My horrible experience in trying to buy a BMW... [Archive] - bimmerfest

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Hester

10-03-2003, 11:59 AM

The following post is the latest in my ongoing saga of "trying" to order a 2004 325i. This post is part of a thread over at "Ask A Delear" - check out the whole story leading up to this here:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41840

I'm simply looking for the best deal on a 325i that I would like to purchase. I’ve been researching a purchase and saving my money for at least five months now - I'm not your typical BMW buyer, I don't make a HUGE amount of money but I can afford this car and ANY saved money in the deal will help me.

I went to the closest BMW dealership to my house, Center BMW in Sherman Oaks, CA (Los Angeles) about 2 miles away - Please note that there are at least 23 BMW dealerships within an hour drive and at least twice that within a two hour drive. My wife and I just wanted to look at the cars and colors in person so we went there and were greeted kindly by Michael Galli. He didn't try to sell me car right then and there but he gave me his card. I had every intention to only deal with the internet or fleet sales guy from wherever I was going to buy from. I got quotes from MANY dealers that I was willing to drive to but gave Michael Galli a chance to match the deal and sell me a car.

To try and make this story short...I'll cut to the chase. Originally I was looking for the car I wanted with the exact options and colors. I quickly found out that this particular group of options was going to be hard to find. Michael tried to find me a car; we lost a couple while trying to come to a deal. In the end I realized that I was going to have to order the car I wanted. I did the same procedure; I contacted many dealers, more than I had the first time. I got my best quote from Brad Kim at Nick Alexander BMW - $1200 over invoice includes mats. The catch is that Nick Alexander BMW is located in a VERY bad area of Los Angeles. I, once again, gave Michael Galli a chance to match it. He said he would do it for $2000. I countered with $1500 because my incentive was that Center BMW was very close to my house. I called HIM back a day later than he said he was going to call me - he said he'd do the deal and INCLUDE the MACO fees but not the dealer reserve or the mats.

Sooo...upon an AGREEMENT I said that I would come in and order the car with the original options that I wanted in the first place. Well, my wife and I got around to going in tonight at about 8:00 PM. Cutting to the chase...the first thing he did was say "OK, so this is the deal we agreed on...my invoice is $$$$$$$$." He put a sheet in front of me showing the break down. The first thing I noticed was that HIS "invoice" was higher than we agreed on. I looked at the sheet and it INCLUDED the MACO fee. I said IMMEDIATELY that he expressly agreed to me on the phone that the MACO fee was included. He said "Yes, Eric, I made a big mistake - I overlooked that completely - I cannot include the fee in our price. I'm sorry, I don't mean this maliciously at all - it was just an oversight on my part - I have to include that fee in our price." I IMMEDIATELY heated up inside...he was full of ****. I calmly and politely asked him then to deduct it from the agreed upon $1500 over invoice. We haggled for about 5 minutes and he wouldn't do it. I even said that I knew he could but he didn't want to. He finally said, "Right." Mind you I was calm but angry inside.

I changed the subject and asked about the VERY HIGH 7.99% financing he "got" me. I said can you work with me on that...hinting to, "I'll accept the fee if you drop the rate". I KNOW he added points, I have EXCEPTIONAL credit and I even know my current credit score. We haggled some more until he said he could get me closer to 5% - I said, "OK then I'll accept the MACO fee".

He shook our hands and said "Congratulations on your purchase." He said he just needed a $2000 CHECK and that he'd be right back. I pulled out my CREDIT CARD. He came back and said, "Guys, I'm so sorry, but I completely overlooked this. We can't order this car unless we order it with a moonroof." At that point I became enraged inside. I said, "We are not ordering that car with a moonroof." He said "Right now, in California, we can't order it without the sunroof because if you end up not buying the car we're stuck with this car that will be hard to sell." I said, "That's bull****, my deposit and all the time I've spent with you shows that we're buying this car. You will not sell us a car with a moonroof." He just shook his head and said, "I'm sorry." I stood up, he put his hand out to shake our hands - I shook it, but shouldn't have. I said, "If you change your mind and want to order the car that I want to buy, then call me." He said, "No dealer in California will order this car." I said, "I'll find one."

