Anyone shocked at the*extras* at signing?

[moparhov]

So, I fought long and hard to get a payment I could live with on my new Fusion Hybrid. Now, I get into the signing office, and I am presented with an extended warranty, maintenance coverage ( new brakes every 10,000 miles ???), and tire/wheel damage coverage. Want it all? Well, hand over another $3000 dollars, or another $50 a month. I got sick to my stomach, I was so angry. What happened at your signing?

[jeff_h]

So, I fought long and hard to get a payment I could live with on my new Fusion Hybrid. Now, I get into the signing office, and I am presented with an extended warranty, maintenance coverage ( new brakes every 10,000 miles ???), and tire/wheel damage coverage. Want it all? Well, hand over another $3000 dollars, or another $50 a month. I got sick to my stomach, I was so angry. What happened at your signing?

 

Sounds like typical dealer pressure to make some more profit on the deal. First off, it's probably best to talk about the "price" of the car and agree on that, rather than the "payments" you can afford, as this tends to open the door for the salesman and finance guy to throw in the kitchen sink and see if the buyer will go for it.

 

I now have almost 84,000 miles on my 2010 FFH, have had it for a couple weeks more than 2 years. I pulled the wheels at 65,000 miles to change the brake pads all around, they had very minimal wear so I put the wheels back on and the pads remain on the box in my garage, and I will check them at 100,000 miles and see how things look then. So if someone told you that a FFH would go through a set of brakes at 10,000 miles, I won't use the term "lying" since I suppose there have been remote cases, but I would say "highly exaggerating" based on my own experience... which admittedly is quite a lot of highway miles.

 

Tire/wheel damage coverage? I have never been offered that, other than when buying replacement tires and buying or not buying the "road hazard warranty", don't know if this is the same thing.

 

I was also offered the extended warranty for a "special price" of $1,695 and I turned it down, bought it online from another Ford dealer for $785 and it is the same Ford warranty that I declined purchase from my local dealer -- so they make a lot of markup profit on those. The matter of whether to even get an extended warranty or not is up to each buyer and you can find several threads on this board that discuss that, so that's another subject.

 

Other "add-ons" that I have been offered in the past: scotch-guard treatments, paint sealant, undercoat rust-proofing. These may be valuable to some and if people want to spend their money on them, happy trails.... but they are just more big mark-up items that have minimum benefit for maximum profit (for the dealer).

 

Jeff

[Milan_OH]

So, I fought long and hard to get a payment I could live with on my new Fusion Hybrid. Now, I get into the signing office, and I am presented with an extended warranty, maintenance coverage ( new brakes every 10,000 miles ???), and tire/wheel damage coverage. Want it all? Well, hand over another $3000 dollars, or another $50 a month. I got sick to my stomach, I was so angry. What happened at your signing?

 

 

Mopar - These are all extra dealer profit add-ons.......NOT REQUIRED to purchase your vehicle. Just say no thanks. Go back and tell them you've changed your mind regarding the add-ons. Perhaps your state has 'buyers remorse' laws. Complete BS, brakes on this car will last (I've read) maybe 100k miles due to the regeneration braking technology. Extended warranty......your preference. Search this forum and read opinions regarding extended warranties.

 

Jack in Ohio

[bbf2530]

So, I fought long and hard to get a payment I could live with on my new Fusion Hybrid. Now, I get into the signing office, and I am presented with an extended warranty, maintenance coverage ( new brakes every 10,000 miles ???), and tire/wheel damage coverage. Want it all? Well, hand over another $3000 dollars, or another $50 a month. I got sick to my stomach, I was so angry. What happened at your signing?

 

Hi moparhov. :D Welcome to the Ford Fusion Club.

 

No reason to get angry or sick to your stomach. As mentioned by others above, this is not unusual at any automaker/brand Dealership and happens more often than not. You are dealing with salesman and they generally work on commission, so the more "extras" they can talk you into the more money they make. Simply say, "No thank you, No thank you, No thank you." We are all adults, so If they are too persistent, strongly but politely make it clear that you are becoming perturbed, don't want the extras and wish to sign your purchase papers now.

 

You don't need to purchase/pay for any extras you don't wish to have, so just speak up.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited July 13, 2011 by bbf2530

[leebo]

It's often said that the fiance office is to make another $1000 for the dealership at closing. This can be done in several ways, one is the extended warranty. I myself opted for the warranty however several on the board went against it. When I was buying at first I asked about the cost of the warranty, however once they came back at over $1200 for a 6 year bumper to bumper I turned it down. I had to go back in the next day with some extra paperwork on my part (pay stub and proof of address) the department came back in with another offer for the bumper to bumper. I was financing through Ford Credit, and they were willing to lower my interest rate 2% if I'd sign up for the 6 year bumper to bumper. :D It actually LOWERED the price by about $2 a month. They also offered the premium maintenance plan which I took as well, as it only raised the total bill $800. I'm wondering if this is what he signed up for in his statement "tire/wheel damage coverage"???

