- First Name
- Joe
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2021
- Threads
- 9
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- 542
- Reaction score
- 751
- Location
- Mt. Holly, NC
- Vehicle(s)
- 03 Marauder, 21 Bronco, 22 Maverick
- Engine
- 2.5L Hybrid
This has come up numerous times on the B6G Forums, even some noting which dealerships are doing this.
1. ADMs are common on limited production vehicles (LPVs). LPV is not the same as Limited Availability Vehicles. What distinguishes the two is that LPVs are produced in limited numbers like 1 of 500. LAVs are just a result of production supply versus market demand. LAV models can experience a flood of production and price drops.
2. ADMs on LAVs are OPTIONAL. As such, a little shopping around can net you vehicles being sold without them, or even below MSRP.
3. Some dealerships are adding them last-minute to dissuade buyers so they can keep it to add an even bigger markup to recover losses due to months of not having vehicles to sell. This is why it's in your best interest to get a pricing agreement at the time of the order. Usually, this involves the dealership printing the DORA and having you sign it, then giving you a copy. If they add an ADM, they have to write it on the DORA first. And talking to a friend of mine who works with the NC SAG, this *is* a legal agreement on the price at purchase. The ONLY things that can be added are: Fees disclosed publicly (Doc fees, e-file fees) usually on their website, State-regulated fees (taxes, title, tag, etc.), and optional items added at the time of purchase (service plans, accessories, etc.). Note: this is only a PRICE agreement, not a PURCHASE agreement. This means IF you buy it, that's the price they agreed to charge you, but you can still walk away, too.
4. A lot of people are already upset over this. Some are taking it to social media, local news, online review sites, and a few other outlets. Sadly, the reality is that it's completely legal unless there's a signed price agreement (i.e. signed DORA). There are sites out there popping up listing dealerships, make, model, MSRP, and ADM popping up to help people AVOID those places doing this. It's not just Ford Dealerships, but it seems to be more common in certain areas.
This is why I repeat what my lawyer friend said to me: file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office and your state legislators if they do this to you. Unless and until the laws change to limit this or at least require a pricing agreement to be signed for all 'custom orders' at the time of order/deposit, they will continue to avoid guaranteeing a price to you so they can 'adjust' later.
And also per his advice, I am now in the practice of demanding the signed price agreement before they get a single penny. No price agreement? No deposit and no purchase. This will be SOP for all purchases going forward for me. I suggest the same to all of you.
Shop around. Dealerships like Granger, Stevens, Long-McArthur and many others are on the forums, they are offering great deals, and are some of the highest-rated for their fair and honest practices.
I am reminded of a saying here: "Laws do not guarantee ethical behavior. Laws only limit unethical behavior. If there is no law against it, the only thing you can do is to change the law to fix it."
1. ADMs are common on limited production vehicles (LPVs). LPV is not the same as Limited Availability Vehicles. What distinguishes the two is that LPVs are produced in limited numbers like 1 of 500. LAVs are just a result of production supply versus market demand. LAV models can experience a flood of production and price drops.
2. ADMs on LAVs are OPTIONAL. As such, a little shopping around can net you vehicles being sold without them, or even below MSRP.
3. Some dealerships are adding them last-minute to dissuade buyers so they can keep it to add an even bigger markup to recover losses due to months of not having vehicles to sell. This is why it's in your best interest to get a pricing agreement at the time of the order. Usually, this involves the dealership printing the DORA and having you sign it, then giving you a copy. If they add an ADM, they have to write it on the DORA first. And talking to a friend of mine who works with the NC SAG, this *is* a legal agreement on the price at purchase. The ONLY things that can be added are: Fees disclosed publicly (Doc fees, e-file fees) usually on their website, State-regulated fees (taxes, title, tag, etc.), and optional items added at the time of purchase (service plans, accessories, etc.). Note: this is only a PRICE agreement, not a PURCHASE agreement. This means IF you buy it, that's the price they agreed to charge you, but you can still walk away, too.
4. A lot of people are already upset over this. Some are taking it to social media, local news, online review sites, and a few other outlets. Sadly, the reality is that it's completely legal unless there's a signed price agreement (i.e. signed DORA). There are sites out there popping up listing dealerships, make, model, MSRP, and ADM popping up to help people AVOID those places doing this. It's not just Ford Dealerships, but it seems to be more common in certain areas.
This is why I repeat what my lawyer friend said to me: file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office and your state legislators if they do this to you. Unless and until the laws change to limit this or at least require a pricing agreement to be signed for all 'custom orders' at the time of order/deposit, they will continue to avoid guaranteeing a price to you so they can 'adjust' later.
And also per his advice, I am now in the practice of demanding the signed price agreement before they get a single penny. No price agreement? No deposit and no purchase. This will be SOP for all purchases going forward for me. I suggest the same to all of you.
Shop around. Dealerships like Granger, Stevens, Long-McArthur and many others are on the forums, they are offering great deals, and are some of the highest-rated for their fair and honest practices.
I am reminded of a saying here: "Laws do not guarantee ethical behavior. Laws only limit unethical behavior. If there is no law against it, the only thing you can do is to change the law to fix it."
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