Steve,
I feel exactly the same way - I wanted the overhead console, power seat,
and a different color (yellow!). And I figure the price will not be so
inflated next year - especially if the vehicle is special ordered. But, I
guess the limited production aspect got me - plus the fact that it is the
first year of the model, and the first 5.9 (even though these don't
help much when you're trying to sell, unless you're lucky enough to
come accross a buyer looking for those things). So, I've been feeling a
bit remorseful since June 12 when I purchased my R/T.
To answer your question about paying MSRP, I looked at three CC R/Ts
before I purchased. All had exactly the same equipment, and all were at
different dealers.
The first was 5/7/98. It was the day it arrived, and no one there
knew anything about it. It was in a back lot somewhere, and hadn't
been prepped yet. Intense Blue. $3600 was added to
the $24,085 MSRP. I drove it, and got it up to 90 on the freeway in
about 7 seconds (or so it seemed). What a great feeling truck! As we're
doing 90, the salesgirl casually starts telling me about a high-speed
head-on freeway crash that she has been recovering from for the past
several months. So I slow it down. Then I take a u-turn at 65mph on the
Boulder Highway, and it didn't even lean. I wanted it! So I offered them
$23,085 and they said no way. They didn't even counter offer, and tossed
me out. As I was leaving, the salespeople were lining up behind the
sales manager to drive it.
The second was 5/30/98. Flame Red. They wanted $4000 over the $24,085
MSRP. It was sitting on the lot, unlocked, with the key in the
ignition. I got in it, and started playing around with the radio. I
decide it is over-priced at $660. After about 5-7 minutes, someone finally
noticed me, and came running over. A salesman. I told him I wanted to
drive it. He asked me for a $1000 deposit to drive it! I told him he was
out of his mind. I told him I didn't come there to play games, and I
started to leave. So he panics, and says he will ask permission from
someone for me to drive the truck. He comes back about 5 minutes later,
and we go for a drive. Seems a little noisy - doesn't feel as tight as the
last one for some reason. I don't feel a need to corner at 65 this time,
but I do get it up to 90. Seems to take about 10 seconds though.
So, I decide to talk numbers. They were willing to deal. I offered MSRP,
and they (eventually) came down to $25,085. But since I hate flame red, I
stick to my offer of MSRP, and eventually leave. Now I'm convinced that I
can wait until the 99s come out.
The third time was the charm, so-to-speak. Deep Amethyst this time,
which I like (although Intense Blue is my favorite), and
they came down to $25 below MSRP. And they threw in a $450 Rhino Liner.
And gave me a $500 rebate (which was not ever mentioned before). But, the
MSRP had gone up $250.
$25 below MSRP (MSRP went up $250 in June) $24,260.00
+ $450 Rhino Liner they "threw in" 0.00
+ DOC fees 197.50
- Rebate (500.00)
__________
$23,957.50
+ Chrysler 7/75 Max Care extended warranty 1,327.00
__________
$25,284.50
+ 7% Nevada Sales Tax $ 1,712.03
==========
$26,996.53
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I think some people like this sort of
stuff.
Scott
On Tue, 14 Jul 1998 O26ON4@aol.com wrote:
> I'm a new member to the list and will be picking up my new, black R/T tomorrow
> evening at the dealership. I'll probably kick myself for not holding out for a
> 99 model with all the options (overhead console, 4 wheel ABS, driver power
> seat) I want instead of settling for what I can get. I'm curious how many on
> the list were able to negotiate down from MSRP. Am I absolutely nuts to pay
> sticker?
> Your comments are welcome,
> Steve Waller
> Hou,TX
>
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