 

In all I actually had an amazing experience at closing, and have spoke positively about it to others whom are considering a Ford in my family.

 

 

As for the statement "You are dealing with salesman and they generally work on commission, so the more "extras" they can talk you into the more money they make." On a new car this statement really no longer holds truth. A salesman themselves really doesn't make much commission these days on new cars. I've heard the number $50 tossed around several times on a new car. It's the used cars where the profit for them is at. The dealership is the one profiting on this one. :D If you haven't closed yet go back and decline all the extras tossed in.....and threaten to walk on the deal. The salesman himself earns more in bonuses, and a lose of a sale will hurt their chance of a bonus more that anything. If you have closed......just enjoy the purchase and try to look into just what you signed for. Learn for the next time, and use the add-on's whenever you can!

[moparhov]

Sounds like typical dealer pressure to make some more profit on the deal. First off, it's probably best to talk about the "price" of the car and agree on that, rather than the "payments" you can afford, as this tends to open the door for the salesman and finance guy to throw in the kitchen sink and see if the buyer will go for it.

 

I now have almost 84,000 miles on my 2010 FFH, have had it for a couple weeks more than 2 years. I pulled the wheels at 65,000 miles to change the brake pads all around, they had very minimal wear so I put the wheels back on and the pads remain on the box in my garage, and I will check them at 100,000 miles and see how things look then. So if someone told you that a FFH would go through a set of brakes at 10,000 miles, I won't use the term "lying" since I suppose there have been remote cases, but I would say "highly exaggerating" based on my own experience... which admittedly is quite a lot of highway miles.

 

Tire/wheel damage coverage? I have never been offered that, other than when buying replacement tires and buying or not buying the "road hazard warranty", don't know if this is the same thing.

 

I was also offered the extended warranty for a "special price" of $1,695 and I turned it down, bought it online from another Ford dealer for $785 and it is the same Ford warranty that I declined purchase from my local dealer -- so they make a lot of markup profit on those. The matter of whether to even get an extended warranty or not is up to each buyer and you can find several threads on this board that discuss that, so that's another subject.

 

Other "add-ons" that I have been offered in the past: scotch-guard treatments, paint sealant, undercoat rust-proofing. These may be valuable to some and if people want to spend their money on them, happy trails.... but they are just more big mark-up items that have minimum benefit for maximum profit (for the dealer).

 

Jeff

Thanks all for the comments. Yes, I got the price I needed first, then put enough cash down to get the payment I wanted. I have bought enough cars to know the deal when you close, but I have never been hit up for this amount of money before ever. (Last car in 2005). Usually you are asked to add maybe $800 or so at signing, which I always decline. This guy told me that the hybrid was so complicated (electrically) there was over 10,000 things covered that could go wrong, and maintenance costs are astronomical for a hybrid. If I hit a pothole, the aluminum wheels will probably be ruined, so the separate tire and wheel warranty (Road Hazard?) is needed. He told me how they didn't make any money on the car, and I said they made plenty on my trade. He said for me to sell it myself if I wasn't happy, that they were just going to put it to auction. This is the finance guy mind you, not the salesman. Love the car though, but I don't think I'm done giving the dealer my 2 cents worth though.

[DaveM]

If you want to play the grown up game of buying a car then like the married person who have kids you need to learn how to say NO and mean it. If you can't I suggest you get someone else to be there on the next buying experience. Oh and by the way I also pitty your kids if you can't say NO.

[dogo88]

So, I fought long and hard to get a payment I could live with on my new Fusion Hybrid. Now, I get into the signing office, and I am presented with an extended warranty, maintenance coverage ( new brakes every 10,000 miles ???), and tire/wheel damage coverage. Want it all? Well, hand over another $3000 dollars, or another $50 a month. I got sick to my stomach, I was so angry. What happened at your signing?

 

Easy. After years of that dealer crap, we go through our credit union's buying service. We get a lower interest rate, don't have to deal with car dealers and when they sent me the email about the extras I declined. My total time in the dealer at vehicle pickup time was less than 20 minutes.

