[MDXtrous]

I called one of the dealers today and he told me my estimated build date was between today, Jan. 30 and Feb. 3. The estimated delivery date is Feb. 10 - 15. My dilemma is I am going to be out of the country from Feb. 8 - Feb. 18. When I mentioned that to my salesperson, he said, "Oh, we don't like to leave cars on the lot." Panicking a bit, I said I'd be willing to pay an additional down payment ahead of time.

My question is, does that dealer have an obligation to sell to me? I've put a $500 refundable deposit. Can they in theory sell the car when I'm not here? Should I put a down payment/bigger deposit down to guarantee the car once they give me the VIN? What else could I do?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

[frostyra]

Talk with the Sales MANAGER. Explain your situation, and offer to throw in a few hundred more to have them hold it. If they're a decent dealership, they'll do it without the extra $$$.

 

[RGWomack]

Don't offer them anything, just tell them you are going to be out of town and offer to do all the paperwork when the vin number gets there, that should be by the 5th. You both win, they get it on the books for mid-month payroll and any mid-month sales bonuses if they have them, and you lock down the MDX. Most state laws require you take take physical delivery before the deal is binding, that is why most dealers want you to drive a vehicle home that day. Tell your salesperson to park it in a safe place and tell him to take both sets of keys home with him so no one is driving it.

 

[tjwid]

What WGWormack suggested was exactly what I did. I was out of country between 12/25/01 - 1/5/02. My MDX arrived at my dealer on either 12/26 or 12/27. I signed all the paper work on 12/22 with about $1,100 down, I reserved the right not to buy it (only if something is wrong with the car). The dealer asked me to pick up the car by 1/12. Of course, when I got back, I immediately go to my dealer. Hope this helps.

 

[Markedoc]

You're really only talking about a few days, and add a day or 2 for prep and you're right there. You could always take the next same car in the queue but I can't see why the dealer would hassle you over a few days.

 

[MDXtrous]

Thanks for all your replies.

Just some additional questions on "signing the papers" ahead of tiem. What does that involve? Do I bring in my trade-in at that time? Do we negotiate the financing? (I was thinking of using Peoplefirst.com and get a check from them).

 

[charlieinnj]

My question is, does that dealer have an obligation to sell to me? I've put a $500 refundable deposit. Can they in theory sell the car when I'm not here?

MDXtrous ~
I'd have to say the answer to your question lies in what kind of paperwork you have in your possession as a result of giving them your deposit.

Have you signed a buyer's agreement/purchase order? When I found my MDX, even though it's arrival was a month away, they asked me to come into the dealership to pay a $1000 deposit and, sign the purchase order. I had to bring in my trade-in and it was appraised at that time, also. My dealership assured me that once I had that signed contract in-hand, the MDX was "mine". Refundable deposits can leave so much up-in-the-air legally, on both sides. If you're considering seeking financing from an outside source, I would imagine that's all they need to know.

When the dealership called me on a Tuesday to let me know that it had arrived, they asked me when I wanted to pick it up. Since they weren't in my immediate area, I told them I would be in that Friday. They had no problem waiting the 3 days for me to show up.

 

[RGWomack]

MDXtrous,
Everything will be the same as if you were driving it home, trade paperwork etc. Once you have finished the paperwork take the purchase order or copy of the purchase order to your lender, that is what they need.

 

[Fireblade6]

MDXtrous,
Everything will be the same as if you were driving it home, trade paperwork etc. Once you have finished the paperwork take the purchase order or copy of the purchase order to your lender, that is what they need.

RGWOMACK-

A contract is a contract....If you signed it and they signed it...Both parties are obligated to fulfill the contract. So...with that in mind...that vehicle is YOURS and you as a buyer have the FIRST right to recind if you are not happy with vehicle. That vehicle of yours can stay on the lot until you get back. It is not going anywhere...I know because I did the SAME thing as you did and when I told him that I was going to be in the Bahamas with my wife for vacation he said,"you need to be here right of way to inspect and complete the sales or else it will not be here. Others will want to buy it..." so am like..."well other can buy it that is fine but you sign a contract and I also sign it..so when I get back from a relaxing vacation...MY MDX BETTER BE there. I dont care where you get it...It had better be there." I called his bluff...The sales guy just wanted his "commission" at the months end..I guess he has to meet quota.

Dont let the offending sales tactics get to you. Been in sales for over ten years...and now in consulting..I know their tactics especially car sales people...

 

[RGWomack]

Laws vary from state to state, it's always good to know what your state laws are. I know WA, and OR., you can sign any contract you want but until you take physical delivery of the vehicle that contract is not binding. There is no right to recind once you take delivery. The right to recind out here only applies if you are solicited, like door to door sales. We do spot delivery here, I'm told some states require you, once you have signed the paperwork to wait 72 hours before delivery.

 

[MDXtrous]

Thanks everyone

I traded in my car yesterday, and signed the papers. The salesperson was really great, and told me besides the "prep" work they will have to do, no one will drive the car.

I will take delivery on 2/19 of the SS Navi. Pretty excited!!

Thanks for everyone's help.