We left, absolutely disgusted with this man, Michael Galli. My wife also pointed out to me numerous times that he contradicted himself and attempted other "salesman-like" tactics that I didn't notice because I was completely focused on the deal and nothing else.

I figure that if he doesn't call back later wanting to order my car and make the f'ing sale, that maybe his boss really wouldn't let him order the car? Why would they pass up a sure deal over trying to “up sale” me? Seriously, what gives here? I am absolutely disgusted by this experience.

Tanning machine

10-03-2003, 12:02 PM

tommyd

10-03-2003, 12:05 PM

sorry to hear about your bad experience... it's good to hear that you've taken the time to really research, which i unfortunately didn't do so well, which ended up in me getting a bunch of options i didn't think i needed (but am glad i got).

...impulse buy... they're so shiny and pretty...

Maybe someone in the LA area can put you in touch with their own SA to help you get the car you want...

good luck!

Jon S.

10-03-2003, 12:10 PM

SteveM

10-03-2003, 12:14 PM

I got the same "a car without sunroof in CA is unsellable" BS from Alexander also. I ended up buying from Sterling BMW in Newport Beach through John (Johann) Van Fliet. He initially tried to find a car in SoCal he could get via a dealer trade. I knew he wouldn't be able to find a manual car with no sunroof going into the deal, and the bottom line was he ordered the car to my configuration without any hassle whatsoever.

I did the entire arrangement by phone and only had to give him a CC number which they never charged anything on. I finally met my CA on the day my car arrived at the dealer. We did all the paperwork, and both of our numbers matched (I had overestimated the license fee).

I was able to get 4% financing through them (I have excellent credit also). I placed my order in mid-March and had the car early May.

We also purchased a new car for my wife in August and got 4% financing on that deal through the Toyota dealer, so 7.99% is outrageous.

tommyd

10-03-2003, 12:18 PM

I think the interest rate is based a lot upon credit rating and income isn't it?

Not saying Hester's is bad... :angel:

I hear most dealerships (of all makes) that offer 0.9% financing is usually conditional to 'OAC'... which means many people don't qualify and get a different interest rate...
:dunno:

doeboy

10-03-2003, 12:32 PM

Hester

10-03-2003, 12:36 PM

You should at least let JEFF BERKMAN, GSM of Center BMW know
about it... I have another friend and Sales Manager in BRUCE LEE
at Center BMW. Call either of them up, and tell them what happened.
If not, you are doing a dis-service to the next prospect that walks in...

I can also hook you up with the "right guy" at any SoCal BMW
store; I know them all. Just name the store.

My best advice, though, would be for you to contact
Franco at Cutter.

Jon,

Thank you for your reply. I will absolutely take your advice and contact Jeff and Bruce and let them know what happened - do you think they really care though?

I would love if you would "hook" me up with the right guy. I ready to order this car I want with no more BS! The "right guy" would be one who will order me my car at $1200 over invoice or better and the closer the dealership is to my house the better - would you mind contacting me via e-mail.

Is Franco at Cutter my best bet for not being jerked around? Cutter isn't the closest to me but I'd be more than willing to deal with a straight up person if you think he's the one.

Thanks,

Eric

Tanning machine

10-03-2003, 12:38 PM

Wasn't there a note that all production slots must have sunroof for the month of September or something like that? I thought I remember hearing that somewhere. :dunno:

Maybe it's no longer in effect? Try again now?

I remember that too, but that's not the explanation the stealer gave. Anyway, it's October, but even so, the answer should have been (if it was the production issue), BMW is currently requiring all cars produced to have a sunroof, not "we can't do it because you might walk."

The guy agreed to a deal that, in retrospect he realized was too generous. He then loaded up the BS fees and options to make Hester walk. He succeeded, unfortunately.

Jon S.

10-03-2003, 12:48 PM

Hester

10-03-2003, 12:51 PM

I remember that too, but that's not the explanation the stealer gave. Anyway, it's October, but even so, the answer should have been (if it was the production issue), BMW is currently requiring all cars produced to have a sunroof, not "we can't do it because you might walk."

The guy agreed to a deal that, in retrospect he realized was too generous. He then loaded up the BS fees and options to make Hester walk. He succeeded, unfortunately.

