Thank You!

[Racer X]

I’ve never posted any statements in a computer forum before and this will probably be my one and only post. I owe all you guys a big THANK YOU for all the info and excitement you’ve given me over the past few weeks.

I own a fully loaded black 300C with dark slate interior (love this car) since August. I told my sales rep to let me know when they would be taking orders for the SRT8. I received a call on 1/11 to come in. I showed up 2 days later on 1/13. The sales rep stated the estimated price would be around $43k. The sales manager came over and stated that this car would be hard to get, but because they were one of the highest volume dealerships in New York they were being allocated 4 cars. In addition, they were selling these cars for $2000 over sticker. Eventually I agreed and put down my deposit. I was the 2nd person to order an SRT8 from them. I also asked them to put my name in the sticker which said “This vehicle was built especially for …”. They told me they would.

I love the speed and performance of the car, but I’m not crazy for some of the styling touches. (Had a chance to buy the Buick Grand National, but didn’t because of the Jiffy lube rainbow arrow.) Over the next few weeks I did more research on the car and found your forum. As I read the posts I started to get excited about the SRT8. It brought back many memories. My first car, was a 69 Barracuda convertible with a broken timing chain. I restored the car and eventually switched the motor to a 340 from a ’73 Challenger. I then tried to upgrade to a 340 from a ‘71 Challenger (Higher Compression), but I got bogged down with graduate school and never finished the project. However, during all that time (the 80’s) I did a lot of reading on muscle cars. There were many stories about Bankers and Businessman who had bought these plain but stylish looking with monster motors like 440’s or 426 Hemi’s. The SRT8 forum reminded me of all these stories and I started to get really excited about being an original owner of this new classic future collectible car. So I decided that I was gonna buy the car no matter what. (I sold the Barracuda over 10 years ago to get married. My wife was and still is definitely worth it).

While reading your forum I learned that a gas guzzler tax of $2100 was going to be added to the invoice. I also learned that many orders were being canceled. I called my salesperson and confirmed that I was the 2nd person to place an order with them. I also received a faxed copy of my invoice with my VIN #. I was surprised to see that the price of the vehicle was $45,685. I checked my contract and it said $45,000. It was too good to be true. I was now locked in at a price under sticker.

I started to call Chrysler and track the building of my car.

Monday 3/7: D1 status

Thursday 3/10: Yes! It was built, KZ status, but not yet scheduled for shipping.

Friday 3/11: I called my salesperson and confirmed everything that was previously told to me. They did not have a ship date, but they would call me when they did.


Tuesday 3/15: I get the call. Good news bad news. They were not getting 4 SRT8’s, but only 2 because Chrysler canceled their order. My car was one of the two that was canceled. I would still be getting an SRT8, but it would not be one of the first two that they were getting. I was shocked to hear this, but probably not as shocked as what they heard from me. I said “That’s interesting! Not only was MY CAR built, but it should be on it’s way to you now”. SILENCE. I then suggested they call Chrysler. “I could give you the number if you don’t have it.” They said they would look into it.
I called Chrysler to confirm my car was shipped.
The sales manager calls me later to say come in tomorrow. That night I can’t sleep and I recheck all my info.

Wednesday 3/16:
I meet with the sales manager and salesperson who still try to claim that it really isn’t my car. I show them my invoice order sheet with VIN #.
Top of page it says;
Ordered: January 11, 2005.
Last Modified: January 14,2005 (Why the modification? To add my name to “This vehicle was built especially for …)
Bottom of page
Customer Name: Me
Now the truth comes out. The contract price is $45,000. This is $735 below sticker. They can’t sell me the car for this price. Jobs in jeopardy, blah blah blah…. I threaten litigation, bad publicity. They claim not a binding contract. What do I do? Lawyer advice: Good case. It will take some time and money, but eventually I will get my car. Best thing to do is settle and get the car as quickly as possible. A new bargain is struck. They’re not happy. I pay a little more than sticker ( I can live with the price), but I can pick up my car on Friday March 18th. Plus free tickets to the New York Auto show.
I can’t get to the dealership until late Saturday afternoon. There she is. Sticker has my name.

Plan was to cruise around and try to show her off. I get the call “Babysitter canceled. We need milk” So I only put on about 60 miles. I drive through Dairy Barn and the clerk says “Wow!” He throws some change in the back seat. Sunday and Monday its raining, I decide to drive the 300C instead with the new “For Sale” signs in the windows. Today. What a ride!
The SRT8 will be my everyday car. I had a friend who bought the last real Impala SS. He kept it in the garage and only used it on special occasions. Eventually he had to sell it because of the kids. He never got the chance to really enjoy his car. That won’t happen to me. I hope to let my son enjoy this car when he’s old enough to drive. Hopefully by then I’ll be driving a convertible again!
This story could never have been possible without all the info I got from you people.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Vigg]

Great Story! Now enough posting and get out there and enjoy that beast!

[SRT8/BMW]

great story....enjoy! (and way to go standing up to the shady dealership)

[Redman]

Just like the real Racer X - rarely seen.

[JMatt]

Sounds like you did everything right. Congrats on the car, and nailing the dealer who tried to pull a fast one on you.

[Johnny Vig]

If my car was ordered in my name, do I need to request the sticker to state especially built for me? or will it automatically be done?

[XCITsNU]

The Sticker should say your name. I do not believe you need to "add" it in.

[TheSRTSaint]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vig

If my car was ordered in my name, do I need to request the sticker to state especially built for me? or will it automatically be done?

If the build sheet with your VON and VIN has your name in the Sold To. you will have your name in lights for all to see. Think of the people who have been screwed in the past by these dealers. If we where not informed they would have walked all over us. Thank god for the internet. What the heck would we do without it now.

[HEMEEE]

Good for YOU Racer X!!

I sure hope you were exaggerating when you said "this will probably be my one and only post". Admittedly, posts of those that went before you made it possible for you to say this 'thank you' (and something that sounds kinda similar to that cheat of a dealer)... Now it's your turn to do the same for future forum members! Besides, that was a good story.

[Dan SS2471]

Originally Posted by TheSRTSaint

If the build sheet with your VON and VIN has your name in the Sold To. you will have your name in lights for all to see. Think of the people who have been screwed in the past by these dealers. If we where not informed they would have walked all over us. Thank god for the internet. What the heck would we do without it now.

Sooooo true. So true.

Thanks Racer X! That story was a real 'yay-boo'. One second I was cheering, "yaaaaaaaaay!!" and when I read what the stealer, er, dealer tried to pull I was yelling, "booooooo!!". Soooo glad to hear that you stuck it to them. I bet when you left they were saying, "In-ter-net?? What the hell is that!!??"

Best of luck and let's hope you decide to come back.