Nobody Wants to Sell Me a Mustang!
5/17/11, 09:15 PM
#1
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Nobody Wants to Sell Me a Mustang!
I sent a simple e-mail to a dozen fleet/internet managers in my area yesterday explaining that I wanted to order a 2012 GT Mustang and explaining exactly what I'm looking for. I simply asked for their best bottom-line price on the car I want. So far I've gotten two responses, both above invoice.
To me, this apathy is amazing. With unemployment/underemployment at 12-35% (depending on which source you cite and where you're located) and gas pushing $5.00 a gallon, this is absolutely shocking. As a foil to this, Dodge, BMW, and Infiniti dealers are bending over backwards to accommodate me with 15%+ off MSRP as a starting offer on ordered cars.
Based upon this response, I'm not sure a Ford is in my future.
To me, this apathy is amazing. With unemployment/underemployment at 12-35% (depending on which source you cite and where you're located) and gas pushing $5.00 a gallon, this is absolutely shocking. As a foil to this, Dodge, BMW, and Infiniti dealers are bending over backwards to accommodate me with 15%+ off MSRP as a starting offer on ordered cars.
Based upon this response, I'm not sure a Ford is in my future.
5/17/11, 09:18 PM
#2
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Sorry to hear this. It may seem stupid but try going to a dealer in person and see if this changes? I doubt it will but who knows. Good luck in your search.
OT Do you have an pics of that Challenger?
OT Do you have an pics of that Challenger?
5/17/11, 09:26 PM
#3
Cobra R Member
I understand what you're saying, but. I see why you haven't heard from them. You're asking them to sell you a new car for less then it's worth. I had to find a used/pre-owned one before I could buy my '11. I may be thinking way off base, prob am, but I don't get this post. Maybe go talk to someone? Better than just writing a letter?
5/17/11, 09:39 PM
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You asked for best bottom line price....looks like what you got.
Maybe the other brands have more room to play with....and as the saying goes...you get what you pay for.
Maybe the other brands have more room to play with....and as the saying goes...you get what you pay for.
5/17/11, 09:41 PM
#6
Bullitt Member
A lot of car guides say the way to get the best price is to do the method you are doing.
HOWEVER
In reality I find it's a bad thing to do.
Every one of those sales reps is fully aware you are emailing other dealers and are fishing for a price.
Any good rep won't answer that email, knowing it's a waste of their time and effort. Nothing to do with being a Ford dealer or not.
There's simply zero commitment in an email fishing for price.
Like others have said, it's best to go in to talk to a rep. If you're worried about price, go to as many different dealerships as you want.
Meeting with a rep = the rep knows they had a chance to talk to you and show you THEIR cars/prices, and can explain to you why they feel you should buy from them.
HOWEVER
In reality I find it's a bad thing to do.
Every one of those sales reps is fully aware you are emailing other dealers and are fishing for a price.
Any good rep won't answer that email, knowing it's a waste of their time and effort. Nothing to do with being a Ford dealer or not.
There's simply zero commitment in an email fishing for price.
Like others have said, it's best to go in to talk to a rep. If you're worried about price, go to as many different dealerships as you want.
Meeting with a rep = the rep knows they had a chance to talk to you and show you THEIR cars/prices, and can explain to you why they feel you should buy from them.
5/17/11, 10:00 PM
#8
GTR Member
The internet guys at the dealer don't want to order cars, they want to sell what's on the lot.
And getting someone to order a car and discount it below invoice is a pipe dream.
You want the best price? Then find a car on the lot you will accept and work a deal on it.
And getting someone to order a car and discount it below invoice is a pipe dream.
You want the best price? Then find a car on the lot you will accept and work a deal on it.
5/17/11, 10:26 PM
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I sent a simple e-mail to a dozen fleet/internet managers in my area yesterday explaining that I wanted to order a 2012 GT Mustang and explaining exactly what I'm looking for. I simply asked for their best bottom-line price on the car I want. So far I've gotten two responses, both above invoice.
To me, this apathy is amazing. With unemployment/underemployment at 12-35% (depending on which source you cite and where you're located) and gas pushing $5.00 a gallon, this is absolutely shocking. As a foil to this, Dodge, BMW, and Infiniti dealers are bending over backwards to accommodate me with 15%+ off MSRP as a starting offer on ordered cars.
Based upon this response, I'm not sure a Ford is in my future.
To me, this apathy is amazing. With unemployment/underemployment at 12-35% (depending on which source you cite and where you're located) and gas pushing $5.00 a gallon, this is absolutely shocking. As a foil to this, Dodge, BMW, and Infiniti dealers are bending over backwards to accommodate me with 15%+ off MSRP as a starting offer on ordered cars.
