Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

GM's build/search site are terrible................


Historically Dealers don't dealer-trade with every location, they have a better system, but your dealer not only needs to find the car you want, he needs to find it at a dealer they work with.

If you are considering a Ford, try this: http://www.shoppingtools.ford.com/HomePage?&branding=3&referringSite=0&lang=en&redirectPage=

As an added bonus, you can pull-up an virtual PDF window sticker, not that cluster-fudge GM tries to pass off.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

As an added bonus, you can pull-up an virtual PDF window sticker, not that cluster-fudge GM tries to pass off.

The GM "view window sticker" feature on dealer websites is ABSOLUTELY MADDENING!!!! When I was helping my mom buy her car last month, it was so damn frustrating to click on "view window sticker" and have it tell me it's unavailable. For some cars, the sticker eventually came up. For others, it never did, no matter what browser I used. I'd say it fails at least 50% of the time.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Wow Run Dealers Run.

No here is another way to look at it. YOU give the Dealer $30000, He will order exactly what you are looking for, then Store it until You want to pick it up.

Ford has cut the Edge from 3700 different combinations, down to 1950 different combinations. We still have Customers that have to Factory Order their vehicle and wait 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Your problem is that at this time, it would be a 2017, not a 2016. Prices and Incentives may not be applicable yet.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

My sales guy got me two new Encore's from a website the dealers use. It was a site where they put inventory out there they are willing to let go to another dealer. I forget what it was called, but he was able to get two Encores with leather AWD and the exact color combos we wanted.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Why don't you just find a dealer that wants your money?

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...Dir=DESC&sf2Nm=location&sf2Dir=ASC&page=1&perPage=50&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT

152 1LT Malibu in the nation equipped the way you want.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Why don't you just find a dealer that wants your money?

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...Dir=DESC&sf2Nm=location&sf2Dir=ASC&page=1&perPage=50&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT

152 1LT Malibu in the nation equipped the way you want.

!

Two counties away. Bingo.

A million thanks. Actually, twenty four thousand, five hundred thanks.

Edit: This "new" car has 2,354 miles on it. Ummmm, no.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

I checked the local dealer and they have 2 2016 Malibu's that color. One is the 1LT with only wheel locks and the other is a Premier.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Try AutoTrader or one of the other sites like Cars.com.

Right on, Ed. When looking for a GP GXP a few years back, I sat in the dealership office for a couple of lengthy sessions. The "internet guy" kept finding cars far, far away or costly, costly, costly. When he could find anything.

I thought, WTF?, are we in the same universe? Autotrader found a half dozen within 200 miles... Which is how I bought the car eventually.

I SHOULD have bought a Lacross Super instead, those are much nicer cars. Plus the GXP had many troubles, not the least of which was a Buick non-service department that needed a torque wrench slapped upside their collective craniums to improve their dedication and IQ.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

The dealership system is totally self-serving and beneficial to no one but the owner of the dealership. I think we'd have lower prices and greater efficiencies (meaning situations like yours) if the dealerships were owned by the manufacturer. I don't understand how state governments can continue to protect such a biased and antiquated system to "protect the people of the state". Go Tesla!

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

The dealership system is totally self-serving and beneficial to no one but the owner of the dealership. I think we'd have lower prices and greater efficiencies (meaning situations like yours) if the dealerships were owned by the manufacturer. I don't understand how state governments can continue to protect such a biased and antiquated system to "protect the people of the state". Go Tesla!

The sales and service experience would also be more consistent from dealer to dealer. Right now, it's a crap shoot from one place to the other.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

I live in a Small Rural Area. We have a Major City 3 hr's to the east, and one 3 1/2 hr's to the west.

I got a Call from a Company that is located in the City East. He said he needed a 3500 HD 84" CA for a Service Truck, Please tell me YOU have one! I said No I am sorry we don't but I can find you one. To which he replied, Don't Bother both dealers here couldn't find any.

After hanging up, I just checked anyways. there were 3 trucks fitting his needs, but 9 hrs to the west of me. I called him back and explained that there are some available, but Freight would be extra. I explained where they are and they are about 10 hrs away from him. He said he had to ship them to the city 3 1/2 hrs away for the Service Body anyways.

We made the deal over the phone, shipped the vehicle to the supplier, and purolated the paperwork to the end user. I never met the buyer, never saw the truck, and saved him 1 step of his proses.

Why didn't the other dealers in his city look? Why didn't he explain that the vehicle had to get to the Western City? I do know that he was in need of the vehicle enough, not to worry if it had Mud Flaps, or Wheel Locks on it, that Luxury had long since past.

