Held Against My Will at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep in Tempe!

[Quasimotor]

Held Against My Will at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep; Tempe, AZ

To whom it concerns;

My wife has been interested in a new convertible for some time now. We’ve been going back and forth between paying too much for a 2005 Mustang Convertible from $3-$8k over MSRP as market adjustment (due to lack of availability, but hey it’s the American way), or going with her other less expensive and more economical choice of a PT Cruiser Convertible (readily available at many dealerships).

She had previously seen a color she liked locally (Charcoal Grey touring edition), but it was no longer available as a factory ordered option, so I began to search for it on the internet and found
http://www.nobull.com/new/detail.php?vin=3C3EY55E25T327143&Model=PT%CONV% We contacted Gerry Ashland (Fleet and Internet Sales manager for Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep) on June 1, 2005 to inquire on pricing for a 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible. We were quoted invoice, plus $250, plus window tint ($299), minus the $2000 rebate for $23, 156. After doing more research, we called back on Saturday June 4, 2005 and asked Gerry for the out the door price on the vehicle. We were told invoice (not invoice plus $250), plus tint, minus $2000 for $22906 plus fees, license, etc.

We asked him to please fax the deal to us down in Tucson so there would be no misunderstanding upon arrival in Tempe. After waiting for about a half an hour, we called back to inquire on the fax. We were told that it was on the way within 15 minutes and then we were hung up on. After the fax arrived we called back once again to ask about the $1000 additional trade in allowance offered by Chrysler and was informed it would apply as well. He then agreed to $21906 as a complete price plus doc fee, plates and tax, also he gave us a rough blue book trade in value on our vehicle (he did inform us that he couldn’t give us exact trade in value for our vehicle until they appraised it). The amounts he expected we should receive were within $75 of what we had blue booked our vehicle for.

Gerry then informed us that while he would not be there to assist us directly, he would fill in John Nehouse (his sales associate) on the deal so that we could avoid any B.S., dealership games, and even explained what a pleasurable experience we would have with their dealership. He said we would enjoy the transaction and that it would be seamless, even so far as to avoid the closing game of the sales associate running back and forth to the ominous “deal booth” to get the sales managers approval.

We left Tucson, at approximately 4:00 pm and informed Gerry (via cell phone) we were on the road we would arrive between 6-6:30 pm at their dealership. We were now on our way to Tempe (2 hour drive). We first stopped at the Earnhardt Ford dealership to peek at the Mustangs they had sitting right on the entrance, which is the vehicle we would have preferred to purchase. As we pulled into the driveway, Shawn (a sales associate sitting at the entrance in a booth) jumped out of the cubicle by the driveway and jumped in front of the vehicle (so we had to stop and listen to him) and informed us that he would be helping us and directed us to park. We circled the lot found an exit and left the Ford dealer (right next to the Chrysler Jeep delaer) to find John Nehouse back at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, since he was the individual that was supposed to have our information ready, and handle our transaction for us.

Upon arriving at Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, John had the doors open and the motor running on the PT Cruiser that we had come to see. We looked at the PT, looked at the Mustangs and then agreed to complete the discussed deal on the PT Cruiser. John looked over our trade and we went inside. We signed the appraisal agreement and they took our car key so that they manager could appraise and drive our trade if needed (I never thought they would use it to keep us there) then off went John.

We watched and waited, waited and watched. No one ever went to look at our trade. About 30 minutes later, John comes back with their offer. Invoice minus the incentives, plus alarm, GAP, scotch guard, extended warranty, etc., etc., etc., minus $8000 for our trade and financing of over $22K. We asked John how we had a deal of $21906 that turned into financing more than the sticker price (window decal was less than $22K on the car itself!) after our trade. Our faxed price was $21,906 and minus our trade of $8800 would have caused us to finance roughly $13,106 plus doc fee of $290 and sales tax (7.8% minus our trade in value) plus license (roughly $15k). John agreed that it didn’t make sense and went back to “the booth”. He returned and attempted to get us to sign for $19K and change financed, still only $8000 was offered on the trade. When questioned on the discrepancy of the trade, we were told that it was for the reconditioning fees. We asked for the key to our vehicle (we just wanted our cell phone, and Gerry’s number out of our car) and were told that they would get them for us. The sales manager came out and asked what the problem was. He then asked if we would split the difference on the trade with him. We said no and again asked for our key. Ten minutes later, John came back and said they were trying to work the deal. When asked about the keys, he said “they really were working the deal”. With a raised voice, I asked again nicely, he proceeded to give me a line about their working on it, and I began to loose my temper saying “Give me the ****ing keys to my car!”

John proceeded back to the “booth” and 5 minutes later handed me my keys (In retrospect, I should have ran out the door, and got my wife and son out of the place at that very second…).

Outside we were followed, by John, who assured us that “they were working the deal for us” and then went back inside. We attempted to call Gerry back to find out what was going on. Of course, there was no answer. After waiting about another ten minutes (it is now 8:03 at night and the dealership closes at 8:00pm) we decided that we were done with the games and loaded my wife and my 6 year old son in our car to leave. As we began to pull out of the parking spot, John came running out of the sales compound waving his hands and ran up to the car. He said they were almost done and to please just wait. I informed him that he had thirty seconds and I was leaving. John got on the cell phone to the manager and told him that we were ready to leave. He said they could do the financing for $15K taking our trade for $8800 and he came outside as well.

By this time my wife was to the point of almost throwing up she was so upset, it was late and I was sick of the run around (the not giving me my keys after asking three times had killed any possibility of buying the car in my mind). I discussed with my wife briefly as to if she wanted to continue (after all it was a trip for her and it was going to be her car and her decision to buy or not), in the meantime the sales manager was leaning on a car trying hard to ease drop on our private conversation. I rolled up the window while we discussed this for about 30 more seconds.

We agreed they had gone too far, and we didn’t want their car any longer. I rolled down the window, informed the sales manager “we would think about it, goodnight” and since the car was already running and in gear I simply proceeded towards the exit. At the exit gate they had a lot person, who was holding the gate closed so that no new customers could enter the dealership. As we proceeded to move towards the gate, the lot attendant started to open the gate. Then from behind us, we heard the sales manager yell out, “Don’t open it!” the lot attendant, looking confused, proceeded to close the gate again. I yelled out the window at the lot attendant, “You better ****ing open it!” and it remained closed. At this point I almost panicked and drove through the gate with our SUV. I controlled my emotions, pulled right up against the gate, and proceeded to power-brake our vehicle, acting as if I was going to push the gate open unless he opened it. By this time the sales manager had ran to my window and actually said to me “But sir, we’re closing….” I replied, “you should have taken care of us to begin with!”, and now the gate was opening, so I proceeded into the street and as far and as fast away from the Earnhardt Chrysler Dealer as I possibly could get.

I’ve never been held against my will before while trying to purchase something. I’ve never had my civil liberties so disregarded in such a manner before period….. let alone while shopping for something. If this is truly how this dealership does business, I would advise anyone and everyone to not allow this to happen!

Make your voice known about unethicall business practices such as this, and spread the word to others who might fall for such terrorist-type-sales tactics as these. I am so thankful I did not send my wife to this dealership alone, who knows what they might have done to her. I have customers, and forum members numbering over 5000, and I will be forwarding this information to any and all customers in Arizona, or any who desire a copy themselves.


Sincerely,
Jim Davis

[flxy_tj]

I will never go to one of their dealerships again. The whole thing is a scam my wife and I went way back to look at a SUV for her and got the run around but we told them that we would never buy from them just wanted to see the model features, and we bought from someone else. :D

[Devil Man]

I have had a similar experience with Earnhardts & I to will never be pushed around by sales a-holes I have up & left many dealerships & as for any dealership with a prison gate like all Earnhardt dealerships have if you go in & they hold you against your will call 911 then run that fn gate down :mad:

[k7mto]

Unbelieveable. I commend you on your self control. I'd have lost my (Irish) temper long before hand. I would also have threatend to call the police the instant they failed to let me off the lot.

Be careful what you post on the web. You don't need them suing you for slander.

[Quasimotor]

Unbelieveable. I commend you on your self control. I'd have lost my (Irish) temper long before hand. I would also have threatend to call the police the instant they failed to let me off the lot.

Be careful what you post on the web. You don't need them suing you for slander.

It can't be slander if it's the truth! I have a GPS log that proves I was there at the times I said I was I also have the faxed quote sent to me, and they pulled my wife's credit while there, let them try to say it's slander. I am contacting my attorney on Monday to proceed with this, as well as emailing this to every email link listed on Earnhardts website, the ACLU, the BBB, Chrysler Customer Service, and Rip off report.com

I'm very pissed off about this...

[Devil Man]

Be careful what you post on the web. You don't need them suing you for slander.
WITH A FACE LIKE THIS HOW COULD THEY SUE HIM http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1533&stc=1

[k7mto]

It can't be slander if it's the truth!

Agreed, but when folks go public with injustices done to them, they sometimes tend to embelish the facts. Not that you have, or will, but just be very careful what you post on your website (which I noticed you edited out of your original post) to avoid any adverse repercussions by Earnhardt's.

[Quasimotor]

Agreed, but when folks go public with injustices done to them, they sometimes tend to embelish the facts. Not that you have, or will, but just be very careful what you post on your website (which I noticed you edited out of your original post) to avoid any adverse repercussions by Earnhardt's.
I took out the URl for two reasons, one I just bought it, and need to transfere the DNS, which will take a couple of days. Two the name might get me in hot water, and until I speak with my attorney, I'll keep it out of the public eye a bit.

Embelish hell, you can't make this kind of injustice up......it still feels like a bad dream.

[Hackle]

I give you credit would have gone off about 30 seconds after asking for my car keys the first time. Calling the police to report a stolen vehicle would have been about 15 seconds after that. What they did is total BS
Jim F.

[jeepsonly]

Wow. Well all I know is that I have hardly ever had a good experience buying a car. I dread it every time and always leave feeling I somehow got taken. Plus I despise the "you're the greatest person in the world until we have your signature/money" thing. I hate that every single time they try to trick me into buying a car. I roll my eyes every time I get the old "what payment can you afford and we'll make a deal around that". Or the "my sales manager is over there and I'll see if I can get him to take this good a deal." Or my personal favorite "there is a couple in the next room that wants the same exact car so you better hurry it up or you'll lose out to them." My latest purchase, my F150, they balked when I went to read the sales agreement/contract. They actually said "we've never met anyone who wanted to read it. You should just sign it". The sales manager had a hissy fit, stomped out and I never saw him again. Freak.

I hate to say it but in my experience all car dealers are slimey. :mad:

[Dave@desertfab.com]

:eek: been there done that.. Actually drove through the gate.. F---- them.. No one holds my family at bay.. :mad: :mad:

[Stomper]

I used to work at a couple of car dealerships and I know how you feel. I could not handle working for one, the other was actually nice to work at. I doubt I will ever buy from a dealership again, I will probably buy through my credit union or CostCo. My ex told me the other week that she spent 7 hours buying her Titan but she got the deal she wanted. Screw spending 7 hours anywhere (except on the trail!!) that I am not being paid to be.

I am sorry to hear about your experience.

[jeepin_in_az]

The best experiance I ever had was going through a broker. I knew exactly what I wanted. 99 Tahoe, White, 4 door, 2x4, dual air, cloth interior, payment at $350.00.

Never saw the guy, just had phone contact with him. He called exactly 1 week later, said he had what I wanted, but it was in Las Vegas. Price was right, payments were $353 a month. Told him I wanted it, and he had it transported down within a couple days. He drove it to my work, I signed the papers and handed in my trade in.

[Quasimotor]

The best experiance I ever had was going through a broker. I knew exactly what I wanted. 99 Tahoe, White, 4 door, 2x4, dual air, cloth interior, payment at $350.00.

Never saw the guy, just had phone contact with him. He called exactly 1 week later, said he had what I wanted, but it was in Las Vegas. Price was right, payments were $353 a month. Told him I wanted it, and he had it transported down within a couple days. He drove it to my work, I signed the papers and handed in my trade in.

I hear you, I bought my Unlimited through a broker and it was a great experience. This color was rare, and he couldn't get them to part with it though so I had to go to the dealer.....

Never again..broker from now on.

[My1stJeep]

I know what you are going through, although it has been awhile. My last vehicle purchased at a dealership was 5 years ago, we don't buy from them anymore. My wifes previous Jeep Cherokee we got at Arizona Fleet. It is the easiest way to buy a vehicle.

For the Cherokee they actually drove it from their place at 23rd AVe and about Peoria to Rural and University for me to test drive. No pressure what so ever. After talking it over with my wife after seeing it, she said she wanted it. I called them, said yes, they said this is what your payments will be, got there to sign the paperwork, wait the payments did not match, they were $10 less per month than they quoted me, I signed right away. I was out of that office in less then 45 minutes with all paperwork signed and done.

With my wife going to school in California, she has to make alot of trips back and forth, and we all know Jeeps are not know for gas mileage. So it was time for the XJ to go. She wanted a PT cruiser or a Stang as well. Stang was too new and I did not want to take a bath trying to sell it after a couple years putting loads of miles on it. So we opted for a PT, I called them, they had one, all options, everything she wanted, except it was white (she wanted another color as her last 3 cars have been white). I went in, they gave me the keys (took a copy of my license) and I took off for a test drive. Wife showed up to test drive it, and loved it. Went home to sleep on it, called the following day, said yes. They worked out the financing, we went in, signed the papers and this time were out of their in 20 minutes.

They can find you used vehicles or new. Fastest easiest way to buy a vehicle hands down. If it has just been this easy and great once I would have said it was a fluke, but 2 times with a 3.5 year span in the middle, it is just the way they do business. And these guys wear shorts and Jeans, no dressing up to sell you something.

602-861-2400 Mike Holliday is who we dealt with. If you have any questions about dealing with them let me know, I will be happy to answer them.

[RokNRich]

I've had bad experiences at Earnhardt Dodge as well. I WILL NEVER buy a vehicle from them ! I also tell anyone who will listen to avoid them as well.

If you are interested in Chev/GM, they are doing employee pricing right now, price on the window. I bought a 2005 GMC 2500 4X4 Duramax/Allison yesterday.
45K Retail, 40k Invoice, 34.5K before tax and title.

:D :D :D :D :D

[rockwerks]

I've had bad experiences at Earnhardt Dodge as well. I WILL NEVER buy a vehicle from them ! I also tell anyone who will listen to avoid them as well.

If you are interested in Chev/GM, they are doing employee pricing right now, price on the window. I bought a 2005 GMC 2500 4X4 Duramax/Allison yesterday.
45K Retail, 40k Invoice, 34.5K before tax and title.

:D :D :D :D :D

several years back I worked for Bill Like CPDJE. great place easy to deal with and ya even ahve to go find a sales person. very low pressure.

[Quasimotor]

Well I got my formal complaint in with chrysler three different ways, email, letter, and phone. I sent an email to the ACLU and filed a complaint with the BBB (like that matters), and am waiting for the attorney to call back on the earnhart-auto-centers-suck.com url I've purchased..... I have a couple of friends who even offered to go picket the dealership lol.

[Antman]

WITH A FACE LIKE THIS HOW COULD THEY SUE HIM http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1533&stc=1


HEY! I didn't say you could use my picture! :D

I also had a good experience with Bill Luke Crysler/Jeep when I purchased my Dodge 2001 4x4 2500 V10 pickup a few years back. I was treated very well.

[Joe West]

I've had two bad experiences with Earnhardts that I learned from. My experiences were not as bad as yours... but they pushed the envelope of proper behavior.

I finally ended up making sure that the ENTIRE deal was negotiated BEFORE I set foot in the door. You can't do this if you have a trade-in, but if you are paying cash and/or have financing arranged in advance, you certainly can.

My last experience at Earnhardt Dodge was positive. I had the entire deal worked out, told the sales guy to have EVERYTHING, including the paperwork READY for me to sign when we arrived.

He did.

The Durango and the paperwork were absolutely ready to go. From the time we walked in until the time we drove out was roughly 40 minutes.

Best experience at a dealership ever.

My only advice is... don't leave ANY ASPECT of a deal open before you go in. If you do... most dealers will attempt to take advantage of the opening. Set the expectations up front by saying "I want to be in and out in 45 minutes and if I'm not... I'm walking" . When you arrive... tell the salesman "It is now <insert time here>, your 45 minute timer has started".

When dealing with Earnhardt's... you need to let them know up front:

I ain't takin NO BULL.

Joe

[1BLKJP]

Damn, brother. That is messed up. I think that I would've punched somebody or thrown a chair thru that nice clean glass of theirs in that "Deal Booth". You were definitely in the right here on this one.

I gotta say that I bought my 99 Wrangler from Earnhardt Ford in 03 and I just bought my 04 Ram from Earnhardt Dodge last week. My experiences were heads and tails different than yours. But now reading your story I won't hesitate to go somewhere else for my purchasing needs in the future. I got good deals with no hassle from them on both purchases. But I can't stand to hear about people I know being treated like you and your family were.

As a matter of fact I think that I will be taking my Dodge elsewhere for it's warranty work even. And I would urge all of you newer Jeep owners to stay away from an Earnhardt Service Center as well for your service needs. Service is where they make most of their money and is where it hurts them the most. You should be able to take your Jeep to any Jeep service center for warranty work.

Good luck with your actions Jim. And don't lose faith. Negative ratings with the BBB does matter to a lot of people when they are doing business.

[Quasimotor]

Well I spoke with Gerry Ashland today (the original individual who offered me the deal in writing), seems chrysler has already contacted them (what chrysler is doing about it still unclear at this point, but they are a five star dealer and I already own one 2004 chrysler product).

What was funny is, he even admitted had that been done to him he would have drove through the gate. I got the name of the sales manager and the lot person (which I am told doesn't even speak english, though he understood "Don't close it") Gerry asked what I was looking for out of this, and I replied "well at this point I wouldn't take the car if you gave it to me".

I informed him, what I wanted was a formal letter of apology from the dealership, and proof of repremand if not termination of the sales manager who did this. He said he would pass this along to someone (which indicates to me they plan to do nothing about it).

I've had a couple of bro's with jeeps offer to picket the dealership (I personally don't feel like standing in the sun with a picket sign, but driving back and forth a few times in front of the dealer wouldn't be so bad), so I had this idea. How about if I get some antenna flags made up and we do a "Jeep Show" in front of or across the street etc from the dealership? I could post it as a trip and since most of you are near Pheonix anyways, we could show them what kind of support the AZVJC has and also make a event out of it.

Maybe all get together at a nearby resteraunt, sonic or in and out burger etc, and then parade back in forth a few times in front of the dealership? Then who knows maybe head out to a trail afterwards!

Just an idea, let me know what you think. I would imagine it might curb Jeep sales that day anyways for them. I know it's hard to rally people over something like this, and your time is valuable, but this just isn't right, and my values and morales just won't let me let it go....
Jim

P.S. the "No Bull" slogan is short for this: Over the years as the dealership grew, so did Tex's television persona - as the cowboy car dealer who rode a bull. His saying "This ain't no bull" (meaning that the bull was really a steer) became his trademark slogan.

I found it ironic, the slogan isn't even directed at the way they do business, but is a technicality of what the animal was he rode in the commercials.

[Quasimotor]

Update, I have three AZVJC members who have volunteered to join the "Jeep Show" in support of this thread, any more, and how should I post this as a trip?

[danno]

I am in for a Jeep show as well... Boy your self control is much better than mine.

Maybe I am just a s h i t stirrer, but I think it might be fun just to head down there and see if they will pull that same garbage on me. Only I will have fun tearing their gate from the ground.

[My1stJeep]

I think we should all go and buy a vehicle from No Bull. Might be fun to go down and have each of us get a deal done up, work on it all the way through and might then have to go home and sleep on it, you know I am having second thoughts and just don't think I should buy this one... hmmmmmmmmmmm

Imagine the headache and heartache of 15-20 deals that fall through...LOL

Just a bad idea, but thought it was funny...

[Quasimotor]

I am in for a Jeep show as well... Boy your self control is much better than mine.

Maybe I am just a s h i t stirrer, but I think it might be fun just to head down there and see if they will pull that same garbage on me. Only I will have fun tearing their gate from the ground.
Trust me it's not easy for me, I have a bad temper too. My wife keeps reminding me though, driving over the gate and the lot attendant would have been a bad thing for me.... As it stands right now, they have no excuse for what they did, if I'd threatened them or acted out like that, then they would have ammunition.

So... anyone up for a Ernhardt jeep show and maybe florence afterwards? Somebody please explain how I should post this trip? :D If anyone lives nearby the Dealer, is there a sonic or other fast food restaraunt close or across the street I can make arrangements with? Let me see now that's 5 rigs willing not including myself....
I can also get some anti-Earnhardt antenna flags made up, if this is going to happen.
Jim

[rockwerks]

whe I worked for BLCPD and went through the customer one training Earnhardts was always at the bottom of the list for customer satisfaction. They have been using tyhese tactics for over 10 years as far as I can tell

[Quasimotor]

whe I worked for BLCPD and went through the customer one training Earnhardts was always at the bottom of the list for customer satisfaction. They have been using tyhese tactics for over 10 years as far as I can tell
Does that make it ok? I mean a pushy salesman is one thing, keeping you on the property is another. I guess we should all just take it up the pipe on things like this, until they come knocking on our door forcing us to buy their products?

I feel very old and disenchanted......

[jeepsonly]

Well I can tell you that I'm now suspicious of Earnhardt and maybe a few others here are now also. Word of mouth makes customer satisfaction important.

You should definately write a letter to the owners. Just in case they don't know, they need to be made aware of these tactics and how it's perceived by potential car buyers.

[Quasimotor]

Well I can tell you that I'm now suspicious of Earnhardt and maybe a few others here are now also. Word of mouth makes customer satisfaction important.

You should definately write a letter to the owners. Just in case they don't know, they need to be made aware of these tactics and how it's perceived by potential car buyers.

I sent the letter to every email listed on their website, even the R.V. and body shop ones.... Somebody should have handed it the proper individual. Gerry Ashland has a copy I know, and already said he would pass it on the the proper individual. Maybe they will do something about it, in my next life....

While I'm in this mood, lets have some fun with this. Maybe come up with my new antenna banner slogan. I was thinking "Earnhardt, customers check in.... but they can't check out". Maybe T-shirts...

[rockwerks]

Does that make it ok? I mean a pushy salesman is one thing, keeping you on the property is another. I guess we should all just take it up the pipe on things like this, until they come knocking on our door forcing us to buy their products?

I feel very old and disenchanted......

I guess that posted wrong, I mean they have always been crap but since they move a ton on rigs they kep the dealership

[Quasimotor]

I guess that posted wrong, I mean they have always been crap but since they move a ton on rigs they kep the dealership

I probably came off pissed at you and didn't mean to.

My point being, if it's not brought to light, they have no reason to change. For instance, (and I know this is a pipe dream) but say we got a bunch of rigs there, maybe someone in the media would even show an interest. Big business counts on people rolling over and taking it, and individually, it's tough to change that.

I'm sure tons of people have filed BBB complaints on these people, and even with chrysler, but your right, it's the golden rule.
Jim

[1BLKJP]

So Jim, when you talked to the guy that originally setup your deal and faxed you the pricing did he have any intelligent reasoning as to why you had so much trouble in the first place? Seems like it should've been very cut and dry when you showed up.

Sounds like a fun idea you have here. I live not too far from them. Just post your run up on the www.azvjc.org main page and give a brief explanation of what you are looking to do.

[Quasimotor]

So Jim, when you talked to the guy that originally setup your deal and faxed you the pricing did he have any intelligent reasoning as to why you had so much trouble in the first place? Seems like it should've been very cut and dry when you showed up.

Sounds like a fun idea you have here. I live not too far from them. Just post your run up on the www.azvjc.org main page and give a brief explanation of what you are looking to do.

1BLKJP,
Gerry Ashland, indicated the salesman "John Nehouse" was responsible for dropping the ball on the deal, as he was supposed to have everything ready for us, and no games. However, even so, once the sales manager saw the fax and the complete price, he cotinued, even once saying "The problem with these internet fleet deals is... I don't have any wiggle room". Neither of these is the main issue here. Them holding the keys sucks, but I am finding is very common (just never happened to me before). The "Don't open it!" is the part I can't and won't get over.... My 6yr old still asks me why the man wouldn't let us leave...

Jim

[Quasimotor]

I feel a little worse about owning a Chrysler product after receiving this.

Dear Jim:

Thank you for your email to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation. It is
always a concern when a customer is dissatisfied with our Dealer
service.

Over the past few years, DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation has made
tremendous gains in improving levels of customer satisfaction. But in
your case, we apparently missed the mark.

As much as I would like to be of assistance, the circumstances in this
matter prevent me from doing so. DaimlerChrysler Motors dealers are
independent businesses, and as such are responsible for addressing
concerns directly related to their sales departments, including their
personnel. DaimlerChrysler Motors has no authority to resolve disputes
involving retail sales agreements between an independent dealer and
their retail customer. I would suggest you pursue the matter directly
with dealership management.

Your dissatisfaction is regrettable, and I trust you will understand our
position. I hope this experience will not cause you to misjudge our
products.

Thanks for bringing this matter to our attention. Information received
from customers enables better evaluation of dealers' sales activities.
Your complaint will be retained in the dealer's file.


NOTE: Please do not use the 'Reply' function of your email system. If
you have a need to respond to this message, please visit us at our reply
form (link provided below). Our system is NOT able to accept any emails
at this address.

For any future communications related to this email, please refer to the
following information:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 13629390
REPLY LINK:
http://www.chrysler.com/wccsapp/wccs/brand_forms/us/reply.jsp?trk_ID=KMM2813846C0KM&

Sincerely,

Chris
Senior Staff Representative
DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center

[BRUZR]

The t-shirts and/or flags should read:

Earnhardt Chrysler (AKA The Hotel California)
Where you can "Check out anytime you like, but you can NEVER leave..."

Dang, now I have that song stuck in my head, but at least it's a good song. :D

[danno]

You really should write to BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda and Nissan as well.

Earnhardt owns dealerships for all of these brands. If the issue is with the dealership, I am sure that they probably ruined buying any of these brands from their dealership. The manufacturers really ought to know about that... don't you think?

Other suggestion: According to their website, Tex Earnhardt personally is present at each of their dealerships on a daily basis. Tex Earnhardt started selling cars back in 1951 and if his commitment to quality is truely genuine, perhaps you should contact him directly and let him know what happened. Better yet, schedule a meeting with him and tell him you would like to drive up from Tucson to discuss.

If you get a dead end here. Then picketing and the like is probably a good idea, but perhaps you should make an attempt to talk with the owner before you go that route. In the end, is it more important for them to lose business for a day or two, or to fix the problem to make sure it does not happen again and have those responsible deal with the consequences of their actions.

I feel a little worse about owning a Chrysler product after receiving this.

Dear Jim:

Thank you for your email to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation. It is
always a concern when a customer is dissatisfied with our Dealer
service.

Over the past few years, DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation has made
tremendous gains in improving levels of customer satisfaction. But in
your case, we apparently missed the mark.

As much as I would like to be of assistance, the circumstances in this
matter prevent me from doing so. DaimlerChrysler Motors dealers are
independent businesses, and as such are responsible for addressing
concerns directly related to their sales departments, including their
personnel. DaimlerChrysler Motors has no authority to resolve disputes
involving retail sales agreements between an independent dealer and
their retail customer. I would suggest you pursue the matter directly
with dealership management.

Your dissatisfaction is regrettable, and I trust you will understand our
position. I hope this experience will not cause you to misjudge our
products.

Thanks for bringing this matter to our attention. Information received
from customers enables better evaluation of dealers' sales activities.
Your complaint will be retained in the dealer's file.


NOTE: Please do not use the 'Reply' function of your email system. If
you have a need to respond to this message, please visit us at our reply
form (link provided below). Our system is NOT able to accept any emails
at this address.

For any future communications related to this email, please refer to the
following information:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 13629390
REPLY LINK:
http://www.chrysler.com/wccsapp/wccs/brand_forms/us/reply.jsp?trk_ID=KMM2813846C0KM&

Sincerely,

Chris
Senior Staff Representative
DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center

[Quasimotor]

I asked about speaking with Tex, I won't say they fell over laughing, but snickered just the same. I was informed he has hired people to take care of these issues.. which I am sure is true.
Jim

[My1stJeep]

It may be true or it may be those around him don't want him to know how they are running his business. I would be curious to know if he actually is aware of these tactics, is that the way he wants business run or are they running it in total anarchy and not letting him find out.

Either way I agree something has to be done, to me keeping you there is a form of kidnapping, I am sure there is a better legal description that for law purposes works better, but I not a lawyer sa I dun't know what it is...LOL

Keep us updated as to the date of the show... :D

[rvisokey]

I see him him from time to time. He lives in a gated division across from my house and I catch him at a Coffe place every so-often. Don't know him personally but have said "hello" and gotton one in return.

If you want to write him a letter I can get you his (one of the many I'm sure) home address. (NO, Im not going to post it here). I doubt he opens his own mail but it might be a better chance?

[Quasimotor]

I see him him from time to time. He lives in a gated division across from my house and I catch him at a Coffe place every so-often. Don't know him personally but have said "hello" and gotton one in return.

If you want to write him a letter I can get you his (one of the many I'm sure) home address. (NO, Im not going to post it here). I doubt he opens his own mail but it might be a better chance?

Seriously? The real TEX Earnhardt? PM me the info and I'll get her in the mail A.S.A.P.
Jim

[azjeepcjman]

Add me to the list if you do an anti-Earnhardt Jeep run

[k7mto]

Me too (if it's after I get back from TX 7/8). That'd certainly get lots of notice if a line of built Jeeps surrounded his dealership with picket signs. Heck, maybe we should block the gates after they close (after last customer leaves) and prevent them from leaving :D

[Stomper]

I would be up for an anti-Earnhardt run. The way they treated Quasi calls for some action. You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything.

Take care,

S

[ScoobyDoo]

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you decide not to get a PT cruiser :eek:

[Quasimotor]

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you decide not to get a PT cruiser :eek:
At this point, I'm not sure I want to own a Chrysler product period. It's funny, they tell you this 5 star certification means something, but really it was just another marketing ploy developed to sucker people into dealerships that use un-ethical business practices. The fact nobody at Chrysler has done anything about this period means they could care less.

Anybody need a lifted Unlimited? I might have one for sale very soon.

Jim
As for the jeep show/ protest how many are in now? Would be nice if we could organize this neatly.

[Stomper]

I might be in the market for a lifted Unlimited in the next couple of months. What kind/how high of a lift do you have on it??

I am up for the protest whenever you decide to have it let me know. I will try to make sure I have that day off of work.

Take care,

S

[Quasimotor]

Ok I received this as an attachment from the BBB today. Tell me what you think....

Mary LaRue Walker
General Counsel
7300 W. Orchid Lane
Chandler, Arizona 85226
(480) 783-4620 . Fax (480) 783-4625
June 9, 2005
Mr. Jim Davis

Re: Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, Inc. re Davis
Dear Mr. Davis:
I am a lawyer and work as general counsel for Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep. Your email
dated June 5, 2005 has been forwarded to me for response.
Please accept my apology on behalf of Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep for the failure to
effectively communicate that the terms and conditions for your transaction to purchase a
PT Cruiser Convertible had been completed prior to your arrival at the dealership. The
ineffectiveness of that communication created the confusion and unfortunate
circumstances that you and your family experienced, for which my client also apologizes.
Please also understand that the events you described are not the way Earnhardt
Chrysler Jeep, or any Earnhardt dealership, intends to do business. Senior management
has responded firmly to correct the actions of certain of the employees who were
involved.
Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep sincerely hopes that it may have the opportunity to earn
your business at some time in the future.
Very truly yours,
Mary LaRue Walker
MLW/mlc
H:\MLCiano\Mary LaRue\Legal\z A - G\ECJ re Davis.doc
Bcc: Larry S
Gerry Ashland

[ScoobyDoo]

I would be willing to bet any amount that you want, that this sincere apology started out like this, and is a Word document right on her computer desk top.

Re: Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep, Inc. re Davis
Dear Mr. or Mrs CUSTOMER NAME

I am a lawyer and work as general counsel for Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep. Your email
dated MM/DD/YY has been forwarded to me for response.
Please accept my apology on behalf of Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep for the failure to
effectively communicate that the terms and conditions for your transaction to purchase a
"Automobile type" had been completed prior to your arrival at the dealership. The
ineffectiveness of that communication created the confusion and unfortunate
circumstances that you and your family experienced, for which my client also apologizes.
Please also understand that the events you described are not the way Earnhardt
Chrysler Jeep, or any Earnhardt dealership, intends to do business. Senior management
has responded firmly to correct the actions of certain of the employees who were
involved.
Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep sincerely hopes that it may have the opportunity to earn
your business at some time in the future.
Very truly yours,
Mary LaRue Walker
MLW/mlc
H:\MLCiano\Mary LaRue\Legal\z A - G\ECJ re Davis.doc
Bcc: Larry S
Gerry Ashland

[Quasimotor]

Lol! your probably right, how about that job description though "Official apologer for Earnhart" how would you like to do that all day long?

It's a big joke to them I'm sure, but what else can I do?
Jim

[ScoobyDoo]

I think your doing the best thing you can "SPREAD THE WORD"

Of course you can't compete with there mass marketing ad campaign's on TV and Print Ad's .

BUT I can quarantee you have at least influenced ME and others on here.

[ScoobyDoo]

also since I'm logged in :rolleyes:

Reconcider the Mustang I have never been a Ford person, but those Cars look good, I dont get that the two cars you were comparing was the Mustang and the PT Cruiser, they seem worlds apart.

I know you said it was for your wife, but at some point in time you will be driving it, and do you really want to be seen driving a PT Cruiser.
(It's kinda like the moped thing :D )

Did you ever consider a road trip to buy a mustang ? Just because AZ dealers are getting OVER suggested retail, doesnt mean that is true everywhere.

When the new dodge diesel trucks came out, the dealers were pulling the same Chit, "We just can't keep them on the lot at any price"
My dad was in the market for one, he ended up buying one in Las cruces NM, for thousands under suggested retail.

[Stomper]

I have to agree that the apology sounds very much like a form letter. I also agree that spreading the word is probably the most effective way to release some steam and take some business away from the dealership. A picket line of Jeeps on (well, near) their front doorstep would not hurt either. :)

Take care,

S

[cypherjoe]

Hey I don't know if this helps but I had a great expirience at Power Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge on Bell and 26th Ave. Matt Fowler was my salesman and he did a great job. P.M. me if you want his number, I can even call him and give him a heads up if you want. He's a bit young but knows his stuff.

I ran into the gambit when I was searching for my Jeep. I hit 14 dealers in 2 days till I found the right one. Lots of those salesmen were slimeballs. You did good tho I think with not losing your cool. I probably would have just told the dude that in 20 seconds that gate is gonna be open one way or another. :D You do have full coverage right?

I had to drive over the gate at one dealer in mesa, but he wasnt trying to keep me in, I had been walking that damn lot by myself for 30 minutes and when no one came out to help I left. but they had closed the gate. It was just a little 4" pipe across the entrance so I ran over it. Nothing to exciting.

[mingoglia]

There was a time I considered a Ford because of the crew cab, didn't follow through and bought a Dodge, but I went through the motions. Anyway, I got quotes from all around and the cheapest was Pioneer Ford way the hell out there and Globe. Crap, I would order a Ford from Page, AZ to save a few bucks... these dealers don't have the huge out-do the competing dealership dancing chickens on the front curb nor are their property taxes as high...so they can sell vehicles for less...and they can order vehicles just like anyone else can. BEsides, you'll be supporting the little guy.

I always look at Earnhardt dealerships because they always have the best inventory, but will never buyfrom them. I bought my '95 half ton from them, and I'll never buy another vehicle from them. Right before I bought my '03 Navigator I was looking at a Eddie Bauer edition Expedition... I couldn't believe that the Earnhardt dealership wanted $52k for one (this included their out of control "market adjustment" charge). It was insane... I didn't buy my Navigator for much more than that.

The reason they make so much money (Earnhardt) is because of these market adjustment fees. People spend so much of their time/effort negotiating the market adjustment off the vehicle by the time 9pm comes by (and being there all day), they're satisfied that they finally got the price they want.... but without realizing it, they've just settled down to MSRP!... By this time they completely forgot that they haven't negotiated anything off the MSRP and they give in.

I was looking at BMW M3 convertibles at Chapman last year. They had a $13k price adjustment if my memory serves me. Yeah, it's a low volume car and they pretty much have pre-sold everyone they can get their hands on but I went to that newer BMW dealership in Scottsdale (the one that sells mini's as well) and they didn't try to screw me with that.

Don't get me started on the Arizona Motorsports bozos... they do the same thing with quads/dirtbikes/motorcycles and they pretty much have a monopoly on the motorsports side. I bought a Yamaha Rhino for $8200 in '04, the same Rhino at Town and Country was almost $12k because of their market adjustment. I think Arizonians get screwed due to our economy... I recently bought my Jeep out of state... and I bought my Dodge truck out of state...and I'll continue to either buy out of state or outside Maricopa county due to all the crooks we have.

[Stomper]

The older I get the longer it takes me to lose my temper. I have learned to try to weigh the potential positive (well least negative maybe) consequences of my actions against the potential majorly negative consequences. In this case though I think I would have driven through the gate. If I was in my '92 Dodge dually. If I was in the Jeep maybe I would have tried a more....creative route. :cool:

Take care,

S

[My1stJeep]

Ok, what is up with bashing the PT? LOL

I have to admit my wife was going through the same 2 vehicles, a PT or a Stang. After driving the Stang, yes the power was better, but I am just under 6 foot tall and the Stang had me feeling cramped, my knees felt like they were hammering into the dash. Now I know it is supposed to be a sports car, but I have never gotten that feeling in a Vette or Camaro.

After much debate, the PT is what she got. Has the room, not as fast by any means, but ok, great mileage and consumer reports ranks it as one of the top to buy, up there with Honda.

As for the protest with Earnhardt's I am still down with that, have had way too many friends shop there, buy there and all get the same type of service, so I highly doubt this is an isolated incident, and I agree the letter seems to be a form letter.

I know you are thinking you may not want to own any Chrysler products, but have you thought about asking the Personal Apology person if they would not only make good on the deal, but make it even better to make up for your mistreatment? Seems that would only be fair.

[Allen]

Just let me know what date! I'll bring my jeep! I would have done much worse than you! I would have told the sales manager I was leaving, and if he didnt open the gate I would chose another alternate route ;) I would have picked the most expensive car on the lot and gone over it! :eek:

[Quasimotor]

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/Twist2.jpg Alternate Exit?

[Quasimotor]

If anyone lives or works near the baseline earnhart dealership, could you do me a favor?
I've heard a rumor, that the attorney general asked them to remove the gates, can anyone confirm or deny this?

Thanks
Jim

[richard]

they still have two big red gates up

[FlexyXJ]

Will this thread EVER DIE???? :eek:


Joe

[Stomper]

Held against my will by a thread on AZVJC BBS!! :eek:

Take care,

S

[ThumpAZ]

NO!!! It'll NEVER die!!! LOL
Actually the AG cannot make them take them down without some sort of ordinance or judgement agianst the gates or dealership.
They are a form of security for the stealership. But, in your case, were a form of imprisonment.

Have you talked with a lawyer like you said you were going to? I just spent several mins reading every post in this message and didn't ever see any real action taken after the barrage of emails were sent.
Just curious how things turned out for you.

I have several nightmare stories with Earnhardt and VT, Inc (Van Tuyl... Showcase Honda and Pontiac, Camelback Toy, Van Chevy, many others) stealerships and would not buy from, nor even set foot on their property ever again.

The latest being the body shop at ABC Nissan (a VT, Inc. store) majorly screwing up my 350Z during a simple repair, then WRECKING it in the body shop lot.

Thank God I have good insurance and they are working with me to get everything squared away... at a DIFFERENT body shop.

[Quasimotor]

Hello Thump,
I decided not to waste good money on the attorney. Most I spoke with wern't interested anyways, unless I was injured in the process. I was told there was no money in it, and of course attorney's aren't here to do the right thing, just make money. I wasn't after coin, I just wanted them to change their tactics, which I'm sure they haven't.

All I can say is, don't shop there, and maybe in some small way that will help keep this from happening to anyone else.
DJ

[JamesT]

If this makes you feel any better:

Last night we went to Earnhardt's on Az Ave to look at the new Power Wagon. They used to have the same gates there as at the location in Tempe. The sales guy that was 'helping' us told us, the night before a new Chrager got driven right off their lot, never to be seen again.
Usually Earnhardt's installs their own security systems on the cars and then just leaves the keys in the car, they open the cars with their 'universal remote'. He told us the Chargers have some electronics that doesn't allow Earnhardt's to install the security system, so the Chargers are just left unlocked with the keys in them.

Well without the gates, someone just wondered in, started one up and drove away, with no one to stop them.

Karma...... ???

[Quasimotor]

If this makes you feel any better:

Last night we went to Earnhardt's on Az Ave to look at the new Power Wagon. They used to have the same gates there as at the location in Tempe. The sales guy that was 'helping' us told us, the night before a new Chrager got driven right off their lot, never to be seen again.
Usually Earnhardt's installs their own security systems on the cars and then just leaves the keys in the car, they open the cars with their 'universal remote'. He told us the Chargers have some electronics that doesn't allow Earnhardt's to install the security system, so the Chargers are just left unlocked with the keys in them.

Well without the gates, someone just wondered in, started one up and drove away, with no one to stop them.

Krama...... ???
ROFLMAO! Yup Karma is a *****, too bad the are insured for it....
Jim

[JamesT]

ROFLMAO! Yup Karma is a *****, too bad the are insured for it....
Jim

You know they are insured, but I bet the insurance only pays them what they paid for it, minus some deductible. I bet they don't get the profits that they would get from selling it, they have to wait to get another one in to replace it and then they have to sale the new one before getting any profits.

They still lost in the deal. Now, if they would have used those gates like they were intended to be used, they might still have the car.

[ActualReverend]

I was screwed by Earnhardts in tempe a few years back... damn I hate them... If I wasnt in Flagstaff I would come down and help you all picket them to loose customers.. damn them!

--Bryan