Went to pick up my "C" as they were selling it

[fatchance]

I ordered a "C" fully loaded on 9/21/04 FROM Jack Powell Chrysler in Escocdido, Ca. Once I got the VON# I tracked the car weekly until it shipped. I even tracked it the the train to Cali. I called the dealer daily once it arrived in Cali. I needed to make arrangements to pick up the car. I live about 90 miles FROM the dealer, so I took the train INTO the area. The day I go to pick up the car (11/23/04) I talked to the dealer three times. The fourth phone call came as I was almost at the dealer. Bill the sales person asked me if I had put a deposit done. I said no, that we had agreed on that. I even had the e-mail he sent me agreeing to this. Needless to say he raises the price of the car $3000. When I arrived at the dealer some ones personal belongings were in the car. When I asked to test drive the car they said "NO". I could only drive the car if I agreed to pay the increased price and sign a waiver. I agreed only because I wanted to drive the car. During the test drive the used car manager followed me. I have never experience such fraudulant and unethical busines practices.
I now have the local San Diego news, the BBB, and DCX. involved. I can't believe that exhortion and strong arm tactics a acceptable to DCX.
The dealer apologized for the misunderstand. There was no misunderstanding. They had two month to do their job right. They used me to ORDER a car and then sold it for more than I agreed to pay. I have everything in writing and documented.

[Fred]

Did you even sign a contract that the dealer also signed? You thought they were doing you a favor by not taking a deposit?? When you don't leave any money it's not the same legal bearing.

[fatchance]

I ordered the car over the net I recieved an ORDER that the dealer placed with DCX. It had the details of the car and my VON#. I also recieved a reference # for the dealer beacause it was an internet sale. I kept all e-mails. I was very clear and repeated myself. They always responded and agreed to all terms.

[Cucamonga Red RT]

But I think when you special ORDER a car, your name shows up on the sticker. I believe they can only sell it if you turn them down.

As to the price all bets are off. they cam jack you around if there is nothin gin writing. Jammin Dodge in Pomona tried the same thing with me until Jim Forester the sales person told the owner that I was a five time repeat customer. Even them I still got stiffed for an extra $500 over our original deal.

[fatchance]

They wrote my net price on my ORDER and circled it.
Followed by an e-mail confirming the ORDER and my price.
I'm going to CHECK on the sticker issue. My name was on it.

[Fred]

Nothing signed, no deposit left... good luck that's all, I know i would be f-in pissed to hell and back if I had waited then had that crap, sorry to hear it all.

[markyneutron]

un-f'in-believeable I hate those bastards

you gotta keep this thread updated I want to see what those jack-offs at corporate do

ya I know no deposit yada yada, but still

[ronneyf]

That's BS. I wish I was a CA lawyer, but I can tell you in TX, as in most states (When I get a little free time, I'll CHECK on CA), deceptive trade practices laws have been established that are very harsh when a business takes advantage of a consumer in this manner.

Hang in there, and if it gets down to it, I can find you an attorney in CA that can help (sucks to throw money after money though).

[Cucamonga Red RT]

They wrote my net price on my ORDER and circled it.
Followed by an e-mail confirming the ORDER and my price.
I'm going to CHECK on the sticker issue. My name was on it.

If your net price is in writing, coupled with the fact that your name is on the sticker, then what are they thinking? Plus an email to you?

Makes me want to be an attorney.

Reminds me of the gouging when the PT first came out.

[fatchance]

The deposit is not important I have more than one e-mail were they agree that there is no need for deposit and that they are ready to ORDER my car.
I am talking with John Mattes of Fox 6 News in San Diego. He has made many calls to DCX and is running a story in the near future.
I am also in contact with a guy who ordered a car FROM Midway Chrysler in San Diego. He ordered his car and put a deposit down. He called the dealer often and always got the same answer "still on order'. One day He calls DCX gives them his VON#. They tell him the car was ordered, shipped and sold to someone else. The color that he ordered is no longer available and he's waiting for another car now.
The dealers are greedy unethical people who will do and say anything screw people for as much as they can.

[Ramrod]

Dear DCX,

Please fix your dealerships if you wish to have continued sales. Let them not jerk around customers on price. Let them not fumble through repairs. Let them be proactive, and capable. The dealership is the gateway to the DCX experience. Right now that gate is so terrible, its stops many buyers (and thier money) FROM getting inside.

Regards,
Ramrod

[threefortyduster]

i didnt see where you got the District Manager involved? i sure hope you went through the proper steps before going off on a tangent and getting the news involved. most of the time stuff like this can be resolved by going to the upper level managers (district, regional, etc) without HAVING to get to corporate, or give bad press. i can tell you right now, you will have a hard time getting any kind of deal in the future on any car at that dealership or any Chrysler. you will be flagged as a potential problem, and they won't want to deal with you.