Yours will to, if you keep driving the 2010, because

My 2010 Malibu has 134,000 miles on it. I'm perfectly happy with it. The family is expanding, so its time for a new car.

well you have already answered that one.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

My 2010 Malibu has 134,000 miles on it. I'm perfectly happy with it. The family is expanding, so its time for a new car. I decided I want a 2016 Malibu 1LT, Nighthawk Gray, with two options: Convenience and Technology Package and Driver Confidence Package.

First, I go to the dealer I got my last Malibu from. I tell the salesman what I want. He needs to talk with his manager. (Mind you, he has worked at this dealership for over 9 years, and he does not have the authority/capability to tell me what the car will cost.) Eight days later, I get an email from him:



Why, no, I don't have a second and third color choice. I want a gray Malibu.

So I go on line. I go to chevrolet.com. I type in what I want. I see a button that says "Shop. Click. Drive." Yes, that is what I want to do. So I click it. Having shopped and clicked, I am now expecting the next screen to tell me where I can drive my gray Malibu. Instead, I get this:



Take three: Chevy web site/shopping tools/search inventory. I get to the screen where I can filter the inventory. The problem: it does not allow me to filter by the options that actually come with the Malibu. Instead, it filters by "popular options", such as "heated seats". You can't buy just heated seats in the Malibu (at least not the 1LT). You have to get leather seats which I don't want. And nowhere in the "popular options list can I select Convenience and Technology Package and Driver Confidence Package. So I click the "popular options" that are kind of close to what I want and ask for results from "all local dealers".

Nothing.

What is offered are Malibus without the options I want and with a bunch of crap I don't, like splash guards and fabric protection.\

There is no way (on the web site) to order what I want, and I cannot see a way to expand my search to nationwide.

All I can think is that this is the most ridiculous way to buy a car. I hope Tesla breaks the entire dealer franchise system. It is idiotic. Period. It's like: give us $30,000, and we will sell you whatever we have. We don't care what you want. Imagine going into a McDonald's, ordering a Big Mac, and having the employee tell you "we can't locate a Big Mac, here is an Egg McMuffin."

Solution: (1) Can the five trim levels, (2) don't offer two shades of white, two shades of silver and two shades of dark red, and (3) make all options dealer installable. This would leave you with 7 exterior colors, 6 interior colors (3 colors, 2 materials) and three powertrains (1.5T, 2.0T, hybrid). It does not good having a gazillion choices if they are not actually available.

I have not given up yet, but I am on the Ford web site now. 2017 Fusions are in.

Your plight is gaining notoriety!

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/07/man-wants-grey-malibu/

http://www.gminsidenews.com/articles/40201-2/

Send that to your unhelpful fellow

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

I have a white Malibu with the Leather Package and Sun and Wheels Package. It only has 7,843 miles and I'll even leave a bag of Quarter Pounders in the trunk!

E-mail me so we can make this transaction happen.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Hi. I registered after seeing this over at TTAC. I'm not sure if you're anywhere near Ohio, but I've had great experience with a local chain's (Classic) Mazda and Toyota dealerships getting what I and family members want, the most recent case getting one from a dealer about 400 miles away. I've not dealt with their Chevy dealer, but I'd be surprised if they wouldn't be willing to order what you want and/or find it somewhere. So good dealers are out there, just need to find one.

I did do an inventory search at found this on the dealer's site: http://www.driveclassic.com/New_Inv...inventory/8631/2016/Chevrolet/Malibu/1G1ZE5ST2GF315797.html?leadsource=Showroom . Maybe a local dealer can work out a trade? (I am surprised your dealer hasn't already done this, but maybe Chevy dealers aren't allowed/discouraged/something).

Best of luck, and I hope this helps.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

A friend of mine ordered a new Verano last year. It arrived in the wrong damn color.

He ended up not buying anything.

 

Re: My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

I have to say GM's check inventory thing is a POS. I've tried to spec out vehicles how I would like it and then check matches and such over time. Mostly comes back as sorry, "close but no banana" kind of thing. I guess the best way would be to order it and wait because the locals can't seem to configure things worth a crap. Also, this driving to the other end of the state or Vegas or CA. is bunk. Malibuman2010a, good luck to ya. I know how it is.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

I also am giving my original dealer a second chance. I said I would consider black, and gray with just one of the options. I also said I would consider a hybrid if the price was very, very right.

We shall see...

There you are. Work with the Dealer and Most Dealers will work with you.

Look at it from this side, We have over $4 Million in inventory and less than 5% of all of the possible ways that all the vehicles could be ordered. All of that $4 Million in inventory was ordered over 2 months ago, we had to guess what would be selling in the months they arrive. Then throw in a Manufacture who has Commodities and Parts shortages that dictate what the end product will have. And also remembering MY change and not to be caught with old stock when the Company stops supporting them.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

There you are. Work with the Dealer and Most Dealers will work with you.

