Expected more from a Lexus Main Dealer
Discussion
I emailed a Lexus main dealer earlier.
My email was impeccably polite, I asked some sensible questions about a used IS220 that I was interested in, and I finished my communication suggesting that if the answers were acceptable (service history, previous owners, questions about some standard options etc.) then I'd put in an offer via their website "negotiate on this car" facility.
I commented that because depreciation was fairly high on these models, and that I felt the vehicle was a little over-priced, my offer might not be as high as they might like.
I was expecting a polite reply, Dear Mr ...., honest answers to my questions, and maybe a few words about what they might let the car be sold for. Usual stuff.
No such luck, the reply was this: what's the offer?
Nothing else. Nothing.
Sorry Lexus, game over. If that's the way you deal with polite enquiries from genuine buyers then I dread to think how you treat people once they've parted with their cash.
My email was impeccably polite, I asked some sensible questions about a used IS220 that I was interested in, and I finished my communication suggesting that if the answers were acceptable (service history, previous owners, questions about some standard options etc.) then I'd put in an offer via their website "negotiate on this car" facility.
I commented that because depreciation was fairly high on these models, and that I felt the vehicle was a little over-priced, my offer might not be as high as they might like.
I was expecting a polite reply, Dear Mr ...., honest answers to my questions, and maybe a few words about what they might let the car be sold for. Usual stuff.
No such luck, the reply was this: what's the offer?
Nothing else. Nothing.
Sorry Lexus, game over. If that's the way you deal with polite enquiries from genuine buyers then I dread to think how you treat people once they've parted with their cash.
Edited by budfox on Tuesday 1st October 18:51
No, I like to ask questions via email, so that I have a proper record of what's been said.
If they don't want offers via their website, then they shouldn't provide a very good facility for doing so. Also, I'm not good with negotiating and like the idea of using the website in this way.
If they don't want offers via their website, then they shouldn't provide a very good facility for doing so. Also, I'm not good with negotiating and like the idea of using the website in this way.
"I commented that because depreciation was fairly high on these models, and that I felt the vehicle was a little over-priced, my offer might not be as high as they might like"
Why did you bother to add this, I would suggest you leave any comments about price etc until after you have decided the car is for you (i.e you received the answers to your questions)
Unfortunately I imagine his take on your email might of been.
Dear Sir
I have some questions about one of your cars, but regardless of what you say... I think the car is too expensive and nothing you say about the car is going to make me pay asking price, and just to warn you I am going to low ball you.
His response was then...let me deal with the big issue first, and the one that clearly appears to be top priority for the customer - what is his offer, are we likely to be able to do business together.
I conclude, it was poorly handled by the Lexus dealer, equally you did line yourself up for it by mixing up the questions you had about the car with setting the dealers expectations that you weren't willing to pay the price.
I imagine you would have got a different response had you dealt with them as two different communications
Just my 2 pennies worth :-) learnt from many years of making similar mistakes
Why did you bother to add this, I would suggest you leave any comments about price etc until after you have decided the car is for you (i.e you received the answers to your questions)
Unfortunately I imagine his take on your email might of been.
Dear Sir
I have some questions about one of your cars, but regardless of what you say... I think the car is too expensive and nothing you say about the car is going to make me pay asking price, and just to warn you I am going to low ball you.
His response was then...let me deal with the big issue first, and the one that clearly appears to be top priority for the customer - what is his offer, are we likely to be able to do business together.
I conclude, it was poorly handled by the Lexus dealer, equally you did line yourself up for it by mixing up the questions you had about the car with setting the dealers expectations that you weren't willing to pay the price.
I imagine you would have got a different response had you dealt with them as two different communications
Just my 2 pennies worth :-) learnt from many years of making similar mistakes
budfox said:
I emailed a Lexus main dealer earlier.
Sorry Lexus, game over. If that's the way you deal with polite enquiries from genuine buyers then I dread to think how you treat people once they've parted with their cash.
Was it Lexus you dealt with, or just a dealership who happened to sell Lexus cars?Sorry Lexus, game over. If that's the way you deal with polite enquiries from genuine buyers then I dread to think how you treat people once they've parted with their cash.
You got what you asked for, you told them you were going to make them a lousy offer for their car so why did you expect a courteous response?. They would expect you to come and view the car before making offers,then you could justify your offer,which they are in their right to accept or refuse. Lexus are great cars, and the dealer service is first class, try a more sensible approach with another dealer and see what you get.Any motor dealer can choose who they want as customers, and if they felt that you were going to be a bit of a dick, then they may have wished not to have you as a customer. Your best bet for making silly offers for cars is the last day of the month,not the first,thats when they are looking at a potential book drop on their used cars and so may wish to sell one rather than take another month's drop.
KTF said:
What did you expect them to say?
"Ok, low ball us then we willcall you spend forever sending emails back and forth as you don't like phones and not reach an agreement anyway?"
Lol, that is so true when trying to negotiate via email, back and forth, back and forth, "oh bloody call me or email me your number so I can call you and then we can have a sensible, grown up discussion,""Ok, low ball us then we will
qureshia said:
I have some questions about one of your cars, but regardless of what you say... I think the car is too expensive and nothing you say about the car is going to make me pay asking price, and just to warn you I am going to low ball you.
That's my interpretation too.Why would I bother writing long answers if you're a dreamer ?
If the offer was close I'd then humour you with a long reply.
fathomfive said:
I had my IS serviced and mot'd at Lexus last week and they gave me some free boiled sweets.
They're not all bad.
They are not free, they are costed in They're not all bad.
Just like that 'free' wash and vac that comes with every service. And that 'free' beverage you get to enjoy whilst it is being serviced...
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