Yeah, I remember the "madatory sunroof" thing also...it was only for one month though, not October AND it wasn't on the 325i. I even told the "stealer" (I thought the first time you did this was a typo :)) that I knew this and that what he was saying did not apply to our deal.

The stealer had PLENTY of time to mull over the deal, he knew EXACTLY what the deal was well before I went in. When we got down to a final deal he even said he'd need to call me back in 15 min. or so...when he called back, he made his offer of what he could do and laid out the details specifically. That all changed when I went in. He wasn't trying to get me to walk, I think he was just trying to up sale me and he underestimated me.

He was the creepy type - used EVERY trick in the book.

Hester

10-03-2003, 12:54 PM

Hester

10-04-2003, 03:17 PM

Eric, call Franco and leave him a message.
You can also email him a quote request, -or- submit one from the
Cutter Motors site. Franco will make your deal I'm sure, and will
throw in free floor mats. His email address is Cuttermotorkarz@aol.com.
I forget his cell numbers :rolleyes: but the toll free number at Cutter is
(800)676-1595. Franco is at ext. 3280. There is also a Cutter Motors
banner floating around here (with my name on it ;)) that has a quote
request application. Look under "Internet Specials".

Tell Franco that Shafe sent you!!!!!

:str8pimpi

Hi Jon,

Do you know anyone at Nick Alexander BMW? Brad Kim (internet sales) says that he'll do my deal with no BS and wants me to come down.

I'd rather go with Franco; your recomendation of him, I'm sure, will result in a trouble free transaction - after my last experience I'd rather play it safe. I sent Franco an e-mail yesterday - I guess I'll give him a call if I don't hear from him soon.

Best,

Eric

Robert A

10-06-2003, 05:08 PM

Reading your post, three thoughts come to mind.

First, everytime I've negotiated an "invoice plus" deal, it's included the MACO fee, meaning that it's the base invoice, plus the MACO, plus the agreed upon margin. The dealers pay the MACO fee, so they're going to pass it on if you're negotiating from invoice. Don't expect them to absorb it.

Second, once you meet a dealer in person, do all the rest of your negotiations by telephone/email/fax -- especially if you're ordering a car. There's absolutely no reason why you have to set foot in the showroom again (unless of course you want to drive more cars). What probably burned you up the most was all that time you spent sitting in at that stupid salesman's desk waiting while he chewed the fat with this GSM. So, do it on the phone, so he can call you back and not waste your time.

Finally, $1,200 over invoice sounds about right for your car.

Robert Ades

The following post is the latest in my ongoing saga of "trying" to order a 2004 325i. This post is part of a thread over at "Ask A Delear" - check out the whole story leading up to this here:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41840

I'm simply looking for the best deal on a 325i that I would like to purchase. I’ve been researching a purchase and saving my money for at least five months now - I'm not your typical BMW buyer, I don't make a HUGE amount of money but I can afford this car and ANY saved money in the deal will help me.

I went to the closest BMW dealership to my house, Center BMW in Sherman Oaks, CA (Los Angeles) about 2 miles away - Please note that there are at least 23 BMW dealerships within an hour drive and at least twice that within a two hour drive. My wife and I just wanted to look at the cars and colors in person so we went there and were greeted kindly by Michael Galli. He didn't try to sell me car right then and there but he gave me his card. I had every intention to only deal with the internet or fleet sales guy from wherever I was going to buy from. I got quotes from MANY dealers that I was willing to drive to but gave Michael Galli a chance to match the deal and sell me a car.

To try and make this story short...I'll cut to the chase. Originally I was looking for the car I wanted with the exact options and colors. I quickly found out that this particular group of options was going to be hard to find. Michael tried to find me a car; we lost a couple while trying to come to a deal. In the end I realized that I was going to have to order the car I wanted. I did the same procedure; I contacted many dealers, more than I had the first time. I got my best quote from Brad Kim at Nick Alexander BMW - $1200 over invoice includes mats. The catch is that Nick Alexander BMW is located in a VERY bad area of Los Angeles. I, once again, gave Michael Galli a chance to match it. He said he would do it for $2000. I countered with $1500 because my incentive was that Center BMW was very close to my house. I called HIM back a day later than he said he was going to call me - he said he'd do the deal and INCLUDE the MACO fees but not the dealer reserve or the mats.