Look at it from this side, We have over $4 Million in inventory and less than 5% of all of the possible ways that all the vehicles could be ordered. All of that $4 Million in inventory was ordered over 2 months ago, we had to guess what would be selling in the months they arrive. Then throw in a Manufacture who has Commodities and Parts shortages that dictate what the end product will have. And also remembering MY change and not to be caught with old stock when the Company stops supporting them.

How about this: don't charge me $200 to spray smelly Armor All on my seats, and don't put your damn sticker advertisement on my car, and I will complain less.

There are, on average, 84 Chevrolet dealers in each state. If they would (1) coordinate, and (2) cooperate, with their purchases, then they collectively would be able to better serve the customer. Like I said in the opening post, a big part of the problem is GM. Compare the Mazda 6 I am looking at to the Malibu:

- 1 engine (not 3)
- 3 trims (not 6)
- 8 colors (not 10 - only 1 shade of white)
- 2 packages (not 5)

Having 3 x 6 x 10 x 5factoral = 21,600 combinations is pointless if they are not actually available. It is worse than pointless because you are stuck with combinations you don't want. The Mazda dealer, which is closer to me than the Chevrolet dealer, has exactly the combination I want.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Dealers can be some of the dumbest people on the planet, they don't care that no dealer in the area has a certain combo that a customer might want. They will fill their lot up with vehicles all fully loaded, even though it causes some customers to have sticker shock.

The local Chevy dealer in my area has 45 Camaros and not a single one of them has a manual transmission.....

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Well, to be truthful Mazda had been hit in reviews by having a lack of options. Plus, are you really complaining about the availability of options? The 2016 Malibu is selling very well so that doesn't help availability either.


Like I said, the car you want is kind of an odd ball options wise. It was the same thing with our Flex. We wanted a limited with the heated/cooled seats without the panoramic sunroof. About 95% of the limited models came with the sunroof. Its took about 4 weeks today find ours because of the oddball stuff we wanted.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

The Automaker is more of a problem here than the dealers as they dictate what the dealers have access to and limit their choices when it comes to ordering new inventory, especially if that vehicle does not "fit" into what they are producing and it is something that is outside the current "trend".

I had this issue when I ordered new vehicles for a Dodge dealer in the '90's.

Chrysler was not as bad as GM and did allow me to get in some "outside the box" vehicles in a timely manner, but I did get some pushback from the regional sales manager on some of my orders (that was until they spent less than 10 days on the lot).

After I had convinced them (with sales) that the SoCal market wasn't crazy about certain colors as they thought, and wanted certain options that did not match up with Detroit's production strategy, they did listen a bit, but still put pressure on us to buy certain "packages" and colors.

OTOH, this is very late in the 2016 sales year to get new product in as it will have to come from GM's national inventory since the model changeover occurred in early July (or usually does).

Dealers are not crazy about trades this time of year since many of the leftovers and not "optioned right" so the dealer trading with yours does not want stuck with a vehicle they can't move and your dealer does not want to give up something they know will sell (and will be the one the trading dealer wants).

There is a lot of back and forth in dealer trades and you must remember that they trade checks as much as the vehicles and typically like to trade equal checks (vehicle value) and the "Supplying" dealer is not making a sale in the transaction the "Seller" dealer is.

You are correct about too many choices and the only thing worse is when one package must be "combined" with another - Why not make it one package?

True, one package may be offered separately in a lower or higher trim but must be combined in the mid level - Why not make it standard on the mid level and higher one then?

GM has lowered the overall number, but still has some room for improvement and can say from my experience selling Dodges (with multiple trims/options) and Hondas (limited trims/options) at the same dealer; the Honda model made it easier and required less inventory and did not cost many sales due to customers not "Finding what they wanted".

Do not see a need for 6 trims for the Malibu when 3 will do.

Keep us updated on how the search goes.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

It is tough to get want you want from lean GM inventory in this time of the year (read: stripped down or fully loaded trims), probably that's why they always come up with some steep discounts (here in Canada) such as 20% off or Employee Pricing.

That's how I got mine 2011 Buick Regal T in base trim with Espresso Bronze Metallic, local nearby dealers did not want to move their butts or came up with some lame tricks such as $1500 extra to get it from other dealer if they were interested to swap available vehicles.

I checked in GM Canada inventory in some other metro areas and got mine 45 minutes drive away from local Chevy/Buick dealer really happy to sell me that car. Kudos to Hogan Chevrolet on great buying experience and delivery.

