What makes it "worth it" to factory order?

Bigskyroadglide · Jun 21, 2024

FL-RAM said:
Man, I don't think you can get anything in manual transmission anymore. I agree on the tech. It's getting too much. This new Grand Cherokee has way too many unneeded electronic features, but that was the only way we could get the non-negotiable tan leather seats we wanted. I wish we could hand pick the options we really want.

I opted for cloth interior and then had Katzkin leather installed. It was worth it

FL-RAM · Jun 21, 2024

Docwagon1776 said:
If I wanted them, yes. What's another month of driving whatever I'd been driving for years to get exactly what I want?

That's the thing. You need to decide if that is a non-negotiable option.

FL-RAM · Jun 21, 2024

Bigskyroadglide said:
I opted for cloth interior and then had Katzkin leather installed. It was worth it

That's my plan. I got the Bighorn with cloth interior because I didn't think it was worth an extra $6K to get the leather seat upgrade.

chri5k · Jun 21, 2024

#1. Instant gratification is worth a lot to me. I would be looking for +25% off MSRP including all rebates.

#2. 2 - 4 months.

#3. See #1 above.

Tulecreeper · Jun 21, 2024

Bigskyroadglide said:
QUESTION #1 - How much savings do you need to see to delay instant gratification of buying instock, versus placing an order?

I expect the same deal or better if ordering, so my discount better be really good and hold until delivery, as its a sold unit and you get to keep the floor plan and hold back. In addition, if I choose anything to be added on, and you provide, (side steps, visors, etc) I'm generally paying retail so I expect to be treated much better than a walk in customer.

QUESTION #2 - What do you think a reasonably amount of time is to expect your factory order, to achieve the savings in question #1?

90 days.

QUESTION #3 - What other hurdles have their been for you in your decision to do a special order in the past?

Cost to fly in, overnight stay based on your location and any cost I bear outside the vehicle purchase. This has not generally been a problem due to vehicle saving but it could be.

The primary reason I have ordered my last 2 vehicles from you is to avoid features that are on most in stock units.

I do not want nanny features, (I can drive and don't need to have anything do it for me and I don't need to check my phone every 5 minutes for a text) second, I don't want a hybrid, e torque or any device that is designed to alter engine operation, I don't even want start stop and disable it immediately.

Last, I don't want a 12 or 14 inch screen in the car, a V6, 3.21 gears or an open diff and other BS you typically order truck or jeeps with. Also, if the option is available, i want a manual transmission which is hard to find. Why buy off the lot if you get the features you do not want. Others may want them, not me.

In summary, I order because I tend to keep vehicles for 150k plus miles and really buy features not color and hate how most vehicles are ordered cause they are for the masses who do not have a relationship with the vehicle, it's just a mode of transportation and could be under any brand name.

I'll agree with all of that. Except I've never found a dealer that would guarantee the discount until delivery. Maybe dealer incentives, but manufacturer rebates are given by RAM/Ford/GM and every one of them has told me it's only good until corporate changes it.

Docwagon1776 · Jun 21, 2024

Bigskyroadglide said:
I opted for cloth interior and then had Katzkin leather installed. It was worth it

Katskinz are great. I replaced what GM thinks is leather with them in my car and they are head and shoulders above OEM in terms of quality.

Docwagon1776 · Jun 21, 2024

FL-RAM said:
That's the thing. You need to decide if that is a non-negotiable option.

If I'm ordering, I'm getting exactly what I want (within the limits of what the factory will manufacture). No trade offs required as far as options. So, yeah, a month is nothing vs having to make the trade off of not getting something I wanted or paying for something I didn't.

CanuckRam1313 · Jun 21, 2024

For me, I did my research and purchased the right truck for me this last go around.
It was at the Dealership, but I still needed to search for just the right one.

After owing my 19' Express since new and then trading it in, in early 24' for my new 23' Warlock SLT, I knew I wanted certain things from the factory more than what I had on my previous 1500.

I settled on the SLT Warlock in Harvest Sunrise with a rear slider, factory tonneau cover, spray in bed liner, side steps, wheel mud guards, and the Alpine 9-speaker upgraded system, and included the all black interior with upgraded premium cloth interior, too. Plus some other factory goodies, including the 3.92 gearing, and of course, the 32-gallon fuel tank... That was a big necessity for me

I would have liked a sunroof this go around, but it was another trim level up, and with where I was at currently, it wasn't a top priority for me. So, here I am with my new baby and happy as all heck! If I ordered this truck bespoke, I would have only added in the sunroof package...lol.

I already eliminated the UConnect issues from day one and had the factory system removed and replaced with aftermarket upgrades within the first week of ownership.

The only other shoe to drop for me is when the factory manifolds leak...lol.
No biggie.... we'll deal with that issue when it comes up (and it absolutely will

)

leftchevybehind · Jun 22, 2024

I get better deals buying off the lot than ordering to build. I can usually find what I want on the lot.

AnthonyRI · Jun 22, 2024

Just so you all don't think I'm ignoring any actual questions or comments related to an actual Mark Dodge deal. really wanted to see what the general feedback was on WHY someone chooses to order vs instock - if you were able to eliminate the other variables. Bit of a survey/poll which in some cases has turned into a suggestion box but that's ok too

All the feedback and answers are awesome so far keep 'em coming! but if you have a specific question/suggestion feel free to DM me as well.

Other than @RamDiver I'm just curious about the laughing face?!

AnthonyRI · Jun 22, 2024

leftchevybehind said:
I get better deals buying off the lot than ordering to build. I can usually find what I want on the lot.

