The Quest of Buying My Soul
Last year I purchase a new car, a rare experience for me, as used is usually my path of choice. Thinking it would be simpler to screen dealers, first online I put out a request to 3 dealerships for a quote. I knew exactly what I wanted, and requested a quote as the best price was the only variable for my purchase. Simple right? Not quite. I came across some old emails that tell the story of dealing with a real *&$$##??**#!! of a car dealer. As always, I do try to deal with such people with grace and respect but this guy was really a test of that practice.
Response #1
Hi S!
This is M., Product Specialist and KIA ELITE
GOLD in Sales in 2015, at the #1 KIA Dealer in the District
in 2014. I would appreciate the opportunity to assist you
during your information gathering process as well as
providing you the opportunity to take a No-obligation Test
Drive in a KIA SOUL that you are interested in purchasing. I
guarantee you a pleasurable car shopping experience with me,
so schedule a time to visit our showroom and pick the one
you want. I will help you get a good deal!
- In 2014 L. KIA was the #1 KIA dealer in the entire
district with more than 700 new KIAs sold during the year
and #2 in 2015. Currently L. KIAs new car inventory is among the
largest in Pennsylvania. Our Service Advisor at L. KIA, is
currently #7 in the country for Customer Satisfaction and
our Service department has received many accolades for their
top performance.
- Kindly let me know your contact preference (phone, text,
or email) and the best time of day to communicate with you.
- Please know that I work by appointment only, but I am
available to you anytime via my cell phone. Kyle, please let
me know your trade information. I am off today, however, we
can schedule an appointment for later on this week. It
sounds like we will be able to make a deal.
I very much look forward to meeting you and getting you into
a vehicle.
Sincerely, Dr. M.
My Response to #1
Thank you, M, for responding to my inquiry. I am aware of L. Kia’s reputation, as I have done my research. I had requested a quote, and prefer to have one via email, before visiting your dealership. I was looking for a 2015 kia soul base with manual transmission, no specific color. With the right deal I would consider a 2016 model. Not thinking of trade in at this point. Thanks again for your timely response, and I await your quote.
Sincerely, S.
Ps: you may want to change name used in body of this letter, as I prefer S, not Kyle. ;)
Response #2:February 25, 2016
To S.
Automatic reply: M. L. KIA Request for information
My Response;02/26/16
All I ask is for a quote via email. There was no message in this automatic reply. I really prefer a quote first as that is what I requested. As a result of my request I am swamped with phone calls-something i was trying to avoid. If I receive a quote that is suitable to me from L. Kia, I will call you with additional questions. Based on your inventory at this time, and listed prices, nothing seems of interest when compared to others. I will be purchasing a Kia Soul by next Sunday. Thanks for your time and understanding my request. — S
Response #3;February 27, 2016
Hi S!
I understand that you want a quote on a KIA Soul from me. I told you that I would sell you a Soul for $1 above cost less all applicable rebates that you qualify for from KIA. I deal straight up and make it easy for customers and that is why I sold 32 cars this month. I seriously doubt that any other dealership will touch my deal and I am confident that no one will provide you with the service that I will provide you. I think we should set up a time for next week, I am off Tuesday, and have you come in and pick out your new KIA Soul. By the way, I have one and love it. Sorry about all those phone calls and emails from other dealers. They are appointment makers. I don’t operate like them. I will meet with you when you come in, demonstrate the car, and make a deal with you
Let me know the day and time that works best for you.
Respectfully,
M
My Response #3:02/27/16 at 2:32 PM
Thanks for your input. First, you have never answered my initial inquiry for a quote. Second — Could you translate what a dollar above cost less rebates means in an actual cost? It would be more helpful. If you need more info let me know. To refresh your memory Looking for a manual transmission, base. $3000, down. If there is a deal on a 2015, better than a 2016 then that will do as well. I am a minimalist, so not into amenities, just a dependable means of transportation. Color is not a priority. Have excellent credit rating. — S
ps: congratulations on your sales record.
Response #4
My apologies S. Our manager was out last week and it was the end of the month. I figured we could work on your deal this week. With $3000 down + $1500 going through KIA for 75 months at 3.9% =$199/ month. And I checked for you, it it better to go that way than with the $750 rebate and lower interest rate. White, black, or Alien Green. Again my apologies.
Respectfully, M
My Response#4: 03/02/16
Still unanswered: What is the actual price of the car? ie: what I wanted to know from the beginning.-S.
On second thought, having enough of the BS I wrote:
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
To: M
M, Thank you but I have eliminated purchasing my new Kia from L. Kia as an option. Please remove from your contact list. — S
S,
May I ask why?
M.
To Dr. M. 03/02/16
I got the impression you are too busy to really read what I have been requesting. Don’t feel you were in tune with me but more about reaching your own sales goals. I know what I wanted, requested a dollar and cents quote, and have not received it. I would have been a very simple sale, if you just provided what I asked for, nothing more, nothing less. I am a social worker, and always spend much time understanding what a person is requesting of me, guess I expect the same of others. Slow down Dr. M., get to know your customers better they really are not interested in you sales record or ego. Kind regards, S.
Then the Unbelievable Responses that followed:
Sent: Thu, Mar 3
Good Thursday Morning S!!
The MSRP is $16,935
I am charging you $16,835.
4 oil changes and a full tank of gas included.
I have to get car from our sister store, today, to deliver to you Saturday.
M.
Hi S!
Are you intending to come in Friday or Saturday to pick up your 2016 Kia Soul 6 speed? Are you intending on trading anything and are you planning on Financing? M.
My Response:
Excuse me?????? I did not agree to buy a car from you. As I said, please take me off your contact list my Soul will be purchased elsewhere.
I then blocked the guy from my email contacts. Surprisingly, he has a doctorate in education — fortunate for us he is not teaching our children!
I purchased my Soul on March 6, 2016 for $2000 less than Dr. M’s quote. And yes, I am very content within my soul.
