Almost bought a 370z then walked away-What would you do?
 

So I went to one of my local area dealers tonight to look at a 370z that had almost everything I was looking for as far as options go. I had been to the dealer earlier in the month to test drive, and drove this particular car. I had also called this weekend, talked to the sales manager regarding getting a car with the options and colors I wanted. I was informed on Saturday that this would have to wait until today. Well, I called first thing in the morning, no response. I ended up calling again this afternoon, around 4pm, and was simply told that there are no PG/Touring/Sports/6M in the area, but to come in and look at the model they are holding for me. So I say I will be in this afternoon, and leave work bound for the dealer.

Color is not my first choice, but I was willing to settle and it has grown on me. They knew I was coming and actually held the car for me. When I got there, I was told my sales rep was due in, and would be in momentarily. So I decided to wait and go look at my future Z. Well, you would think if they are holding the car that they would as least wash it, right? Nope. What I thought was a scratch was some white dirt, and there was other debris, and even bird poop on the car! Upon further inspection, I noticed the right front tire had a small tear in the sidewall and the rim had a scratch in it, like some test driver smacked into the curb with it. I also saw some scratches on the right rear fender, as well as a nice layer of dirt and handprints. Someone also stole the tire valve caps of the passenger side. Definately disappointed at this point.

Well, my sales rep never shows up, so I ask to speak to the sales manager. I am told he is off today, to which I respond b.s., he was here earlier, I called and talked to him. "Well, he is not here now," is the response I get, and instead they give me a sales rep that knows nothing of the Z's and is excited that I may be his first sale. At this point I am beyond pissed and have an overwhelming feeling that something does not feel right. Right then and there, I decided I will not be buying tonight. At that point everything went sour. I sat in the 370z and although I know the driver's seat has just as much room as my '02 WRX, it suddenly felt really claustrophobic. I started up the car and saw 74 miles on the odometer, and thought, "Geez, that seems like too much." The sales rep was trying to get me to go for another test drive, and asking me about financing and everything else. I told him that I'd have to sleep on it and left.

I guess I should expect a concerned call from the Sales Manager tomorrow. I think I am going to tell him that I don't appreciate having my time being wasted, and comment on his dealers rather poor (or so I thought) customer service. At this point, I don't know if it is worth it to try to haggle a lower price (supposedly they do not haggle), or just not to bother and take my business elsewhere.

I guess I am curious to see what you all would have done in my situation. I feel like $35k+ is a lot of money to be paying for anything, and it should feel right.

C/N: Went in to look at a 370z that the dealer was holding for me b/c it had the options I wanted, saw it was dirty, had tire/rim damage, had a sensation of overwhelming dread, and left. What would you have done?

Paul

Keep looking. You'll find the right one eventually.

Contact some further out dealers and see what they have available before dealing with the same people again. When they call use the information from the other dealer(s) as leverage for them to either lower the price or make the car like new ...replace the damaged wheel and missing parts. Chances are the car will be washed in the morning after the manager sees it.

^^ what he said,

Dont give in for a 75+ mile car with scratched rims and ripped tires if it does not feel right.

sounds like it was on one too many test drives. They are not holding it for you, its their test drive car and nobody wants to buy it and my guess is they are trying to BS you into thinking otherwise.

I something doesnt feel right from the start ...I probably aint right at the end. If you can order one; have them call you or you stay on top of that car till it arrives. Try to be there as soon as it arrives. Tell them dont wash it, dont take the plastic off the seats, dont put any dealer emplems on it. Dont put the widow sticker on it till you get there so you can position it where you want it, sometimes they put the tag too high, dont touch the finish at all.. basicly leave it ALONE. You take it home and you do the prep work or have an experience detail place that specializes in paint restoration and new car prep.Its gona cost you a couple of hundred bucks but they will seal the finish right. It will save you from getting swirl marks and stuff from the intial crapy detailing they do. BTW, I got mine with 60 miles on it. It had been at the dealership a couple of days after it got uloaded from the truck. So go figure.

If ur not completely comfortable u shouldn't buy the car 4 them. What going 2 happen if u have 2 take the car back because of a problem? If they r not helpful when ur purchasing the car imagine what they will be once u spent ur money. I bought my car in Germantown. They have a ton of 370's and I was very pleased with the transaction. Ask 4 Fred. My deal was done over the phone in 1 day with no hassle.

