Put money down on SRT8

[davequick]

Don't know what to expect from the Chrysler dealer. The sales person I dealt with seemed a bit unsure of how to proceed with a car order that they don't have production # or MSRP information on yet - but the new car sales manager basically told him to take my money and worry about it later so I could secure the first production # that the dealership gets.

Funny - they announced this car forever ago (August, Pebble Beach) and the dealers don't already have a structured waiting list with a pile of deposits already. We have bought a couple cars from other dealers where the MSRP wasn't yet announced and the car didn't exist yet (2001 Mercedes C-240 ordered 8 months before production of the new C, 2003 MINI Cooper S ordered 14 months before production of the MINI, 2005 Mercedes E320cdi a year before the production of the turbodiesel - you can see these and our other past vehicles at http://www.pbase.com/threefourfive/misc_cars) and those dealers had no confusion about the process.

I don't know (nor do they) when they'll have details on the 300c SRT-8 pricing, delivery dates, etc. but I've been told I'll be the third or fourth to know at their dealership (owner of dealership, new sales manager, my salesperson, then me ;-) since I'm the first with money down.

I'll keep you up to date if I hear anything.

-Dave

[DennisG]

That's about right then. I recently heard from a Chrysler Rep. that the spring date has been moved back to late July into August when the SRT-8 will make it to dealerships. I think if you're serious you need to preorder like you did. If not, I can forsee serious dealer added markups on these cars when they actually hit the dealerships. When I was looking for my C the markups were in the $2500-$10,000 range. I would expect at least a $5000+ dealer added markup for the 8. Usually if you preorder they don't tack on that cash. Good luck and keep us posted. Personally, I'm getting tired of the wait already and just might start customizing my C.

[HEMEEE]

Welcome to the forum davequick, I wish you luck with your pre-order, especially with no purchase price listed in your paperwork! I'm in CA and the dealers out here are sharks, many will take your order but won't take a deposit so they can sell from under you if they don't like your offer... typically $5-10K over MSRP. Miles got upset and closed the thread but here is an example in case you didn't catch it... Went to pick up my "C" as they were selling it to somone else

I suggest staying on top of every info source you can until pricing is announced then have your paperwork amended immediately. At the least you will eliminate any chance for "misunderstandings" later but, without a purchase price, your 'contract' may not stand up in many states. I hope it all works out for you, I'm considering taking the plunge myself!!!

[Angi300C]

Welcome to the 300/300C Family, lots of great info here! Congrats on order!

[davequick]

Originally Posted by HEMEEE

typically $5-10K over MSRP. Miles got upset and closed the thread but here is an example in case you didn't catch it... Went to pick up my "C" as they were selling it to somone else

I suggest staying on top of every info source you can until pricing is announced then have your paperwork amended immediately. At the least you will eliminate any chance for "misunderstandings" later but, without a purchase price, your 'contract' may not stand up in many states. I hope it all works out for you, I'm considering taking the plunge myself!!!

I'm not too worried about it - I'm not in a super rush - I like my MINI Cooper S. I figure that if they try to screw me I'll call a dealer in Idaho/North Dakota//South Dakota and just hope they'd be happy to sell one of them for MSRP if they could get the allocation. That's partially how I ended up buying my MINI Cooper S in Columbus, OH. (I had put myself on the list in a couple states while living in Redmond, WA... that was the first to come in... but I also happened to be living in Columbus at the time it came in... long story.)

I do have a feeling that this dealership would have zero moral issues attempting to screw me and charge $5k+ over MSRP... but I think that we (myself and the new car sales manager) have an understanding - I'm willing to give the MINI Cooper S up for wholesale without any problem and the MCS is a hot car in Redmond, WA still. - they'll make it up in the back end and still walk away with $4k~$5k+ for the deal.

-dq

[HEMEEE]

Originally Posted by davequick

I'm not too worried about it - I'm not in a super rush - I like my MINI Cooper S. I figure that if they try to screw me I'll call a dealer in Idaho/North Dakota//South Dakota and just hope they'd be happy to sell one of them for MSRP if they could get the allocation. -dq

Hmmm, South Dakota... was through there several years ago with our streetrod club as part of our return trip from the AmeriCruise Tour. That is some beautiful country, and I loved Deadwood! Now THAT would be a great road trip home in the SRT-8!