Trues in Advertising

[Schneider]

I wanted to purchase a pre-owned 2008 DTS and visited with the Cadillac Dealer to negoitiate th epurchase of the price as advertised on the web page of the dealer.
What I took from the web page was:
-2008 DTS I owner vehicle certified Used Vehicle
- year purchased: 2007
- Last reported odometer reading: 25,549
- Price 24,988
When we started out the seller told me that the price is realyy: 28,549.

When we visited the web iste together the price was quoted on 2 of the pages as I assumed; 24,988.
He then directed me to a final page where the language was like this:
Price includes $ 3,000 down or trade in.
My interpetation was "included" meant that a required $ 3,000 or a trade in would be part of the qouted price.
The dealers interpretation was:
Price "plus" $ 3,00 down or trade in.

My problem with this langauge is:
* on varios places of the web site te car is cleary marked as price: 24,988
* Included does not mean "plus".
Your toughts?

PS:
I did not question the additional charges like:
* Electronic filing:

@35I he in
in th eIntenI am a potential new DTS 2008 pre-owned certieid

[urbanski]

you likely missed the * and the fine print in the ad. welcome to bait and switch.

[Superjim]

I would look for a different dealer that would be more open and upfront with me.

Texas Jim

[c5 rv]

Welcome, and I second Texas Jim's advice. When the BS starts, I walk.

[Southern]

I don't like the way it is worded but I believe the dealer to be right. If the price includes the $3000 trade in, then that means the trade in has already been included.
Pretty common actually.

[Superjim]

Southern is right.

Technically the dealer is within the rules when he advertises that way, but with that being said...I would have walked out when he pulled that on me.

From the way I read your post...you walked also.
Good for you.

Even if it is LEGAL to do ads that way...it isn't RIGHT.
If he is that shady with and misleading with his ads...what else will he mislead you on?
I would no longer trust him at all.

Find another dealer that will be more straight up and above board with you.
They are out there.

Texas Jim

[TSS]

I always interpreted it the same as Southern too. I Remember seeing these games as far back as the 80's when my dad was looking to upgrade from his 1976 Chevette to a nicer ride (1982 Olds Omega). Nothing new here. They mine as well have listed it for $8549.00...*with $20,000.00 trade or down.

I too would walk.

By the way, the price is too high regardless of how you look at it. I just finished a deal on a very well optioned 07 DTS LUX 1 (with cooled seats, memory, front parking assist, heated steering wheel, chrome rims, etc) with approximately the same miles, certified, in unbelievable condition for 22k from a very reputable dealer - just as a point of reference on price.

[Superjim]

TSS,

Glad to hear you got a DTS.
Let us know how you like it.
You may have got lucky and got a LUX ll.
I may be wrong, but don't think the cooled seats were available in the Lux l.

You probably know more about it than I do, but if I can help with questions about the DTS...just ask.

Texas Jim

[TSS]

Originally Posted by Superjim

TSS,

Glad to hear you got a DTS.
Let us know how you like it.
You may have got lucky and got a LUX ll.
I may be wrong, but don't think the cooled seats were available in the Lux l.

You probably know more about it than I do, but if I can help with questions about the DTS...just ask.

Texas Jim

Jim, it was the 2007 Silver one with the bench seat that I handled the transaction on for one of my completely car ignorant Partners whose 2006 LUX III lease was up. She loves it.

I also did not think you could get those options (cooled seats/heated steering wheel, etc) on a LUX I. I am not convinced it is not a LUX II, despite the dealer being adament it was a LUX I - why would I argue?!!

I know it is not a LUX III (no power folding mirrors or power tilt/telescoping wheel). Those were really only the two concessions she made over her 2006 LUX III and did not particularly care about either. She now has a virtually identical newer certified car that she is purchasing over 48 mos for a lower monthly payment than her 39 month lease. Car is warranteed an additional 43 months (9/2012) , so all around a good deal.

Todd

[Superjim]

Originally Posted by TSS

Jim, it was the 2007 Silver one with the bench seat that I handled the transaction on for one of my completely car ignorant Partners whose 2006 LUX III lease was up. She loves it.

I also did not think you could get those options (cooled seats/heated steering wheel, etc) on a LUX I. I am not convinced it is not a LUX II, despite the dealer being adament it was a LUX I - why would I argue?!!

I know it is not a LUX III (no power folding mirrors or power tilt/telescoping wheel). Those were really only the two concessions she made over her 2006 LUX III and did not particularly care about either. She now has a virtually identical newer certified car that she is purchasing over 48 mos for a lower monthly payment than her 39 month lease. Car is warranteed an additional 43 months (9/2012) , so all around a good deal.

Todd

Todd,

I remember now. That was a real good deal.
It was the dealers loss that he insisted on it being a LUX l when it is really a LUX ll.
She has a nice car now for a heck of a good price.
Many happy miles to her.

Texas Jim