Thank you all for all your help and support!

I will still not post the dealership's name until I a few more talk with Nissan. So this is what happened with my discussion at with the dealership's General Manager today..(well, technically yesterday since its past 12am!)

I walk into the dealership and asked for the General Manager. The man in general looked pissed off. So i meet him for the first time and we walk into his office. I explained the situation all over again. He then starts off responding "What's wrong with base? Why do you want a Enthusiast model?" I explained to him, that certain qualities about the car attracts me such as "LSD and being able to switch the traction control off". He then kept saying "Why is that so important..".. My response to it was "I do like Base model, its good for the money, but my interest was for the enthusiast or higher model, and I am not going to be modifiying my car (or so i think) so I want some certain options to already be there".

As the conversation is going on, he is getting angry. He said that I paid for the base model and he doesnt care what the salesman told you, you bought a base model. I emphasized that the salesman said the car was enthusiast and he understood why i wanted that particular model or i would have just walked out the door. I also said I did come in the following day for the "overview of the car", getting my keys, keychains, repair damages fixed that already existed on the car, but the salesman and his manager were missing. Only thing they that day was take off the rims.

He than gets very angry and calls the salesperson, but he was not in today. He then tells me that this the salesman fault and my fault. He kept saying, "we didnt make any money off the car we sold you".. I then told him that isnt there a dealer holdback for the Z? (I am not sure about this..is their?)

He gets very upset and starts saying "What you call me a liar? I dont like it when people call me a liar".

Towards the end of the conversation, he finally said he will take the car back in and sell me a 350Z Enthusiast model for X amount of dollars (pricing will be talked about tomorrow). He told me he will sell the car at around invoice price of the 350Z Enthusiast and I would pay the difference. He said he is losing alot of money as is, and even more when he sells me the Enthusiast model.

I told him I will come back tomorrow (technically today) with more people to discuss this with. We are meeting with both the salesman and the general manager tomorrow morning.

I personally do not want to pay extra for what i already thought was an enthusiast model. I was initially going to buy a 2-3 year used G35/350Z. I told him that why doesn't he just take the car back in if he cant swap it, and just refund my money as if the deal never happened since he is also claiming that he will be "losing more money on selling me a enthusiasts model".

Ill see how it goes tommorow.

Also, do dealers have to give a copy of the window sticker to you? Because I didn't receive anything.

 

To be honest with you, if they'll trade cars they can also scrap the whole deal. I'd take your business to another dealership, and bring someone with you that knows the cars better so this can't happen again. Dealers are slimy, but a lot of this is your fault as well. Thankfully, YOU are the customer, and are "always right". You need to sack up a bit more, or bring someone with you that can reply well to their BS antics.

BTW, you not telling us which dealership this is doesn't accomplish anything. There is no legal protection that you are providing to them, so why not fess it up so others can chime in with their experience(s) at the same dealership? Many of us know a lot of the management at multiple dealerships...

Are you positive it is an 08' and not an 07'? It appears there is a $3000 "marketing support" incentive from NNA to the Dealer on 2007 350Zs: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/niss...95136&state=CA

 

+111111 And i have a feeling which dealership this is. They are scums as far as i know....asking 25k for a modified, used 2003 EVO 8....

 

Status Update:
Ok after 2hour discussion between everyone, We looked through all the paperwork, the numbers, and so fourth.

Although the salesman said we were negotiating the invoice of Enthrusiast model, it turned out to be the invoice of the Base model. There was no Model on the paper he showed us. It was just a VIN number. Salesman said that the paper we were looking at was the enthuasist model so we took his word for it.

So we paid roughly 700 under invoice for a Base model according to the paperwork, (26k).

Which is fairly good deal from what I've been seeing. Although, the whole time we were talking about enthusiasts model when buying the car. We knew there was already going to be some incentive to sell a 2008 350Z beforehand as the car is now on its 6th year cycle run + rumors of 370z + lower sales volume year to year progress for the 350Z. The salesman gave the impression that the 350Z enthusiasts could be had for 26k (and he admitted that there was a serious screw up on paperwork on his part).

The dealer gave two options:
Keep the base, and offer car's lifetime tires and oil changes (which he will write it out on paper and sign).

Exchange the car for the enthuasiast model and pay the difference of 26k (which we paid in cash for the base) and invoice of the model enthuasist (about 2-3k difference which includes the tax). He said its a burden that he needs to take the base car back and sell it in the lot as "Used".

I personally just wanted out on this deal altogether. Refund my money (26k), but they said no..

Whats your guys opinion? I guess its a good deal, but i never intended on buying the base car to begin with.

Also the window sticker is still "mysteriously" missing from the dealer. Although they acknowledged that they did not give me the sticker.

