QUESTION: What happens if the car dealer has to "order" your car...what other extra fees can they hit you with...what should I expect?

September 11, 2005

Hi Tony

I really, really appreciate all the information and insider tips on your website. I was thinking of purchasing my first car on my own and really didn't know where to begin, but your site has helped me tremendously.

One thing I did have a question about is: What if the dealers in your area don't have the "exact" car you want to purchase?

For example, I've gone on many local car dealer websites searching for the specific color, make, model, options etc., that I want on "my car" and it doesn't look like most have anything in stock.

What happens if they have to "order" your car...what other extra fees can they hit you with...what should I expect?

Thank you for your help,

Deanna in Houston, TX

Answer:

Hi Deanna,

Thank you for your kind comments regarding my website.

Deanna, it's fairly common for a car dealer to order a vehicle to your exact specifications. Many times they will try to talk you into buying something they already have in stock, but if you persist they will order a car for you.

There should be no additional fees. If a dealer tries to charge you extra for ordering a car just go somewhere else. You'll eventually find an honest dealer. It doesn't cost the dealer any more to order a car for you than it does for them to order a car for their own inventory.

Sometimes they will try to locate the car you want at another dealer in the region. If you agree to this you may be charged an additional fee, because they have to pay someone to go get the car.

Also the car will have some miles on it depending on how far they have to go to get it. This is called a "dealer trade." When I was a Sales Manager it would be common to dealer trade with other dealers hundreds of miles away. Another drawback to this is that you don't know how long the car was on the other dealer's lot.

You do not have to agree to a dealer trade. Just tell them no.

On the other hand, if you order a new car you are assured that you are getting a fresh car right off the production line. Be sure that before you order a car that you negotiate a firm price, and make the dealer put it in writing along with a guarantee that you can refuse the car if it has any damage on it.

You will probably be expected to put some kind of a down payment down before they order your car. The amount will vary from dealer to dealer. Certainly $300 to $500 should be sufficient. The down payment will of course be deducted from the total price when you take delivery of your new car. Get that in writing too!

Any reluctance on the dealer's part to spell this stuff out in writing and having the Sales Manager sign it (not the salesman) is an indication that they can't be trusted and you should go elsewhere.

I hope this helps Deanna.

All my very best...

Tony Iorio