So Cal dealer unprofessional at best...

[PeteJE]

I deleted this original as the dealer made it right by me. They allocated the car I lost and got it in quickly, reserved for me, and made it in time for the clunkers discount.

All I can say is they followed up, made it right, and are no longer unprofessional in my book. Actually, because of their actions, I can say I have a totally new and deserved opinion of them - they operate out of good faith business practice rather than the cut throat bad practice that I assumed.

Based on my conversation with the management and salesman, it truly was an honest mistake given the circus of sales going on there.


Thank you, Longo.

[morpheusx]

I am surprised they didn't also have you hand over a check. The truth is this happens daily when a car is in high demand.

[PeteJE]

This dealer in the OP made it right and fixed the situation by reserving the same car from their incoming allocation for me. They followed through and showed they were commited to fixing the problem by fixing it.

Egg on face here, I was a victim of a sales circus there (the clunker program was working, LOL), but this dealer was honest and effective in following the problem and fixing it for me.

I no longer feel they purposely sold the car out from under me - they were VERY busy, they made a mistake, and they have now rectified it.

This is how you turn around a situation and they have come through with great customer service contrary to my previous experience and post.

[morpheusx]

I am surprised they let you leave the lot as well and didn't say just bring that clunker in later.

[werewolf34]

Originally Posted by PeteJE

I even asked if I should give them the 500 deposit before I went to get the pink slips. He said no, don't worry about it, he'd see me in 20 minutes with papers, etc.

I should have known when they let me leave with no deposit - what dealer lets you leave the lot?

They probably just sold it to someone there for sticker (as opposed to the 400 under they were giving me). They obviously had a better, cleaner deal - but, in the process, I feel they screwed me out of my situation to make use of the 4500 clunker incentive.

Sometimes in the dealership, you will have several salesguys fighting over a single car to sell it. Unless you have a holding deposit and a written hold / contract, the dealership gets to hose you. Sorry

It's happened to me as well. Have you tried looking in AZ?

[quantumslip]

Prius II are in high demand, but you should check out Manhattan Beach Toyota to see if they have the car you want. See: Dianne's SoCal available cars for July - updated daily

[PeteJE]

Originally Posted by quantumslip

Prius II are in high demand, but you should check out Manhattan Beach Toyota to see if they have the car you want.

Longo had the best fleet price when I shopped and they have come through in a big way by honoring my total price and deal they had extended. They are currently able to sell these for more, especially with the clunkers program, but they are fulfilling the deal we had discussed.

All I can say is I owe them this retraction and I have a new respect for them FIXING this situation in a sales environment where they really didn't have to.

[DianneWhitmire]

I'm sitting here wondering why you'd GO to that dealer... for a clunkers deal - and NOT bring the clunker and the docs with you to begin with.
Didn't he tell you to bring the trade, and all of the documents needed?

[PeteJE]

Originally Posted by DianneWhitmire

I'm sitting here wondering why you'd GO to that dealer... for a clunkers deal - and NOT bring the clunker and the docs with you to begin with.
Didn't he tell you to bring the trade, and all of the documents needed?

They fixed the problem by reserving the same car I wanted in their allocation arriving tonight. They turned around a problem that really was a result of a sales circus due to the clunkers program. They completely turned around my opinion of them - kudos to Longo, they DO have wonderful customer service - this is how good faith business is done!