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[Crimson Avenger]

Here's a reprint of a post I made on another thread at: Thread: Over MSRP, Post: Most Solstices are being sold at MSRP

Original text of post follows:

Most of the forum members are getting their Solstices for MSRP. I would advise you to call more dealers, and find one at MSRP. Then, take a deposit acceptance form something like this with you...

Here's a reprint of a couple of posts that I've made multiple times:

The time you place your deposit is the perfect time to get an agreement to buy the car at MSRP. After you have given the dealer the deposit, you will not have very much leverage, but if you haven't placed your deposit yet, take a form something like the following with you...

I've posted this a few times before, but it bears a repost...

I discuss this in the following post: Non-EOP thread on Ordering: Be sure to get your MSRP in writing...

Take the following form with you to the dealer BEFORE you give them your deposit.

2006 Pontiac Solstice Deposit Acceptance In consideration for a $500 refundable deposit to be applied to the purchase price, -*insert-dealer-name-here*- agrees to offer (subject to availability) -your-name- a 2006 Pontiac Solstice at MSRP without a dealer or market based price markup. This MSRP price point will apply to a unit purchased as a special order, a regular order from their dealer's regular allocation, or to a purchase from dealers available stock. Signed: _______________________ -*insert-your-name-here*- ___________ Date _______________________ -*insert-fleet-manager's-name-here*- ___________ Date

Once you give them your deposit, and you have nothing in writing saying MSRP, you'll be subject to the mood and market pressures of the dealer at the time you can finally place the order and/or go to take delivery and sign the final purchase agreement. As I have said before, AFTER you have given them your money, they will have almost NO incentive to agree to MSRP without markups.

Now, the standard disclaimer applies, I am not a lawyer. However, this should give you a starting point to get your MSRP agreement in writing.

Best of luck!

Now, a discussion of how to find a dealer willing to sell at MSRP:

Call around to the dealers BEFORE you go down to place your order. Ask them these questions:

1. How many units do you have in your 4 month allocation?
2. Of those, do you have any which are not already promised to customers?
3. Can I purchase the car at MSRP without a dealer or market based markup?

If you get affirmative answers to the above, make a note of it, and keep calling.

To get the list of dealers, use the Pontiac.com web site and put in your zip code. If you need to seek dealers further away, you could put the dealer's zip codes at the edge of the circle into the find a dealer interface and spring board further out.

Don't be afraid to call a lot of dealers. If you don't feel comfortable talking to one, then say, "Thanks for your time. It was nice talking to you." and hang up. There ARE good dealers like our very own Conejo148 and Small Dealer. You just have to look a bit. Again, if you get a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach, walk out. It's your money, and you have the power and the choice. Don't ignore your instincts--they're probably right.

For good dealers, consider making it a road trip. You'll need to make two trips, one to place the deposit and check out the dealer in person to see if you don't get that sinking feeling. The second trip, you can rent a car one way back out there, and drive your brand-new Solstice home... Sweet! Christen the car with a road trip....

Even if the dealer is a long ways away, you can still use a FAX machine to send the deposit agreement over to him, and ask him if he will sign it when you get there with your deposit. That way, you'll not surprise him, and you'll be better able to gauge how serious the dealer is about offering you a Solstice at MSRP.

Hope this helps.

Post Script: I improved the language of the agreement slightly from previous incarnations...

Best of luck.

I hope some folks find this discussion and the deposit agreement useful.

Drive on!