[fatchance]

I originally talked to the GM at the dealership. He blew it off as a misunderstanding. I politly reminded him that there was no misunderstanding and that they were fraudulant. He them had the DM call me. The DM called me and is trying to resolve the issue. The dealer continues to claim "misunderstanding". Unfortunately for them I have everything in writing and confirmed in writing two or three times.
I told the GM what steps I was taking and he scoffed at my comments. You could tell by his response they do this all the time.

[threefortyduster]

I originally talked to the GM at the dealership. He blew it off as a misunderstanding. I politly reminded him that there was no misunderstanding and that they were fraudulant. He them had the DM call me. The DM called me and is trying to resolve the issue. The dealer continues to claim "misunderstanding". Unfortunately for them I have everything in writing and confirmed in writing two or three times.
I told the GM what steps I was taking and he scoffed at my comments. You could tell by his response they do this all the time.
in that case...screw the dealership over...they need to be shut down.

[fatchance]

Today I called DCX to UPDATE my claim with them. They are doing an investigation.
I did hear back FROM the district manager. There is not a car in So. Cal the way I ordered my car. So I 'd have to reorder one. They can expedite the ORDER but I'm still out at least six weeks.
The BBB has contacted me in there investigation to.
the problem.
DCX has offered me an extended warrenty for the problem, But I still don't have my car.
I told the DM that I want a personel apology FROM Jack Powell himself. He has never responded to my emails and phone calls. Gives you the feeling as business as usual.
Any suggestions on my next step. If I have to reorder, I'm not giving them a single dime. I'm thinking of makeing them do a dealer trade FROM any where in the country. That will at least put a hurt on him. There's not a dealer that's going to want to trade a fully loaded "C". When they force them to It's going to cost Jack Powell.

[Cucamonga Red RT]

Today I called DCX to UPDATE my claim with them. They are doing an investigation.
I did hear back FROM the district manager. There is not a car in So. Cal the way I ordered my car. So I 'd have to reorder one. They can expedite the ORDER but I'm still out at least six weeks.
The BBB has contacted me in there investigation to.
the problem.
DCX has offered me an extended warrenty for the problem, But I still don't have my car.
I told the DM that I want a personel apology FROM Jack Powell himself. He has never responded to my emails and phone calls. Gives you the feeling as business as usual.
Any suggestions on my next step. If I have to reorder, I'm not giving them a single dime. I'm thinking of makeing them do a dealer trade FROM any where in the country. That will at least put a hurt on him. There's not a dealer that's going to want to trade a fully loaded "C". When they force them to It's going to cost Jack Powell.

May I suggest that you accept their offer? Win win approach? I believe in giving people a way out of dilemas.

[MagnumFreak]

Today I called DCX to UPDATE my claim with them. They are doing an investigation.
I did hear back FROM the district manager. There is not a car in So. Cal the way I ordered my car. So I 'd have to reorder one. They can expedite the ORDER but I'm still out at least six weeks.
The BBB has contacted me in there investigation to.
the problem.
DCX has offered me an extended warrenty for the problem, But I still don't have my car.
I told the DM that I want a personel apology FROM Jack Powell himself. He has never responded to my emails and phone calls. Gives you the feeling as business as usual.
Any suggestions on my next step. If I have to reorder, I'm not giving them a single dime. I'm thinking of makeing them do a dealer trade FROM any where in the country. That will at least put a hurt on him. There's not a dealer that's going to want to trade a fully loaded "C". When they force them to It's going to cost Jack Powell.

I would certainly hope they don't consider expediting an ORDER taking 6 weeks. 3-4 maybe if the right people are called. 1 week to get it in the system and 2 weeks to get it to you.

I agree with Cucamonga, take the offer. But I would push them a bit to get it to me faster.

[fatchance]

I'd rather go to a different delaer than give them a dime. The DM said he would take care of it FROM there. I'll find out what they mean by expedite.

[fatchance]

Here's the latest.
A DCX rep called and asked for additional informatiom on what happened. John Mattes of FOX News is running a story, I don't know when.
Jack Powell Chrysler has offered nothing to resolve the matter. I've got The BBB investigating them. They have been emailing me to update.
As for my car. I'm looking for my own deal. I'm not giving Jack Powell one dime. For them this is business as usual. The DM will assist me in expediting my ORDER or talking to people to help. Chrysler is also offering an extended warranty for my problems. What I really want is to have Jack Powell's five star rating revoked.

