Zilla’s little 4800km (3000 mile) drive back from the dealer with my SRT8 - Part1

[goddardzilla]

Locally, in British Columbia Canada I talked the first salesman about an SRT8 pre-order. He came back with MSRP plus an upcharge he phrased as a “holdback”. When I said I understood that DCX directly pay the dealer the holdback (a candyword for kickback). So if I paid the upcharge, effectively I would be paying the kickback twice. The salesman became argumentative, so I said NO SALE.

Second contact at a different local dealer, said with a confident sneer “market price” for a car that was about to arrive. Later it was revealed that this was a $6000 upcharge over MSRP. NO SALE.

Some phonecalls to other local dealers made me suspect that there might be a local “pricing ring” in place. Eventually I was offered a car at MSRP but the damage had already been done NO SALE.

In the meantime I had been following posts of Steve88 a Canadian dealer salesman who posts on 300cforums. Assessing accuracy of his posted information. Were his posts in accordance with the spirit of the forum? Was he helpful? Yes on all counts! I sincerely believe that the kind of straightforwardness he displayed deserved my serious attention for an SRT8 purchase. Steve also showed me a personal respect in our dealings that was absent in my local dealers. I decided Steve deserved my business, more than my local salespeople who appeared to treat me like the village idiot until they got to know me - by that time it was too late the damage had been done.

How I must have been percieved by my local dealers:


Through the forum pms I made an offer for a low km car Steve88 had posted. Despite Steve’s patience answering my stream of pm’s it came to nought. Just not quite the right car for me to pull the trigger,the car was sold to someone else. NO SALE

Then Steve posted an ex-DC exec. SRT8 in the colour I wanted, with the option load I wanted, at the price close to acceptable, an offer was made, and because of the “dry run” done on the previous car it was a fast process to completion. SOLD

Then there was the alternate of shipping or a drive back from Ontario to BC. I had never done a cross-Canada drive like this before. I was kind of looking forward to the drive as an “adventure notch” on my belt. The flight was booked, preparations made, and money withdrawn.

That was the serious part now the fun was about to begin: see part 2 coming next

[Steve Desjardins]

I am glad you are enjoying that beast. Please let us all know what you think of the car and post a few pics that I took of you beside the car.

Just to let everyone know I am becoming a Supporting Vendor and everthing will be finalized within the next couple of weeks.

[Mr.DJ]

Originally Posted by steve88

I am glad you are enjoying that beast. Please let us all know what you think of the car and post a few pics that I took of you beside the car.

Just to let everyone know I am becoming a Supporting Vendor and everthing will be finalized within the next couple of weeks.

Too bad you can't sell cars to us 'South of the Border'...so-to-speak.

[Steve Desjardins]

ya if that was the case I would be retired.