Subaru Dealer Blacklist (Surprise markups and other shady dealings)

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Tbxgz

Longhorn, really hope things work out for you; that is some real bad dealer douchebaggery.

I posted this info in the Mid A forum but just in case anyone from the DMV area missed it:

Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Gaithersburg MD just slapped on $2000 mark up fee.
Originally, they pulled me in by telling me it would be MSRP pricing or below. On top of that the sales manager told me he would take my order first thing this morning... Then failed to mention today was his day off. A number of other posters around here have had really bad experiences with Fitzgerald as well. I highly recommend avoiding them if you are in the DMV area. Annapolis, Herb Gordon, and Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, are far better options with FAR better reputations.

Agree, Fitzgerald Subaru runs a bait-and-switch scheme. When I was shopping for my STI, they advertised a low internet price. But when I went in, their sales manager claimed it was a "price mistake" so I walked out. A couple of days later, that same "price mistake" was still up on their website. Real classy.

Stay far away from Fitzgerald Subaru, they've been running this bait-and-switch scheme for a while.

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Agree, Fitzgerald Subaru runs a bait-and-switch scheme. When I was shopping for my STI, they advertised a low internet price. But when I went in, their sales manager claimed it was a "price mistake" so I walked out. A couple of days later, that same "price mistake" was still up on their website. Real classy.

Stay far away from Fitzgerald Subaru, they've been running this bait-and-switch scheme for a while.

There's a truth in advertising law stating they are legally obliged to honor posted prices for advertisements. I'd bet that the same goes for internet adds.

[Longhorn248]

Originally Posted by R0ME0

Chaplin's Subaru (Bellevue, WA). Told me over the phone that they are doing MSRP. Once I went in to put down my deposit it suddenly changed to $1000 over MSRP. Shady in my book and waste of Gas! I hate dealerships that do the Bait and Switch! Please Ass!

Added.

[Longhorn248]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Agree, Fitzgerald Subaru runs a bait-and-switch scheme. When I was shopping for my STI, they advertised a low internet price. But when I went in, their sales manager claimed it was a "price mistake" so I walked out. A couple of days later, that same "price mistake" was still up on their website. Real classy.

Stay far away from Fitzgerald Subaru, they've been running this bait-and-switch scheme for a while.

I think I see a pattern forming...

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Longhorn248

I think I see a pattern forming...

Told ya Fitz sucks.

[DeepHunta]

Originally Posted by R0ME0

Chaplin's Subaru (Bellevue, WA). Told me over the phone that they are doing MSRP. Once I went in to put down my deposit it suddenly changed to $1000 over MSRP. Shady in my book and waste of Gas! I hate dealerships that do the Bait and Switch! Please Ass!

Who did you talk to? I put my deposit pre-order on pre-order day on March 5th. They did tell me that they might be marking up prices. But I specifically told my sales guy, "if you will mark up, then I'm out!"

I recently called Mike Scarff Subaru in Auburn, and they guarantteed MSRP only. I might go that route if need be.

[R0ME0]

Originally Posted by DeepHunta

Who did you talk to? I put my deposit pre-order on pre-order day on March 5th. They did tell me that they might be marking up prices. But I specifically told my sales guy, "if you will mark up, then I'm out!"

I recently called Mike Scarff Subaru in Auburn, and they guarantteed MSRP only. I might go that route if need be.

I don't remember, threw out his card, was pretty upset they wasted my time. Wouldn't hurt to call back to check! BTW what number in line are you there?

[Tainen]

Originally Posted by R0ME0

I don't remember, threw out his card, was pretty upset they wasted my time. Wouldn't hurt to call back to check! BTW what number in line are you there?

Just to add to the Chaplin's conversation...

They told me they will be charging 1-3k over MSRP for every BRZ sold. I talked to one guy who said he managed to pull MSRP with them, because of some family relationship or other... overall, very bait and switchy, they aren't signing agreements, and are leaving open the option to screw everyone over when the cars come in.

How many cars is Auburn getting?

[prophecy0]

Originally Posted by prophecy0

I've been in touch with several dealerships in and around middle Tennessee. So far I've gotten price quotes from Darrell Waltrip Subaru in Franklin, TN and Landers McLarty Subaru in Huntsville, AL. Darrell Waltrip wanted MSRP plus $500 in documentation fees, and Landers McLarty wanted MSRP plus $600 in documentation fees.

