Dan, you're right. I did talk to him about that earlier, and the Chally was his second choice. I know he was originally torn, but that's how things fell when he originally ordered his car. Now, with the car he got and all the options, he's paying about the same for more car in some regards.

As I said before, he should have went to another dealer and talked about other options for the car, but he chose not to. That was his choice, and his right. It's his money after all. I wish him the best and hope that his Dodge isn't as problematic as people think they are. And, as I also mentioned, I will be sure to remind him of how slow that thing is every chance I get. I'm sure we'll be swapping keys once both our cars are here.

 

Why pay ~$35k for a vehicle if it isn't exactly what you want. Not just another option because option A had bad salespeople.

 

Ordered from Avis Ford and have never been treated better. Have him call Avis and ask for Alex.

 

Steve, we're waiting anxiously on your first drive impression of that RT Chally.

 

I agree with your reasoning, but like I said, he was torn initially. When option A fell through, and with the bad luck he had been through, he went with someone who guaranteed he could deliver. He had been looking for dealer stock cars similar to what he ordered and didn't want to wait. The other thing is he turned in his lease when it was due with the intention to get into the Mustang without waiting for another car. Didn't happen like that.

 

I've already had lots of seat time with an R/T and SRT8 Chally. I would take one for a cruiser, but nothing more. Great exhaust note, plenty of space inside and in the trunk for a trip, but VERY heavy and wears the weight horribly. Lots of body roll under minor steering input, and it feels slow. The SRT8 feels almost as fast as the GT, but wears the weight much better than the R/T, even if the R/T has the track pack option. They put a 3.91 rear end in just to get it moving.

Then there's the interior. It feels the same as a Caliber, but with more oomph behind it. The gauges look cheap, the radio is standard Chrysler fare, and the seats are comfortable, but not supportive. The transmission is smooth, shifting is long, but smooth with the jockey shifter. Overall, it's a nice car, but not my style.

 

Thx, hope he's reading this post right now. With Mopar products, aren't you allowed to test them out for 10 days, and if not satisfied just return them for a full refund ! Just sayin'...

 

dodge web site says something about 60 day test drive....

ps: is he going to get his chally with rich corinthian leather

 

I have not read the entire thread, but it looks as though your friend had a positive experience at the Dodge dealer; after being jerked around so long by Friendly Ford - his desire to go with the Challenger is understandable (a choice he hopefully won't come to regret over the long term however).

Thought I would mention, for future reference, I have been dealing with Keith Kelly at Pat Milliken since 1987 and would definitly recommend him; I must admit I'm rather picky and don't tolerate BS very well, Keith is the same way so it works out well.

 

Ah, the EMOTION we bring to the car buying process!

I both agree and disagree with the fellow getting the Challenger.

He has the right to choose, and I respect that right without question. If we were ever to meet, I would, in fact, admire and compliment his ride.

I do personally believe it is wise for me to be dispassionate during the purchase process. (I can indulge passion later!) I go in and negotiate the price of the car. Period. Not payments, dealer add-ons (the answer to those is all "no"). I already have my financing in my pocket - they have no leverage there. They either work with me in a short period of time (an hour, say) to an agreed price, or I vote with my legs.

This applies to either iron on the lot or an ordered car. If they have something on the lot that fits, I'll go for that - they can finally re-coup carrying charges and get some "turn and earn" that way. That matters to them, and I can respect that.

Know Ford's holdback going in - 3% of the sticker. Not invoice, but factory sticker. They will get that back from Ford after the sale. I don't try to mess with that - it keeps the lights on and such - but know it is there. They have maneuvering room on every car. You gotta know that, or you are playing cards with all yours face-up.

My dad taught me, "Never love any thing so hard with your heart you can't kick it off with your heel." He was right.

Be completely dispassionate during the purchase. I negotiate the total price, nothing else. I have my financing already in my pocket. I say no to all dealer add-ons. This is my script, and I stick to it.

Even if it means it takes me a couple more months to find the right deal.

They won't necessarily like me. But they'll respect me.

 

Please tell me he test drove both cars....

 

I have heard nothing but good things from Pat Milliken. I would consider going there if it weren't for Village. I've had 3 friends walk away with 2 Mustangs and a Fusion from there and praise them highly.

 

That is my style too and I was able to pull it off nicely with my Honda and the wife's Lexus, but when I get next to a Mustang, the drool starts and my eyes get dreamy and I start smiling uncontrolably and then I am a dead fish on a hook. I gotta work on my poker face.

 

Well I was majorly dissapointed when I ordered the car in Jan and by the middle of June the dealer didn't know what was going on, so I went to another dealer; ordered and have the car! I wanted a Mustang so I just went somewhere else. Love the car.....

 

That happened to me as well. I think the car was sent back to the factory a couple of times....