Dealer trying to add "Pulse Braking"

[Roscop]

My Maverick just shipped, I went to the dealer to get a price breakdown, he told me they add "Pulse Braking" to 100% of the vehicles that come in, it's $600 and I don't want it. He makes it seem like it's non negotiable, what can I do? He's the General Sales Manager.

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[JBryant]

My Maverick just shipped, I went to the dealer to get a price breakdown, he told me they add "Pulse Braking" to 100% of the vehicles that come in, it's $600 and I don't want it. He makes it seem like it's non negotiable, what can I do? He's the General Sales Manager.

Sounds like another money making scheme. Not even sure what this is, but they always come up with something - window etching, etc. I had one two years ago try to add Scotch Guard seat treatment for $450 until I pointed out it was not feasible to Scotch Guard LEATHER SEATS. He quickly took it off just before I walked away and went elsewhere (not on a Maverick). You will probably not prevail, but I would argue that one with my buyer's order pricing in hand

 

[billbillw]

Pulse braking is that annoying add-on that causes the brake lights (or sometimes just the center/high mounted light) to strobe when you first put touch the brake pedal. I hate it. I'd fight it and say you don't want any electrical mods on the vehicle due to warranty concerns and the various electrical issues that have been reported with the hybrid.

 

[Bj517]

Tell him they're illegal and you won't pay for it. Brake lights are not allowed to flash

 

[billbillw]

Tell him they're illegal and you won't pay for it. Brake lights are not allowed to flash

Yes, I was about to add that...
Hit your dealer with this state code: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37.280

 

[Roscop]

Thanks for the advice, I'm concerned that if I refuse it then they might not sell me my Maverick, I initially told him I didn't want it, that's when he told me it's added to 100% of the inventory.

 

[Maverick Life]

Yes, I was about to add that...
Hit your dealer with this state code: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37.280

The link above is probably where to start. This one might also be helpful: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.310

"No person may have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, [...] or use upon any such vehicle any [...] rear lamp, [...], or parts of any of the foregoing which tend to change the original design or performance, unless of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforming to rules adopted by it."​

Code 46.37.320 then goes on to indicate that anyone selling modified vehicle lighting needs to have a certificate of compliance from the state patrol. You could politely ask to see that or tell them to remove it until they can produce the legally required documentation.

Of course... they might actually have the necessary documentation indicating it has been approved. I mean -I doubt it but it's a possibility.

 

[Yvonne Federowicz]

Sounds like the local state patrol might want to know that this dealer is doing this

 

[JASmith]

Thanks for the advice, I'm concerned that if I refuse it then they might not sell me my Maverick, I initially told him I didn't want it, that's when he told me it's added to 100% of the inventory.

Its not, it means they WANT to add it to every car on the lot to pad their profits.

Its called an addendum, and some dealers say they put tint and protection packages and the like on every vehicle, but you can always negotiate it off. Addendums are add ons that they put on cars that cost them usually about 5-10% of what the markup is. So if something costs than $10 to put on they'll charge say $200 to you for it.

That said, if you don't have a locked in order with them, then its take it or leave it. If you do have a locked in order, then tell them you need to discuss this with Ford corporate and the local police to see if that is even legal as you are not happy with this add-on, and then they may drop it.

 

[Automate]

What a rip off. You can buy the pulse modules on Amazon for less than $15. You can even buy brake light bulbs that have built in pulse. Just swap the bulb.

 

[BCinMD]

Unless you are prepared to lose the truck, you may just have to pony up the $600. Even if you do go through with the purchase, I would let the dealer know (after the transaction is complete), that you intend file a fraud report with the FTC (you can do that here ==> https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) and open a case with your state's attorney general's office for deceptive business practices.

And you may also share the forthcoming new FTC rules for car dealers:

In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission is seeking comment on proposed measures that would:

Ban bait-and-switch claims: The proposal would prohibit dealers from making a number of deceptive advertising claims to lure in prospective car buyers. This deal deception can include the cost of a vehicle or the terms of financing, the cost of any add-on products or services, whether financing terms are for a lease, the availability of any discounts or rebates, the actual availability of the vehicles being advertised, and whether a financing deal has been finalized, among other areas. Once in the door or on the hook, consumers face the fallout of false promises that don't pan out.

Ban fraudulent junk fees: The proposal would prohibit dealers from charging consumers junk fees for fraudulent add-on products and services that provide no benefit to the consumer (including “nitrogen filled” tires that contain no more nitrogen than normal air).

Ban surprise junk fees: The proposal would prohibit dealers from charging consumers for an add-on without their clear, written consent and would require dealers to inform consumers about the price of the car without any of optional add-ons.

Require full upfront disclosure of costs and conditions: The proposal would require dealers to make key disclosures to consumers, including providing a true “offering price” for a vehicle that would be full price a consumer would pay, excluding only taxes and government fees. It would also require dealers to make disclosures about optional add-on fees, including their price and the fact that they are not required as a condition of purchasing or leasing the vehicle, along with disclosures to consumers with key information about financing terms.

Note that while the above rules are still 'proposed', the FTC has already successfully sued several dealer networks for the above bad-faith business practices.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

Thanks for the advice, I'm concerned that if I refuse it then they might not sell me my Maverick, I initially told him I didn't want it, that's when he told me it's added to 100% of the inventory.

First, yours is not "inventory" but a custom order. Second, if he is adamant on the addendum then see if he can offer something that you do want like window tint. They are just trying to make a little more on the sale. You can't blame him for trying and he does have the leverage in this situation.

 

[B2000]

I would tell them they are illegal in your state. They may or may not be but since the dealer is being a sleaze hit them back just as hard.

 

[Deleted member 14823]

My Maverick just shipped, I went to the dealer to get a price breakdown, he told me they add "Pulse Braking" to 100% of the vehicles that come in, it's $600 and I don't want it. He makes it seem like it's non negotiable, what can I do? He's the General Sales Manager.

Tell him you want that policy put in writing. Otherwise you won't be able to prove it was non-optional.

 

[Old Man]

Tell him they're illegal and you won't pay for it. Brake lights are not allowed to flash

They are legal here.

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