Why build your caddy on caddy.com ... if they don't stock your build?

[Motorad]

So, I go to Cadillac's website, and build an ideal car: 1SD package for 5-passengers, radiant silver with light interior, everything else pretty much standard.

Then Cadillac's website asks you to locate a dealer. And all dealers in a 25 mile radius doesn't have my build. My first question: How does it help the buyer, to build your Caddy's car online ... just to find your build isn't stocked anywhere?

If you want to purchase a car exactly the way you want it ... is it best to "order" your build from a local Caddy dealer?

And if you custom-order your build, will this jack up the total cost of the car?

And another question that might be related: When you build your car on the Cadillac website, it shows a delivery charge of about 1,000 dollars. Why does the customer have to pay a grand for delivery of the car?

[rjm]

I've always ordered my DeVilles/DTSs and have NEVER paid anywhere close to MSRP, even when I lease.

Most dealers stock the volume sellers, Luxury I & II (1SB & 1SC) and might have a Luxury III (1SD) or Performance (1SE), even if they do its usually black raven or white diamond.

The delivery charge is on all cars, its just itemized separately on the build yourself website.

Your closest dealer can also search all Cadillac dealers to see if your specific vehicle is already built. If not it only takes 4-6 weeks for a fresh from the factory build, which is the way I like to go! That way you get the pleasure of putting every single mile on the car! Nor can you beat the feeling that no-one else has really driven your car. And its really yours since it was built to your exact specifications.

Now that I've had mine for a few months, I'd like to recommend that you add the Platinum Package to your specifications. It really gives the car the interior its should have from the beginning, not that the standard interior is cheap. But I think its worth it for the suede headliner alone!

Good luck in your search, and make sure you get the exact car you want, at the price you want. With the market where it is you should have no problem with either.

[Motorad]

Thank you, rjm. I'll definitely get the Platinum Package as you recommend.

Another question: Ordinarily, I'dda thought that ordering a car to your specs from the Manufacturer would cost extra, but you're able to order a car at below-MSRP cost. What's the catch ... do you have pay full amount up front? How can Cadillac profit unless they get total payment before shipping the car to you?

[rjm]

Originally Posted by Motorad

Thank you, rjm. I'll definitely get the Platinum Package as you recommend.

Another question: Ordinarily, I'dda thought that ordering a car to your specs from the Manufacturer would cost extra, but you're able to order a car at below-MSRP cost. What's the catch ... do you have pay full amount up front? How can Cadillac profit unless they get total payment before shipping the car to you?

No catch. I go to the dealer, tell them what I want and they order the vehicle. When the vehicle arrives, we then negotiate on a reasonable price that I will pay for the vehicle. In the beginning, I was required to give them a deposit, usually $1000, but I haven't done that in quite some time. This goes for leasing as well, which is exactly what I'm doing with my current DTS, and it was ordered fresh from the factory.

Some dealers may negotiate on price at the time of ordering, but mine never has. Mercedes is the only maker I'm aware of that charges a premium for "special orders".

Its a simple process, and usually takes about 4-6 weeks after the factory takes the order. Dealers are free to place orders at any time, but the factory takes up orders on Tuesday. Even if your dealer places the order on Monday, it doesn't mean the factory will take the order the next day. it was 3 weeks before the factory took the order on my current car.

Good Luck.

[TSS]

^^ I have done the same thing, but I negotiate the price before ordering. If the car arrives and I don't like it for any reason at all, I get my deposit (500.00) back. The only wildcard is what incentives are in place at the actual time of delivery.

[CalDrvr]

Just asking, but do any of these deals include a Cadillac trade-in, or do you plan a cash purchase?

[Superjim]

Originally Posted by CalDrvr

Just asking, but do any of these deals include a Cadillac trade-in, or do you plan a cash purchase?

I have did a couple of new car orders, where I had a trade in.
They give me a number for my trade at order time...but if I sell it before the new one comes in, of course then we are back to square one.

Nothing to negotiate but the price of the new one when it comes in.

There is USUALLY someone that wants to buy my used one.
People know I "DRIVE" it, but they also know how I maintain it and take cars of it.

Texas Jim