B.S., dealership games, and even explained what a pleasurable experience we would have with their dealership. He said we would enjoy the transaction and that it would be seamless, even so far as to avoid the closing game of the sales associate running back and forth to the ominous “deal booth” to get the sales managers approval.
We left Tucson, at approximately 4:00 pm and informed Gerry (via cell phone) we were on the road we would arrive between 6-6:30 pm at their dealership. We were now on our way to Tempe (2 hour drive). We first stopped at the Earnhardt Ford dealership to peek at the Mustangs they had sitting right on the entrance, which is the vehicle we would have preferred to purchase. As we pulled into the driveway, Shawn (a sales associate sitting at the entrance in a booth) jumped out of the cubicle by the driveway and jumped in front of the vehicle (so we had to stop and listen to him) and informed us that he would be helping us and directed us to park. We circled the lot found an exit and left the Ford dealer (right next to the Chrysler Jeep delaer) to find John Nehouse back at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, since he was the individual that was supposed to have our information ready, and handle our transaction for us.
Upon arriving at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, John had the doors open and the motor running on the PT Cruiser that we had come to see. We looked at the PT, looked at the Mustangs and then agreed to complete the discussed deal on the PT Cruiser. John looked over our trade and we went inside. We signed the appraisal agreement and they took our car key so that they manager could appraise and drive our trade if needed (I never thought they would use it to keep us there) then off went John.
We watched and waited, waited and watched. No one ever went to look at our trade. About 30 minutes later, John comes back with their offer. Invoice minus the incentives, plus alarm, GAP, scotch guard, extended warranty, etc., etc., etc., minus $8000 for our trade and financing of over $22K. We asked John how we had a deal of $21906 that turned into financing more than the sticker price (window decal was less than $22K on the car itself!) after our trade. Our faxed price was $21,906 and minus our trade of $8800 would have caused us to finance roughly $13,106 plus doc fee of $290 and sales tax (7.8% minus our trade in value) plus license (roughly $15k). John agreed that it didn’t make sense and went back to “the booth”. He returned and attempted to get us to sign for $19K and change financed, still only $8000 was offered on the trade. When questioned on the discrepancy of the trade, we were told that it was for the reconditioning fees. We asked for the key to our vehicle (we just wanted our cell phone, and Gerry’s number out of our car) and were told that they would get them for us. The sales manager came out and asked what the problem was. He then asked if we would split the difference on the trade with him. We said no and again asked for our key. Ten minutes later, John came back and said they were trying to work the deal. When asked about the keys, he said “they really were working the deal”. With a raised voice, I asked again nicely, he proceeded to give me a line about their working on it, and I began to loose my temper saying “Give me the ****ing keys to my car!”
John proceeded back to the “booth” and 5 minutes later handed me my keys (In retrospect, I should have ran out the door, and got my wife and son out of the place at that very second…).
Outside we were followed, by John, who assured us that “they were working the deal for us” and then went back inside. We attempted to call Gerry back to find out what was going on. Of course, there was no answer. After waiting about another ten minutes (it is now 8:03 at night and the dealership closes at 8:00pm) we decided that we were done with the games and loaded my wife and my 6 year old son in our car to leave. As we began to pull out of the parking spot, John came running out of the sales compound waving his hands and ran up to the car. He said they were almost done and to please just wait. I informed him that he had thirty seconds and I was leaving. John got on the cell phone to the manager and told him that we were ready to leave. He said they could do the financing for $15K taking our trade for $8800 and he came outside as well.
By this time my wife was to the point of almost throwing up she was so upset, it was late and I was sick of the run around (the not giving me my keys after asking three times had killed any possibility of buying the car in my mind). I discussed with my wife briefly as to if she wanted to continue (after all it was a trip for her and it was going to be her car and her decision to buy or not), in the meantime the sales manager was leaning on a car trying hard to ease drop on our private conversation. I rolled up the window while we discussed this for about 30 more seconds.
We agreed they had gone too far, and we didn’t want their car any longer. I rolled down the window, informed the sales manager “we would think about it, goodnight” and since the car was already running and in gear I simply proceeded towards the exit. At the exit gate they had a lot person, who was holding the gate closed so that no new customers could enter the dealership. As we proceeded to move towards the gate, the lot attendant started to open the gate. Then from behind us, we heard the sales manager yell out, “Don’t open it!” the lot attendant, looking confused, proceeded to close the gate again. I yelled out the window at the lot attendant, “You better ****ing open it!” and it remained closed. At this point I almost panicked and drove through the gate with our SUV. I controlled my emotions, pulled right up against the gate, and proceeded to power-brake our vehicle, acting as if I was going to push the gate open unless he opened it. By this time the sales manager had run to my window and actually said to me “But sir, we’re closing….” I replied, “you should have taken care of us to begin with!”, and now the gate was opening, so I proceeded into the street and as far and as fast away from the Earnhardt Chrysler Dealer as I possibly could get.
I’ve never been held against my will before while trying to purchase something. I’ve never had my civil liberties so disregarded in such a manner before period….. let alone while shopping for something. If this is truly how this dealership does business, I would advise anyone and everyone to not allow this to happen!
Make your voice known about unethical business practices such as this, and spread the word to others who might fall for such terrorist-type-sales tactics as these. I am so thankful I did not send my wife to this dealership alone, who knows what they might have done to her. I have customers, and forum members numbering over 5000, and I will be forwarding this information to any and all customers in Arizona, or any who desire a copy themselves.
Sincerely,
Jim Davis