Based upon this response, I'm not sure a Ford is in my future.
Good luck
5/17/11, 10:45 PM
#11
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I sent a simple e-mail to a dozen fleet/internet managers in my area yesterday explaining that I wanted to order a 2012 GT Mustang and explaining exactly what I'm looking for. I simply asked for their best bottom-line price on the car I want. So far I've gotten two responses, both above invoice...
5/17/11, 10:52 PM
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Thanks for your responses.
Perhaps I am expecting too much. Still, I find it odd that I can get 15% off MSRP on a custom ordered BMW 335is or Porsche Cayman S while I can't even get a Ford Mustang at invoice.
I'm only 31, but I've purchased a half-dozen cars, all special ordered vehicles from both American and German manufacturers, and have never paid over invoice for any of them. I'm thinking of ordering a 2011 Raptor at the end of summer in time for hunting season and expect invoice pricing at minimum, but perhaps I'm expecting too much here too. Dodge is discounting their trucks $10,000 as a starting offer.
I mentioned no price criteria in any of my e-emails to dealers. I realize that I'm not Joe Walkonthelot who pays MSRP and opts for $3,000 in paint and interior protection, but even at $100 under invoice, the dealer is still making a $1,000 off my sale and it's a no hassle deal with no flooring costs.
As far as going to a dealer in person, I did visit my local dealer, a high volume one, last weekend. After spending a half hour with the salesman and then another half hour with the sales manager, I was informed that I had the privilege of purchasing one of their 2011(!) lot Mustangs, all of which had more swirl marks than a lollypop, for MSRP. For a moment, I thought I was in the Bugatti dealership, but I then saw the Fiesta in the showroom and reattained my bearings. I smiled, thanked them for their time, and left.
For the poster who asked, here are a couple recent quick and dirty pics of my garage queen Challenger R/T Classic (de-striped). They don't do it justice, as it's a beautiful car.
Perhaps I am expecting too much. Still, I find it odd that I can get 15% off MSRP on a custom ordered BMW 335is or Porsche Cayman S while I can't even get a Ford Mustang at invoice.
I'm only 31, but I've purchased a half-dozen cars, all special ordered vehicles from both American and German manufacturers, and have never paid over invoice for any of them. I'm thinking of ordering a 2011 Raptor at the end of summer in time for hunting season and expect invoice pricing at minimum, but perhaps I'm expecting too much here too. Dodge is discounting their trucks $10,000 as a starting offer.
I mentioned no price criteria in any of my e-emails to dealers. I realize that I'm not Joe Walkonthelot who pays MSRP and opts for $3,000 in paint and interior protection, but even at $100 under invoice, the dealer is still making a $1,000 off my sale and it's a no hassle deal with no flooring costs.
As far as going to a dealer in person, I did visit my local dealer, a high volume one, last weekend. After spending a half hour with the salesman and then another half hour with the sales manager, I was informed that I had the privilege of purchasing one of their 2011(!) lot Mustangs, all of which had more swirl marks than a lollypop, for MSRP. For a moment, I thought I was in the Bugatti dealership, but I then saw the Fiesta in the showroom and reattained my bearings. I smiled, thanked them for their time, and left.
For the poster who asked, here are a couple recent quick and dirty pics of my garage queen Challenger R/T Classic (de-striped). They don't do it justice, as it's a beautiful car.
Last edited by justindo; 5/17/11 at 11:09 PM.
5/17/11, 11:20 PM
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People want and want but don't understand.
MSRP is a reason. Is there room to play? Absolutely- Nothing but. However it's a business. One gets taken on 97% of the items they buy... but for some reason car buying brings this to light. Complaining about how a dealer wont give you below invoice price? I'd laugh and show you the door...
The dealer is not in business to take a 6k bath so car enthusiast get asinine deals...
Just my 2 cents which is worth nothing.
MSRP is a reason. Is there room to play? Absolutely- Nothing but. However it's a business. One gets taken on 97% of the items they buy... but for some reason car buying brings this to light. Complaining about how a dealer wont give you below invoice price? I'd laugh and show you the door...
The dealer is not in business to take a 6k bath so car enthusiast get asinine deals...
Just my 2 cents which is worth nothing.
Last edited by 2010MustangGT; 5/17/11 at 11:22 PM.
5/18/11, 12:05 AM
#15
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Thanks for the offer, Brian. I have friends and relatives in Seattle, Salem, and Portland, so I may consider this. Still, I think I should be able to do just as well closer to home.
5/18/11, 12:07 AM
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I'm not sure where in So Cal you are but I got my 2012 from South Bay Ford in Hawthorne, CA. Went through the fleet manager only (no salesmen) and ordered the car at invoice (+FDAF assessment). PM me if you're interested and I can give you the fleet manager's contact info.
