St Helens Ford Auto Center in Oregon Price Gouging

[Sheepchops]

My 78 year old Disable Vietnam vet ordered a 2022 Maverick back in June 2021. It has finally been built 14 month later. Should be delivered around the 15 month mark. Now the dealer (St Helens Ford auto center) has surprised him with a $10k markup. They flat out said they already have other dealers ready to buy it for 12-13k over MSRP and he should have picked a different dealer if he didn't want a mark up. I feel like they used his license and signature to get a order verified in the order banks, just to screw him over after the long wait.

Anyone have suggestions?

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[uga]

See if there is a local TV station investigative reporter that might be interested.

https://www.sthelensfordoregon.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=GMB_Organic

Treating a Disabled Vet this way is just not right!

 

[APD]

what paper work did he sign? what were the terms of the agreement? If he signed something that says "dealer may add....." or anything like that, he may not have many options. However contacting Ford customer service would certainly be a first step.

 

[Sheepchops]

See if there is a local TV station investigative reporter that might be interested.

I might do that ina couple weeks. I am going to see if Ford can do anything. Will be surprised if Ford even responds.

 

[Sheepchops]

what paper work did he sign? what were the terms of the agreement? If he signed something that says "dealer may add....." or anything like that, he may not have many options. However contacting Ford customer service would certainly be a first step.

He said all he signed was the DORA and gave his deposit and copy of DL

 

[uga]

Ford does not have any control over their dealer network, public opinion and outrage is the way to go.

Better yet, Ford should just give him one !

 

[roger carignan]

I applaud you for calling this to our attention.

My 78 year old Disable Vietnam vet ordered a 2022 Maverick back in June 2021. It has finally been built 14 month later. Should be delivered around the 15 month mark. Now the dealer (St Helens Ford auto center) has surprised him with a $10k markup. They flat out said they already have other dealers ready to buy it for 12-13k over MSRP and he should have picked a different dealer if he didn't want a mark up. I feel like they used his license and signature to get a order verified in the order banks, just to screw him over after the long wait.

Anyone have suggestions?

There is a special place in hell for unethical, greedy, avaricious dealers. Glad you called this one out. Doubtful you will get the truck at MSRP. Of course they used your order to get a vehicle that Ford intentionally sold direct to customer. I walked away from my first order over a $1300 'admin fee' For my second order I got it in writing that the dealership would not layer on bogus fees and I am enjoying an XL that I got for MSRP.

 

[Deleted member 6544]

Also I'd call your state's attorney general.

 

[Johnkn]

So he ordered the truck and never signed anything stating the price?


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[Ron Neal]

Not a lot of information given here and there are always 3 side to a story, yours, mine and the truth. If they promised to sell at MSRP or some other number does he have a copy of the orig order agreement? (probably not binding). If the dealer is just adding the 10k because they can you might try going to the dealer's general manager and complain and also contact Ford. Next social media and possibly your local newspaper or TV station. Everybody loves a juicy story but you want to have your ducks in a row otherwise it can bow up in your face. I can see the headlines now: Disabled veteran screwed by local Ford Dealer.

 

[APD]

Ford does not have any control over their dealer network, public opinion and outrage is the way to go.

Actually they do have some influence, but not complete control. Ford put limits on dealers who do stuff like this. They made a rule that 75% of new car purchases must be delivered to the customer who ordered it, or the dealership will lose its allotment. This is going up to 80% in 2023.
Ford also gave warnings to dealerships who were taking huge deposits for f150 lightnings.
Ford is also going to separate into two companies, EV and ICE, and eventually eliminate the dealership model of purchasing. They are moving toward the Tesla sales model.
Dealerships face fines for selling demo models.
But yeah, dealers can also do shady stuff, and making it public is likely one of the best paths.

 

[QuesoEnFuego]

I once bought a car at St Helens Ford. Can confirm: slimy bastards.

 

[Dano]

Also I'd call your state's attorney general.

I would call the state's attorney general:
https://justice.oregon.gov/consumerssearch/

lots of complaints against St Helens auto center.....add to the list!

 

[Feldgary53]

That dealership is slimy as hell no question. I will never deal with them again after the cluster F sale of a new Ranger last year. You can't trust a Ford dealer that does their business in the Dodge store showroom next door. It left a lasting impression and I sold the truck a few months later partly to rid myself of the bad vibe but with the intention of ordering a Maverick elsewhere but we all know what a fiasco that has turned into. Went back to a Ranger for now until it settles down. Best of luck with your situation and agree with the idea of notifying Ford corporate asap.

 

[Sheepchops]

That dealership is slimy as hell no question. I will never deal with them again after the cluster F sale of a new Ranger last year. You can't trust a Ford dealer that does their business in the Dodge store showroom next door. It left a lasting impression and I sold the truck a few months later partly to rid myself of the bad vibe but with the intention of ordering a Maverick elsewhere but we all know what a fiasco that has turned into. Went back to a Ranger for now until it settles down. Best of luck with your situation and agree with the idea of notifying Ford corporate asap.

Thanks. Wish he order from my dealer in Washington. They were all above board.

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