Highly recommended salesman & great deal in So California

[Sethster]

First off, a big THANK YOU to the posters in this forum and particularly, this buying hints thread!!! With your help, I'm now a Cmax owner. :)

http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/index.php?/topic/471-hints-for-first-time-buyers-of-a-c-max-or-any-new-car/

 

Some background: I started researching CMax and Energi last year in Southern Cal.  Thanks to the combined CA state rebates and federal tax credits totaling $5,250, I opted for the Energi.  We had bought a Plug-in Prius last year (Thanks to Diane Whitmire @ Carson Toyota) and are reaping the benefits of fewer gas fill ups and HOV solo drives with our primary around-town driving needs.  We installed solar roof panels several years ago which help keep our electric costs low.

 

The First Search: In December of 2012, CMax dealer stock was tight, and Energis were non-existent.  By early February, shipments of Energi and CMax have built to a great stock point for some deal making.  Since I had not bought a Ford since 1994 (!), I had no dealer contact. I used Costco and Consumer Reports' services to research price and connect with dealers.  Bottom line, I did not find the low cost quote I was looking for.  I visited a local Ventura County dealer to drive an Energi (their first), and while they were selling it, they weren't "dealing" ("Well, we're not marking it up over MSRP like some dealers are")

 

The Inventory list: I came upon a link to a So Cal Ford site listing dealer inventory.  I was able to contact dealers with larger CMax inventory and the color and options that I wanted:  http://www.yoursoutherncaliforniaford.com/Inventory/

 

The Dealer & Salesman:    Since South Bay Ford listed 47(!) CMax's in stock, I emailed and David Keith responded instantly to my internet request with an email and phone call.  David Keith heads up their Internet & Fleet sales (you won't get a deal like this from retail sales folks).  Once we had established rapport, he responded with the low cost quote I was seeking.  Unlike my local dealer, David already knew the Energi features and benefits well and quoted me an "invoice" price in email that was ~$1,700 less than MSRP.

 

The Energi Deal: David advised me that they would try to price match my best trade-in quote (see Carmax hints).  When I arrived, David performed that negotiation for me (I LOVED that) and we did a no-haggle great deal for an Energi 301A listing at $34,490 MSRP that cost me ~$24K out the door - and that's before rebates(!) The Energi was already charged, then filled, detailed, with no sales add-on BS from their finance mgr, Kim Slaughter, either. It was a great transaction all the way around.  I am amazed and pleased that I am gushing about a Ford dealer experience.  BTW, if you live in northern Cal, David was shipping an Energi up there because they aren't dealing in Walnut Creek either.  I hope this helps my fellow Cali Ford buyers become happy owners too.  If you go, please tell David that Seth sent you.  Cheers.  :happy feet:

 

Here is David's contact Info:

David Keith
Fleet/Internet Sales Manager
South Bay Ford Lincoln
(w) 310-706-6062
© 310-614-5653

d.keith.southbayford@contactdealer.com