SoCal dealer South Bay Ford sold my dad's Maverick without telling us it arrived

[BradnChristine]

My order was the Dealer's FIRST MAVERICK ORDER. My down payment was $500, which I was HAPPY to pay. Man, if you sign a contract and put NOTHING down, you are almost LOOKING for trouble, in this day and age. When you put a deposit down, you literally have a SALES AGREEMENT in your hand. I hope everything works out for everybody.
..

I agree and always recommended that folks put something down. They made my 2023 purchase simple (well, it was a cancelled VIN rollover, but that wasn't on them) under X-Plan, and I ordered the 2024 for my wife also under X-plan.

I think a dealer would have a harder time converting an X-plan order into their dealer stock, but my dealer has proven trustworthy to me. Learning about X-plan, it is the only way I'd buy a Ford in the future. Doesn't save more than about $1000 here, but even the window sticker reports that it is a custom X-plan order.

But best believe I will not wait a month after "built" to check in with the dealer. Mine is sitting near the railroad tracks in Mexico and altho the tracker still shows being built 11/30 as of the tracker's 12/1 update, I know it will likely ship this week. I'll be watching.

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[atldump]

sad, some dealers do this..

 

[Tim d]

I posted last month about how South Bay Ford refused to install my options (my 16 month old order). They threatened to sell to someone else that same day if I didn't take it as-is. (I gave in.) That sort of ruined Thanksgiving.

Well, a month later, they ruined Christmas, selling my dad's order without even notifying us. The GM's excuse: "you already bought one." This was a confirmed, signed order I'd paid a deposit on.

Here's the whole maddening episode, if you want to go on a blood-boiling journey with me. South Bay Ford has screwed me over now on 2 of 2 orders. (The first was previously detailed here, and was mostly resolved until this.)

Note: I’m a former investigative journalist, so I’ve been documenting when dealerships are sleazy. I hate that I have to be like this, but it’s now been very helpful to have notes when I contacted Ford CEO Jim Farley (who responded to me, by the way. I have a feeling this dealer took vengeance by selling my dad's order).

So here’s the story:

Back in June 2022, I contacted South Bay Ford in Southern California to place a Maverick order for me and my dad both. South Bay Ford (which reviews and some of you have indicated was relatively good) took two deposits (of $100 each). When MULTIPLE sales people stopped responding to my emails I demanded both be refunded. Two days later, the sales person emailed me “The order banks have opened. Would you like to place an order? Sorry I dropped the ball on you.” As Ford announced it was closing Maverick orders, I thought, why not? The sales person again asked me to “Please sign two.” For me and my dad. Then charged my credit card $500, inexplicably. When I asked, I was told in writing: “Ford requires for a build to be $500.00 100% refundable deposit… Ford verifies that you are a legitimate client, and not the dealership just placing orders to gain inventory.”

Provable lies, as anyone here knows.

As order books had now closed, and this was maybe mh only chance at a Maverick, I didn’t reply. A few months pass, and they try to sell me marked up Mavericks other customers didn't pick up. I decline.

I asked for them to make changes to both orders, for me and my dad’s specs. They agreed this time and had me sign updated forms. They again went silent for nearly 6 months until November, when my Maverick order actually shipped.

This begins my first Maverick order #0500, as described in the other thread. I am also notified around this time that my dad's order, #0515, will be arriving soon.

In short, they hadn't installed my options, and South Bay Ford’s sales manager Gabino Barerra called me unreasonable for asking that it be done, and then threatened to sell my Maverick if I didn’t take it as-is (without their dealer add-ons being installed). I can hardly describe the level of dishonesty on this guy, but here's him at his best on the South Bay Ford website:

Not wanting to lose my Maverick, I gave in — and sales agent Jose Perez asked me what I would do with my other order coming in soon. I said my dad wanted a Maverick.

Fairly frustrated at being out $500 for options not installed, I also said “or I might just try to flip it for a profit.” I probably shouldn’t have taunted a sleazy company with that, as they are truly the professionals at screwing customers. And they would again!

Alright, well a week passes. I report my first experience to Ford, Jim Farley personally, Mike Levine, several others. Farley's office calls me. Levine emails me. The dealership GM finally emails ann apology an offers to pay me for the add-ons they didn’t install, and give me a maintenance package. He says he’s meeting with Gabino Barerra to make sure it won’t happen again. What would be the odds, right?

So, I get the email from Ford that my other Maverick is on the way to the dealership, and they'll notify me when it's ready. A month passes. I noticed the South Bay website lists it online for sale (with a “call for price”) note on it. I email the GM and Jose to ask about when it’ll be available, and if I can get it for my dad by Xmas. Jose says it's there and he's going to check on it.

The VIN for that one is 3FTTW8M37RRA14909. The next time I checked it said "SO

I sent this (above) screenshot and asked if it was a mistake. GM Adolfo Toledo responds to say "has been Sold already we did not know you want 2nd Maverick since you already bought one. Look like everyone got the impression you not buying this one."