Sooo...upon an AGREEMENT I said that I would come in and order the car with the original options that I wanted in the first place. Well, my wife and I got around to going in tonight at about 8:00 PM. Cutting to the chase...the first thing he did was say "OK, so this is the deal we agreed on...my invoice is $$$$$$$$." He put a sheet in front of me showing the break down. The first thing I noticed was that HIS "invoice" was higher than we agreed on. I looked at the sheet and it INCLUDED the MACO fee. I said IMMEDIATELY that he expressly agreed to me on the phone that the MACO fee was included. He said "Yes, Eric, I made a big mistake - I overlooked that completely - I cannot include the fee in our price. I'm sorry, I don't mean this maliciously at all - it was just an oversight on my part - I have to include that fee in our price." I IMMEDIATELY heated up inside...he was full of ****. I calmly and politely asked him then to deduct it from the agreed upon $1500 over invoice. We haggled for about 5 minutes and he wouldn't do it. I even said that I knew he could but he didn't want to. He finally said, "Right." Mind you I was calm but angry inside.

I changed the subject and asked about the VERY HIGH 7.99% financing he "got" me. I said can you work with me on that...hinting to, "I'll accept the fee if you drop the rate". I KNOW he added points, I have EXCEPTIONAL credit and I even know my current credit score. We haggled some more until he said he could get me closer to 5% - I said, "OK then I'll accept the MACO fee".

He shook our hands and said "Congratulations on your purchase." He said he just needed a $2000 CHECK and that he'd be right back. I pulled out my CREDIT CARD. He came back and said, "Guys, I'm so sorry, but I completely overlooked this. We can't order this car unless we order it with a moonroof." At that point I became enraged inside. I said, "We are not ordering that car with a moonroof." He said "Right now, in California, we can't order it without the sunroof because if you end up not buying the car we're stuck with this car that will be hard to sell." I said, "That's bull****, my deposit and all the time I've spent with you shows that we're buying this car. You will not sell us a car with a moonroof." He just shook his head and said, "I'm sorry." I stood up, he put his hand out to shake our hands - I shook it, but shouldn't have. I said, "If you change your mind and want to order the car that I want to buy, then call me." He said, "No dealer in California will order this car." I said, "I'll find one."

We left, absolutely disgusted with this man, Michael Galli. My wife also pointed out to me numerous times that he contradicted himself and attempted other "salesman-like" tactics that I didn't notice because I was completely focused on the deal and nothing else.

I figure that if he doesn't call back later wanting to order my car and make the f'ing sale, that maybe his boss really wouldn't let him order the car? Why would they pass up a sure deal over trying to “up sale” me? Seriously, what gives here? I am absolutely disgusted by this experience.

racerdave

10-08-2003, 05:52 PM

Yo, Hester! Any updates?

Hester

10-08-2003, 09:55 PM

Yo, Hester! Any updates?

Yes - here's the update:

Immediately after my experience at Center BMW. I contacted Nick Alexander BMW - they responded and wanted to do my deal with no B.S. Fearing more possible B.S. here in L.A. I took Jon Shafer's suggestion and e-mailed and called Franco at Cutter BMW. Even though Nick Alexander BMW had got back to me immediately, I REALLY feared more B.S. and had decided that I would go with Franco at Cutter if he took my deal.

The deal I was offering:
$1200 OVER invoice, including mats + MACO + destination. Franco added "doc fee", CA "tire fee"?...added another $50...no big deal. Other than tax and DMW...NOTHING ELSE.

At this point I pretty much knew that Michael Galli at Center BMW was just totally full of sh1t requiring me to order a moonroof with the car and trying to tack on other B.S. fees along with reneging on his original deal with me once he got me in the doors. It really angers me when I think about the time he wasted with me and all the B.S. he talked - I will follow up with complaints to the right people FOR SURE.

