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Bad Dealership Experience

7K views 66 replies 45 participants last post by  Husker 
#1 ·
High Octane Harley-Davidson is the dealership that ripped me off.

So I walked into High Octane in Billerica, MA on 4/29/2016 and purchased a 2016 FLTRX Road Glide in the Amber Whiskey color. I was told by the sales person that I was getting a "great deal" and the Amber Whisky color upgrade for "free", The unit cost to me was $23,999, Freight $495, Setup $962.


They do not have prices listed on most bikes in stock so I assumed I would be paying MSRP from Harley Davidson. When I got home I went to the official Harley Davidson Web site and built my exact bike. The price for the exact same bike with the Amber Whiskey color upgrade $21,699 or $2,300 less than I paid.


I then thought maybe high demand so they could charge more. I checked with other local dealers and found 3 with my exact same bike in stock for the MSRP price of $21,699 listed right on the bike.


I know I was dumb not to shop around, but I fell into the trap of being all excited and stopped thinking clearly. I have filed a complaint with MA Attorney General but most likely I just have to live with it. The lesson is don't trust any dealership to be up front and honest about prices.


The worst part for me is looking myself in the mirror and seeing a guy I thought was so smart looking like a chump. :smile:
 

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#2 ·
Sorry to hear but, as you know always shop around. I've found that there are many dealers that will go below MSRP. In 2012 I got my RGU for 4% below MSRP. I know of three dealers here in Northern VA that will beat MSRP.
 
#3 ·
Congrats on the new ride and welcome from Connecticut. Sorry to hear about the price, there are quite a few stealerships that do this to people. Unfortunately it's up to us to make sure we know if they are trying to bone us on price. Enjoy the ride.
 
#4 ·
Sorry to hear about that, I normally use NADA as a starting point for new and used, plus I'll look at dealerships within 300 mile just to leverage my current dealer.

But congrats on the new ride!
 
#5 ·
Man, just chalk it up to one of those things that we each of done when our emotions take over. You have a great ride and enjoy every minute of it. Also, I wouldn't bash the dealership or salesman for selling you the bike at that price. As we all know, every car salesman and motorcycle salesman work of commission. That is how they make their living. While I agree that is high, he was doing his job and you agreed to it. Lesson learned but don't beat yourself up. Ride, ride, ride.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Well, at least you chose a great bike!

Like they always say, knowledge is power. Your only other recourse now is to keep them from doing this to others. Social media. Stand in front of the shop with a billboard, and call the local news fraud squad.

Or you could just go out and ride and forget about it.

Did you get any add ons with the deal? ESP? Prepaid Maintenance?

It looks like you got a road glide, and they charged you for a road glide special. You might be able to use that to your advantage, but you Habe to approach it carefully and point out to them that there was a mistake on the paperwork that needs to be corrected. You may need to get a lawyer involved.

If the bill of sale lists the bike for $21699 then has $2000 dealer profit listed, you are screwed

Good luck
 
#7 ·
Damn Man - Sorry to hear but we have all done it - hell, just yesterday I went and dropped a few grand on parts and tuning and then came home and saw ZLA had the heads for $50 cheaper - I know it is not the same as the few Gs you are talking about but at this point, not a ton you can do EXCEPT look up and see who owns the dealership.......call and ask when they are in....tell them you want to meet the guy who is responsible for selling you such a great bike (catch more flies with honey) and then have a chat - Let him know they "got you" but you are not laying down - See what he can do on Service for you......parts.....hell, even some gear......anything - Most likely he will say "no" and then let him know about the AG of MA....which he will scoff at and then bring up social media and your local news channel who has a Consumer Protection division that LOVES to run these kinds of stories so when the camera crew shows up to film the spot for the 6p news, remind him he could have avoided all this by being cool

Worth a shot....
 
#8 ·
I hate seeing people being taken advantage of, but at what point do we have to accept personal responsibility? Unless the dealer lied or did something fraudulent I really don't see where the AG or anyone can do anything. There isn't a law that says a dealer has to sell at or below MSRP, is there? It is a suggested price. Not trying to be a downer, but it really bothers me when people don't take responsibility for their bad decisions and try to always blame someone else.

You do have a great bike though.
 
#9 ·
Sounds like they started close to the MSRP of a RG Special and not the MSRP of a RG Custom (standard).

I never go into any large purchase without thoroughly educating myself on what a fair and reasonable purchase price is.

Unfortunately, I'm guessing that the contract is already signed so you'll have to resign yourself to knowing that you were taken advantage of and never patronize that dealership again.
 
#10 ·
Yes... not good at all.

At least I'd speak (as high up the chain as I could) to HD-USA.

Its the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. No Dealer likes negative reviews.

What did the manager say when you told him you felt like you were fleeced?? and that they had not heard the last from you?? Did you demand free oil changes for life?? $1,000 in store credit?? Helmets?? .... 1st-2nd-3rd service free???

Again... It really is one of the worst rip offs I have heard from a Dealer :(
 
#22 ·
I second that; go through the "chain of command". If the local manager doesn't know how to keep a customer satisfied then give the "suits" in Milwaukee a call. I'm pretty sure that they will not let a case like this slide...something about public relations. :wink:
JMO
 
#12 ·
WOW, Thanks for all the replies. SteadyEddie has described my approach to this issue. I'm just going to tell my story to as many potential customers of High Octane Harley Davidson that I can find. I figure 1/2 hour every morning before I go for a ride on my beautiful new bike !

I'm looking forward to posting some positive and fun stuff to this forum.

Thanks again

Ricky
 

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#14 · (Edited)
Did you talk to the dealer? It could have been a mistake. They charged you for a Special. Maybe your should call them, and ask how much a Custom is. If they tell you $21,699, get that persons name, and go over there and ask again in person. But don't talk to the salesman who sold you the bike. If they confirm $21,699 (take someone with you to record the conversation on a cell phone, and as a witness)

And I just thought of something....... did they maybe tack on an Extended service plan, and you didn't notice in the excitement of getting the bike? Look through your paperwork, and see if there's an ESP contract tucked into the pile of papers.
 
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#15 · (Edited)
Always do your homework before making a big purchase. Sorry to hear your upset but it is a business and they are there to make money. Maybe you need to just go and talk to the general manager. Maybe they will work out something for you on the service side. Like your first 6 oil changes are on the house or something like that. Chalk it up to the Harley Davidson Cool-Aid. You saw it, you wanted it, you bought it. You put some miles on that new sled and the price will not be as much of a factor.
 
#19 ·
You did not get a bad deal you just didn't get a great deal. If you can get a new bike out the door for MSRP you got a good deal. You just played full MSRP plus Freight and setup. MSRP does not include freight and set up. You have no legal case. If you can't get the bike out the door for sticker. Look elsewhere. Enjoy your new ride.
 
#20 ·
No.....The price he paid was MSRP for a Road glide Special..... SO he either paid for a Road Glide special and got a Road Glide Custom, or, he paid for a Road Glide custom with an Extended Service Plan that the dealer slipped in on him.
 
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#23 ·
It's called 'stupid tax'. We've all paid it at one time or another on something. If ya got the bike ya want enjoy it and don't look back, you'll know better next time.....uhmmmm probably :grin::surprise::grin:
 
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#24 ·
I bought my first Harley in Billerica in 97.They were part of kelley auto group at the time.Never dealt with them after i picked up bike.They sucked back then to.Find a good Indie.
 
#25 ·
High Octane



Bought my current bike from High Octane: Bad Experience here as well...bought my 12 from Boston HD. High Octane gave me my price after I made a scene in the Dealership...walked out..sat on my 2012 RG and told them to F@@@ Off...Got my Price and Finance Deal..True Story...Never Again...Terrible Business practices...and their excuse..He's New....if it were not for the bike at the price I wanted...I would have not done the Deal...Maybe it's my age..but F them..I have bought many bikes...know how it all works..but when you tell them I have a bike in your parking lot and they F with you...just Dumb! Massachusetts Number One Dealer...God..So Sad...Sometimes You just have to be an A@@H*** I'm better at it or at least I was on this day..Ride your bike...it's a Great Ride...learn an let it be a learning experience. Good Luck!
 
#26 ·
Hey i know you feel bad but it has happened to plenty of us at some time or another.I just recently traded my 12 Road Glide in on a 16 Tri Glide.i checked with all of my local dealers except one,they dont put the prices on their bikes,and found that by driving 35 miles north netted me another 1200 in trade in value and their bike was exactly MSRP.So its always good to spread the news on crappy dealers,now just enjoy the new ride.
 
#27 ·
The local dealer here makes their living marking bikes up over list.they start with list,add freight (435) then add it again for setup,and come out with an extra 2000 over list.Yet,2 hrs down the road to the next dealer,and they tell you the moco only lets them sell for so much UNDER list.

funny thing,the dealer that sells under list,bought another dealership in another town,and bought one in st louis as well,go figure :)
 
#28 ·
The answer is to find a local dealer you can trust. Establish a relation ship with them and let it grow. Never worry about chit like that again.
I have not paid setup or freight sense 1996. And that was a different time in buying a Harley.
 
#29 ·
Luckily the dealer I patronize (Loess Hills HD in Pacific Junction, IA) is a great dealer. After working with one of the salesman for a bit, they ended up coming up on my trade, waiving the setup & freight, and coming down on the price. I think before my trade the bike was down to just under $19k. They've treated me like gold even before I bought my '15 from them.
Lil Chief
 
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