[2003z]

Dear DCX,

Please fix your dealerships if you wish to have continued sales. Let them not jerk around customers on price. Let them not fumble through repairs. Let them be proactive, and capable. The dealership is the gateway to the DCX experience. Right now that gate is so terrible, its stops many buyers (and thier money) FROM getting inside.

Regards,
Ramrod
Unfortunately, this problem isn't limited to Chrysler products. Every type of dealership that gets a hot new car does this, and that's why it will never get fixed.

[pmharrigan]

Let's be clear about the law here. You have a previously oral contract confirmed in writing -- the emails -- which is a valid contract.

For that reason, you have every right to sue Powell Chrysler.

However, if Chrysler gets you a car promptly, your only damages are for the delay in receiving your car. For that, the extended warranty is probably a good trade-off.

For that reason, the others who have suggested that you take Chrysler's offer are probably correct.

[fatchance]

Here's the latest update. John Mattes of Fox News will run a story the first week of January. We are going to the dealer with cameras and all.

I have looked INTO Deceptive Trade Practice and if the dealer lead me to believe that they were going to sell me the car and at the last minute Changed the agreement, that is deceptive trade.

The dealer responded to the BBB. They are saying that they have done no wrong. They have offered me $500 over invioce which is $866 mor than my original price. For $866 shame on Jack Powell Chrysler for poor customer service. They made $5000 over MSRP the day they sold my car. They originally demanded that I pay MSRP. That was about $3000 higher than the agreed upon price. Now that they are being blasted by the San Diego DA, the BBB, DCX, The Media, the DMV and consumer affairs their tune has changed.

Unfortunately this is their normal business practice.

I

[Rev.Hammer]

Hell hath no fury...

[Fred]

John Mattes seems to have a pretty good bio http://www.fox6.com/news/biographies/story.aspx?content_id=815845B6-2545-4164-91FE-AD7B02B7D728

Miami lawyer turned tv reporter??

His investigations included uncovering a multi-million dollar kickback scheme at Miami International Airport, legal loan sharking in the auto title loan business, and financial ties between a local mayor and organized crime.

Wow I hope this episode makes it to the east coast... Anyone have a ReplayTV so they can ftp the segment after it airs?

[fatchance]

Well here's the latest. I got my car and it's more than I could of dreamed of. I picked it up on 12/30/04 and by 1/1/05 I added a wood trim kit, tinted the windows and had it lowered 1.6".
Now back to Jack Powell Chrysler, who in the next week or so will not be happy with their TV spot on Fox News. I spoke to John Mattes today and we will be at the dealership to put them on the spot. DCX has taken a position that they can not do anything to the dealer. The District Manager also took the position that he can not force the dealer to honor my deal. I guess they forgot the fact that they could take away their five star rating or the franchise for fraudulant business.
The last reply they made to the BBB was that it was a misunderstanding and that they are willing to honor a price $866 higher than my original price.
What a deal considering that they sold my car for $5000 over MSRP. My price was $3000 under MSRP
It is clear that this is the type of business that Jack Powell Chrysler operates. They've gotten away with it for 45 years. Unfortunately they got caught and maybe learn a lesson.

[Rev.Hammer]

"Unfortunately they got caught and maybe learn a lesson."

What do you mean "unfortunately" ? You are doing yeomans work here and may have helped someone tremendously that you do not even know. I say it is very much "fortunate" that this weaselly bastid got NAILED! One bad dealership reflect s on them all. DCX doesnt need this crap now, when they are trying to make a strong comeback!

[Fred]

No they're going to continue scamming poor suckers like yourself. "$3000 under MSRP" who would be stupid enough to sign to a blank statement like that. You should have placed your deposit and signed a contract with a specific dollar amount purchase price. I can't beleive your whining has continued for three pages...

Glad you finally got your car, You didn't mention what you ended up paying?

[fatchance]

My cars MSRP was $39,475 and I paid $39,022 out the door.
Fred I ordered the car over the internet. Everything was in writing and we agreed on the price. The deposit is not the problem here, the dealer is. The dealer would of just made some other excuse not to honor the price. I have read other post on this forum and other forums, where this has occurred. The dealer sells the car out FROM under someone because another buyer is willing to pay more. That's after they pay a deposit ,place an ORDER and wait for their car.

[Trouble]

BBB is useless. Sad but true. None of the manufacturers belong to it so that they can screw the customer through their own arbitration processes without getting the minor blemish FROM the BBB. I think the BBB concept is great but it really doesn't do much for anyone as far as I can tell.
-Trouble

[Fred]

In new york the BBB actually sends you a letter saying the hte DMV handles all issues relating to automobiles, and then closes the case (well doesn't open the case)

[joe300c]

[quote="Fred"]No they're going to continue scamming poor suckers like yourself. "$3000 under MSRP" who would be stupid enough to sign to a blank statement like that. You should have placed your deposit and signed a contract with a specific dollar amount purchase price. I can't beleive your whining has continued for three pages...

