Bait and Switch ...You be the judge

[MaverickX2]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

I have seen this too many times in Florida and the price difference upon arriving scam as well. But I would rather share a story that was the complete opposite of this for those whom get discouraged at a dealer. We stopped in to price a Maverick only to price and the salesman said that he understood that we were not there to buy. He went out of his way to answer all my questions and give me all of the information needed to make a smart choice when I was ready. He heard my budget and came up with not only a reasonable price but unbelievably great price. I didn’t know about the employee pricing that was offered and he pointed it out. Now I figured after dealing with car salesman that they were going to lowball my trade and make their money on the backside but no they gave me the exact amount offered by CarMax for an outright sale of the car which was true market value. Then I suspected warranty sales and dealer fees but none. I was shocked and they located the Eruption green I wanted from another dealer and agreed to the deal on the spot. It took one day for the truck to get to the dealer and I bought it. The dealer was Ballentine Ford in Greenwood, SC and the salesman was Shorty. Never before was a car purchase this easy so don’t get discouraged out there just say no and get up and go
elsewhere!

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[Merrick]

BTW I was looking at a 2026 Hybrid XL and they were pushing their 2025s. I bought one a couple of days later at an out of state dealer.

How did you do on your 2025? I have a 2025 Lariat and love it. I know you will be happy with it.

 

[bobguilliams]

Again, you made this needlessly complicated. I would not have even left my house unless the sale was 100% complete. If they refused then you know to avoid that dealership.

I'm in NY and I purchased my Mustang GT convertible from a dealership in Florida. It was a spec that was very difficult to find so I knew I'd likely have to travel. I had the dealership send me a detailed buyers order with an out the door price. They sent it and they had added some kind of paint protection nonsense and some other extra warranty. I told them I didn't want any add ons and to remove the extra nonsense and I would buy the car. After some initial reluctance they agreed, sent a new buyers order and they overnighted me the paperwork to sign. We then worked out payment and I flew down and picked it up a week later and drove it home. I certainly wasn't going to fly to Florida with the hope of coming home with a car.

Just for balance here, let me share a different experience. I needed a truck for work in my new job, but wasn’t in a big hurry. In January of 2025, I couldn’t find a Maverick AWD Hybrid in any color, much less white. Preferring to buy locally, I went to Gosch Ford in Temecula and they ordered one for me according to a configuration sheet that gave a price but was unsigned and didn’t even have the dealer’s name on it. The truck finally arrived on the last day of AUGUST. When the dealer presented me with the price, it was nearly $2,000 higher.
I mentioned this to the dealer and they asked me if I had a copy of the price quoted in January and I gave them the unsigned configuration sheet. They said …”we’ll honor that price.” NO PUSHBACK, no hesitation. This is unique in
My experience and I have actually worked for two different Ford Dealerships in my life.

and, since the two dealer installed options could not be installed due to lack of parts, I waited two months and then went in and asked for a refund. Again, ZERO pushback, and no hesitation. This is a dealership that says what they mean and mean what they say. I brought a check for the purchase from my credit union and was $676 short so I gave the F&i guy seven $100 bills. He didn’t have the change and said he’d send me a check. He didn’t and it arrived promptly without any further action on my part.

 

[BillB]

Newbie here. I can tell you I have been hunting a Maverick off and on for three years. My wife finally told me to buy one or shut up LOL. I negotiated my deal entirely on line. They even found me mine in another state. Really a no hassle deal. First truck I've bought since my 2003 F-150. I've only driven this Maverick 3 times since I took delivery. I added a Weather Tech cover on the bed and Weather Tech floor mats. Added the tail gate assist and a couple of thing for the cab. The only aggravating thing is that the owners manual is "on line". I know I can get one printed at a local print shop, but it would be nice to have one in my hand. Not to mention one with a lot of pictures LOL.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

I bought a Corvette in Wisconsin while living in
Washington all over the internet. Local dealers were not willing to negotiate with prices over MSRP. Wisconsin was. Ordered the spoiler and had it painted and installed before I flew in. Got more options than I expected and they put it on a transport to show up at my driveway. Even after paying for the shipping we saved over $10000.

 

[dcguilbert]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

 

[mr mojo risen]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

Just getting started on this thread.... Name them and shame them....

 

[MaverickDragon]

The only aggravating thing is that the owners manual is "on line". I know I can get one printed at a local print shop, but it would be nice to have one in my hand. Not to mention one with a lot of pictures LOL.

Here is a link to a 2025 Maverick Owners Manual in searchable PDF file format.
Keep it on a laptop and it's a lot easier to use than a paper document.
If there are specific pages, just print those and save a couple of trees.
It's 568 pages !

 

[Waterick]

I have seen this too many times in Florida and the price difference upon arriving scam as well. But I would rather share a story that was the complete opposite of this for those whom get discouraged at a dealer. We stopped in to price a Maverick only to price and the salesman said that he understood that we were not there to buy. He went out of his way to answer all my questions and give me all of the information needed to make a smart choice when I was ready. He heard my budget and came up with not only a reasonable price but unbelievably great price. I didn’t know about the employee pricing that was offered and he pointed it out. Now I figured after dealing with car salesman that they were going to lowball my trade and make their money on the backside but no they gave me the exact amount offered by CarMax for an outright sale of the car which was true market value. Then I suspected warranty sales and dealer fees but none. I was shocked and they located the Eruption green I wanted from another dealer and agreed to the deal on the spot. It took one day for the truck to get to the dealer and I bought it. The dealer was Ballentine Ford in Greenwood, SC and the salesman was Shorty. Never before was a car purchase this easy so don’t get discouraged out there just say no and get up and go
elsewhere!

