Month: August 2015

Dealer Exchanges and Trades Explained.

What happens when you show up on the lot and your heart was set on getting that one vehicle that was in the XYZ trim level with the ABC package, fog lights, and 18″ wheels in Cherry Blossom Metallic Tricoat and the dealer has all the same exact features you wanted except it was only available in Baton Rouge Mica? Do you accept the other color or opt for the right color without all the options?

No, you have successfully arranged to have the dealership bring one in from another location that is the precise match for the model you originally wanted with all the same options and color combinations.

Gratification of having the new vehicle to drive home in will be delayed for a few days now, but it’s a small price to pay for getting everything you wanted.

Now, to answer some of the most common questions that come up.

1. How long will it take? Well, that depends on how quickly it can be locked down with the other dealer. There’s usually a person at each location designated to handle these situations specifically. They generally keep “banker’s hours” too, so if it’s after 5pm or on a weekend, you’re most likely not getting a response until the next business day. In my experience, generally you can expect fulfillment within 1 or 2 days and usually no longer than a week after the initial agreement.

2. What if it’s not what I expected? It was your obligation and the selling dealer’s to ensure that it was the match you claimed you wanted. But, if there would be physical defect or an unresolved mechanical issue that couldn’t get worked out, the old adage holds true that possession is nine-tenths of the law.

3. How much would this cost? While there is a fee paid to have a vehicle brought in, it’s generally not discussed with the buyer and may even vary dependent upon conditions of the deal.

The best advice I can offer is to relax and don’t fret calling the dealer on a daily basis. They are in a hurry to deliver the new vehicle possibly more than you are to take possession of it. You were smart enough to go after and get what you wanted without sacrifice. Understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day and sometimes neither was your automobile.