When to go medieval on a dealership

[Anonymous]

So after doing my online negotiation with multiple (Japanese import) dealers in the area, I reached a deal with one. We’re talking about payment, and I planned on getting a check from my lender, then paying about 25% down. I wanted to pay the down payment with my Amex card, then pay it off this month, so I could get those points! The dealer emails me back saying no, they cap card payments at 2k because technically I’m borrowing that money.
I replied asking why they care what entity I’m getting the money from as long as they get it—I also said I’ll pay the down payment however you want if you throw in some accessories. Here’s a portion of the reply I got:
“That doesn’t make sense for us on the 1st of the month. The main reason we even entertained your offer of xxxxx was because we were hoping to finalize this deal for our month end yesterday. But we’ll honor it anyway because we do business like that.” That really ticked me off. I think it sends the message that They value their month-end numbers over customer service. Sure, we all know that—but can’t they at least pretend that they care about sending me home happy? particularly when we were so close to completing a transaction.
What do ya’ll think? And if I choose to go after this dealership, whats the best way to really make them FEEL it??

[Anonymous]

Lol. No. You don’t want to make them FEEL it. You want the best deal on the car. You said they offered the best deal, if it’s so, just buy the car. If it’s not, buy it a different dealer. All this research and negotiation made you too emotionally invested.

[Anonymous]

Most dealers don't allow more than a few thousand. They have to pay fees on it. You are being unreasonable.

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of losing my shit with Carvana. The buying process was simple. The after purchase customer service is terrible. I still don't have tags and I bought the car in Aug. Temp ones expire in 6 days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am in the process of losing my shit with Carvana. The buying process was simple. The after purchase customer service is terrible. I still don't have tags and I bought the car in Aug. Temp ones expire in 6 days.

Yup. Once they have the deal done, they don’t care. The customer service stops...

[Anonymous]

Always pay cash (getting a bank loan if you have to) and ask the dealer for the out the door price. Tell them you will,not be bringing a checkbook, so they won’t try to hit you up when you pick up the car. Also, don’t tell them you’re paying cash until you have a price. They make money on the financing.

[Anonymous]

Every dealership limits the amount you can put on a credit card. The most I have ever been able to do is $3k. The fact that you did not know this suggests you have no idea what you are doing. You should get someone to assist you in this purchase.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most dealers don't allow more than a few thousand. They have to pay fees on it. You are being unreasonable.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every dealership limits the amount you can put on a credit card. The most I have ever been able to do is $3k. The fact that you did not know this suggests you have no idea what you are doing. You should get someone to assist you in this purchase.

This. It costs them a percentage if you put it on a credit card. An even higher percentage on Amex. About 3%. So if you use a credit card, it’s costing them $750. Probably not doable for them. Wait until the end of October to buy.

[Anonymous]

I don’t really understand why you are upset. They are saying they have a sale at the end of the month. Even though you missed that, they’ll honor the price (but won’t give you additional accessories on top). Others already explained they are charged for cc’s. What’s your issue? Sounds like customer service is fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So after doing my online negotiation with multiple (Japanese import) dealers in the area, I reached a deal with one. We’re talking about payment, and I planned on getting a check from my lender, then paying about 25% down. I wanted to pay the down payment with my Amex card, then pay it off this month, so I could get those points! The dealer emails me back saying no, they cap card payments at 2k because technically I’m borrowing that money.
I replied asking why they care what entity I’m getting the money from as long as they get it—I also said I’ll pay the down payment however you want if you throw in some accessories. Here’s a portion of the reply I got:
“That doesn’t make sense for us on the 1st of the month. The main reason we even entertained your offer of xxxxx was because we were hoping to finalize this deal for our month end yesterday. But we’ll honor it anyway because we do business like that.” That really ticked me off. I think it sends the message that They value their month-end numbers over customer service. Sure, we all know that—but can’t they at least pretend that they care about sending me home happy? particularly when we were so close to completing a transaction.
What do ya’ll think? And if I choose to go after this dealership, whats the best way to really make them FEEL it??

Because every merchant pays fees to the bank for your credit card use. Accepting $25k from your AmEx will literally cost them hundreds of dollars. And AmEx has higher fees than most other cards.

[Anonymous]

The only positive car purchasing experience we have ever had, having bought 9 cares between the two of us, was with Tesla.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most dealers don't allow more than a few thousand. They have to pay fees on it. You are being unreasonable.

This. They aren't going to pay 2.5-3% in fees on your 25% downpayment in such a low margin transaction. This is not unusual.

[Anonymous]

I get it on the credit card limit, but the "entertained your offer" language is a turnoff. Just walk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get it on the credit card limit, but the "entertained your offer" language is a turnoff. Just walk.

Op here—this is EXACTLY what annoyed me.
I understand denying my request (although all businesses pay fees for credit card transactions so cry me a river), but do not act like you’re doing me a favor by selling me this car. Also, dealer, We are past that point: youve already accepted my offer and those negotiations have nothing to do with the new request.