Ordered my '24 as a '23 thru Shorty and had a great experience with the dealer. Just seems that Ford fell short on '23 model year deliveries. So far, service due to recalls and dead batteries has been good. Done my own oil changes and rotation.

 

[Hankgagnon]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

I got the same bullshit from some SHADY CON MEN at McGovern Ford in Saugus Mass, I was assured they had the 2 xl mavericks for like 23K Each I saw online were there at 6:30 AM. I drove 2.5 hours during rush hour to get there at 9:10. At 9:10 AM The SCUMBAG salesman at MCGOVERN FORD IN SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS told me both trucks were sold. I saw both of them on the lot outside. No sold signs on them. They were using them to bait people in because they were a hot item. I sat there for 5 minutes as he tried to sell me another piece of shit vehicle I did not want. I got up told him to FUCK OFF and walked out. Shady shit like that goes on all the time. That's 5 hours of my time I will never get back.

McGovern Ford in Saugus, Massachusetts (DO NOT GO THERE) unless you want to get swindled.

 

[MaverickX2]

I got the same bullshit from some SHADY CON MEN at McGovern Ford in Saugus Mass, I was assured they had the 2 xl mavericks for like 23K Each I saw online were there at 6:30 AM. I drove 2.5 hours during rush hour to get there at 9:10. At 9:10 AM The SCUMBAG salesman at MCGOVERN FORD IN SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS told me both trucks were sold. I saw both of them on the lot outside. No sold signs on them. They were using them to bait people in because they were a hot item. I sat there for 5 minutes as he tried to sell me another piece of shit vehicle I did not want. I got up told him to FUCK OFF and walked out. Shady shit like that goes on all the time. That's 5 hours of my time I will never get back.

McGovern Ford in Saugus, Massachusetts (DO NOT GO THERE) unless you want to get swindled.

Yup that’s straight up BS!

 

[Pointyears]

That’s not a bait and switch but sorry that happened and as others have stated a good dealership would hold the vehicle or allow a refundable deposit.

Also did you drive to purchase the out of state Maverick? If so you have factor that additional cost into your bottom line and wonder if it was worth the time to travel twice for the deal. How did you come up with $341 and change plus food as your real costs?

Regardless I hope you’re enjoying your new Maverick!

Interestingly, when I was looking at mine at an out of state dealer, another couple came in to look at the exact same Mav...only to be told that I was there first and I'd have to reject the deal we were in the midst of for them to even take it for a test ride, no playing one person against the other to get the most profit.
And, for the record, the woman kept on shooting me dirty looks.

 

[3Wheelin]

We have all probably been there. Smarmy salesman who knows he can sell you something you weren't interested in. Thinks the old 75 year old is a mark waiting to be convinced. Not caring the cost in time and .... well read on ...Ahhh so begins the tale:
We drove 4 1/2 hours based on assurances the truck would be ready and could close a deal right then. I offered a credit card to provide earnest money on the deal which was rejected and was sent a dealer Deal Sheet # 12619 listing all costs and final price. He had my cell phone number and I was on time. He waited until I was seated and told me the truck was sold 20 minutes earlier. Then he and a sales manager? tried to sell me a truck that I repeatedly said I was not interested in. I finally told them a price I would consider concerning the outgoing model year and what was below what I could do locally and to "make things right" knowing they would not take it and to show my disgust with how cavalier they were with what had occurred, And car dealers wonder why they are not trusted (2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey conducted by The Harris Poll). Knowing I was coming, a reasonable salesman would insure the car would be available by placing a temporary hold on anyone selling it until after the time I said I would be there. The process turned into all the appearances of a classic bait and switch where the salesman knew if it was sold he could convince me to buy from older in stock vehicles. The alternative to that manipulation is indifference to buyers time and resources where a day of 2 peoples lives were wasted driving to this dealership. Time is a resource that can't be replaced.
We traveled 244 miles @ 70 cents per mile (IRS mileage rate)=$140.80 round trip $341.60 is a real cost not including eating on the road. They knew I wasn't local so why would they care if I never returned.
Now its your turn to add to the madness with your tale of woe

Underriner Honda of billings did the same thing to me. Ordered a vehicle and waited. When it arrived I was told to come pick it up .when I got there an hour later, was told it was accidentally sold...but the sales girl said it was sold for a higher price by general manager, knowing they couldn't charge me more since I had a contract and put $1000 down when ordering. Little did they know, I had a buddy who was buying 3 trucks from them for fleet sales. He ended up purchasing at another dealer...I know of at least 2others I talked out of buying there.....karma is a bitch!

 

[JDMaverick]

In this instance I think it be appropriate to ask, they may not show you, but if they truly just sold it they should to prove their honesty, otherwise he would be calling their bluff which they probably needed since he drove all that way to waste his time ( and they wouldn’t take a deposit to hold it)

 

[Little boy blue]

Sounds like a dealership to blacklist. A good dealership will hold a vehicle and make it untouchable for a day or two, likely with a refundable deposit.

I found my truck, (same Vin#) listed on my dealers website for less then It was quoted to me a week after I put a down-payment on it. When I called them on it they said that they do it to get people in (bait and switch) I ended up getting it at the price that was on their website.

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