Sticker question EX-1

[SH66]

Excuse me if this is a little of topic, but it may pertain to the Genesis as well. Today when I went to Costco they had a new Sonata by the entrance promoting their car buying service. I noticed the following sticker on the window. On the dealer accessory area of the Malrooney I noticed an additional $600 for some type of security enhancement and another $600 for a security code. Is this a legit charge? Should there be any added charge for security system on Genesis? I am aware of the dubious glass etching, but this seems like something different. Thanks, Steve

 

[lobsenza]

Probably an expensive add on. The dealer makes money on the sale. They may get an insurance reduction on their vehicles by having the system.

 

[Mark_888]

Excuse me if this is a little of topic, but it may pertain to the Genesis as well. Today when I went to Costco they had a new Sonata by the entrance promoting their car buying service. I noticed the following sticker on the window. On the dealer accessory area of the Malrooney I noticed an additional $600 for some type of security enhancement and another $600 for a security code. Is this a legit charge? Should there be any added charge for security system on Genesis? I am aware of the dubious glass etching, but this seems like something different. Thanks, Steve

What do you mean "is it a legit charge?" The sign says it is an add-on security system. My guess is that there is actually no add-on system installed, and it is just to scare way potential thieves since the car is left outside the Costco store, or on their dealer lot. Or maybe it is installed, but can be removed if customer does not want it.

Is the price fair? Who knows? If you park your car outside in a theft prone area, then maybe you could look into the details.

 

[SH66]

Is an alarm system standard in any trim level on a 2015 Genesis? I do not want to walk into the dealer and have them tell me that "the special dealer add-on" security system is another $600-$1200. So what might seem like a good deal initially is undermined by some outrageously marked up after market add-on.

 

[Mark_888]

Is an alarm system standard in any trim level on a 2015 Genesis? I do not want to walk into the dealer and have them tell me that "the special dealer add-on" security system is another $600-$1200. So what might seem like a good deal initially is undermined by some outrageously marked up after market add-on.

There is a built-in security system of sorts, and it is the same regardless of trim level, but not to the same level as an aftermarket one. For example, I believe that if you try an open a door with the hard key, and the keyfob is not present, an alarm sounds for a little while (but you can open the door). I had that happen to me once when I opened the trunk with the hard key, and keyfob was not present.

But a dealer add-on security system is probably more robust and is going to be extra money charged by the dealer (assuming it actually exists and is not just a sign to scare away thieves).

Sounds to me like the alarm system in question is temporary and can removed if you don't want it. They must have had problems with cars left outside Costco or on dealer lots. If you want to use Costco car buying service, just let them know you don't want any dealer add-ons. This kind of negotiating is just part the game that is buying a car from a dealer.

Another tip: if you have a trade-in, they will ask for the key to test drive it. Make sure you have a spare key with you, because they won't be able to find the original key while they try and hold you hostage at the dealer. As soon as you show them you have a second key and you are leaving, they will miraculously find the original key, and probably make a final decent offer if they know you are walking out the door.

 

[jarred52]

I have heard of the "misplaced" key trick but have never had it happen to me. If it did, I would immediately discontinue negotiations and tell them to return my key or I would call the police. Then I would file a complaint with the state dealer licensing board and the manufacturer.

 

[Advocate225]

This is a sales gimmick to extort an inflated transaction price. Refuse to pay one penny and negotiate your price from the true Manufacturers sticker. If the dealer will not eliminate these add on gimmicks --- go to another dealer.

 

[wasnt]

This is a sales gimmick to extort an inflated transaction price. Refuse to pay one penny and negotiate your price from the true Manufacturers sticker. If the dealer will not eliminate these add on gimmicks --- go to another dealer.

Very much agreed.

 

[kn5owa]

I have heard of the "misplaced" key trick but have never had it happen to me. If it did, I would immediately discontinue negotiations and tell them to return my key or I would call the police. Then I would file a complaint with the state dealer licensing board and the manufacturer.

Using your driver's license for credit checks and general data mining is almost universal also - even if you're not buying.

 

[doozer]

In my area, just about every dealer charges $499 for "mandatory" security etching. All windows and body panels are acid etched with identification numbers. You also get additional insurance coverage in case of theft. The dealers all claim they do it as soon as a car arrives to protect their inventory, but really it's just another scam to add money to the deal. I've never heard of anyone actually needing or using this additional 'insurance'.

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[Mark_888]

In my area, just about every dealer charges $499 for "mandatory" security etching. All windows and body panels are acid etched with identification numbers. You also get additional insurance coverage in case of theft. The dealers all claim they do it as soon as a car arrives to protect their inventory, but really it's just another scam to add money to the deal. I've never heard of anyone actually needing or using this additional 'insurance'.

In Canada, even the MSRP without any dealer add-ons is scam, if you compare the price of the same car in the USA.

 

[kn5owa]

In my area, just about every dealer charges $499 for "mandatory" security etching. All windows and body panels are acid etched with identification numbers. .

I wouldn't buy an "etched" car even if they paid me $499. Inconceivable.

Along the same lines though, it used to be almost universal for dealers to charge anywhere from $50 to $500 for the "blue coral" protective finish - also known by many other colorful names.

And then, there's always the $600 add-on for nitrogen in the tires - which I'm quite certain never saw any nitrogen other than the approx. 80% provided by mother nature.

 

[SH66]

Has anyone installed an aftermarket alarm system? Doesn't the one that comes with the car have switches to alarm if door, hood, trunk are pried open, and deal with ignition wiring issues? I have not installed an aftermarket system since they have been coming standard.