I do love a stoush!
About 10 days ago, a certain Perth dealer advertised a 2008 Ford Ranger automatic with canopy, 72,000-odd kms for $23,990. This is the vehicle I have been been looking for and it ticked all the right boxes.
I thought this was a very good deal and got in touch with them, keen to buy.
Oh, no, they said. That was a mistake in the advert, It's really $28,990.
Hmmmmm. Five grand's a pretty big mistake.
In today's paper it was advertised for $27,980 and described as manual, when it is in fact automatic. It's the same vehicle, comfirmed by the rego number.
On their website today it was $1000 more than the newspaper advert and automatic (again).
Patience exhausted, I have just snapped off an email telling them that I intend to approach the ombudsman about my rights to buy this vehicle for the original advertised price.
(I suspect I have no such rights, but we shall see what a threat produces).
In reality, I doubt I would buy a used tissue from this lot. How do people like this stay in business?
Cheers, Tony
milo said
11:18 PM Jun 19, 2011
those buggers... i hate car dealers ...
Sheba said
12:42 AM Jun 20, 2011
This type of thing has been used for years to get you in. They quite often tell you that the vehicle [or whatever, as it's not confined to Vehicles] has already been sold, and try and sell you something else.
Personally, I'd give them a big miss.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 20th of June 2011 07:27:36 AM
jimricho said
05:48 AM Jun 20, 2011
I agree with Sheba, walk away from them. If that's their "modus operandi" it's my view that it would be unwise to have any business dealing with them regardless of how good the vehicle is.
PS: In NSW the Department of Fair Trading would be the one to report this to, so maybe its equivalent in WA would the appropriate department if you wish to "dob them in".
I hope you don't mind my saying this, but it's my suggestion that if you do report them that you stick to the facts, back them up with (say) the advertisments etc and avoid the use of any judgmental or perjorative language.
-- Edited by jimricho on Monday 20th of June 2011 06:31:11 AM
_wombat_ said
09:34 AM Jun 20, 2011
tonyd, contact these in regards to false advertising
Leave the vehicle where it is, whatever it is. They are obviously dishonest. Do you really want to do business with those people? I hope not. As previously advised, report them to every possible venue that deals with fair trading, consumer affairs or whatever. Find another vehicle. The saying, "If it looks too good to be true..........." etc. Good luck with you hunt.
dazren said
05:21 PM Jun 20, 2011
That's good advice from ' jimricho' it's the only way to go, if the authority you report it to gets a sense of anger from you towards the dealer, they may not persue the matter with the vigour that the situation warrants, so stick to the honest facts backed up with any proof available and ask to be informed on any outcome, good luck ! dazren
Cruising Granny said
10:26 PM Jun 20, 2011
This issue is not exclusive to 4WD purchases. It's everywhere in the auto and caravan trade. The fact you have not been stung has nothing to do with reporting these shonky traders and their baiting practices. There's no telling what you would have ended up with and paid for had you persisted with the purchase. They deserve to be dobbed in and shut down.
_wombat_ said
09:16 AM Jun 21, 2011
can I suggest you name and shame so that other member's here will not get caught using that dealer
This type of thing has been used for years to get you in. They quite often tell you that the vehicle [or whatever, as it's not confined to Vehicles] has already been sold, and try and sell you something else.
Personally, I'd give them a big miss.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 20th of June 2011 07:27:36 AM
I agree with Sheba, walk away from them. If that's their "modus operandi" it's my view that it would be unwise to have any business dealing with them regardless of how good the vehicle is.
PS: In NSW the Department of Fair Trading would be the one to report this to, so maybe its equivalent in WA would the appropriate department if you wish to "dob them in".
I hope you don't mind my saying this, but it's my suggestion that if you do report them that you stick to the facts, back them up with (say) the advertisments etc and avoid the use of any judgmental or perjorative language.
-- Edited by jimricho on Monday 20th of June 2011 06:31:11 AM
tonyd, contact these in regards to false advertising
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/PDF/Publications/bettertrading_007.pdf
http://www.complaintline.com.au/consumeraffairs.html
Another site that may help
http://www.notgoodenough.org/forums.php?sid=cbb1b99782d8ea138bd87d219b6e9239
They are obviously dishonest. Do you really want to do business with those people? I hope not.
As previously advised, report them to every possible venue that deals with fair trading, consumer affairs or whatever.
Find another vehicle. The saying, "If it looks too good to be true..........." etc.
Good luck with you hunt.
The fact you have not been stung has nothing to do with reporting these shonky traders and their baiting practices.
There's no telling what you would have ended up with and paid for had you persisted with the purchase.
They deserve to be dobbed in and shut down.
can I suggest you name and shame so that other member's here will not get caught using that dealer