My dad is supremely mad at this dealership for not only screwing me (which I whined about loud enough for them to make right), but now also him. He will not be getting his order (waited two years for) which he has come to fall in love with.

I suspect that South Bay did this on purpose, to get me back for complaining about them not doing my (fully paid) add-ons. But, perhaps it's just a coincidence that they did exactly what they'd threatened me with a month before.

TLDR: these were both COVP confirmed rollover orders from two years ago. They used my drivers license and signatures to confirm an order multiple times, and then they sold to someone else without telling me, as Ford told me they would.

So here are my conclusions as an investigative journalist:

1. Dealers are abusing Ford’s drivers license verification system, so they can gain more inventory, which sells at a markup, and simply tell Ford that the customer canceled the order. This is lying, cheating, and in some ways also stealing.
2. This dealership was aware before, during and after I visited them that I wanted this order. They were certainly aware or should have been aware, and opted to sell it instead.
3. This is a big problem for Ford as well. Ford assures customers that “Your dealer will inspect your vehicle and contact you to arrange a pickup time when it’s ready," which did not happen here.
4. How can customers buy a vehicle without having Gabino Barerra (a sales manager!) try to bend you over and yell at you as being unreasonable for asking for what you paid for? Or Jose Perez lie to you repeatedly, or GM Adolfo Toledo then sell another order out from under you.
5. South Bay Ford deserves to be cut off from Ford entirely. SoCal would be better off having one less Ford dealer. (The problem obviously is that many others are sleazy too.)

TLDR: South Bay Ford threatened to sell my first order to someone else at markup (if I didn't take it without them doing their add-ons I paid Ford for, which are still not installed). And then, after the GM was aware, they actually did sell my dad's Maverick to someone else.

Not much I can do at this point but try to make people aware of their scam. If you happen to have an order there, DO NOT BE AFRAID to ride them very closely to make sure you actually get your order.

Just wow. My 23 maverick took 8 months for delivery and the dealership required no deposit. Good for you putting them on blast.

 

[710-oil-614]

I agree and always recommended that folks put something down. They made my 2023 purchase simple (well, it was a cancelled VIN rollover, but that wasn't on them) under X-Plan, and I ordered the 2024 for my wife also under X-plan.

I think a dealer would have a harder time converting an X-plan order into their dealer stock, but my dealer has proven trustworthy to me. Learning about X-plan, it is the only way I'd buy a Ford in the future. Doesn't save more than about $1000 here, but even the window sticker reports that it is a custom X-plan order.

But best believe I will not wait a month after "built" to check in with the dealer. Mine is sitting near the railroad tracks in Mexico and altho the tracker still shows being built 11/30 as of the tracker's 12/1 update, I know it will likely ship this week. I'll be watching.

Do you have a picture of your window sticker where it says "custom X-plan order?"

There are are green "special order" window stickers which is what 99% of MTC members probably have because it was an order placed for a customer by the dealer. OP had two "special order" green window stickers for his and his Dad's Mavericks.

Blue window stickers are retail/dealer stock units which a dealer received allocation for and placed.

But the green "special order" window stickers don't lock the vehicle into a specific customer - it is still issued to the dealership and ultimately their discretion to play games or not.

X-plan only applies to vehicle pricing - and it is not listed on the window sticker as that has MSRP pricing. Dealerships who participate in the Ford plan pricing (A,Z,X) can't deny you the pricing if you are eligible and the vehicle is eligible. However, the dealer files the appropriate paperwork and it effectively reduces the price they pay for the vehicle. A dealership doesn't take a hit because they have to sell the vehicle for Plan pricing. They lose the chance to sell it for a greater profit, but they still profit from a Plan vehicle sale.

Unfortunately though - informing the dealer that you are eligible for Plan pricing when you order a vehicle provides you no additional protections.

I think that dealers who participate in Plan pricing (it is not a requirement) are probably on the better end of Ford dealers to start with.

 

[BradnChristine]

Do you have a picture of your window sticker where it says "custom X-plan order?"

There are are green "special order" window stickers which is what 99% of MTC members probably have because it was an order placed for a customer by the dealer. OP had two "special order" green window stickers for his and his Dad's Mavericks.

Blue window stickers are retail/dealer stock units which a dealer received allocation for and placed.

But the green "special order" window stickers don't lock the vehicle into a specific customer - it is still issued to the dealership and ultimately their discretion to play games or not.

X-plan only applies to vehicle pricing - and it is not listed on the window sticker as that has MSRP pricing. Dealerships who participate in the Ford plan pricing (A,Z,X) can't deny you the pricing if you are eligible and the vehicle is eligible. However, the dealer files the appropriate paperwork and it effectively reduces the price they pay for the vehicle. A dealership doesn't take a hit because they have to sell the vehicle for Plan pricing. They lose the chance to sell it for a greater profit, but they still profit from a Plan vehicle sale.

