So who were the three dealerships who actually passed the Automobile Protection Association’s survey?
Given that so many dealerships failed the survey, it may be no surprise that APA President George Iny said he believes that many Calgary dealers are “at a disadvantage today if (they’re) running an honest ad.”
That said, there were three dealerships who did exactly that and were able to honour their advertised price.
The APA visited many dealers offering low-priced monthly or weekly payments, but Crowfoot Chrysler was one of the few actually able to match their advertised low weekly payment offer – $39 a week for a 2014 Dodge Dart.
When the APA mystery shoppers visited Shaggannapi GM for a 2014 Chevy Trax AWD advertised for $25,680 (financing at 0% for 84 months) they found the dealership had five vehicles like the one advertised, in a selection of colours, conveniently displayed right next to the showroom.
The advertised price included fees and deductions already applied but only available to shoppers who already own a car.
If the shoppers had a Pontiac, the bonus was doubled. The dealership was able to do the deal in the ad with no extra charges.
At Honda West, they advertised a 2014 CRV LX 2WD for $24,685 and the APA reports that not only was the dealer able to honour the price in the ad, the salesperson said “I may be able to give you a better deal” than the advertised price.
The salesperson did initially try to add various extras including a block heater and security package to the car at additional costs.
However, when the APA shoppers questioned the extra fees, the salesperson spoke with his manager and had the fees waived and got a further reduction on the ad price.
Iny says “They were able to beat their own price. They could actually go below it”.
Read the summary of the APA's findings or see the detailed report.
