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window etch rip-off?

Just bought an 06 Miata and the dealer insisted that the etching is non-negotiable ... at a cost to me of $156! Lo and behold, when I took delivery there was NO etching on my car at all. Since all the paperwork was already done, the dealer tried to backpedal and give me 5 certificates for free oil changes in lieu of. I want it off of my loan balance since I'll be paying the $156. plus 5.8% interest over the next

5 years. I'm working my way up the corporate ladder to get my $156 back. FYI, the salesman claimed I'd get a nice discount back from my insurance co. because of the etching. Guess how much it came to? $7 bucks a year! Anyone else have a similar tale - and a resolution I can use?
Reply to
steve.verduin
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Too late now, but the appropriate "resolution" would've been to walk away at the word "non-negotiable." EVERYTHING is negotiable.

They're still jerking you around, just for the sport of it (car salesmen are slimeballs and easily entertained). I wouldn't waste your time with the dealership or Mazda. Start with the Better Business Bureau, and if you don't get results in a week report the dealer to your state attorney general for fraud. Chances are you aren't the first buyer they've screwed like that.

Does your state law let you return a new car within a certain period of time for a full refund, no questions asked? It's the most direct threat you have to offer the dealer.

Reply to
Lanny Chambers

Reply to
Chuck

Call your local TV station and let them know. Maybe they'll do an expose on these dirtbags.

Next item - dealers charging "processing fees".....

Reply to
Fabiano

I'd try to get them to issue you a check (refund for the exact amount then deposit it in your account and send the lender a check for that same amount requesting it go directly toward principle. This should wipe it back off and is relatively simple. You might mention to the dealer, the things you won't need to do to embarrass them into doing this if they take quick initiative.

Chris

99BBB
Reply to
Chris D'Agnolo

Reminds me of a deal that I did. I bought my son a new car, and the slimeball dealer in Vegas wanted to charge me $300 for "VIN Etch". I came home, went to vinetch.com, and found out that I could get the kit to do it myself for $30. So, I printed out the page, and took it back to the dealer, and he just tossed the whole charge. (I hadn't bought the car yet).

They even had a Brooklyn slimeball who tried to tell me that "We charge over $1000 for it in NY".

A quick link to something that I wrote a LONG time ago:

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Reply to
John Smith

"John Smith" wrote in news:443c5049$0$25882$ snipped-for-privacy@news.astraweb.com:

Basically good information but the dealer will usually offer a better deal on a car that's in stock (he's paying floorplan interest on it, the sooner it's gone the less interest he'll have to pay!).

I'd add this:

After figuring out color, options, etc. etc. go to the dealer's website (most have them now) and search his inventory. If he has your car in stock or something close enough to it that you'd be happy buying, you might make a better deal than if he has to order a car.

Reply to
XS11E

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