 

Dan

[lolder]

Thanks all for the comments. Yes, I got the price I needed first, then put enough cash down to get the payment I wanted. I have bought enough cars to know the deal when you close, but I have never been hit up for this amount of money before ever. (Last car in 2005). Usually you are asked to add maybe $800 or so at signing, which I always decline. This guy told me that the hybrid was so complicated (electrically) there was over 10,000 things covered that could go wrong, and maintenance costs are astronomical for a hybrid. If I hit a pothole, the aluminum wheels will probably be ruined, so the separate tire and wheel warranty (Road Hazard?) is needed. He told me how they didn't make any money on the car, and I said they made plenty on my trade. He said for me to sell it myself if I wasn't happy, that they were just going to put it to auction. This is the finance guy mind you, not the salesman. Love the car though, but I don't think I'm done giving the dealer my 2 cents worth though.

RUN, don't walk, from all further dealings with this "dealer". The standard drivetrain 6-60,000 and hybrid 8-100,000 warranty's are adequate. The wheels are like all others. There will be no brake maintenance. The complicated parts of a hybrid are software and hardware that doesn't "wear" and after any early failures under warranty will likely last the life of the car. If you paid for the dealers extras, you've paid a steep price for a lesson.

Edited July 13, 2011 by lolder

[Oman]

This is where word of mouth comes in. Put the name of the dealer out, there is nothing wrong with disclosing your experience. Others can read it and choose to go elsewhere if they wish.

 

As for the facts... well, all of the hybrid specific components have a LONGER warranty than the standard car components. Therefore at worst a hybrid will have the same maintenance cost to the end user and in reality it is significantly cheaper (10K oil changes, less brake wear, far simpler transmission, etc.)

 

I have had a "closer" that I flat out walked out on. The salesman was great but the finance guy was a complete jerk. Walked over to the sales manager and told him that they 1) they should in my opinion fire the finance guy I was just working with and 2) will only make the sale if they send me to someone else to finalize everything.

 

I'm the anal type. I knew far more about the car than most of the people at the dealership (except for the mechanics of course). If I had been given that line about the maintenance costs I would have been all over him about it, but that is only because I knew so much about the car before I purchased it. I don't like people that lie to make a sale, or are so incompetent that they make stuff up. I don't think Ford would be happy to know that their own reps are saying that the maintenance costs of a flagship car are "astronomical."

 

Jon

 

 

 

 

Thanks all for the comments. Yes, I got the price I needed first, then put enough cash down to get the payment I wanted. I have bought enough cars to know the deal when you close, but I have never been hit up for this amount of money before ever. (Last car in 2005). Usually you are asked to add maybe $800 or so at signing, which I always decline. This guy told me that the hybrid was so complicated (electrically) there was over 10,000 things covered that could go wrong, and maintenance costs are astronomical for a hybrid. If I hit a pothole, the aluminum wheels will probably be ruined, so the separate tire and wheel warranty (Road Hazard?) is needed. He told me how they didn't make any money on the car, and I said they made plenty on my trade. He said for me to sell it myself if I wasn't happy, that they were just going to put it to auction. This is the finance guy mind you, not the salesman. Love the car though, but I don't think I'm done giving the dealer my 2 cents worth though.

[moparhov]

Mopar - These are all extra dealer profit add-ons.......NOT REQUIRED to purchase your vehicle. Just say no thanks. Go back and tell them you've changed your mind regarding the add-ons. Perhaps your state has 'buyers remorse' laws. Complete BS, brakes on this car will last (I've read) maybe 100k miles due to the regeneration braking technology. Extended warranty......your preference. Search this forum and read opinions regarding extended warranties.

 

Jack in Ohio

I just got the extended warranty, and said no the rest. Still pissed though.

[akirby]

The wheel/tire warranty is just a road hazard warranty that covers both the OEM wheels and tires. The aftermarket tire road hazard warranties don't cover the wheels. I never buy extended warranties nor do I recommend them unless you're on a fixed income and can't afford to pay for a repair.

[eneg]

I just got the extended warranty, and said no the rest. Still pissed though.

I'm not sure why you are "pissed."

 

Every dealer will try to sell you the extra garbage that you don't need.

You said "no" to everything except the warranty, so why let these guys take away your enjoyment of getting a new car?

 

You are now finished with the sales department.

The only thing that you have to worry about from now on is the Service Department.

 

Anyway, good luck with your new car, it's great!

 

Eneg

[akirby]

Here's a tip - decide beforehand what you want (extended warranty, maintenance plan, wheel/tire warranty, etc.) and what you don't want. Research what you do want and check prices. Then you just say yes or no to each extra and for the ones you want you know the price and can negotiate easily and quickly.

 

I think the OP was upset because they tried to scare him into buying the extended warranty with lies. But since I expect that at most dealerships (not mine thank goodness) it wouldn't bother me and I would just say no.

