Hi all - I placed an order for a 2020 F350 with a local dealer ship that was referred to me by a friend. I placed the order the earliest I was told that I could place it which was November 14. They require a $500 deposit understandably to place an order so I did agree to do so.

I placed my order November 14 with the sales manager and they said it would take approximately 2 to 3 months. I was told that they would give me an update before Christmas.

During the past six weeks I have actually referred business to this dealership - friends coworkers etc. and they have bought vehicles from this dealership from the guy I have been working with.

I sent an email a week and a half ago didn’t hear anything - so I gave them a call. He said he check on it and get back to me that day. 3 1/2 hours later 830 last night he called to say that the sales manager that placed the order is no longer with the company and they can’t find the order. The guy that I’ve been working with says he wants me to come in tomorrow and replace my order. I’m hesitant to go back to this dealership as I feel they’ve not been very honest from the beginning. The guy at the dealership that I was referred to was the sales manager that has now left the company.

I should be able to get my $500 refunded back to me? I’m thinking I should go to another dealership. Although this dealership was giving me the best deal on my trade-in.

Any other thoughts?

 

Do you have the paperwork showing that you placed the order? If so, tell them to proceed with the order with another $1,000 discount (or whatever you want). If they’re any good, they will want to do something for you.


if they refuse, get your money back and go to another dealer.

that’s my opinion, at least

 

i like the idea. Only thing I can find is the receipt of my downpayment.

 

I've ordered trucks in the past and never paid a cent for a down payment. That would have sent me out the door. Anytime I've ordered they always told me that if I didn't want the truck they'd have no problem selling it the way I optioned it.
You've been strung along and kept in the dark for 6 or so weeks now. That deposit is refundable. Get it back and look elsewhere.

 

How did you pay? If credit card you should have a statement showing the payment.

 

I agree. My last truck I did the deal over the phone. No deposit. Dealer ordered $92,000.00 truck. He said he could sell it the way it was optioned no problem.
Sounds like your dealership is either poorly managed or playing games.

 

i did pay by CC.

 

I am leaning toward this for sure. Thanks

 

I would show another dealer the trade in value and ask them to beat the price or at least match it. Some dealers show higher trade but lower discount. All that matters is the price difference.
Good luck.

 

When you place an order they should email or text you a pic of their black and white sheet with the price handwritten on it. It should have all the options shown and msrp of them etc. It will almost be in the format of the window sticker but much less fancy.

Or you can get it in person if you do not like emails. I use my emails as my filing system as much as possible.

Once approved they should order it and they should get you a vin within a couple weeks if not faster. Then you can watch online via the Ford website. The dealer should also be able to give you the train car number or truck its being shipped on. The train car system is an old automated phone system and myopic but cool enough, its worth trying.

Long story short. Sounds like your dealer dropped the ball big time. At minimum let them know so that old manager can get a bad mark when someone calls for a job reference.

Also talk to the dealer owner. They are available usually.

 

agreed - I have the trade in offer sheet so this is a good point. I appreciate the feedback.

 

Surely you have a copy of the order that was submitted showing what truck, color, options that was ordered?

 

It looks like the sales manager wasn't doing his job. Maybe he was fired. You could ask for the general manager to see if they could make things right before moving on.

 

I did - had it in a folder with my receipt etc but I must have taken it out to look at cause it’s not there now.

 

I had a dealer order my last truck incorrectly. My buddy working the Ford line figured it out before the dealer even knew. They made a mistake and to make it right re-ordered the correct truck and threw in a spray in bedliner and floor mats free to help make up for it.

If the folks you are dealing with now seem straight up, I would give them a chance to make up for it.