Good luck
Good luck
5/18/11, 06:42 AM
#18
Team Mustang Source
Thanks for your responses.
Perhaps I am expecting too much. Still, I find it odd that I can get 15% off MSRP on a custom ordered BMW 335is or Porsche Cayman S while I can't even get a Ford Mustang at invoice.
I'm only 31, but I've purchased a half-dozen cars, all special ordered vehicles from both American and German manufacturers, and have never paid over invoice for any of them. I'm thinking of ordering a 2011 Raptor at the end of summer in time for hunting season and expect invoice pricing at minimum, but perhaps I'm expecting too much here too. Dodge is discounting their trucks $10,000 as a starting offer.
I mentioned no price criteria in any of my e-emails to dealers. I realize that I'm not Joe Walkonthelot who pays MSRP and opts for $3,000 in paint and interior protection, but even at $100 under invoice, the dealer is still making a $1,000 off my sale and it's a no hassle deal with no flooring costs.
As far as going to a dealer in person, I did visit my local dealer, a high volume one, last weekend. After spending a half hour with the salesman and then another half hour with the sales manager, I was informed that I had the privilege of purchasing one of their 2011(!) lot Mustangs, all of which had more swirl marks than a lollypop, for MSRP. For a moment, I thought I was in the Bugatti dealership, but I then saw the Fiesta in the showroom and reattained my bearings. I smiled, thanked them for their time, and left.
For the poster who asked, here are a couple recent quick and dirty pics of my garage queen Challenger R/T Classic (de-striped). They don't do it justice, as it's a beautiful car.
Perhaps I am expecting too much. Still, I find it odd that I can get 15% off MSRP on a custom ordered BMW 335is or Porsche Cayman S while I can't even get a Ford Mustang at invoice.
I'm only 31, but I've purchased a half-dozen cars, all special ordered vehicles from both American and German manufacturers, and have never paid over invoice for any of them. I'm thinking of ordering a 2011 Raptor at the end of summer in time for hunting season and expect invoice pricing at minimum, but perhaps I'm expecting too much here too. Dodge is discounting their trucks $10,000 as a starting offer.
I mentioned no price criteria in any of my e-emails to dealers. I realize that I'm not Joe Walkonthelot who pays MSRP and opts for $3,000 in paint and interior protection, but even at $100 under invoice, the dealer is still making a $1,000 off my sale and it's a no hassle deal with no flooring costs.
As far as going to a dealer in person, I did visit my local dealer, a high volume one, last weekend. After spending a half hour with the salesman and then another half hour with the sales manager, I was informed that I had the privilege of purchasing one of their 2011(!) lot Mustangs, all of which had more swirl marks than a lollypop, for MSRP. For a moment, I thought I was in the Bugatti dealership, but I then saw the Fiesta in the showroom and reattained my bearings. I smiled, thanked them for their time, and left.
For the poster who asked, here are a couple recent quick and dirty pics of my garage queen Challenger R/T Classic (de-striped). They don't do it justice, as it's a beautiful car.
but seriously, that BMW would be in the 50-55 range and the Mustang will be much less. GL with your purchase
5/18/11, 07:58 AM
#19
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I can order an SVT Raptor for you at just $500 over the invoice total. I just sold one last week that took about 2.5 months for Ford to build/ship to us (it was special ordered for a customer in Alaska). Shipping doesn't cost a bunch, so don't rule out buying out of state.
Last edited by Five Oh Brian; 5/18/11 at 08:01 AM.
5/18/11, 08:40 AM
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A lot of car guides say the way to get the best price is to do the method you are doing.
HOWEVER
In reality I find it's a bad thing to do.
Every one of those sales reps is fully aware you are emailing other dealers and are fishing for a price.
Any good rep won't answer that email, knowing it's a waste of their time and effort. Nothing to do with being a Ford dealer or not.
There's simply zero commitment in an email fishing for price.
Like others have said, it's best to go in to talk to a rep. If you're worried about price, go to as many different dealerships as you want.
Meeting with a rep = the rep knows they had a chance to talk to you and show you THEIR cars/prices, and can explain to you why they feel you should buy from them.
HOWEVER
In reality I find it's a bad thing to do.
Every one of those sales reps is fully aware you are emailing other dealers and are fishing for a price.
Any good rep won't answer that email, knowing it's a waste of their time and effort. Nothing to do with being a Ford dealer or not.
There's simply zero commitment in an email fishing for price.
Like others have said, it's best to go in to talk to a rep. If you're worried about price, go to as many different dealerships as you want.
Meeting with a rep = the rep knows they had a chance to talk to you and show you THEIR cars/prices, and can explain to you why they feel you should buy from them.