 

"Keep the car and give you a life time oil change and tires or exchange the car and pay the difference for an Enthusiast model?" Oh, hell no.....i would never do business with a dealership that treats you like garbage. Why would you want to do business with a dealership that screwed you over from the ghetgo? Who knows what else will be missing if you bring your car in for service. I say pursue legal action against the dealership. The salesman admitted that he made a mistake, and the dealership is solely responsible for his actions. Basically, he mislead you to believe that the Z you purchased was an enthusiast model even though it wasn't. Come on, couldn't they tell which model was which by looking at the VIN numbers? It was not your fault that there was a screw up. It was the salesperson's. The dealership has to take the car back; or, you can go through legal action and file a complaint with NNA in the mean time. I'm sure those two will get them to wake up and smell the coffee. Believe me, you have a very good case against them since the sales admitted it was his fault. Wish you good luck....

 

I belive they HAVE to leave the monroney sticker on there for you to remove, dont they?

 

not to be a dick, but how did you drive it out of the lot and not notice buttons on the sterring wheel?

 

i'd lawyer up....seems like they wont let you have your money back....

 

IF they offer to take the car back, take your money and RUN.

IF they don't/won't offer to take the car back, then contact Nissan Consumer Affairs, as well as an attorney.

The manager has proven himself a liar. He said he is losing money on your car to begin with, but when he has the opportunity to get your car (presumably cost/worth more than you paid) and give you the money (presumably less than the value/cost of the car) he didn't take it. Obviously, they made money on your car. I have bought 8 Nissans (4 for me, 4 for others) and have always paid a few $1000 less than invoice on new ones. In one scenario, I paid $7500 less than invoice and they STILL made money. The dealership still lets me come back in and buy more cars. If they were losing money on the deal, they would NEVER sell that car.

 

I had a similar experience but this one actually worked out in my favor. I went to Saturn of Roseville to check out what eventually would become my Z. The salesman that started helping me knew absolutely jack about Zs. I went in to the negotiations telling em my perf model was an enthu model and negotiated at below even enthu model prices (based on edmunds.com). I still don't think they realize what they were selling.

 

DO NOT TAKE THE BASE! That's not what you wanted and stick to it. Get 100% of your money back or decide what you are willing to pay for an Enthu and stick to that. Don't have him waste your time since it's their screw up, they better take a loss and fire the salesman.

If they waste anymore time, lawyer up and sue. Your time is worth more than being dik-ed around by a dealership. It's a clear case so I don't know why you're being so nice. Be professional but none of this going back for 3-4 days straight crap.

Personally, I'd get my money back and go elsewhere. Post the dealerships name so we all know not to deal with them. You're joining a group that looks out for each other and you wouldn't want any future z owners get screwed.

 

Also understand, if you want cruse control on a Z, there is no way to add it later because of the drive by wire accelerator. You are gonna own this car for awhile, make sure it is what you want.

On the other hand, if CC is not that big a deal, the rest you can do aftermarket and get better parts in the process.

Once you are done with whatever negotiations your gonna do, please don't forget to let us know what dealership to avoid like the plague.

Chris

 

Don't tell me this is McKevitt Nissan (my friend's past experience: https://my350z.com/forum/northern-california/306419-do-not-buy-a-car-from-mckevitt-nissan-volvo-at-berkely-ca.html).

You came in looking for an Enthusiast model and not a Base. You were cheated into buying something not as advertised, so you should have the right to return the car. If they give you a hard time, threaten to contact an attorney and the local media.

 

This happened to my aunt when she bought her car...she went there all by herself and made a deal. They told her to come to pick up the car the next day cuz they were gonna clean for her. The next day they gave her the key for a car which looked like the one she paid for but was actually a lower grade. You can never put your trust in those sales at dealers...many of them have no souls. Need to match up the vehicle number on the agreement to the actual car you are driving home, number by number. Sorry to hear hope you get it resolved.

 

Did you even READ what people have responded to you? Maybe I was typing too much and you skimmed through it. The short of it:

I had a VERY SIMILAR situation at Stevens Creek Nissan. THEY TOOK THE CAR BACK. THEY WILL TAKE IT BACK IF YOU PRESS!!!

Did you PAY $26k? Invoice, with no options, for an 08' Base is $26,350 (so they paid $25,823) + $625 destination charge. Did you see the invoice sticker? Tell them you want FREE GAS for a year, too!

Ask them what they would give you if you traded it in, TODAY, on an enthusiast. When they say $21k, tell them that's how much you want the car for and you'll be happy keeping it as you give them the finger.

As was suggested earlier, tell them you plan to contact the media and picket outside their dealership every weekend - I promise you they'll take the car back.

 

Yes I have been reading every post carefully believe it or not, and thank you all for the inputs, it is greatly appreciated. I definately appreciate the links to incentives, nissan holdbackoffers, a lawyer who I could talk too, the similiar situations people have gone through, and just helpful advice! Despite my postcount on this board, I am active on car forums in general (Really active in BMW 3-series forums)

Our family has bought 4cars in the past 3years, and this is the only dealership we are having trouble with. I love the Z (which was on our list to shop for) but the dealership is being a pain. To answer few of the previous posts questions:

I will give out the dealerships name in the next couple days, so this community can be aware of my situation and what to expect from that dealership in the future.

