Dealer add-ons in California, are they legal?

415frd

Apr 15, 2022

Good afternoon all,
My salesman (not the original one that placed my order) texted me the other day and said he wasn't sure if my previous salesman told me, but there are dealer add-ons that they add to all vehicles. I told him that I was never advised of this since first speaking with the dealer in February 2021. Mind you, I have spoken to 2 managers and 3 salesmen and no one has ever mentioned this until they emailed me my window sticker. I said that I do not want any add-ons. These include lojack, window etching, vinyl door molding, etc. I never asked the price because I don't plan on paying for them. I am trying to figure out what my rights are in California. Is there a specific consumer law that protects me? The CA DMV website has a Car Buyers Bill of Rights. This says any dealer add-ons have to be disclosed on a separate page and not incorporated into the selling price of the vehicle. It also says that the customer has to consent to the said add-ons. It doesn't tell me what to do if they attempt to force me to pay for them. They already told me that I can no longer use my Z-plan since they was a change of ownership. This has been the worst Ford purchase I've dealt with, all from the dealer. The wait sucked, but that was inevitable. What's not, is the lack of customer service provided by the dealer. They must realize that I will never buy a car from them again. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Frank

Rsrv: 2/19: Or: 2/21: ReOrd: 1/17: Schd: 4/4: Week of 4/21 to 4/27
Eruption Green | 4 Door | BL | 2.7 | Lux | MIC

the poacher

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 15, 2022

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Aug 20, 2022

#20

JAE
Star Ford in Glendale CA just did the same thing to me. Never mentioned a word about it when I ordered the car. They went so far as to explain the advantage of ordering the car, from Star Ford directly included only paying MSRP, no dealer markup, customized what you want etc.. When I arrived to make payment this week, pick up the car, etc.. still not a word about it. Only when I was at the end of signing my final docs was I given a sep sheet of paper outlining the $1200 in add ons I had purchased from Star Ford. When I mentioned I didn't want the add ons, I was told no problem, we will gladly sell the car to someone else at a much larger markup. I contacted Ford to file a formal complaint the next morning. I was told someone would reach out to me. (I have no idea if they can actually do anything but I thought it was worth the time to call) I called the dealership to speak with the sales manager as well. I was told he would call me right back. Still waiting for the phone call back....

I was planning on this happening to me and if did I was ready to go to small claims court. The DMV's website specifically says that a dealer can't add anything to the contract that you don't agree with. To me this would mean the add ons. They are forcing you to pay for these against your will. There must be some recourse. I would also file a complaint with the BBB.

Rsrv: 2/19: Or: 2/21: ReOrd: 1/17: Schd: 4/4: Week of 4/21 to 4/27
Eruption Green | 4 Door | BL | 2.7 | Lux | MIC

OrangecrushBronco

Aug 20, 2022

#21

Isfly
Just a heads up. Our local dealer, Sunrise Ford in North Hollywood is really playing hardball with add ones because they can right now. Our uncle preordered a Mach-e through the Ford website. When his car was built he was sent to Sunrise to pick it up. They added almost $3,000 in add ones and, since this car is now selling way over MSRP, they told him take it or they‘d sell the car to someone else. He took it. Our neighbor who preordered a Lightening for over $100,000 told them to remove the add ones. They refused and he stood his ground and they refused to sell the car to her and now the dealer has listed the car for sale on their website. Again, I ask, is there no consumer protection law? Especially since I ordered my car through the website, not the dealer, and have a specific order for every feature of the car as well as a price.

I assume you take them to small claims court and file complaints with BBB and the department of consumer affairs.

Rsrv: 2/19: Or: 2/21: ReOrd: 1/17: Schd: 4/4: Week of 4/21 to 4/27
Eruption Green | 4 Door | BL | 2.7 | Lux | MIC

Aug 21, 2022

#22

They can't force add-on's pertucularly on your vehicle that you ordered. This sales person knows this and is exactly why they're calling with the "I'm not sure if you knew this but.." BS. Dealers will always try this because this is where they make their best margins. They're hoping you don't reject these items and get stuck. If you want this vehicle stand your ground, they will hope you cave or walk and then they will mark it way up for another buyer.

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

the poacher

Aug 21, 2022

#23

MobScene13
If you are looking for a future Ford dealer, Galpin on Roscoe Blvd did honor MSRP and did not try to sell a bunch of addons, aside from the extended warranty. They did however install edge guards which I did not pay for because I had stated earlier that I wanted nothing installed on the truck when it arrived. So I was happy with their service. I used Carl Carda, he was easy going.

They also have the cool GAS area and they had an in house Heritage version long before Ford's announcement. Ford copied alot of the aspects too.

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

Aug 21, 2022

#24

Tough1
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ed-to-buy-a-second-bronco.44281/#post-1407193

Bronco6g Administrator, “We have determined that we'll be able to fill 80% of the user's display with advertising before inducing seizures”

Deano Bronc

Jun 16, 2023

#25

Sorry for digging up an old thread, but I'm in a similar situation and looking for info too. Dealing with add-ons can be frustrating, especially when they're not disclosed upfront. It's important to know your rights as a consumer, especially in California. I feel you on the lack of customer service from the dealer. It's a major turn-off when they don't communicate properly. It's like they don't realize they're losing a potential loyal customer. I've had my fair share of dealership disappointments too. I've been thinking about getting a car for my kid. It's a big decision, and I want to make sure I'm well-informed. Speaking of which, I stumbled upon a website called JDMbuysell. They have a buying guide for the Nissan Silvia, which might come in handy for you.

Jun 16, 2023

#26

415frd
I assume you take them to small claims court and file complaints with BBB and the department of consumer affairs.

Soooooo. What was the outcome?🤷‍♂️

the poacher

Jun 16, 2023

#27

If you don't buy they can't sell the markups. Like the one guy on the video he and his wife run. Paid $120k for an $80K Raptor.

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