Next on Dr. Phil: anal rententive people who will kill themselves if they don't get every little detail, nuance their way. What to do about these pain-in-the-a-s-s-e-s.:icon23:

Why shouldn't he be getting every little detail and nuance exactly how he wants when he is paying $30-40k for it?? Even Burger King lets you have it your way.. why can't the OP have his?

I wouldn't buy unless I was completely satisfied with everything. Look else where. Someone has what you want, or will get it for you.

Have you tried going to NissanUSA.com? You can build your own car...choose exactly the options you want! Then when you are done "check inventory" I did for a 100 mile radius. I found the exact car I wanted. Would you believe it was at a dealership in the town I live in. It gives you the vin#. So when I went to the dealership I already knew they had what I wanted.

You will never feel good about your purchase if you settle for something you did'nt really want. The way you were treated....I cannot think of one excuse for it!!! When you find your car asks on the fourm what others think of the dealership. Good luck! Remember to post pics.

P.S. I would highly recomend a clear bra on your new Z. It was recommended to me and I am so glad I did.

You did the right thing - this would have been the start of a long list of issues with that dealership - I feel it in my creaking bones.

EXACTLY - If they treat you like **** before they get your money, how are they gonna treat you after?:gtfo2:

Wow, so many responses over night. It's reassuring to know that most people here agree with me. I didn't think I was being anal about the purchase, every other new car I have purchased or gone alone with someone to purchase, they have always washed the car or at least made some effort instead of just having the car there. Part of the car buying experience is supposed to be good customer service. I am afterall parting with a good amount of my money, the least they can do is make me feel good about it.

I'm supposed to be happy and excited about this purchase, not like I am settling for a car that no one wants and has abused in the short time it has sat on the lot. My Subaru that I drove up in with almost 100,000 miles was more clean than the Z I looked at. It helps that I washed it yesterday, but still I think there is something wrong with that picture.

Sometimes cars have higher than normal mileage not only because of test drives but because they may be moved to different dealerships. Most dealers take good care of them but if the car is beat up with so few miles, don't budge. But if you find a clean car with some miles on it, just keep in mind that you can negotiate those miles out of the price. And, the 36k mile warranty starts at the odometer reading when you buy the car.

My old Mustang GT had 75 miles when I picked it up... the dealership we bought from did not have the car I wanted in stock so they traded with another dealership and the car was driven to the dealership that day.

So a few miles aren't always that much of an issue... just make sure you thoroughly look over the car to make sure the rims are not damaged and there are no scratches. A reputable dealership is going to take good care of their cars.

Also, if a dealership has multiple locations they tend to move cars around a bit. Say they have a Yellow Z sitting at location A for a month... they might move it to location B to see if it will generate more buzz.

:gtfo2:

Sorry for your bad experience. Wish you were a little closer to us...we wouldn't let that happen to you!

Scott

Wolf - is the car is not exactly what you want run, don't walk away. You totally did the right thing.

When we bought our Z we got the run around from a couple of dealers, but they are not all like that. The 3rd dealer we went to was completely awesome, he got us the exact car we wanted from another dealer and transported it safely. I inspected and drove it before they detailed it, fell in love with it and took it home.

So just keep trying, you and your Z will eventually meet and it will be bliss!

Was this Norriss Nissan in Ellicott City? It sounds like them.

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that these cars are getting scarce. I'm sure the dealership would have washed the car before you took it. The mileage wasn't all that excessive. If the rim and tire were noticeably damaged then you could have demanded they fix it before you took delivery. Unfortunately people test drive these things. There are many posts on this forum of people test driving cars when they are nowhere near close to buying. Personally, I don't enjoy hanging around in car dealerships and playing the whole game just to say I drove a hot new car. I'll test drive when I know I am ready to buy.

i concur....

You did the right thing, Fly_yellow is correct that these cars are becoming harder to find, but just settling on a car is not something you want to do. Make sure it fits are your requirements and then get it.

Yes. Unfortunately, I have found that NissanUSA.com's website does not accurately reflect what the dealer has on hand. I have called and even visited a few and found that what they have listed online has been sold.

The whole experience has depressed me a good deal. I'm still mad about it today, 24 hours later, to the point that I might just wait until the 2010's or just go to a dealer people have recommended in my area and order exactly what I want. Who cares if I have to wait. The only problem is I think I might have a buyer for my old car already, but such is life.

I'll have to look into the clear bra. Is that like stoneguard?

