I/we are writing to share an experience with our... - Dissapointed
I/we are writing to share an experience with our interaction with Galpin Ford/Lincoln dealership. We support local businesses small and large whenever possible.
We were looking for a car that could provide better comfort on longer trips, we own all of our vehicles and could continue on with what we now own. We understood that vehicles are being sold at MSRP right now and used cars are also selling at a premium. What we didn't expect was an ADM (additional dealer markup) which included a non-negotiable $1999 "protection package" and a $5000 mark up on top of the MSRP! We were attempting to purchase a new (model year old) 2021 Lincoln Corsair that was on the dealers lot. Prior to entering the showroom the salesperson said that the dealership would be able to work with us on removing the 5K ADM because this was a 2021 model.
Once inside our personal information was taken thinking that this was a done deal, prior to the salesperson submitting our offer to the manager for approval. The salesperson was aware that we were only going to pay the MSRP price and the so-called non-negotiable $1999 "protection package". He returned less than a minute later and stated that the vehicle would only be sold with the almost 7K markup. We told him nope and then he asked what we wanted to pay (he already knew this amount). He writes the figure down and has me sign it, disappears again but this time less than ten seconds pass and he states that they can't make the deal, doubt he even summited the offer. What a waste of our time to say the least!
However, they point blank say, "we are not worried if you do not buy from us, those that want our vehicles will pay our ADM price". "Life is really good for them in this environment", that is a direct quote.
As such, we recommend that you look further and it pains us to recommend this for our local neighbors who work at these dealerships. We made one call, just one, to Sanderson Lincoln in Phoenix. The internet sales manager was kind, respectful, understanding, and was interested in selling vehicle at MSRP. We purchased the exact same vehicle and options (different color) for less money than the local dealer wanted and this one's a 2022 year model.
It is a different world right now and MSRP is standard but it saved us more than 7K for a short drive to Phoenix and we will have a better resell on the vehicle purchased as well because it's a model year newer. These additional mark ups cost more in taxes and they also profit dealerships that are getting rich while the getting is good. It is not that Sanderson will not make money, they will. That is the price of admission right now, MSRP.
We know dealers have salaries to pay. We know they have maintenance to manage. We think most people understand how things are right now with inflation. There will be a time when people will answer to their greed and unjust business practices.
Their prices they are selling for are way too high and they know it, and they are not being honest with themselves in the end, this is an unjust practice and this too shall pass. Apparently money talks and people aren't walking from this dealership. Who knew? Why call/text us back the next day then try and make a deal?
They'll have to answer to someone higher than me for those practices. Right now, this approach is still called "price gouging". They are calling it what the market will bear. So I suggest you reconsider encouraging these practices so we can influence the market in a more equitable manner. At a minimum make a call or drive an hour and a half and save yourself a bundle.
Best wishes for all involved and this is intended for the highest good for all who are interested. We learned a great deal and for that we are very grateful.
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