Yes I had a bad experience with the dealership. - backcountry skier
Yes I had a bad experience with the dealership. I have waited a couple of weeks post this review so I cooled off and don’t say anything rash.
In September 2024 I visited Subaru City with the hope of purchasing a new car. After some discussion I realized there were no 2024 models left and I would be purchasing a new 2025 model. I spent some time chatting and a mutually agreeable deal was worked out, I was ready to buy a car. With the options I wanted I was told the car would have to be ordered from the factory. The time line given was 4 to 6 months. I was fine with that.
Both parties then signed a contract and I paid the deposit. I left happy thinking I would soon enough have a new vehicle.
After 4 months had elapsed I phoned the sales person and asked if they had received any word on a delivery date. The answer was not yet. After 5 and after 6 months the process was repeated. There was still no word on the expectant car. We were about to leave for an extended holiday so I phoned again just before we left and was assured that if the car arrived when we were away it would not be sold and would be at the dealership when we returned.
When we got home there was no message waiting informing me the car had arrived. So 8 months after ordering the car I phoned once more to see if there was any word on a proposed arrival date. This time I was set back a little. The word was they could not fulfil the order BUT if I came in they would see what they could do for me.
A meeting was set and two days later I was sitting in the office expecting to have to take a car that was on site. Probably not to my spec but at least the model of the car I had ordered. The salesman disappeared to talk to the manager and he came back to me with a proposal that was $5000 more than the contract offer both parties had signed 8 months earlier. I explained that it was the dealership messed things up, I upheld my end of the bargain and they have to at least match the contract price but frankly I expected to have to pay less.
The end of the story is I left with my deposit repaid. There was no interest added, a legal obligation when holding a deposit for any length of time.
I’m not sure about this part but talking to another car salesperson I was told it is a bait and switch kind of game. First you are given a very good price, and then told the specific car would have to be ordered. Later you are informed the order cannot be fulfilled and the price has gone up so in order to get any car you will have to pay $5000 more.
I will not cross the threshold of a company that treats it potential customers as described above. Not honouring a contract is very poor business practice. If you are intending to deal with Subaru City be very leery of what is proposed. Keep your head up and avoid the disappointment I have endured.
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