[kampsvilleboy]

Back mid-April I ordered my 300c at our local (small town) Chrysler dealership. It is a "Dodge based" Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealer. He had one 300c for premier night (sold it), and another 300 limited in a couple weeks later (sold it). When I ordered my car he told me he had the allocation to get it. It turns out this apparently was not true. So - now 10 weeks later I sit in BX waiting for an allocation.

OK- - here's the question (Redwinger???) -- how far in advance do dealers know if they can get a certain kind of car like the 300c? Do dealers know their allocation a week ahead, a month ahead? Or, like my dealer is telling me, does it change on a day to day basis, like he could come in on any random day and suddenly find he has an allocation.

How difficult is it going to be for a dealer such as I described to get an allocation? I don't want to end up waiting 6 months. He keeps talking about how some customers had to wait a year when the PT Cruiser came out. The 300 is supposed to be a high volume mainstream car though, not a specialty vehicle like the PT. According to him I'm first in line and there are several others with orders behind me (also awaiting an allocation I guess.)

What do you think? Stick with it or cut my loses and find a bigger dealer? (I really do want to buy the car from this guy though, he's local and service is important!)

---> By the way, I blame Chrysler and their idiotic system although the dealer SHOULD have been up front with me and told me he didn't have an allocation when I originally asked.

Any informed opinions?

 

[joey]

On June 8 I spent about an hour copying all the VON's greater than 13xxxxxx from the Chrysler online Vehicle Trace system, when it was still accessible.
My VON is 13158XXX which was ordered on May 27.
I wanted to monitor the VON's to see when the VON's started passing me by.
http://insightnl.extra.daimlerchrysler.com/dealer/

What I found was there were numerous 300/c's being built (order status D1 or greater with VIN's) with VON's in the 13xxxxxx range. On this forum and other forums I see many folks with VON's in the 12xxxxxx range still in BG and BX.

From what I can tell, the VON's are assigned sequentially, so the first orders should have lower VON's.

Maybe someone can explain why orders placed in February, with VON's in the 12xxxxxx range have not yet shipped, while VON's in the 13xxxxxx range, that were probably order late April early May, were already in production?




Here are the VON's starting with 13xxxxxx that I randomly found with my search.
The numbers starting with 4xxxx are the Dealer Codes.
I copied the VON number and the last Vehicle Location info with a date. The "Vehicle Delivered to Dealer" date shown below is a forecast only.


44010
13077940 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-17-04 01:00 PM CDT Martin Dodge-jeep-chrysler, Bowling Green, KY

44033
13104943 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

44037
13131668 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

44039
13071408 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-21-04 09:30 PM PDT Perris Valley Dodge Jeep Chrysler, Perris, CA

44074
13122500 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

44090
13050467 Shuttled to Facility 06-05-04 11:35 AM EDT Detroit Jefferson Assembly, MI

44474
13019329 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON
13019341 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

44480
13044557 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

44484
13064831 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:37 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON
13102397 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON
13015750 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-28-04 12:01 AM CDT Kayser Chrysler Center Inc, Sauk City, WI

45008
13071232 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-14-04 12:01 AM EDT Upstate Dodge-chry-jeep Inc, Attica, NY

45026
13100992 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

45030
13035641 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON
13126552 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

45032
13122224 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-22-04 11:30 PM CDT Goodson Chrysler Jeep Dodge North, Spring, TX
13122225 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-22-04 11:30 PM CDT Goodson Chrysler Jeep Dodge North, Spring, TX
13122243 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-23-04 11:30 PM CDT Goodson Chrysler Jeep Dodge North, Spring, TX
13122314 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-04-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

45039
13079846 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-21-04 10:00 PM CDT Diamond Dodge-chry-jeep Inc, Bastrop, LA

45040
13108941 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-14-04 12:01 AM CDT Aurora Chry-dodge-jeep Llc, Aurora, MO

45043
13005585 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-16-04 08:30 AM EDT Heritage Dodge-chry-jeep, West Jefferson, NC

45047
13018233 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-10-04 07:30 CDT Foothill Ranch Chrysler Jeep Dodgeinc., Lake Forest, CA
13004538 Scheduled for Build (D1) 06-03-04 07:38 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON
13004390 Built - Pending Inspection (I) 06-08-04 08:31 AM EDT Brampton Assembly, ON

45055
13034481 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-14-04 12:01 AM EDT Diehl Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Franklin, PA

45058
13010809 Vehicle Delivered to Dealer 06-24-04 08:00 PM EDT Beck Chry-dodge-jeep OF Starke, Starke, FL

 

[II kings 9:20]

For what it's worth, my C was ordered from a small dealer on 4/30 and my VON is 129XXXXX and was built on 6/1, inspected on 6/2 and spent 4 days "carrier on hold". and amazingly went back to the plant after being on hold. This was the status the last time I was able to check. I wish I had printed a copy of a more recent status with codes. Local dealer says it will ship on 6/21 but I have heard that yang since it was supposed to be built on 5/19. I will call DC again on 6/21 to see, yes I have been searching other dealers with no luck option and color wise (I will not compromise).

