Can't decide, what would you do?
 

Hi all,

So here's my deal, I'm having trouble deciding between two cars right now, both 2014. I have a car on order, spec'd how I want it and it's Black (my #1 choice). It's due to arrive in 3 weeks (suppose to be here already, but that's a whole other thread). The other car is on the ground and I can have it asap (it's White)

The two cars have essentially the same option list (the major stuff is the same, PDK, SPASM, Sports Exhaust, Sport Chrono, Sports Design Package...) the rest of the differences are basically fluff stuff, albeit the Black one has the fluff I'd prefer. Nothing wrong with the White one's options, in fact it has a couple options I wish I had on the Black, so they're basically even--but I prefer the color Black over White.

Here's the hard part. The white one MSRP is $123,540 and the Black is $125,220 and the lease payments are $1438/month and $1523/month respectively. Both dealers are giving me the same % discount off MSRP, same MF, same resid, etc. However, the Black one has the MRM issue and that's the reason for the $85/month difference. I believe both deals are very aggressive and they have been negotiated quite a bit to get here.

I'm doing a 24 month lease (I can write off the lease with my business), so the Black one is essentially costing me $2040 more over the life of the lease. To make matters worse, the dealer for the Black one originally quoted me $1460/month for the Black car when we started this a couple months ago, but now says the best they can do is $1523/month (typical dealer nonsense, not surprising).

As a rule, I don't like doing business with people that say one thing and then do another. As a business man, I always stick by my word and don't like doing business with people that don't (again, they are car dealers, so.... :))

I actually ran into a similar situation 3 years ago when I ordered my c63, had a deal and then when the car came in they tried to jack up the price. I walked on principle and bought a c63 at their competitor.

I want the Black car, the dealer obviously knows this, but I'm having trouble living with accepting a worse deal and with a dealer who promised one thing and then went back on their word.

In the dealer's defense, they said the MRM was the reason their original quote doesn't match up to what they can do no, they missed the MRM the first time.

What do you think?

People hide behind "it's just business" to mask their overall lack of character and dignity. Hence, they've raised the price at their discretion without any qualms.

If you're sticking to your guns based on principle, then you've answered your question. (Principle has also been known to be a detriment).

If it's merely the paltry $2040 price difference, then you have to ask yourself if you'll really be happy in the white one (without looking back).

Life has taught me that there is a time and place for principle. If it were me I'd walk in there one last time and ask them if they'll willing to lose me as a customer as a result of reneging on their prior commitment.

Depending on their response, you'll know exactly what to do.

Its just a lease and white looks great too.
Why lease a high maintenance color like black?
You should just drive and enjoy the white one.
Use the savings for extra miles.

Get exactly what you wanted, otherwise will be costly to change down the road. I think additional $85/month is the least of your worries.

I agree with pyramid. Don't compromise on the car for such a small amount.

I am also in Boston. Purchasing a white 911 here is questionable, especially if it will be a DD and even more so if you plan any winter driving. In my view, both Black and White are too safe as color choices. Very common, but if you are set on Black, then making any other choice will cause you needless angst. If you want a car immediately, consider any of the neighboring states. All are more than happy to handle the Registry nonsense. If you are dealing with Herb, just figure out the lease payment and tell them its up to them. They will not let you walk in November.

IMO, you have your answer right there. I agree with you entirely, don't do business with people who don't stick to their word.... even if they made a mistake. It was on their part and they should at least offer to absorb it. We all generally pay for our mistakes and learn from them. They will too.

So, if it were me. I would walk.

I personally would go to the other dealer and order what you wanted. Even if it is the same price as the dealer with black car now.

Assuming you can tolerate the wait.

If you threaten to walk, they might change their mind. Did you get anything in writing beforehand?

Excuse my ignorance, but what is MRM?

For $85/ month, I think you should get the car that you really want. Otherwise, every time you see a black 991 you'll wish that you had gotten the black one. Don't get me wrong, the car looks great in white (see my avatar), but for the price point you're paying, you ought to be 100% satisfied.

Have you ever owned a black car - is it the metallic black - if the answer to both is no then you better understand what it is like to own a black car, especially in Boston in the winter. The car will require weekly washing to look good and that isn't easy in the winter. White is far easier to take care of and will look pretty good if you just keep the wheels clean. A clean black car looks fantastic but any dirt makes it look pretty bad.

Thanks for all of the responses everyone!
Not sure if it's making my decision any easier, I'm still torn on what to do.
Unfortunately, this really puts a damper on the whole process and sucks some life out of the buying experience, but I'm a big boy and it's not my first time buying a car. I know how these people do business, even if it's not right.

The deals are very aggressive on the deals and there's not a ton of meat let on the bone for the them (9.5% off MSRP 2014 car, .0022 MF, no money down lease, 73% resid) and the Black car was essentially an ordered car. They're making money on the MF and that's okay by me, as they have to make some money.

The $2000 difference is not a huge factor at all (God knows I waste a lot more than that on meaningless crap :)), but the principle is huge for me. The original deal was never in writing (they rarely are), but that shouldn't matter IMO. I've already told them I will walk on the car and I very may do just that, they don't seem to care. FYI, I've been dealing with the SM & GM on this deal since the beginning, so there's no where to go, accept the owner, who probably won't care.

I've bought many cars from their family of dealers and have sent many customers there way over the years and I am friendly with people who are very close to the owner, but I don't want to go there, just yet. If I do walk, I will not buy or service with this dealer again (I'm that kind of guy) and at 36 years old, that's a lot of business they will lose over the long haul, but I don't think they care in a large market, there's always another sucker.

So, do I suck up my principals and pay these creeps what they want and get the car I want, even though I know it's not 100% kosher. I'm getting an amazing deal for the car...hmmmm. Is this just par for the course and so I eat the $2k and my principals??

For the record, the dealer with the white car has been amazing to deal with (directly with the GM) and no nonsense and straight forward, but his car is on the lot and he wants to unload it. I've met the guy with the white car before and he's great, I've never met the people with the Black car....

Thanks for the shoulder :)

Yes, I've owned and own many black cars, (currently have 4 :))
The car will be a toy and see no inclement weather, especially in the winter.
The white car has black rims, which look amazing BTW

With 9.5% off Sticker, you can't complain about overpaying.
At least with the black car you will be the first person to drive it.
The white car may have been test driven by dozens of people already.
I like the painted ST wheel package that you ordered.

It's the maximum dollar amount Porsche (or any marque) will use for residual.
According to the dealers I've spoke to, it's around $119k for a c2s. I was told the PDK adds about $4k to $123k. For cars with MSRPs over MRM you will eat the options over the life of the lease, about $2k in my case.

These are secret numbers, dealers don't like to publish. I'm not sure who pockets the extra $2k, does anyone know?

FYI, the residual will be lower by the $2k at the end of the lease, so you make it back if you buy the car, but you lose it if you turn i the lease.