 

When I bought my daughter's 2012 Focus last week it was a breeze. We never even discussed price - my salesman knows I use X plan so I just tell him what I want and he either finds it or orders it. The finance guy says would you like an extended warranty? I say no and that's it. The most he'll say is "I can give it to you for $X" but that's it - no pressure at all. We signed the papers including financing in 15 minutes and that was it.

[sublimobile]

Here's a tip - decide beforehand what you want (extended warranty, maintenance plan, wheel/tire warranty, etc.) and what you don't want. Research what you do want and check prices. Then you just say yes or no to each extra and for the ones you want you know the price and can negotiate easily and quickly.

 

I think the OP was upset because they tried to scare him into buying the extended warranty with lies. But since I expect that at most dealerships (not mine thank goodness) it wouldn't bother me and I would just say no.

 

When I bought my daughter's 2012 Focus last week it was a breeze. We never even discussed price - my salesman knows I use X plan so I just tell him what I want and he either finds it or orders it. The finance guy says would you like an extended warranty? I say no and that's it. The most he'll say is "I can give it to you for $X" but that's it - no pressure at all. We signed the papers including financing in 15 minutes and that was it.

 

 

If its that easy, then you're probably paying too much.

[akirby]

If its that easy, then you're probably paying too much.

 

I pay X plan which is $150 or so above invoice with $100 doc fee. Could I negotiate a better deal on a brand new vehicle that nobody can keep in stock? Doubtful.

 

Could I negotiate a better deal on most vehicles? In some cases, maybe. But it's not worth the time and hassle to me. I don't mind giving the dealer a reasonable profit.

I want them to stay in business so I have a place to buy future vehicles that I trust. The only question when I buy a vehicle is which model and color and which options.

We don't even have to discuss price. That's worth a lot to me.

[lolder]

I'm not sure why you are "pissed."

 

Every dealer will try to sell you the extra garbage that you don't need.

You said "no" to everything except the warranty, so why let these guys take away your enjoyment of getting a new car?

 

You are now finished with the sales department.

The only thing that you have to worry about from now on is the Service Department.

 

Anyway, good luck with your new car, it's great!

 

Eneg

We don't mean to take away the enjoyment of the new car. The scare tactics of this dealer seem over the top. Oman put it well, Ford should be appalled. If this dealer is used for service, I would be extra careful and make sure nothing is routinely done that isn't on the maintenance schedule. I didn't buy my car where I have it serviced because of their pricing, add-ons and model availability. The sales department did not inspire confidence. A friends long time good experience with the service department has so far been my experience also.

[jcg1005]

We don't mean to take away the enjoyment of the new car. The scare tactics of this dealer seem over the top. Oman put it well, Ford should be appalled. If this dealer is used for service, I would be extra careful and make sure nothing is routinely done that isn't on the maintenance schedule. I didn't buy my car where I have it serviced because of their pricing, add-ons and model availability. The sales department did not inspire confidence. A friends long time good experience with the service department has so far been my experience also.

 

I agree with the "it's all in the dealer" thoughts. MY dealer was amazing. I had a horrible experience at a neighboring Ford dealer with my previous car with service and vowed to never go back. I switch to my dealer mid-life on my previous car and was and am very happy. My salesman knew my story because it is a small dealership and word travels fast.

 

When I bought my FFH, they were up front about dealer trading to find me one or ordering (I chose to order), the pricing was all no-nonsense and up front. I told them from the beginning that I would walk if there were any "oh we forgots". (I also learned from others that this is not how this dealership does business). I also agreed on a PRICE FOR THE CAR AND MY TRADE and then let them have the privilege of competing with my credit union on interest rate (which they beat and I took). (A whole other topic to walk out of a dealership if their first question is "what is you current car payment")

 

I told my salesman that I was considering a premium warranty and ONLY because of all the electronics. I am a HUGE anti-extended-warranty person. You are usually better off putting that money in a savings account for repairs and if you trade before a car gets 100,000 miles on it, you can just trade it if something big starts to happen! I also made them tell me how much it was going to be for the different options before I took delivery.

 

When I took delivery and signed, I had decided to go ahead with it, right or wrong. And $3,000?? that is not the proper amount for the PremiumCare warranty on this car. Mine is a 502A FFH that stickers for just over $34K and it was about $2700.

 

Point is, YOU control the negotiation on a car purchase. Not them. Set your price before you ever walk in the dealer. Set it realistically. Make them compete. You are on the one signing on the dotted line.

[drolds1]

If its that easy, then you're probably paying too much.

 

 

Do you know what X-plan is?