 

[kampsvilleboy]

If I understand Chrysler's system of allocation correctly it is based on the idea that dealers who have the ability to sell more cars (based on previous sales) should get more cars to sell. That seems to make sense. After all, if dealer A sells 10 units of car X per month and dealer B sells 1 unit of car X per month Chrysler should make more units available to dealer A. But this should not apply to sold orders. I do not understand why sold orders do not receive an automatic allocation. The allocation system, I think, is there to ensure that dealers who can sell cars have the cars to sell and likewise ensure that large numbers of otherwise sellable inventory don't just sit unsold on dealer lots that can't move the product.

As I stated above, I think Chrysler needs to re-think how they treat sold orders however. When Chrysler allows the dealer to hang out that shingle there is the implication to the consumer that this is a bonafide dealer who can deliver on the products they advertise. Wasn't premeir night geared to do just that? Chrysler didn't lure people into only large dealerships with allocations for the 300, they were lured into all dealerships. They were encouraged to order vehicles. Deposits were taken further reinforcing the notion that the vehicle was obtainable: Dare I say a contract was made.

So what do we have? Chrysler legitimizes the dealer by allowing it to hang the shingle, it lures customers into the dealership through advertising, it readily takes orders on the car promising 6-8 weeks for delivery, and even accepts (demands) money to solidify the contract. The dictionary defines fraud as "deceit, trickery, or breach of confidence, used to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage." They have the money and Chrysler is not providing the allocation to see that the vehicle (consideration in the contract) is built. They won't even say WHEN allocations will be made available. Seems to border on fraud to me.

Message to Chrysler: BUILD SOLD ORDERS no matter which of your agents or representatives sold them. The customer operates in good faith, so should you!

 

[StCassel]

ALLOCATIONS!!!! What nonsense!!! I can understand allocation systems for cars ordered by dealer to sit on his lot for sale. But allocation restrictions on a pre-sold CUSTOM order for a customer is totally unacceptable. Custom orders should take priority over other cars being built, REGARDLESS of how many 300Cs had been sent to a particular dealer.

When a salesman told me that he would have to check with his sales manager about their allocations, I said that I would not play that game. I would expect my car in 7-10 weeks. I will leave no deposit and four months later STILL no car!! That is two months longer that my money could be
earning interest in my bank account (as little as that would be, but that is another issue). Chrysler predicting only 30% of the 300s would be 300Cs is incredibily short-sighted. But to have this allocation "system" is totally wacked!!!!!

 

[redwinger]

Allocation is based on previous sales of 300m's and Concordes. Allocation does not effect sold orders. I was allocated 4 for june and have received over 4 allready with more coming. This is a high volume vehicle. I was told yesterday by a dcx rep that they are releaing 500 cars a day, or 15,000 a month. I would just hang in there. Your vehicle will come. If you have one on order with your current dealer that you have a good working relationship with I would stick with them. Overall in the long run you will be more satisfied. The von has nothing to do with which vehicle gets built first.

 

[kampsvilleboy]

Well Redwinger, as much as I'd like to believe this was true, that "allocation does not affect sold orders," it just doesn't seem to be. Trust me, my heart wants to wish so badly that this was so, but the evidence is to the contrary.

If I understand your statement correctly, you are saying that if a dealer has no allocation for a vehicle (300C) but he has put a sold order into the system, that vehicle will nevertheless be built and shipped to the dealer. A sold order falls outside of the regular "allocation" process. My dealer is telling me this is not so and the people at the Chrysler customer assistance center (I know, a wealth of dependable information) are also telling me this is not so.

I had been at BG (sunroof issue) for 8 weeks and now BX for another 3. If the dealer didn't need an allocation why am I stuck at BX (passed edit, parts available, no dealer allocation) while others who have ordered from different dealers a month later or more than I, with similar options have slid though C or even D and D1. If allocation doesn't count because I am a sold order what is the wait for?

Please don't misconstrue this as me trying to "tell you your business. " If I didn't think you knew your business I wouldn't waste my time asking you a question. My frustration is the result of the conflicting answers that I am getting from people who also are supposed to know their business.

Is there anything you might offer to help clarify this for me? Why are there divergent responses to this question? I don't think it is a matter of subjective interpretation - Chrysler's allocation and order policy, I would think, is very concrete, clear and straightforward (although apparently a closely held corporate secret of the highest magnitude!)

Lastly, can you offer any advice from experience on how long is the maximum wait going to be. I'm in week 11 now - can it go to 16 weeks? 4 months? 6 months? More?

Thank you in advance for your answers and advice...

 

[Fast4Door]

He keeps talking about how some customers had to wait a year when the PT Cruiser came out. The 300 is supposed to be a high volume mainstream car though, not a specialty vehicle like the PT. According to him I'm first in line and there are several others with orders behind me (also awaiting an allocation I guess.)

