I drove 3 hours each way to a Chrysler dealership 3 weeks ago to look at an SUV priced about $350 below blue book value. At the dealership, I learned of hidden charges, a DOC fee of $699 and a protection package for $1,295 that they "put on all our used cars". Together, these two charges totaled $1,994 additional for the vehicle, resulting in a sales price much higher than advertised.
The next day I visited a Chrysler dealer in Crestview, FL and they were adding the same two charges to the vehicles. I work many years ago at a GM car dealership in the accounting dept. and at that time a DOC fee of $50 was charged on all deals. Dealerships will tell you the DOC fee covers the overhead of providing the showroom, but what other businesses charge such fees and why have those fees escalated to nearly $1K? When we buy groceries, do we pay a DOC fee to cover overhead? Certainly not.
A friend recommend CARVANA. While I was skeptical at first, I regained my enthusiasm for car-buying when I learned Carvana doesn't add fees other than tax, tag and title.
The first vehicle I considered buying from Carvana had no shipping charge if I picked up the vehicle at a 'vending machine' in Birmingham, AL (4 hour drive). My second choice was an SUV that I bought came from TX and I paid a shipping fee of $599. That fee makes sense to me because I understand there is, in fact, a direct cost to ship a vehicle from TX to FL. New cars always have a shipping fee included.
Carvana representatives that I spoke with on the phone were noticeably intelligent. I enjoyed working with them. Each of them were able to answer questions,
When I received delivery of my SUV, I was able to test drive it and look it over before signing the purchase contract. I drove it away and had 7 days to drive it and return it if I didn't like it for whatever reason. Carvana provided an extended warranty for 4,000 miles or 100 days, whichever comes first; I think that's very nice.
Carvana doesn't sell vehicles that have been reported as being in an accident.
Very well pleased with my car purchase, all the way around.
Read More