I would like an opinion or two. I have bought a total of 16 MBZs and Porsches from a particular dealership locally in the past 5-6 years. My wife has a 2005 MBZ 350Slk and I had a 2001 996TT.
About a month ago I went to the dealership in hopes of finding a base 997. They had none in stock.
Long story short I bought a 2004 (new) Masersati that was sitting on the showroom floor. I have driven this car a month and have come to the inescapeable conclusion that I don't want this car anymore, period.
I call the general sales manager this am and ask what my car is worth on a trade for the 997 that is coming in this next week. The maser has 1100 miles on it and I will admit it is beautiful.
Salesmanager tells me he will give me $14,000 less than what I paid for the car one month ago, because of the way the Masers depreciate. That wasn't his opinion when I bought the Itallian masterpiece.
In my younger days I had a quick temper and have done a few things I now regret. If this had happened 20 years ago I would be in jail instead of writing this rant.
I don't know if I should speak to the owner or just find another dealership. Apparently there is little or no customer loyalty.
Sorry for this story, I just could'nt believe what he told me...I still can't.

 

It's ridiculous to treat a repeat customer like that. I would talk to the owner about it before trying another dealership, though. After buying _16_ vehicles from them in a 5 year time span...

 

I bought 5 new cars last year as well and the Porsche dealer, GM has been an aquaintance for the past 4-5 years and he knows my habits. I went up Saturday to try and purchase an in stock 997S an was low balled on my trade to the tune of about 4K. Sure is hard to buy a new car these days.

Its almost funny to me that a 10K gross is not good enough for them. They know less about their product then I do, can't even be troubled enough to send me an order guide and then act like a betrayed lover when you mention another dealer.

The reality is they are like any Chevy dealership, they just wear nicer shoes.

 

Yes I had the same experince in Southern Ca, Los ANgeles area not on a trade I private party my cars myself but on a purchase of a new 997S. I would call around the Porche website makes it easy with all the dealers listed and their inventory right there. I have found that all dealers are not the same and there still are some good ones out there and even a little discount possibe.

 

1) Sell the Maserati on your own and make up the difference, then...

2) find another dealer who will welcome your cash for a 997S.

 

I just traded in my 997 with 10,500 miles (10 months old and perfect). The dealer gave me $15,000 less than I paid last year. I might have been able to get more if I tried selling it myself?

I think he wants to rip you!

 

Doctor K,
I think a sit down with the sales or general manager of the dealership could land you some help in getting your deal done. You can, obviously, get more for your maserati if you sell it yourself, but most people don't want to deal with the hassle. I wouldn't expect your car to trade for close to sticker or anything, but there should be some room in the new car which should lead to some middle ground and if you remind the manager about your past purchases and let them know future purcahses depend on them helping you out then I'm sure they'll sing a different tune. If that doesn't net anything then calling the competition is the best way to go. Good luck!

 

I had the same thing happen when I had my "accident". I had a new 996 cab with a manual shift and had to get something with a automatic. The dealership was kind enough to offer to buy it back for $11,000 less. I ended up trading it in (got a lot of cash back) on the Ford lightning.

Then a month later, I made the trip to Beverly Hill to buy the TT X50 rather than go across the street to the same dealer. And I will never buy from that organization again.

Doc - is the maserati a convertible? what color? I might be interested.

 

Thank you all for your support, I really appreciate it. I am very impulsive in all my dealings..e.g., the Maserati. I am trying to work aroung the salesmanager and I'll know more Friday morning. Counting sales tax and the loss on his proposed deal I would have lost $19,425.xx. I do have considerable resources but I'm not crazy.
Ken, the Maser is a Cambio Corsa Spyder (convertible). This model had the Ferrari designed 4.2 engine and the F1 trans. Going thru the gears is above 40+ is a trip! Pale blue metalic with a gorgeous carmel and navy blue leather interior. The car is MUCH faster than Car and Driver claims. Let you know after Friday. All warranty work done by Ferrari of Orange County. They have been great on a minor factory recall (defective fuel line)
Three coats of Zaino and it is gorgeous. Build quality is second to none.

 

That is unfortunate that those cars depreciate like that. Unfortunately that is all they'll bring for trade in value. You gotta remeber the car is now 2 years old if its a 2004. As crazy as it sounds that isn't a bad price he's giving you! I've seen much much worse on those cars. With the amount of cars you have purchased though I would expect them to step up on the new car price. At least $4000 off the new car. Possibly more depending on sticker. That to me should be a deal all day long, they just need to really step up on the new car if there not already.

 

Personally, based on my shopping habits, I'm tired of the whole dog and pony show every time I go in. Theses people know me, just give me your best number and a fair trade valuation and lets roll.

I'm buying a 95K car that I need as much as a hole in my head. I walked away Saturday and after a few hours I realize I don't even care about my allocation. If these guys are going to make it a hassle they can keep the car.

 

Tonight when I stop at the supermarket im gonna ask for 5% off. These people see me every day. The nerve of them they dont ever throw in a free gallon of milk or a free dozen of eggs. I am a good customer too! Im probally there 2 to 3 times a week. It's absurd. And get this I pretty much go to Chipolte for lunch about 3 times a week(damn thats good) and I know everyone there! These people still wont give me a discount. LOL Not trying to get anyone upset here but you see where im goin. Hope that was more funny than offensive.

 

You've got a lot to learn...

 

You need to work on your L factor. I get the hook up from my local grocer on all kinds of things. I love Chipotle too and guess who gave me a free burrito the other day.

Please refrain from extrapolating from your own stupidity.

 

Doctor K,

A little research would have told you the used Maser market is very soft, this sounds like a very impulsive buy, but I think you know that. I know the car youre' talking about and it is stunning, but the dealer is in the business to make money. I know the dealer youre' speaking of, and I think if you went back in and tried to make a better deal, in lite of your previous business with them, they may be more receptive.failing that, ask to speak to the owner. they have always treated me fairly.

Good luck.