Went and picked up my 3500 this weekend from Lithia in Eugene, OR. I was the first out of a group of 11 that ordered CA trucks that got the $1000 below invoice from that dealer and pick up the truck.

I was ready for all kinds of screw ups but came away very happy with the dealer and with the truck.

I think the key was preparation. Before I left for Oregon I had the dealer do the following and get everything in writing:

- Verify my eligibility for the $2000/0% (thanks to the DC contact number I found here!!! thx)
- Get the financing approved
- Check the emissions tag on the actual truck for the CARB cert
- Verify my eligibility for the Farm Bureau rebate and GET THE CERTIFICATE FROM YOUR OFFICE!
- Sign the order form with pricing we agreed to including listing every rebate and the $70 DMV and processing fee.
- Agree to supply the rubber plugs under the frame. (thanks again for the info)


It turned out great. No surprises. Eric Todd has been promoted to Finance Mgr so initially I dealt with his sales replacement, Jeremy Hunsaker. We took the truck for a spin and he was very helpful. Then I had to work with Eric the new Finance guy for the paperwork. There were a few snags (like me forgetting the stupid FB certificate in CA) but Eric maintained a "we can work this out" attitude the entire time and I got everything I signed up for.

I'm only speaking for this one dealership and this one individual. I've heard plenty of horror stories about other Lithia dealerships and personally have never experienced a pleasant car buying experience until this one. I would not hesitate to buy from them again.

Unfortunately the $1000 under invoice is not available anymore but I would do it again to avoid these a-holes in Southern CA. Not a bad drive either and got a little father son time with my 16 year old to boot.

 

Ksadz, happy to hear everything worked out for you and your new truck. I have bought trucks from Lithia in Medford, Oregon and have been very pleased with each purchase. Another truck should be coming this week. They have been very good to us. Good luck with your new truck.

 

One other thing. Bringing the new truck into CA makes evil sales/use tax due when you register it. Since I was getting the 0% deal I wanted to include that in the financing. The way we worked it out was to finance the entire amount without the rebates applied and have the rebate checks cut to me. In my case that's $2500 that I'll use when I go for the CA registration.

As far as the truck goes, I'm getting that smell in the cab that has been discussed a lot. I'm also changing the shocks as soon as possible because the LA freeways make the ride unbearable.

 

Kevin,

Glad to hear you got your wheels and had a good trip home with your son. Hope you didn't get any fleas from those motels you were considering .

Consider the Bilsteins. I put the Rancho 9000s on my Ford to solve the freeway bounce issue and they didn't really improve it much. Maybe it was the long wb, though.

Neil

 

Kevin,
Glad you got your truck. Mine is on the ground in Benicia as of yesterday, 4/11. Hopefully I'll get it later this week.
I put Bilsteins on my Ford when it was new and it made a big difference. Softer yet more controlled. Two years ago they replaced all 4 for the cost of return shipping. I will get them for the Dodge if I think it needs them.
Rick