That's the point of the question though - what would it take financially for you to order versus what's on lot - not what is your past experience, what WOULD it take $$$ and what time would be appropriate to save that $$$

AnthonyRI · Jun 22, 2024

Tulecreeper said:
I'll agree with all of that. Except I've never found a dealer that would guarantee the discount until delivery. Maybe dealer incentives, but manufacturer rebates are given by RAM/Ford/GM and every one of them has told me it's only good until corporate changes it.

If you have a signed buyers order and signed POC with your name on it, you should be locked in for MSRP, dealer discount, and available rebates from time of order OR time of delivery (very few exceptions to that last part)

diymirage · Jun 22, 2024

AnthonyRI said:
That's the point of the question though - what would it take financially for you to order versus what's on lot - not what is your past experience, what WOULD it take $$$ and what time would be appropriate to save that $$$

Well, I normally buy < 5 year old < 80k mile vehicles, so whatever the depreciation of that is

Deercamp · Jun 22, 2024

# Would expect the same discounts as the one’s on dealer’s lot
#2 would place order if delivery is 2-3 months
#3 Have walked away from brands that are reluctant to build a vehicle with only the options i want. Toyota is an example (at least this past Fall). Went to a few dealerships in my area. Each would tell me what was coming in (color and options) when they were notified as to delivery date. They would not place an order for the factory to build what i wanted. Apparently, the gurus that Toyota hires decide what options are appropriate for NH consumers, and that’s what is sent to NH dealerships.
So I visited Foss Motors in Exeter, NH and they were very accommodating. Took my order and i am driving a RAM.

Overall, my belief is that if a consumer is willing to lay down $45,000 + for a new vehicle, the dealer (and manufacturer) have the responsibility for producing/delivering what the consumer wants. Once a dealer essentialky says “screw you” , this is what you get, I look elsewhere.

bm02tj · Jun 22, 2024

The dealers in my neck of the woods order all 4X4's as they have better resale value??
I keep my trucks a long time so I order 2wdr and save more for lack of maintenance cost
And I own a Jeep so snow is no problem

Docwagon1776 · Jun 22, 2024

I think one of the biggest barriers to people ordering is the uncertainty. This applies at least 3 times to *most* buyers.

1) How long will it take to get here?
2) What will interest rates be then?
3) What will my trade be worth?

Given most people trade in, #3 is a big concern. What incentive do you as the dealer have to give me a good price on a trade now that I'm locked in to buying your vehicle regardless? Or, less politely, will you try to steal my trade.

Most people finance, so while interest rates aren't in your direct control people will have the uncertainty if rates will go up in the meantime.

I felt comfortable to order because I'm not financing and I don't have a trade, so #1 was the only that touched me at all. I think I'm likely in the minority of those in the market, though.

I think those may impact more than difference in discount, personally.

Tulecreeper · Jun 22, 2024

Docwagon1776 said:
I think one of the biggest barriers to people ordering is the uncertainty. This applies at least 3 times to *most* buyers.

1) How long will it take to get here?
2) What will interest rates be then?
3) What will my trade be worth?

Given most people trade in, #3 is a big concern. What incentive do you as the dealer have to give me a good price on a trade now that I'm locked in to buying your vehicle regardless? Or, less politely, will you try to steal my trade.

Most people finance, so while interest rates aren't in your direct control people will have the uncertainty if rates will go up in the meantime.

I felt comfortable to order because I'm not financing and I don't have a trade, so #1 was the only that touched me at all. I think I'm likely in the minority of those in the market, though.

I think those may impact more than difference in discount, personally.

I was thinking, I don't know anyone off the top of my head that has traded in their vehicle in the past 20 years. Everyone drives them til the doors fall off, sells them for what they can get, then buys another vehicle. Personally, I've never traded in a vehicle.

tjfdesmo · Jun 22, 2024

For over 40 years I have spec'd out and ordered almost every vehicle we owned. Only once did something get fouled up, when my '86 F-250 went on hold because they were out of NP435 transmissions, I said I would wait, then Ford just went ahead and built it with a BW T-18, which I specifically did not want. (Whole truck was crap anyway.) Every other build has been on the money. Orders have almost always been 8-10 weeks, give or take, except our 2020 Grand Cherokee because the plant shut down for 2 months due to the China-Clap, making it a 4 month wait in total.

Barring outsized manufacturer incentives on "leftovers", I have always been able to do better price-wise on ordered units. It's in the bank for the dealer, and they know they won't be paying floorplan interest. Just gotta get to the right dealer.

Dealers, I have seen good, bad, and criminal. Gotta say my dealings with Anthony on my '24 were top notch, and the Buy/Fly/Drive went without a hitch. A friend back east just ordered a 3500 from Mark Dodge, after wasting weeks of shopping locally.

Docwagon1776 · Jun 22, 2024

Tulecreeper said:
I was thinking, I don't know anyone off the top of my head that has traded in their vehicle in the past 20 years. Everyone drives them til the doors fall off, sells them for what they can get, then buys another vehicle. Personally, I've never traded in a vehicle.

I've traded, sold, and given away. However, given that roughly 1/2 the vehicles on most car lots are used cars, and there's not *that* many lease trade-ins, I'd say a large chunk of both new and used car buyers are trading.

RamDiver · Jun 22, 2024

AnthonyRI said:
Other than @RamDiver I'm just curious about the laughing face?!

AnthonyRI said:
If we could - lets try to keep this away from "I'm not ordering because I love my HEMI" lol we all understand THAT part of it, lets just assume in this case what you wanted was both available instock near you AND available to order.

I laughed at your expression because I thought it could have been worded better. Thanks for asking.

Something like;

I know many of you love your Hemi but for this exercise, let's assume...

Hard core jack holes will respond in their own special way regardless of the recommended guidelines. And, I believe those types are the exception here.

I also believe it would be more respectful of the membership here to not assume that people will be wasting your time with childish posts.

YMMV

.

What makes it "worth it" to factory order?

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