Ordered C4s

Hey Everyone, I ordered a 2003 C4s back in August. Well, my dealer just called to tell me that it will be available in 2 weeks. I have a couple questions: 1. Since I ordered the car back in August, I ordered it at sticker for April/May delivery. However, the market isn't what it used to be, and I don't think it's really necessary to pay full sticker price. Is it now unethical to negotiate on the price when it comes in? I'm currently in a position where i don't need a car and certainly don't need/want my Porsche for another 2 months. The car was supposed to be delivered in May when I returned to Miami, but there was an obvious change of plans unbeknownst to me. I'll take it, but I am happy to walk away from the deal. 2. After working through 1, what's a fair price to ask? I imagine the sticker is about 90k or so as it stands. Here's the configuration: Seal Grey Black Leather Sport Seats Aluminum Guages Carbon Fiber Shifter/Brake Bose Bi-xenons Sport Exhaust Deviating Red Stitching Porsche crest Stainless steel exhaust pipes Thanks for the help.

If the dealer can change the delivery date, then you can change the terms. Once the delivery date changed (unilaterly) from what was agreed then the deal is void. I would ask the Dealer to "induce" you to take the car earlier than was agreed. The level of inducement will depend on market circumstances but $6-8K off would be reasonable in the current circumstances. It may be possible to get more if you're a "bottom fisher". Otherwise, ask him to order a new one for you as some mutually agreed future date, and since it's a new order it will have a new price negotiation.

Interesting. Given the current luxury market, would it not behoove the dealer to move on the car? Since I'm in no hurry for the car and don't need it, what should stop me from walking away from it? I tendered a $1000 refundable deposit, but it is fully refundable. There is nothing to hold me to the current terms. What's a "bottom fisher?" The context clues are clear, but you've definitely suggested a very negative connotation.

Sam Zell is a "bottom fisher" and bottom fishers usually get the best deal so it is not negative unless you like to pay full market value. A bottom fisher is someone who buys at the bottom of a market usually at the expense of the Seller who paid too much. If you can get your $1000 deposit back. Take it and then renegotiate. It is not like car dealers are the most ethical people in this world. Cycles change and you should take advantage of it, unless the dealer is your buddy or a relative!

This may be an unpopular opinion, but a deal is a deal. Would you be willing to pay what you agreed to pay if he delivered it in April? Thats only about 3 weeks away. The ethical answer, IMHO, would have to be "Yes". It does not matter what has happened to the market. You both took a gamble on whatr the market value of the car will be at delivery, then made a deal on that gamble. If the deal had been for less them MSRP, and the car is now in such high demand that the dealer can easily charge a premium for it, you would still expect him to sell it to you at the original price you both agreed on, wouldn't you? I know the deposit is refundable regardless, but a deal is a deal. I know some(and I stress some, as I've met one) dealers are the scum of the earth, but I don't believe we should base our own actions on them. One ethical way I could agree with a lower price is to give the dealer options. You can say that you don't have the money for a March delivery since it was unexpected, but will have the agreed price for the agreed April delivery date. If he comes down on the price for the March delivery, then you can afford it. If he insists on a March delivery, then you have the ethical right to dictate the priceor walk away from the deal. If he holds off for an April delivery, you are ethicaly bound to pay the agreed price.

I had similar circumstances regarding my C4S order last year. The car was to be delivered in May, but it arrived in late June--one of the last '02's. I did not accept the car and they re-ordered the same car as an '03 that I took delivery on in September. For the second car, I cut a new deal for $5,000 off list. They sold the first car off the lot after just a few weeks

Palting makes a good point. Being a former Ford Motor Co. Rep I have have seen many dealers good and bad. The stereotype is probably well deserved but I do have to say that the customers are just as much to blame. Who know where the whole war started but it is frustrating to see people want their cake and eat it too when buying a new car. When you bought your house did you look up what the prior owner paid (public knowledge) and then offer just a little more than that? And THEN ask him to fix everything wrong with the house?