My advise is to look up available inventory spot the car and get there in person, let them know to be ready to make a deal to save you the time and trip and spare their sales tricks and games. Worked out for me nicely.

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

It is tough to get want you want from lean GM inventory in this time of the year (read: stripped down or fully loaded trims), probably that's why they always come up with some steep discounts (here in Canada) such as 20% off or Employee Pricing.

That's how I got mine 2011 Buick Regal T in base trim with Espresso Bronze Metallic, local nearby dealers did not want to move their butts or came up with some lame tricks such as $1500 extra to get it from other dealer if they were interested to swap available vehicles.

I checked in GM Canada inventory in some other metro areas and got mine 45 minutes drive away from local Chevy/Buick dealer really happy to sell me that car. Kudos to Hogan Chevrolet on great buying experience and delivery.

My advise is to look up available inventory spot the car and get there in person, let them know to be ready to make a deal to save you the time and trip and spare their sales tricks and games. Worked out for me nicely.

Of all the new cars I've bought (16), only one has been a dealer trade.......... I find the car and work the deal, the only one I traded for was our 2000 Jimmy, wife wanted white with pewter lower, which was hard to find itself, even harder to find at a dealer that will give you a good trade price, we got both. :yup:

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Your talk about colors reminded me of a thread back in November I made about boring color choices for luxury cars. t-rex summed it up:

White
Pearl
Ecru
Light metallic gray
Medium-light metallic gray
Medium metallic gray
Medium-dark metallic gray
Dark metallic gray
Very dark metallic gray
Very-dark-might-as-well-be-black blue
Black
Very Black

 

Re: UPDATED My (so far) failed attempt at trying to buy a car from GM

Your talk about colors reminded me of a thread back in November I made about boring color choices for luxury cars. t-rex summed it up:

If only the Malibu were offered in either Black or Very Black. Instead, it is offered in 50% black/50% gold glitter. I think it is called Liberace Black. Fourth grade goth girls love it. It matches their lipstick.

 

Vehicle colors haven't been a strong suit of GM's for at least the last decade. No real "gotcha" colors on vehicles that actually sell. Just the normal 2 shades of White, 3 Shades of Gray/Silver, 2 Blacks are pretty much standard. Then they throw in the Maroon/Darker Red and a Blue. Maybe they offer a brown but you only can tell at certain angles that it isn't black. Couldn't GM come out with some variety? Example: Synergy Green Carmaro. Every time I see it, it makes my head turn. Would it kill them to offer something stunning like that?

 

Malibuman, what state are you in? The Chevy dealer I buy from has always been very willing & able to find any vehicle I've wanted or to order one. He will dealer trade or buy outright from a bunch of dealers in several states. They use drivers to transport the cars though, so they will have a few hundred miles on them. If that's a deal breaker for you, then just order your car exactly the way you want it. I've always been the most satisfied with ordering.

The problem right now, is it's model year changeover time. So in-stock inventory is not that great.

 

I am in the upper Midwest.

I just searched Chevrolet's web site. It searches "all local dealers". I don't understand why it will not perform a national search. Carmax's web site is able to do this.

Anyway, there is ONE Malibu 1LT with the two options I want. But it also has several thousands of dollars of options I don't (leather, fabric protector, etc.). This leaves me with a car that is $6,000 more expensive than the Mazda 6.

 

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...Dir=DESC&sf2Nm=location&sf2Dir=ASC&page=1&perPage=50&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT

48 cars built with the options you want. Many under $30k.

 

I'm buying my 4th new car from the same dealer and salesperson. For my 09 Malibu, they didn't have exactly what I wanted on the lot so they found what I wanted and transported it there. I'm picking up a 2016 Suburban from them on Tuesday and same story. They found the color and options I wanted and got it there. Too bad the dealer/buying experience isn't standardized across all locations.

 

I bought my Acadia 3 years ago this month. I got it from a Buick/GMC dealer in Naperville, IL. They didn't have the interior color my wife wanted, but found the Acadia we wanted in Indiana. Apparently, they trade vehicles between them and they had my Acadia in his lot the next day. The dealer was great and so was their service. I still get calls to come in for an oil change, but to drive 1,100 miles for an oil change is a little too much, no matter how good the dealer is.

 

Over the years I have special ordered a GMC truck, a Trans Am, a Grand Am, a Barracuda, a Duster, Wrangler, with exactly the equipment/color I wanted with no problems.......well, except for the Duster which sat in the Selkirk Rail yard for two months due to a strike. I thought I was never going to get it. The other time I had a problem was because the MY order cut-off date was past because the next MY was going to start production. I ended up getting something off the lot that was real close to what I wanted. So both of those problems were bad timing on my part.

Anyway, just my personal experience.