Topic: Deposit for a factory order?

[21Rouge]

Likely this week we will factory order a car. Our current car will be part of the deal as a trade in. And the dealership's name sake who is also my salesman (it is a small dealership ) has told me the $ value of the our current car that will be put against the cost of the new car. But 10 to 12 weeks is long time. What is to prevent him from offering us less for the trade in at the time of delivery? What is the minimum deposit to put things in motion?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Deposit depends.

Some dealers will order for nothing on good faith, especially if your desired option combination is easily saleable as a stock unit should you decide to walk away. Others will want a deposit which displays commitment.

Either way, I would think you would want to sign something if you're serious because that way you'd be intitled to the better of today's incentives (discount/rates, etc) or the ones at time of delivery.

[21Rouge]

For sure we will sign.

A couple of things he told me that were of interest.

Several customers have told him that they are holding off deciding on a car purchase until the reveal of the Ontario Budget next week. .

(Our purchase will be GM Employee Pricing). He told me that *if* GM raises the pricing on such a purchase than I must pay the new higher price rather than what is current as of today; as of signing  .

[toolatecrew]

For sure we will sign.

A couple of things he told me that were of interest.

Several customers have told him that they are holding off deciding on a car purchase until the reveal of the Ontario Budget next week. .

(Our purchase will be GM Employee Pricing). He told me that *if* GM raises the pricing on such a purchase than I must pay the new higher price rather than what is current as of today; as of signing  .

So he wants you to put a dopist on a car based on a price that might rise upon delivery? I'd say take a flying leap.

If they can't provide you with a contract that agrees on a price what are you buying? Yeah give us a $1000 and we'll order the car and if the price of the car is $2K higher than what it is now when it shows up ..oh well you ordered it so you have to pay or we keep your deposit?

[dr_spock]

Likely this week we will factory order a car. Our current car will be part of the deal as a trade in. And the dealership's name sake who is also my salesman (it is a small dealership ) has told me the $ value of the our current car that will be put against the cost of the new car. But 10 to 12 weeks is long time. What is to prevent him from offering us less for the trade in at the time of delivery? What is the minimum deposit to put things in motion?

Put all the details together in a written contract and have both authorized parties sign.  Specify your Terms and Conditions, who does what, pay what, at what time, in case conditions aren't met what is refunded, etc.

[21Rouge]

It was refreshing dealing with this very small dealership; owner who is also our salesman plus only one other sales rep.
He required no down payment on this large purchase. No mention of rust proofing. The *only* charges outside AC tax, delivery, vehicle, PST and GST was gas tax. Not sure if he was joking but he said something to the effect "Dont bring a certified cheque..I want to see you write out the amount on a personal cheque  ".

I just wonder if such a small GM dealership can survive in these turbulent economic times.