Texas Pre-Orders Can Be Challenging

[arnoldfriend]

Howdy All.

First Post.
I've been reading up on many topics included in this forum. Overall, great information provided along with considerate people taking the time to assist.
I wanted to share a few Texas dealership experiences regarding pre-orders.

South Texas (as in way South, ass end):

• A Brownsville dealership wanted $10,000 non-refundable deposit. Yes, 10k. I have the email.
• McAllen/Edinburg area claimed during the month of March that there were no 392 engines available for preorders to be done (yes, they said this in text message).

Other Parts:

• One San Antonio dealership had only one used but was hesitant on the preorder since rumors stated 392's were pretty much done.
• New Braunfels said orders would take too long but there was one on order that would most likely be for sale due to probability of owner backing out.
• Kingsville was not interested.
• I did go with a refundable $3000 deposit in Houston. It was a 2022 pre-order, but now it looks like the order fell through.

It seems like many people on this forum have chosen to go cross country to pick up an order since a few states are "Pre-Order Friendly." It appears Iowa is a popular choice.
If dealerships have limited access to these vehicles, why do some dissuade customers from ordering when it's been stated they can mark up the prices when people back-out? Any Texans with the same issues?

Marc
South Texas

 

[YukonCornelius]

Yup! It took me two years bouncing around dealerships before I finally received mine - which was the third order and took nearly 9 months! Ultimately, San Antonio CJDR came through for me and even honored the '21 MSRP after sticker went up over $5 grand....

 

[Martysjeep]

Howdy All.

First Post.
I've been reading up on many topics included in this forum. Overall, great information provided along with considerate people taking the time to assist.
I wanted to share a few Texas dealership experiences regarding pre-orders.

South Texas (as in way South, ass end):

• A Brownsville dealership wanted $10,000 non-refundable deposit. Yes, 10k. I have the email.
• McAllen/Edinburg area claimed during the month of March that there were no 392 engines available for preorders to be done (yes, they said this in text message).

Other Parts:

• One San Antonio dealership had only one used but was hesitant on the preorder since rumors stated 392's were pretty much done.
• New Braunfels said orders would take too long but there was one on order that would most likely be for sale due to probability of owner backing out.
• Kingsville was not interested.
• I did go with a refundable $3000 deposit in Houston. It was a 2022 pre-order, but now it looks like the order fell through.

It seems like many people on this forum have chosen to go cross country to pick up an order since a few states are "Pre-Order Friendly." It appears Iowa is a popular choice.
If dealerships have limited access to these vehicles, why do some dissuade customers from ordering when it's been stated they can mark up the prices when people back-out? Any Texans with the same issues?

Marc
South Texas

Marc,
I did $500 deposit at Huffines near Lewisville. My salesman Zack Victory is one awesome guy.

 

[Hamo]

Also in Texas, local dealers wanted 5-10k over msrp for ordering 392 Jan 22. Ended up ordering from Chapman in PA for ~9k below msrp. No deposit. They were great.

 

[Rand392]

Howdy All.

First Post.
I've been reading up on many topics included in this forum. Overall, great information provided along with considerate people taking the time to assist.
I wanted to share a few Texas dealership experiences regarding pre-orders.

South Texas (as in way South, ass end):

• A Brownsville dealership wanted $10,000 non-refundable deposit. Yes, 10k. I have the email.
• McAllen/Edinburg area claimed during the month of March that there were no 392 engines available for preorders to be done (yes, they said this in text message).

Other Parts:

• One San Antonio dealership had only one used but was hesitant on the preorder since rumors stated 392's were pretty much done.
• New Braunfels said orders would take too long but there was one on order that would most likely be for sale due to probability of owner backing out.
• Kingsville was not interested.
• I did go with a refundable $3000 deposit in Houston. It was a 2022 pre-order, but now it looks like the order fell through.

It seems like many people on this forum have chosen to go cross country to pick up an order since a few states are "Pre-Order Friendly." It appears Iowa is a popular choice.
If dealerships have limited access to these vehicles, why do some dissuade customers from ordering when it's been stated they can mark up the prices when people back-out? Any Texans with the same issues?

Marc
South Texas

I bought mine in Tomball (north houston) had a 1k deposit and paid MSRP. Super easy still got a great finance rate. If you would like my salesman’s number I can send it to you.

 

[@JC]

If you're in Texas your closest discount dealer is Mark Dodge in Lake Charles, LA. Granger in Iowa has been great to work with so I'd recommend them but it is a long distance trip for you.

Sounds like you were getting the run around which is very typical from the average dealer who would rather sell you something off the lot than order you one to sell 3-6 months later. If your previous "pre-order" didn't have a POC and VON then it wasn't ever really a customer order, the dealer was just going to use an allocation order to try to get your vehicle.

 

[Electrified]

We purchased from Nile Maxwell in Austin. Paid $1,000 deposit on 2/10 and picked it up yesterday. Paid 5% below invoice, got a great deal on a 8 year/125K mile warranty, and got a great rate.

 

[Dodgeman70592]

Ordered a 23 from Mark Dodge in Lake Charles last Saturday. $1000 deposit, $444 doc fees plus TTL. Sale price was A little over 4% under invoice. 392XR, White, Trailcam, SOT, half doors w/ uppers, tow group $7350 less than MSRP

 

[arnoldfriend]

If you're in Texas your closest discount dealer is Mark Dodge in Lake Charles, LA. Granger in Iowa has been great to work with so I'd recommend them but it is a long distance trip for you.

Sounds like you were getting the run around which is very typical from the average dealer who would rather sell you something off the lot than order you one to sell 3-6 months later. If your previous "pre-order" didn't have a POC and VON then it wasn't ever really a customer order, the dealer was just going to use an allocation order to try to get your vehicle.

Howdy All.

First Post.
I've been reading up on many topics included in this forum. Overall, great information provided along with considerate people taking the time to assist.
I wanted to share a few Texas dealership experiences regarding pre-orders.

South Texas (as in way South, ass end):

• A Brownsville dealership wanted $10,000 non-refundable deposit. Yes, 10k. I have the email.
• McAllen/Edinburg area claimed during the month of March that there were no 392 engines available for preorders to be done (yes, they said this in text message).

Other Parts:

• One San Antonio dealership had only one used but was hesitant on the preorder since rumors stated 392's were pretty much done.
• New Braunfels said orders would take too long but there was one on order that would most likely be for sale due to probability of owner backing out.
• Kingsville was not interested.
• I did go with a refundable $3000 deposit in Houston. It was a 2022 pre-order, but now it looks like the order fell through.

It seems like many people on this forum have chosen to go cross country to pick up an order since a few states are "Pre-Order Friendly." It appears Iowa is a popular choice.
If dealerships have limited access to these vehicles, why do some dissuade customers from ordering when it's been stated they can mark up the prices when people back-out? Any Texans with the same issues?

Marc
South Texas

 

[arnoldfriend]

I appreciate the feedback from each of you. This forum is a great asset.

 

[thexr6]

We purchased from Nile Maxwell in Austin. Paid $1,000 deposit on 2/10 and picked it up yesterday. Paid 5% below invoice, got a great deal on a 8 year/125K mile warranty, and got a great rate.

@Electrified - what did you pay for the 8yr/125k plan?

 

[Electrified]

@Electrified - what did you pay for the 8yr/125k plan?

$2,680 with $100 deductible.

 

[mini2nut]

Also in Texas, local dealers wanted 5-10k over msrp for ordering 392 Jan 22. Ended up ordering from Chapman in PA for ~9k below msrp. No deposit. They were great.

$9k below MSRP is the deal I have been looking for.

Do you have an e-mail contact that you can share?

 

[ChrisWoods]

Ordered a 23 from Mark Dodge in Lake Charles last Saturday. $1000 deposit, $444 doc fees plus TTL. Sale price was A little over 4% under invoice. 392XR, White, Trailcam, SOT, half doors w/ uppers, tow group $7350 less than MSRP

Do you mind if I ask who you salesperson was?

 

[Dodgeman70592]

Do you mind if I ask who you salesperson was?

Here you go

 

[ChrisWoods]

View attachment 5610
Here you go

Thank you!