Dealership woes... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

MatrixKuHebat · 07-06-2002, 10:57 PM

Any ideas on putting pressure on the dealership?

Here's my story... I put a deposit on a standard Matrix. At that time, the salesman said that I could have my money back if I did not want the car later for whatever reason. The dealership got the car the next day from a dealer in another state (or so they claim).

I came in a few days later, and wanted an XR instead. The sales manager insisted that I take it, or lose my deposit and disregarded what the salesman said before about the deposit. I signed a piece of paper with the agreed price on it during my first visit, and they said that's a contract.

So, I walked out and left my deposit there, to see what measures I could take to get it back. I tried people at Toyota, but they say they can only help solve "manufacturing" issues, and I need to work out my problem with the dealer.

I am considering these measures (1)getting help from the credit card people i.e. dispute the charge (2)contacting the Better Business Bureau (3)getting advice from Illinois' State Attorney office via their consumer rights department....

Any other ideas? This is my first time buying a car, not having a good experience so far...

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

[ This Message was edited by: MatrixKuHebat on 2002-07-07 00:50 ]

***mistamatrix*** · 07-07-2002, 12:34 AM

Your story confuses me. Your facts are all over the place.

130meow · 07-07-2002, 12:47 AM

Sorry taht this post is a bit out of the topic... but

mista, what happened to your car?? I heard from somewhere that it's gonna come in August now??? I thought u've said late June before??

MatrixKuHebat · 07-07-2002, 12:52 AM

mista et al,

sorry for the confusing post, I've done some changes to the original post to make it clearer.

cheers

[ This Message was edited by: MatrixKuHebat on 2002-07-07 01:00 ]

2ZZMatrix · 07-07-2002, 01:48 AM

that first one wont work. once you sign you say you know whats going on and you have to pay them back. as for the other two it's worth a shot

***Phi*** · 07-07-2002, 09:37 AM

Bottom line...you are bound by that contract that you signed unless you can explain why it's not valid. However, if you make enough noise, become a nuisance to them, discredit them but make yourself look like a victim, you can convince them to return the deposit or apply it to the XR you wanted in the name of customer satisfaction. Good luck!

***mistamatrix*** · 07-07-2002, 07:04 PM

Quote:

On 2002-07-07 00:47, 130meow wrote:
Sorry taht this post is a bit out of the topic... but

mista, what happened to your car?? I heard from somewhere that it's gonna come in August now??? I thought u've said late June before??

Yeah. Looks like August now (build date is July 28). Toyota is just messed up with the whole Matrix thing.

Anyhow, back to the topic...so let me get this straight, the dealer insisted that you take which car, the base? or the XR?
In any case, they're idiots for not letting you buy an XR cuz they would obviously be selling you a more expensive vehicle.

[ This Message was edited by: mistamatrix on 2002-07-07 19:06 ]

TRDCelica · 07-07-2002, 07:29 PM

The piece of paper you signed when putting down a deposit is a contract. A contract is a legal agreement that a court will enforce. Everything should be there in black and white. The sales manager is right. If you decide not to buy the car you originally signed for, you will lose your deposit. I suspect what the salesman told you was BS to get you to sign the deal. Mind you I am in no means a lawyer or have any formal training in law except for a couple of university level law courses.
I believe you would have two choices unless the dealer is willing to cancel the existing contract and enter into a new one:

1. Buy the car
2. Lose your deposit.

Here's a negotiating tip to everyone buying a car. When initially making an offer, use a CHEQUE instead of a credit card. The salesman will probably be curious as to why... Why? You can RIP up the cheque if the salesman comes back and gives you some BS saying that the sales manager cannot sell it for that price, blah blah blah. What he'll do if you gave him your credit card is that he'll try to keep it so you can't leave... until you cave to his tatics that is...

MatrixKuHebat · 07-09-2002, 10:01 PM

[/quote]

Anyhow, back to the topic...so let me get this straight, the dealer insisted that you take which car, the base? or the XR?
In any case, they're idiots for not letting you buy an XR cuz they would obviously be selling you a more expensive vehicle.
[/quote]

They wanted me to take the base model. I was puzzled too when they don't want to take the XR order - maybe they thought I was just fooling around - which I was not. Anyway, I found the XR I wanted in Grand Rapids, Mi - so hopefully I'll get it in two weeks.

Thanks for the comments from everyone. I'm not letting that $500 deposit go without a fight... I'll let you guys know the outcome.