Well, under this circumstance, I know the car has been sitting at that dealer for awhile, like since May. It's likely been test driven a lot. That's just it, the car was filthy - it's like they didn't care and they have a car wash on site! You know you have an interested buyer coming in to see it, why wouldn't you at least give it a quick wash to remove the birdpoop and dust?
Also, I don't like being lied to (i.e. sales manager's whereabouts), and told that the sales manager does not deal with customers directly?!? What is this, the Wizard of Oz?

No, it was not Norris Nissan in EC. I did have an interesting experience with them years ago. I had just graduated college and was looking at the '99 Maximas, thinking I could get a good deal on the end of the model year. I guess b/c it was a Saturday and I showed up in a t-shirt and shorts, they tried to talk me into an Altima, like b/c I was so young I couldn't afford a Maxima.

Anyway, I don't really want a car that has been joyrided and damaged. Sure, it might be 100% fixed by replacing the tire and rim, but I will always know that it was not the original. Also, what happens in 20,000 miles when the fromt tire is wearing prematurely and I find out I have a bent tie rod that was never fixed? I'm just saying. I'm with you, I only Test Drive when I am serious to buy, they make it kind of a hassle on purpose, otherwise everyone would show up for free rides all the time.

ORDER ONE! Get everything you want. It takes a couple of months to get it anyway but you can rest easy after. If the sales man wants to take it home and get it on with his wife at lunch, thats good for him. At least he can fit his wife in the seat. We cant do anything about that. Just dont take the plastic off the seats! What you dont know wouldnt hurt you. lol:bowrofl:

My 4 cents.. if your dealership isnt practicaly trying to kiss your a$$ to get you to buy the car from them, that shows they arent in it to get you what you want. THEN.. if the vehicle they are showing you has scratches and some wear and tear issues.. screw that crap. and 70 miles on it? Thats like a lot of long test drives or several really long joy rides. Screw that, I wouldnt even consider one with over 20 miles on it.

I don't know if this is where you went, but Sheehy Nissan in Glen Burnie has a PG/Touring/Sport/Nav. I don't know if you wanted Nav, but it is well worth it IMHO. The car stickers at $40,460, but you should be able to get it at around $37,000-$37,500. I have always head good experiences with Sheehy. There is a salesman there named Chris Zook who is a young guy, but a real Nissan enthusiast. I didn't buy my Z from them only because they didn't have the car I was looking for and to get a deal I didn't want to do a dealer swap.

New Nissan 370Z, Glen Burnie, MD, Coupe, Sheehy Nissan - Glen Burnie Stock: F13090 Severn, Pasadena, Baltimore Maryland

Ordering one is an option, but I think you are too late for the 09 models. If you wait for a 2010 model there may be a price increase that would almost cover the price of the Nav.

That's OK edeeZee...your episode of Dr. Phil is on tomorrow...the episode about......ball-less people who let others manipulate them into accepting things as they are...like for example those kinds of guys who let their girlfriend or wife wear the pants in the family....

Thanks! I sent an email to them regarding that car, that's the color I want. So the Navi is worth it? I have a Garmin Nuvi that has worked very well for the past year and a half. Keep your fingers crossed!!

I have a Garmin Zumo, and Garmin makes a great unit. It is just nice to have it all built in. The navi also has a great ipod integration, which I use far more than the actual Navigation. There are other little extras with the navi, like voice command and the music box. It's well worth it. One thing about Sheehy, is that you really have to push them, but they will deal. They have a "Sheehy Markdown" that they put on the window of every car, but you can get them to go much lower than that. Invoice on a loaded Z is about 37,000-37,500, so you should be able to get them around that number. My Z stickered at over 41K and I got it for 37,500 from Tischer.

I just realized that Z is actually at Sheehy in Annapolis, but you can buy it from any of their dealers. If you're in Elkridge, Glen Burnie is probably closer to you.

You're right, the car was in Annapolis. However, they were able to get it up from Annapolis to Glen Burnie. I ended up driving it up! Needless to say, I saw it, loved it, and made a deal and bought it! I cannot stop looking at the Z. Is this normal? I don't think I have stppoed smiling since I drove home this afternoon. I still cannot believe it, I'll probably post tomorrow in the new owners' forum. Thanks for the tip on the car and dealer recommendation, it was a much better experience than the one I originally posted about. For now, I am exhausted and am going to get some sleep.

Awsome!! Congrats on the new ride. I've always liked Sheehy. I've bought a Titan and a Sentra Spec-V from them. If they would have had yellow I would have bought my Z from them. Nobody was willing to dealer swap their yellows.

This is a typical response, I have been this way for a week and a half :icon17: