I have yet to find any dealership where the EV specialist knows anything about EVs and isn’t an asshole. I’ve been browsing cars for over a month now, and 99% of car dealers have one of two things:
- A guy that knows nothing about EVs, but thinks he does.
- A guy that knows things about EVs, but will outright lie to you.
Sometimes this applies to the car itself - sure, it’s got the preheat. Oh you want it in writing? Okay it doesn’t have the preheat, I admit it.
More often this applies to the tax rebates. Hyundai dealers in Connecticut were illegally applying the state and federal EV credit to cars above 50k MSRP, and when called out on it are just like “c’mon, you’ll get it.” Like dude, you’re ASKING me to defraud the IRS?
Today, I dealt with these assclowns: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select (autohausinc.com)
“Qualifies for up to $7500 in tax credits.”
No, it doesn’t. The used EV credit is for 25k and below. This is 27.5. It will not get a dollar. I talked to them about this… and got willful denial every step of the way, to the point that I showed them the IRS policy, pointed out the exact wording, and told them no one on earth would be eligible for it, to which they kept telling me “not all buyers are qualified.” I’m like, no one can get a dollar back from the government for that car. Take that off your website.
The response? " Without an application we cannot answer if you will personally qualify, but we know for a fact there are credits available for our car. I apologize if you feel mislead."
I’m just so frustrated. It shouldn’t be this hard to find a worthwhile used EV under 25k or a new EV under 50k, but everywhere in Connecticut it seems the dealerships play it up and mark the new MSRPs over 50k and the used EVs around 28-33k, and almost all of them then still act like you’d still get the rebates. I’m happy to be smarter than that, but I feel sorry for all the people in Connecticut who will fall prey to the assholes at Hyundai dealerships and used car dealerships in this state.
Tried to sell me the three year service package that would cover all the maintenance needed on the car for the first 36k miles.
There is no maintenance needed.
Ya I had a similar ev shopping experience. It was before the IRA rules were implemented and these guys were clueless on the eligibility for EVs. Ended up backing out of my preorder on a phev and buying a bolt euv early this year. Best car decision I’ve made
Sounds like your problem relates more to salesmen not understanding the tax code, not EVs themselves.
That’s partially why I took a gamble on buying a Tesla. Was sick of the dealership games coming out of the pandemic. Between the waitlists. Games of advertising cars that don’t exist to bring you into the show room. And market adjustments because they can. No thanks. I’ll take my chances with Tesla.
Car sales people know nothing about cars because the car isn’t the product any more. It’s the financing that is the product. That and the data you generate in using the car.
I bought a car in 2008. When the dealership found out that I was paying them cash rather than financing, their entire approach changed. It was fascinating to watch, since they realized they couldn’t hide the sticker price from me anymore; it would be the number that I would have to write on my check.
The Tesla website has many NEW EVs under 50k. And their sales team is somewhat intelligent on the subject matter.
I went to a hyundai dealer once to look at a kona - they didnt have an electric one but let me check out a regular one. they did spend a lot of time showing me the Ionic5. and then reached out to me twice a week for months.
But recently a used EV lot opened up in my town - really nice guys!
Well, if you’re not a part of the solution there’s probably good money to be made in prolonging the problem…
Mine offered me free oil changes for life.
Being knowledgeable about cars is the worst thing for a dealership to have in a sales rep. They want quick movement.
I recently purchased a used Polestar 2. 3 days after purchasing I get a call from someone at the dealer saying congrats on your new purchase, I want to setup an appointment for your first oil change.
I just hung up the phone. I couldn’t deal with it at that moment. But this stuff is a common occurrence with how the legacy dealer industry works and dealers wonder why people dislike them.
I would make that appointment, because I’m curious how it would turn out.
Hey, those door hinges need oil…
Not saying I endorse this approach, but some states have consumer protection laws good enough that you could probably make money off their deceptive advertisement.
Back in 2015 I decided I wanted to try going EV. Not many cars available locally, but the Nissan dealer came with me for a test drive of a LEAF. Salesman was fairly competent but I wasn’t read to buy yet. A month later I was in another town for a visit and stopped by another Nissan dealer. I was approached by a salesman who was well into his 60s. I was expecting to be steered towards some kind of ICE vehicle, but this salesman came with me for an extended test drive and gave me a thorough demonstration of all the car’s capabilities. Shame on me for judging a book by its cover, this man remains the most knowledgeable salesman I’ve encountered to this day.
While I’m sympathetic, I think you’re describing a car dealer experience (lies and incompetence), not an issue specific to dealers and EVs.
I’ve had a Chevy dealer tell me they had no Bolts to check out as someone returned from a test drive in one.
lol when i bought my 2015 Leaf after traveling all the way to NYC they tried to sell me an Altima… like WTF there are many many dealers close to me who can sell me an Altima. Why the hell would i buy an Altima after traveling to NYC?
The one thing I genuinely will unequivocally say Tesla has the competition smashed for is dealer experience. Sure they have some ignorant, sometimes even terrible and willfully ignorant service center/sales staff. But to buy the car you literally don’t have to talk to anyone or be subjected to anyone’s bullshit. Just order online and never speak to a human being except to get your final signatures and dealer plate. No fucking around with the dealer pricing special or finagling financing or labyrinthine options. I hear home delivery is even better.
It’s so refreshingly straightforward. I really hope that is the future of buying cars.
Praying for DAđI FREYR!!! 🥹🥹Odesza, flume, dirt wire, bakermat, Griz (I know he’s on hiatus, but LiB)