After Chrysler filed for bankruptcy, local dealers are anxious to unload inventory. That means car buyers can find big breaks on Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles.
Scott Blake is searching for a deal at this Dodge dealership.
Scott says "just looking for a commuter car with low miles, something with good gas mileage."
And this weekend, his odds are good. The Chrysler dealership across the street has already shut down, a victim of the recession. And nearly 800 others are being told they can't sell new cars after next week.
Sales manager Joey Gonzalez said "what Chrysler is trying to do is restructure and build a new company. Part of that is going through the process of possibly eliminating, as you say, about 800 dealers."
Joey Gonzalez says that's left existing dealerships like his, offering tremendous price breaks and trying, at the same time, to soothe shaky consumers.
Mr. Gonzalez said "the most common question that you get is, 'Are you guys gonna be around? Am I gonna be able to service my car next week? Are you still gonna be here?' We're not going anywhere, not planning on going anywhere. Dodge doesn't plan on going anywhere, we plan to be around for a very long time."
Discounts are deep. There are Dodge trucks here priced at half their original sticker. Beyond that, I asked salesman Brian Keifer what he's doing to sell cars.
Brian said "build people's confidence. We have a lifetime Powertrain that's positive. That means the whole time you own the car, it's gonna have an engine and transmission and we stand behind it."
The bankruptcy turmoil has also led to another bonus for car-buyers.
Car shopper Lisa Blake said "I think the dealerships are a little more willing to work with you. They're, you know, not as strict. They want to sell you a car as much as you want to get a car."
All of the unsold vehicles left at closed dealerships after Tuesday will simply be bought up by other dealerships.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement