I know this has probably been discussed before, but I have a question. I just talked to my dealer and they are charging me MSRP+2500 for the Solstice (after I've bought 3 new vehicles from him in 5 years). I called some other Atlanta area Pontiac dealers and they all say they are not charging over MSRP. My dealer says the other guys are lying. Do I have to get all of them in one room to get the truth or what? I read on one of the other posts somewhere that Pontiac had issued guidance not to upcharge the cars. Is that true?

Sorry for the rant. Just kinda ticked off at the moment.

AFSOC 1st Sgt

Ya, GM sent I think 2 memos to dealers requesting MSRP. SmallDealer can give you more info.

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. 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.

__________________
President, West Coast Kappa Car Club

I paid MSRP + $2,000 for my car - but, I only had to wait less than two weeks to get it. It was worth the money. I have already had offers to sell it for more than I paid for it. People go crazy over the car every time I take it out.

LEave your dealer's name here, then maybe someone can add it to the "dealer boycot" list

list:
http://hometown.aol.com/nsdbl/NSDBL.html

__________________
All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.-- Samuel Butler

You can find me at the lake -- RODEOSOLSTICE @ YAHOO.COM

I saved a copy of the second memo the dealers received. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have any effect on dealers determined to screw their customers out of a few extra dollars as well as themselves out of any possibility of repeat business. Go figure


Attention: All Pontiac Dealers, General Managers, and Sales Managers

Subject: 2006 Pontiac Solstice MSRP Reminder

With Solstices now being produced and shipped from the plant, we have reached an important milestone in Pontiac's history. This all-new, progressive roadster has arrived and taken the market by storm. Congratulations to all! As you know, the 2006 Solstice represents a unique opportunity for Pontiac, both in terms of defining the division's future direction for design and performance and also in delivering great value in a competitive segment. The Solstice firmly places an exclamation point on Pontiac's product renaissance! So let's make the most of it.

Based on an earlier communication sent to dealers in June, signed by John Larson, B-P-G General Manager, and Mark-Hans Richer, Pontiac Marketing Director, we are asking dealers to honor our customers, both existing and new to the Pontiac portfolio, by honoring the MSRP for the 2006 Solstice. Pontiac delivered on the promise of offering a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for under $20,000 (including DFC) and this compelling price point is a critical piece of the Solstice story. We have received phone calls, e-mails, and letters from concerned Solstice customers, even those among our First 1,000, who have been quoted Solstice retail prices above MSRP. As you are aware, MSRP is just that – a suggested retail price. And while the actual retail price of the vehicle is ultimately between a dealer and the retail customer, we strongly encourage all dealers to not sell above MSRP. For detailing pricing information, please review the price schedule in GM DealerWorld.

With heightened press coverage and overall interest in the marketplace for the Solstice, we owe it to every customer to deliver on our Total Value Promise. As you sell Solstices this year, please strongly consider more than just the near term. We are at a critical point in Pontiac's resurgence and encourage a long-term perspective of Pontiac's future. We have a chance to surprise and delight even the most ardent import intenders with a superior sales and ownership experience. Therefore, we are asking you to show leadership in the overall customer experience. All across the country we have a special opportunity to impress prospective Solstice buyers, many of whom have never considered Pontiac prior to this vehicle. Let's make their first impression of Pontiac a positive one and conquest a customer for life.

Please join us in ensuring an outstanding purchase and ownership experience expected from customers for this remarkable roadster.

Thanks for your support and good selling,

Pontiac Solstice Team

__________________
Mysterious/ Ebony Leather

Tell your dealer it will be the last car you purchase from his dealership if you don't get MSRP! Does he want a long-term customer or an upset former customer?

I could have gone somewhere else and sat on a waiting list for months to buy one at MSRP. I wanted the car "now" and was willing to pay the extra to get it. I thought the dealer was great to work with and would buy from him again.

And make sure to get everything in writing.

__________________
Mysterious w/ Steel/Sand, VIN# 000035

Several Atlantians have bought cars and have not paid over MSRP. Maybe they can chime in and help you out. I would not pay it.

Where's Loganville? Sorry, I had too.

__________________
Serene will be a color! Even if only on one car.

Living in Fresno, CA, the best I could find in the central valley was 2500 over MSRP. Kitahara pontiac is charging 5000 over MSRP. Their first vehicle showed up this past Thursday. The dealership I'm working with is 40 minutes away. If someone has any information about a dealership in California only charging MSRP, I'd appreciate the tip.

__________________
VIN#4304 Pure/Ebony/Monsoon/MP3/6 CD player/XM with all the utilities except Onstar

I WAIT NO LONGER!!! DELIVERED 12/29/05

FOUNDER OF THE SOLSTITIA

My dealership typically has a policy of charging MSRP, even on vehicles like the GTO.

FAMILY PONTIAC BUICK GMC
2121 W MAIN ST
ALHAMBRA , CA 91801 -1857
BuyPower Manager: George Cady
Phone: (626) 289-6301
Fax: (626) 293-8592

The owner is Lou Gonzales

They do indeed have a waiting list, and they haven't gotten any of their first allocation vehicles yet, so that does not help your search.

Again, see my post, you can use the Advanced search and expand the listing to show all dealers within a 150 mile radius of a specific city.

You'll have to call a lot of dealers, and it will take a large amount of time. But, you have to balance your time invested against that $2500. If you figure your time is worth about $50/hr, then you're still looking at spending 50 hours before you reach break-even.

You'll need to spend about 15 to 20 hours calling dealers before you strike pay dirt. Don't stop at just one, keep calling until you have at least two.

See my long post. I know it's long, but I really think it will help.

Again, DON'T forget to prepare and fax them your MSRP deposit acceptance agreement. If they won't sign, then move on to the second one you found.

See the post.

__________________
President, West Coast Kappa Car Club

Butts Motors in Monterey claims to have a blanket policy of not charging over MSRP. I only picked my car up there, so I can't attest to that 100%, but they were pretty decent to work with nonetheless.

__________________
I've never met a Solstice I wouldn't autopsy.

'06 #101409 - Sold to move to Germany

'08 GXP #105359 - Bought and stored 10 months before I move back from Germany!

I called several dealers in the Atlanta area who said they are not charging over MSRP for the Solstice. A couple even quoted the letter from GM that discouraged the upcharge (thanks hyzer). My dealer says they haven't heard of any letter from GM on the subject - so I faxed them a copy. I also told them to get my deposit check ready for me to come get. Bought 3 vehicles from them in 5 years. So much for customer appreciation. Won't buy another one from them.

I called one of the zero upcharge local Pontiac dealers and ordered a Solstice from them. I don't even mind getting back in line at the end again. Heck, winter's coming on anyway. Maybe my new one will show around spring.

AFSOC 1st Sgt