Unfortunately though - informing the dealer that you are eligible for Plan pricing when you order a vehicle provides you no additional protections.

I think that dealers who participate in Plan pricing (it is not a requirement) are probably on the better end of Ford dealers to start with.

You are mistaken.
Besides the two colors of window stickers indicating Dealer Stock, there are "Order Types" reported on the WS. Here are my 2 X-Plan window stickers, with MSRP listed:
2023 (delivered) and 2024 (in build process):

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

You are mistaken.
Besides the two colors of window stickers indicating Dealer Stock, there are "Order Types" reported on the WS. Here are my 2 X-Plan window stickers, with MSPR listed:
2023 (delivered) and 2024 (in build process):

And mine shows the Z-Plan that I used,,,,

HRG

 

[Skandren]

I walked into my dealer in Florida and ordered my Maverick. The salesman kept looking at my side (I carry) I told him about all the horror stories I have heard on here. He said "I assure you it won't happen here". My maverick came on time they called me as it was being unloaded from the train. They called me when it arrived at the dealership. They let me drive it around the parking lot 15 minutes later. It was rushed into service I picked it up the next morning. EVERY purchase should be like this. and the dealer SHOULD be reminded it's your money and this is how it will go no exceptions. You make that dealership without you their would be no dealership.

 

[BrianW]

Google allows the business owner to submit a dispute/remove request on comments for various reasons.

Common reason to use and be granted by Google is that the reviewer was not a customer, so it can then be deleted.

I would not agree with the dealership claiming you were not a customer, since you had a signed contract with the dealership and gave deposit money.

The fact that they breached the contract, and misappropriated your order doesn't support the dealerships alleged "not a customer" claim.

I would enquire with Google why your review was removed. I would expect Google would reinstate the review if the dealership lied to Google to get your review removed.

 

[710-oil-614]

You are mistaken.
Besides the two colors of window stickers indicating Dealer Stock, there are "Order Types" reported on the WS. Here are my 2 X-Plan window stickers, with MSRP listed:
2023 (delivered) and 2024 (in build process):

Interesting. I definitely got X-Plan pricing and my DORA form had X-Plan pricing on it but my item # is not X:

Regardless, I'll stick to the fact that X-plan does not make it any more difficult for the dealer to sell it.

 

[BradnChristine]

Interesting. I definitely got X-Plan pricing and my DORA form had X-Plan pricing on it but my item # is not X:

Regardless, I'll stick to the fact that X-plan does not make it any more difficult for the dealer to sell it.

My 2024 DORA shows ALL of the available program prices, but that doesn't matter...they ordered it as X-Plan and is so designated to Ford at the time of ordering, as shown by the WS Order type. My 2023 had the A, Z and D plan pricing redacted.

 

[BlueOval1954]

Looks like South Bay Ford is having their negative Google Reviews deleted.

I have been following this post and have seen 3 Negative reviews on Google specifically about this event.

Love it.
That's what the dealer has earned and deserves.

However, as of this post, all 3 have disappeared from Google Reviews.

South Bay Ford actively concealing their actions.

Maybe they are using Reputation Defender.

 

[BlueOval1954]

I walked into my dealer in Florida and ordered my Maverick. The salesman kept looking at my side (I carry) I told him about all the horror stories I have heard on here. He said "I assure you it won't happen here". My maverick came on time they called me as it was being unloaded from the train. They called me when it arrived at the dealership. They let me drive it around the parking lot 15 minutes later. It was rushed into service I picked it up the next morning. EVERY purchase should be like this. and the dealer SHOULD be reminded it's your money and this is how it will go no exceptions. You make that dealership without you their would be no dealership.

Are you trying to tell us that by you packing it made the salesman nervous ?

 

[BlueOval1954]

Check out Granger Motors in Granger IA. I heard that they have had customers from all 50 states buy vehicles from them. No messing around, No games. They may be inconveniently located, but well worth the trip. Fly in's welcome. And no, I'm not an employee, just a happy customer.

 

[KevCuRaoi]

Interesting. I definitely got X-Plan pricing and my DORA form had X-Plan pricing on it but my item # is not X:

Regardless, I'll stick to the fact that X-plan does not make it any more difficult for the dealer to sell it.

1 is the code for normal "retail" orders. The only difference between ordering as "1" or "x" that I know of, is that you can't see the xplan pricing from the wbdo preview if you order as "1".

You don't need the vehicle ordered as x or z plan to get that pricing if eligible. I can't say that I understand the function of ordering 1 vs x, or a/z/d!

 

[XL Hybrid Cactus Gray]

Maybe they are using Reputation Defender.

Update:

As of this post, 5 negative Google reviews have all popped back up about South Bay Ford and this event.

All have a copy and paste type response from a person named Lori.

1 even calls out the poster, saying I can't find you as a customer in our system, but call us for help.

At least they couldn't hide the negative reviews forever.

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