What do you think? Stick with it or cut my loses and find a bigger dealer? (I really do want to buy the car from this guy though, he's local and service is important!)

Well,
I wouldn't go as far as saying the PT Cruiser is a specialty vehicle. The only specialty vehicle that I myself see chrysler having is the Viper, and maybe the SRT 10 truck.

I know when I toured the CAAP plant awhile back while Prowlers were still in production they were only building like 16 - 20 of each a day. That would be "specialty"..

Anyway as far as you asking what to do in your situation, is it going to cost you any money to back out of the deal with the dealer you ordered with? If so is that $$$$ worth it?

If not and I really wanted the car, I would go find the one I wanted, but I would be careful about taking it back to him for service.

JMHO

 

[JonW]

Well Redwinger, as much as I'd like to believe this was true, that "allocation does not affect sold orders," it just doesn't seem to be. Trust me, my heart wants to wish so badly that this was so, but the evidence is to the contrary.

I agree with your view on the allocation. I am eligible for a discount via the "Daimler Chrysler Affiliate Rewards Program". Some dealers simply said they don't participate in the program and wouldn't talk to me. Others said they did participate but it could be months before their retail sales slacked off where they would have an open allocation to put my order in (and there were others ahead of me). The bottom line was that nobody would give up an allocation slot for a non-retail sales of a 300C.

That all changed Saturday when a fleet guy at an area dealership I talked with said that their District Manager has previously given them credit against their allocation for 2 other 300C's ordered through the affiliate rewards program. I had him place my order and he gave me a printout with the VON number then and there. The fleet guy did reiterate though that if for some reason they didn't get the allocation waiver that he would have to cancel my order. He had said he would call me yesterday if there was a problem with it - he didn't call so I expect it will be fine.

The bottom line though is that there is an allocation system and a sold car does not get it to the dealer unless they have an allocation slot available.

 

[dragon]

Big local dealer said DC cancelled their order of 50 300C's and supplied only 6. The cancelled cars are going to southeast America.

 

[arnoldw]

Checked 8 local dealer websites around Winnipeg..... 300c's, 23 in stock! Other 300s...43 in stock. (BTW only options on Canadian C's are walnut, side bags and Nav. everything else is standard equipment including sunroof HID's and 380w 6cd.

 

[StCassel]

Well that is bad news about the "allocation" system. Looks like I can kiss good-bye all advantage of having a 2005 car, six months ahead of the release of other 2005 cars. GREAT!!!! Now in addition to making a good deal, I will also have to shop around for a dealer with an 300C allocation. Whats the point of making a deal if your sold order can be cancelled? I can't understand why a SOLD order would be handled in this way. The Chrysler allocation system totally sucks. Crappy customer service!!!! I will not buy any car that is on a dealer's lot, that is not my color and does not have my equipment configurations. Don't want moonroof or cirrus radio. Must have nav system and all of the other options, or no deal. I will give no deposit if the dealer has no open allocation slot. The allocation slot issue would be a deal killer. I will give no deposit if I have to wait 3 or more months to get my car. I will not wait three months and then learn that my sold order was cancelled out from under me. I will just keep driving my 2003 Lincoln LS V8 (purchased new on 6/30/03).

 

[kampsvilleboy]

Agreed. But even then you have to trust the dealer. Mine told me he had an allocation slot. Turned out, 2 months later, he didn't. Chrysler does not allow the consumer access to resources that would allow verification of whatever comes out of the dealer's mouth. Iam sure the world would come to an end if the customer ever got the phone number of the regional sales manager. What was it our later President Reagan said, "Trust but verify." I wonder if he ever tried to buy a Chrysler?

 

[carchik]

A sold order cannot be cancelled unless the order has been sitting in "be" status (unbuildable order) for a long time or the car is no longer available ie 2005 and now it's 2006. Sold orders always take precedence with allocation, if a dealer has allocation for 5 and he has 4 sold orders, they will move first. No dealer has any idea of his allocation ahead of time. It's based on previous month or previous year sales if the vehicle has been out that long.

 

[kampsvilleboy]

Thank you carchik! I buy that as an informed and honest statement. I appreciate your participation in this thread. My dealer sold 1 C in April (the one he had for premier night) and a limited in May. Apparently he had nothing in June - is it possible that a dealer may go 3 months (or more) without an allocation even with a pending sold order in the system?

You also said that the dealer doesn't know his allocation ahead of time. Does this mean that on a day to day basis his allocation may change (comes in Tuesday morning, for example, and SURPRISE! You have an allocation) or are allocations issued a month at a time?

Again, thanks so much.

 

[carchik]

Allocation is "officially" announced once a month, that does not mean that it is not subject to change say, if the factory has more or less vechiles that they want or need to move. It could change on a daily basis, that's why it has to be monitored, and why cars get scheduled at various times in the month, not just the beginning.

It is very unlikely that a dealer would go 3 or more months without allocation. If they did, they should be screaming at their DM for cars. 1, because you, the customer wants it, and 2, what does a dealership do?? sell cars!! Can't sell what you don't (or won't) have!!