Landers McLarty seemed like they would be willing to negotiate, so I plan to get back in touch with them once I hear back from some other dealers. I wouldn't say that either them or Darrell Waltrip belong on the black list, but the fact that they are charging ridiculous amounts for bogus documentation fees is a bit annoying.

I wanted to report back and say that Landers McLarty was willing to work with me. I'm now paying MSRP + $249 in "doc" fees. They are going to reimburse me some gas money for driving down to Huntsville. If you're nearby, Thomas is great to work with!

I also spoke to Wyatt Johnson Subaru in Clarksville, TN. The individual I spoke to either had no idea about the car, or was intentionally misleading me. First he said the price of the car had not been released. When I informed him that other local dealers had priced the car already he said "let me talk to my manager". When he came back he said "it will be between 25k and 30k". I then asked if they were selling at MSRP, and he couldn't confirm or deny because "we're not sure what the demand will be yet." It was at that point that I decided I wouldn't be doing business with them.

[DeepHunta]

Originally Posted by Tainen

Just to add to the Chaplin's conversation...

They told me they will be charging 1-3k over MSRP for every BRZ sold. I talked to one guy who said he managed to pull MSRP with them, because of some family relationship or other... overall, very bait and switchy, they aren't signing agreements, and are leaving open the option to screw everyone over when the cars come in.

How many cars is Auburn getting?

Talked to Keith Hall at Auburn, and he says they have 13 allocated, requires $1000 deposit instead of the usual $500 but Keith gurantees MSRP only and they have 9 spots left as of 2 days ago. Chaplins says 18 btw.

I had a feeling Chaplins is shafting everyone. I am 1st in line for Chaplins though. Keeping it 'till last minute since it is fully refundable. I also have a pre-order deposit for a Scion FR-S next door to chaplins at Michael's Toyota, hahaha. Once the configurator for the FR-S is up, I'll know better if I'm going Scion or Subaru.

Also, I'm going for maintenance service on my legacy soon. I'm gonna have a talk with my sales guy for mark up issues and mention to him that his dealership is blacklisted as being shady in the forums. We'll see if he bites

[hapa_kcm]

I went to Timmons in Long Beach to sit in a BRZ and the sales guy actually said they were doing a $2000 markup. I said I already ordered one through Renick and it was written down as the sale price as MSRP. He said Renick was lying that they were going to mark it up. So watch out for Timmons

[R0ME0]

Originally Posted by DeepHunta

Talked to Keith Hall at Auburn, and he says they have 13 allocated, requires $1000 deposit instead of the usual $500 but Keith gurantees MSRP only and they have 9 spots left as of 2 days ago. Chaplins says 18 btw.

I had a feeling Chaplins is shafting everyone. I am 1st in line for Chaplins though. Keeping it 'till last minute since it is fully refundable. I also have a pre-order deposit for a Scion FR-S next door to chaplins at Michael's Toyota, hahaha. Once the configurator for the FR-S is up, I'll know better if I'm going Scion or Subaru.

Also, I'm going for maintenance service on my legacy soon. I'm gonna have a talk with my sales guy for mark up issues and mention to him that his dealership is blacklisted as being shady in the forums. We'll see if he bites

HAHA yes let them know they are super shady! I hate bait and switch dealers let alone car salesmen in general. Sorry no offense just had some really bad experiences lately!

[DeepHunta]

Originally Posted by R0ME0

HAHA yes let them know they are super shady! I hate bait and switch dealers let alone car salesmen in general. Sorry no offense just had some really bad experiences lately!

Done! I talked to them and basically said that I will take my business elsewhere if I do not get a concrete answer now. And guess what!? They said guaranteed MSRP only! Shook the sales guy's hand and made the deal. I even asked if we should put it on paper and writing. He said no need. If they do shaft me at the last minute, well.....that's what other dealers are for.

Just gotta push the dealerships a bit to get things done I suppose. Hooray for MSRP!

[luxmn]

Originally Posted by DeepHunta

Done! I talked to them and basically said that I will take my business elsewhere if I do not get a concrete answer now. And guess what!? They said guaranteed MSRP only! Shook the sales guy's hand and made the deal. I even asked if we should put it on paper and writing. He said no need. If they do shaft me at the last minute, well.....that's what other dealers are for.

Just gotta push the dealerships a bit to get things done I suppose. Hooray for MSRP!

Unless the saleman is the manager (even then) you're depending nothing more than luck that they keep their words man. An invoice showing Msrp or it doesnt mean anything. Of course he will say no need (aka hell no I aint put that into writing). good luck though.