Variable Pricing is the new way to describe Bait & Switch. New name, same old con…read more
Used car dealers and salesmen have a reputation, and it's for a good reason. Overland West Car sales (DBA Hertz Car Sales), salesman Eric, and manager Cody, fit the reputation to a T. They demonstrate an alarming lack of integrity.
Further, they are now armed with the modern iteration of the good old Bait & Switch. Today they call it Variable Pricing, a situation wherein prices can go up or down (UP, who are we kidding) on a minute by minute basis based on demand. Guess what, if you show interest in a car, the car is in demand.
From Overland West I received 4 progressively higher prices, in writing, over a 36 hour period. The biggest price escalation came after I informed them I had sold my existing vehicle.
If any dealership or salesman demonstrates this much dishonesty, you need to question and verify anything they have said concerning the condition of the vehicle, the deal, financing, and every other aspect of the transaction.
Salesman Eric seems to follow the 33% rule. Talk about your own experience, integrity, and honesty 33% of the time. Talk about the incredible integrity and business honor of the dealership 33% of the time. And finally, talk about the car, the very best example of a nearly perfect used car 33% of the time. If the customer balks at any point, give them the old..."You want to talk to my manager?"
They can also read a customer. Type of car = luxury, the mark has disposable income - so jack up the price. Payment type = cash or cash & trade, the mark can afford more, so jack up the price. Already sold their vehicle = the mark really needs to make a deal, jack the price yet again.
Fortunately, I was not desperate to purchase, and I was willing and able to walk away from the Overland West BS. It turns out I looked a little harder, and a little further, and got a factory certified vehicle with 3 year Bumper to Bumper warranty for just a few hundred more than the final price I was quoted.
My recommendation...verify everything, and if you smell a rat - walk away. You want to be the one who got away.