Franco accepted my deal via e-mail within a couple of days. I left several messages for him over a couple of days (maybe my one complaint is that he took a while to get back with me). Today he called and took my order with NO problems whatsoever - said he'd try to get it in before 11:30 tomorrow morning. I gave him my credit card # for the deposit and ordered the car that I have been trying to buy for a while now. He said that he'll send me a fax reflecting our deal and all of the negotiated points with his signature on it once the car is ordered - something that Center BMW said they never do and just "doesn't exist" - lying fu¢kers.

I feel now that it's too good to be true. I've had such a bad experience so far that I told my wife today "until I have it parked in the driveway, I'm not going to get too excited". O.K., that's sort of a lie, because I'm excited as hell!!!

Thanks for your recommendation Jon, I told Franco that you sent me. I'll update here as to the outcome.

Jon S.

10-08-2003, 11:02 PM

racerdave

10-09-2003, 10:09 AM

Cool! Glad it worked out after all the cr@p.

SupraRZ

10-11-2003, 05:15 AM

Someone lost a sale, you should roll up to the old dealership and say hi when you get your car =)

Hester

10-11-2003, 09:17 AM

Someone lost a sale, you should roll up to the old dealership and say hi when you get your car =)

HA!

Yeah, I've thought about doing that!

Just another quick update. Franco took my order late in the day on Oct. 8th. He called me back the very next morning with a production number. He also faxed me a price sheet that reflected our negotiated terms and any fees that would be added (an "off the lot" price) - he initialed it and so did I - this was important to me, to know that the price wouldn't change when I took delivery.

So, now I'm doing the "ordered car" ritual...sigining in to "owners circle" a couple of times a day to see if the status has changed - scouring the internet every evening to find out more information about the car, the factory and anything else! Yes, "the wait" is as painful as I've read in other threads. My production date is set right now for Oct. 24th.

I do have a question, if anyone could answer it: My model code is 0448 (SULEV), I presume because I live in California. Is there a way to find out exacty which factory my car will be built at? I assume it's the Munich plant.

Thanks,

Eric

racerdave

10-11-2003, 12:51 PM

I believe that code is for the Rosslyn, South Africa plant.

The 325i's built in Munich's code is 0444.

nealh

10-11-2003, 05:31 PM

I believe that code is for the Rosslyn, South Africa plant.

The 325i's built in Munich's code is 0444.

What you experienced was really sad and I would expect a GM etc..but not an upscale luxury dealership..I have always noticed the difference i ntreatment and will not deal with the sleazy salesman..If I want that I can go to chevy...

Personally BMW salesman have always just been arrogant never like that ...

I am very happy t ohear you got someone nice in the end was stand up..congrats and good luck

SARAFIL

10-11-2003, 06:11 PM

I believe that code is for the Rosslyn, South Africa plant.

The 325i's built in Munich's code is 0444.

SA cars are 0445. 0444 is a normal, German built 325. 0448 is a SULEV 325, also made in Germany.

racerdave

10-12-2003, 09:02 AM

Thanks for clarifying Sarafil! :)

MG67

10-13-2003, 11:48 AM

I do have a question, if anyone could answer it: My model code is 0448 (SULEV), I presume because I live in California. Is there a way to find out exacty which factory my car will be built at? I assume it's the Munich plant."

I was just reading your hassles with BMW dealers around LA. Good to know we are not the only ones! My wife wanted to trade her 328i sedan last Februari and we went to Century West, Assael, Irvine, Steve Thomas etc. Were it came down to is that we went to Assael to actually buy "a" car. Our choice was the X5 or the 330 (coupe or sedan), we walked up together and we were greeted by a guy from Greece (nothing bad about Greek people by the way), totally ignoring my wife and only speaking with me he was trying to sell the car to me... My wife drove a couple of cars and we decided to leave. Driving back home my wife called Assael BMW and asked for the sales manager and explained the way the sales person was treating her. The sales manager ask us to come back in and deal with another sales person, much better. We ended up buying a 330ci coupe, which ended up being a problem car from the get go...

Cadd

10-21-2003, 08:10 PM

Hester, I'm glad everything worked out for you.