Jeeesus.... tell me about it Fred... "Waaaaaaaah Waaaaaaaah.. my car is in high demand and they wanted to sell it to someone willing to pay thousands more and I had no deposit down......Waaaaaaaaaah"

The fact of the matter is, mr. whiner fatchance, you happened to choose the hottest most in-demand car in the market right now and every magazine naming it car or sedan of the year has only made the supply/demand situation more constrained... Had you put a deposit down, a measily $1000 then this would've been 180 degrees different of a story. No amount of "bad press" FROM a local news station nor whining FROM a disgruntled potential buyer is going to change the demand issue on these cars...

Bottom line we see yet again (the common demoninator of most everything): SUPPLY AND DEMAND. Remember also you're dealing with f*cking CAR DEALERS, which are slimeballs by nature, so don't expect them to sell you a car for $3000 under MSRP when people are paying up to $6000 over MSRP these days very gladly... It's because the car is worth that much.

Glad you got your car, in any case...

-Joe300C

[sidetrack]

[quote=Fred]No they're going to continue scamming poor suckers like yourself. "$3000 under MSRP" who would be stupid enough to sign to a blank statement like that. You should have placed your deposit and signed a contract with a specific dollar amount purchase price. I can't beleive your whining has continued for three pages...

Jeeesus.... tell me about it Fred... "Waaaaaaaah Waaaaaaaah.. my car is in high demand and they wanted to sell it to someone willing to pay thousands more and I had no deposit down......Waaaaaaaaaah"

The fact of the matter is, mr. whiner fatchance, you happened to choose the hottest most in-demand car in the market right now and every magazine naming it car or sedan of the year has only made the supply/demand situation more constrained... Had you put a deposit down, a measily $1000 then this would've been 180 degrees different of a story. No amount of "bad press" FROM a local news station nor whining FROM a disgruntled potential buyer is going to change the demand issue on these cars...

Bottom line we see yet again (the common demoninator of most everything): SUPPLY AND DEMAND. Remember also you're dealing with f*cking CAR DEALERS, which are slimeballs by nature, so don't expect them to sell you a car for $3000 under MSRP when people are paying up to $6000 over MSRP these days very gladly... It's because the car is worth that much.

Glad you got your car, in any case...

-Joe300C

You and Fred havn't carefully read the history and facts. So lighten up dudes. A deposit has nothing to do with the fact the dealer reneged on the deal. Unless you can find in writing a clause, such as "Unless we the Dealer receive a deposit, we the dealer reserve the right to sell your factory ordered car to anyone we feel like, and when we like", then you and the dealer have no leg to stand on. Fatchance had everything (a contract) in writing.
He would win in court.

Get real dudes. The dealer is a slime ball. There is NO excuse for his third world unethical behavior.

http://home.comcast.net/~300_C/

[Cucamonga Red RT]

<snip>l. There is NO excuse for his third world unethical behavior.


How dare you insult third world countries! :twisted:

[sidetrack]

<snip>l. There is NO excuse for his third world unethical behavior.


How dare you insult third world countries! :twisted:

Sorry. I didn't know we had anyone FROM Rancho Cucamonga. :twisted:

[fatchance]

Ok, I see that some members on this forum have minimal business sense. sidetrack is correct, if you go to court they lose. The DA is investigating under Deceptive Trade Practice.
As for the deposit, I still don't understand how that makes this a binding deal. There are a number of dealers who have sold this car FROM people who have left deposits. I personally have assisted another buyer in the San Diego area. He placed an order, and left a deposit. He checked with the dealer several times a month. The only answer he recieved was it's still on order. When he called DCX, he found that his ORDER was placed, his car made, shipped and sold to someone else. That dealer was Midway Chrysler.
We are talking about supply and demand. I'm ok with that if someone wants to pay thousands over MSRP, good for them. But when Dealers use deceptive trade practices and bait and switch, that's illegal.
As for my price I paid what I always expected to pay UNDER MSRP. That's not illegal.
The dealers do what they want because we let them.
The car is great

[Rev.Hammer]

Hey Joe, Sides,
Lay off on the heckling. Fats has a legit gripe. These dealers are practising customer ****eration not customer satisfaction and they need to be outed for it, for the benefit of everybody.
They welched on a valid deal. Case closed.
Lets play nice, ok?

[gn300]

Chrysler should have a police like porche retail only or loose your franchise that is why a used 911 is more expensive than a new one if you can fnd one . Or used to do