As to the question of "how did I not know the buttons on the steering wheel". Well, I really did not know if the buttons on the steering wheel were offered in the enthusiasts model or not. What I did know is that the Enthusiast model offered LSD, Traction Control Disability, Home link, all in which we did ask the salesman. He said he would better present it the following day with the overview. In general, I noticed Japanese makers put the options on the car with big packages like for the Z, theres the base, enthuasist, touring, Grand Touring. As you go higher in model, the more the car offers. Theres not many options you can pick from solely the model.

For European cars, everything is more so stand-alone options. For example, when I ordered my 335 coupe back in August, we checked off certain packages. Hell, a BMW 328 has HID lights, leather, as optional. So by handpicking each option, I knew exactly what I wanted and submitted my order for the car to manufactured. Essentially, a BMW 328 can be as loaded as the 335i other than the transmission and engine.

None the less, I do blame myself a bit for not thoroughly reading every single option of what the Enthusiast model has to offer. For me, I wanted the Enthusiast model because it offered the few equipment I wanted. Was not really looking into the luxury aspects of the car (Leather, buttons on the steering wheel), cause i consider this a full sports car! When I came in, I specifically requested Enthusiast model. Not base, Not touring, but Enthusiast. I emphasized that greatly. He assured us we were getting a Enthusiast model, not base, not touring, but enthusiast. I mentioned to him probably at least 20times that i want an enthusiast model.

Now let me go a little more details about my situation.

I read my previous post again and looked at the paperwork and we paid 23k in cash + a trade in our car. So refund can be a little tricky so i would believe. We asked for a refund + our original car back but they wouldn't allow so.

Ill be speaking with the stealership again, this will be probably the last time I will speak in person with them about this situation. I will contact Nissan Affairs and see what they can do about it.

Lawyering up will be a pain and trying to avoid this situation. We got too many things going on right now....Also, on the paperwork for the finance department, it all says 350Z Coupe or CPE. I mean technically an enthusiast is a coupe as www.dictionary.com lists coupe as a short, four-wheeled, closed carriage, usually with a single seat for two passengers and an outside seat for the driver

 

So now you actually have no idea what you actually paid for said BASE model 350z since you had a trade-in. They should have been two completely independent deals, meaning, you negotiate the car you're buying never mentioning your trade-in. Then you leave it on the table and return with the car you'd like to "consider" trading in. That way it's black and white what you paid for the new car and what you got for trade-in (i.e. screwed on).

To put this plain and simple, they are dicking you around . They should reverse the entire deal. They pull that "we'll have to sell it as a used car" crap, is such BS. I saw with my own two eyes them put the Maxima I bought back on the lot, with 600 miles, with the original window sticker on it!!! Use some of their own lingo back at them - it's not that they can't, it's that they WON'T cancel the deal.

From your typed words, it sounds like you are ready to throw in the towel. Of course the paperwork says "CPE", a) that's what they all are and b) if they put "Enthusiast", they know you would have an out! I'm losing my patience, and I'm not even part of the deal! I think I would have told the salesman off by now, TBQH, if you told him 20x that you wanted an enthusiast Z.

If push comes to shove and you concede to the deal, you should get your enthusiast Z at 2% under invoice. They are already screwing you on your trade-in I'm sure, so this is not an unfair price to ask for given the situation. ASK TO SEE THE INVOICE STICKER, then go home and go to edmunds.com to check the actual invoice, with options, of that particular enthu with options. Take the invoice price, multiply by .98, add $625, then minus what they said they gave you for your trade, and call it a deal.

It's still ridiculous that you don't post the name of the dealership. Minus the fact that I want to go in and punch your salesman, it does nothing for you to protect their identity. I think it would only help, but so be your choices.

 

we did do the trade in as a separately deal. Seemed a reasonable price for the trade-in (a bit more than what infiniti and few other dealers were offering).

Not throwing in the towel, Salesman was a no show for today, so back to angry mode tomorrow and I am pushing to remove the entire deal. I told the General Manager that i want my trade in car back + refund

 

Good. If they don't concede the deal, the next option is to contact your lawyer and NNA. Give them the taste of their own medicine!!!

 

status update:
We had another talk with the dealership. This time, everyone was present. The dealership said they would swap the base model car for the enthusiast model for 1100 dollars under invoice along with free oil changes for life and put this behind us (which is 1800dollars out of our pocket for the difference of enthusiast model - base).

or

keep the base and get free tires for life + oil change for life + free brake pads for the life of the car.

I told them if they can just refund my money and give back my original car and call off the deal altogether since this has been a headache and very time consuming. Whats your guys opinion? I think I will write a letter and contact Nissan affairs on Monday about canceling the whole deal.