BTW, I think I saw an ad for the first dealer you went to....ah, here it is:

http://www.turbois300.com/home/videos/carAd.wmv

Riuster

11-14-2003, 11:32 AM

I hear your story, I wanted to get the M3 in 2002..none around..so i saw one at PACE, but I wanted SMG....and asked the salesman Mike Weber in PACE BMW in NJ, he kinda gave me the rub off.....like I had questions, but he made me feel like a pauper, thinking.what is this kid going to buy a 60K car, no way, although i look young, but im 35 years old...for christs sake....honestly he was an ASS, so i went to BMW of manhattan, a carbon black smg came in the day before and the Sales guy Anthony Cacossa worked with me...he really worked with me..and NOW its in my garage..

Some dealers and some Sales guys..are just **********S..... :thumbdwn:

Plaz

11-14-2003, 11:48 AM

Franco rocks. Have nothing but good things to say, still, about my Cutter experience. Well, except they wouldn't throw in the floor mats :rolleyes:

doeboy

11-14-2003, 01:07 PM

Franco rocks. Have nothing but good things to say, still, about my Cutter experience. Well, except they wouldn't throw in the floor mats :rolleyes:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Mr Paddle.Shift

11-14-2003, 02:50 PM

The catch is that Nick Alexander BMW is located in a VERY bad area of Los Angeles.

Why almost everyone has to think that Nick Alexander BMW is such a no-no place to visit? :dunno: What's with the gang shootings, bums sleeping and car hijacking at traffic stops in that part of LA? Watch too much Fox 11 I presume?

I have driven there in my BMW countless of times. Even parked by the streets for a couple of tacos. If Nick Alex BMW is giving you a chance for a good deal, you should at least give them a chance to serve you. My experiences with Nick Alex have been very pleasant. I was offered to test drive Alpina Z8, 760il, Z4 with no obligations. I was given free products by the parts department to test out. Even got a free Nick Alex polo tee. No other dealerships I have dealt with even give me freebies during holiday seasons. :tsk:

Mdk330i

11-14-2003, 08:25 PM

Why almost everyone has to think that Nick Alexander BMW is such a no-no place to visit? :dunno: What's with the gang shootings, bums sleeping and car hijacking at traffic stops in that part of LA? Watch too much Fox 11 I presume?

I have driven there in my BMW countless of times. Even parked by the streets for a couple of tacos. If Nick Alex BMW is giving you a chance for a good deal, you should at least give them a chance to serve you. My experiences with Nick Alex have been very pleasant. I was offered to test drive Alpina Z8, 760il, Z4 with no obligations. I was given free products by the parts department to test out. Even got a free Nick Alex polo tee. No other dealerships I have dealt with even give me freebies during holiday seasons. :tsk:

I have to agree. It's not like it's a war zone on Alameda Street. I've been there many times for parts and service. Just don't drive there after dark and you'll be fine.

BTW, how do I get freebies from the parts department?

Plaz

11-14-2003, 08:56 PM

I have to agree. It's not like it's a war zone on Alameda Street. I've been there many times for parts and service. Just don't drive there after dark and you'll be fine.

There's a girl in my office who won't get off the freeway anywhere east of LaBrea. :rolleyes:

AndDown

11-17-2003, 09:50 PM

Hi Hester, Nov. 25 is coming up fast - hope you get your car before the holidays! :thumbup: Not to burst the bubble but which dealership are you planning on bringing your car in for servicing? Just curious!

Hester

11-17-2003, 10:07 PM

Hi AndDown,

Noticed you are in Redlands...I was just there about a month ago for a family reunion. Spent some time growin' up in beautiful Grand Terrace also :)

Car should be in Oxnard on the 27th last I checked. I should have it before Christmas at least - I figure between the 4th and the 15th of December.

About the service...I just don't know. I guess it depends on how urgent any issue I have with the car. Once again, Center BMW is literally, a couple of minutes from my house - but I hate the sales dept. there - I wonder if the service dept. is better and if they'll treat me alright since I didn't buy the car there? I prob. will definitely give them a try, but if they treat me like $hit, then I'll go somewhere else.

If it's not an urgent prob. and I have some time, I guess I'll take it up to Cutter? I'd rather take it to Cutter, 'cause they're straight forward and know their $hit - Franco has been real cool with me so far. Don't know, guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

"The Wait" is KILLING me. I can't freakin' wait for this damn car. I hope I'm not let down when I finally get it. I'm re-reading the manual and dreaming about it, etc.

