I continued my leasing quest the first few days of this week.  I have a friend who wants to lease a Mitsubishi Outlander,

I tried to help her get the best deal through the internet.  Surprisingly enough all I received back from 9 different dealers was worthless information that did not answer my questions and in a few cases I did not hear back at all. Dealer number 10 sent me exactly what I wanted plus additional information on the Outlander.  He located the unit color and explained all of the usually avoided information. Now that dealer has a very good chance of leasing another unit.  My friend has to work out the timing for her new one because e=she has a lease to turn in.

It is hard to believe but most dealers avoided my questions completely and asked me to come in or they asked what information I wanted, although I had listed what I wanted in my email. The answers were not automated responses so they purposely avoided the facts.  Dealers in Central Florida do not understand the sales process in most cases.  They think that the only way to close a deal is to get the customer into the store before talking price because the perceived lowest price wins. They don’t want to give up the opportunity to hold as much profit as possible so, they avoid the price quote by email and try to get you in

Not a well thought out plan, is it?  Every dealer that did not quote a lease payment has no chance of earning my friend’s business.  They are all ashamed of their pricing.  Great job dealers.  A real confidence builder.  If you can’t get any answers from a dealer and decide to make a call, call the dealer (owner) or the General Manager. Explain that you want to shop by email, not by phone, and no one is helping you and I am sure you will get the information you want.

One question you should add to your list of price questions is “Why should I lease or buy from your dealership.” In many cases the prices will be close. Don’t just go with the lowest price.  Find out what makes that dealer different or better then the rest.

In the next post we will cover what you should do