Anyone try the iTrip with the iPod inside the 325i? I'm considering the Aux. Input, but if the iTrip works well I don't think I'll get it. I 've DEFINITELY decided on the BMW Universal Bluetooth - it's too cool to pass up.

Best,

Eric

jhc

11-24-2003, 08:07 PM

We all know Jon Shafer takes care of the BMW Community. You ROCK, Jon! :thumbup:

-J

Hester

12-12-2003, 12:59 AM

Hi All,

I pick up my car TOMORROW!!!

The wait, I've got to admit, went MUCH QUICKER than I originally expected!!! Yes...it was painfull though! My car arrived TWO MONTHS to the day of when I placed my order - Dec. 9th 2004 - and early Christmas and Birthday present!

Franco at Cutter has been GREAT so far, and I will certainly post a report on the delivery and pics of the car once I get it.

I had the Bluetooth and Aux. Stereo Input installed - I'm excited to play with both but am mostly excited about messing around with the navigation system!!! Can anyone tell me if having the Bluetooth phone mic installed will allow me to use some of the voice commands with the Navigation System?

This message board has been f'ing AWESOME so far and believe me that I'll be in the DIY and detailing sections FOR SURE once I get the car.

Best,

Eric

mickey513

12-14-2003, 07:03 PM

I live in CA and WTF is MACO FEE????

I know there is a tire fee, thats like a buck or so at ire.

And Hester, they took you for a ride on the interest rate. You should have asked to see what the bank or BMW finance or whoever the company was that made the loan to see the interest rate. I learned this from a car salesman. They will offer you a % rate usually higher then what you are approved for. You should ask to see the papers and what the rate the bank or whatever approved you for.

SARAFIL

12-14-2003, 07:09 PM

ccharmen

12-27-2003, 07:00 PM

Speaking of experinces of buying a BMW.

Let me say from experince, from buying 3 new BMW's and visting almost every BMW dealer in southern California.

Cutter Motor's is the best experince I ever had- thanks to Mark Cutter and Jon Shafer. Cutter Motor's deal straight, they focus on customer service, and NOT milking the customer.

Comment of other dealers:

Nick Alexander: the sales department is terrible, they play to many games. Bad experince. But I must admit, their service department is EXCELLENT, never had a problem, very easy to setup an appointment, sometimes next day.

Center BMW: I am very disappointed with them. I bought a brand new 4.4is $60k sticker X5 from them, I got $2k off sticker when I bought the car. One month later, I call the same sales guy to buy an M3. He quoted me $950 a month with $5k down on a $56k sticker (42 month lease). [at the same time most dealer's were asking $750 w/ $5k on $56 sticker] I was so shocked. I asked him why he was charging so much, he said because they could and had no reason to sell me the M3 because other people were willing to pay. After he said that, I chewed him out big time. What ever happend to treating repeating customers well. Took my business elsewhere, 3 weeks later I bought a $60k M3 for a lot cheaper at another dealer. Stay away from Center BMW.

Motown328

12-29-2003, 08:37 PM

Hester dude.....sorry about your experience, but you shouldn't be :nono::nono::nono::nono::nono:ing about it. You let Galli or whatever his name was walk all over you. You need to have gone in there, and the moment he was uncooperative about agreeing to the deal you had originally gone in to make, YOU WALK THE F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!! END OF FRIGGIN' STORY!!! The moment that didn't infuriate you enough (it should have) to make you walk, he knew you could be pushed around. And then you go in there without previously been accepted for credit only makes you look more a push-over. If you have such great credit, go to www.eloan.com and get 3.99% for 60 and f the dealers dude.

Never stay in any dealer once they retrace their steps or cross you in any way, no matter how small.....especially when you said there were 23!!!!! BMW dealers in your area!!! MY GOD!!!

redrum

05-20-2008, 10:31 AM

Anthony Cacossa was articulate and professional on my purschase.

Alumac

05-21-2008, 11:24 AM

Anthony Cacossa was articulate and professional on my purschase.

How on earth did you dig up a 5 year old thread, and then reply to it????
:throw: