Ordered 2013 A4 Prestige - Dealer added Lojack without permission

[in2dwww]

I ordered the 2013 A4 Quattro Prestige on August 3. Car arrived at the dealer on October 8. I went to do the paperwork yesterday and the finance manager was busy up-selling me crap I don't want when she mentioned "LoJack is already installed on the car."

They added something I didn't ask for. I didn't take delivery. Should I walk?

[iconoclast]

yes. threaten to walk... most likely they will not charge for you and not jeopardize a deal providing they're not at the lowest possible number on the car.
this happend to two people i know (not lojack but with options they didnt order) both threatened to walk away from the car and the dealer just ate the cost.

a dealer did window etching for me and tried to charge me $500... i told them i dont want the car anymore and my local police dept does it for free... it wasnt the cost it's just ugly and does not serve a purpose for me. shame too, i really wanted the car but all the etching was crooked and very noticeable and i wouldnt be able to live with it.

[in2dwww]

I got $2500 off sticker and Audi also deducted $1000 for Audi Conquest. So $3500 off msrp is where I'm at on the deal. But I'm pissed.

[jlaudio]

yes. threaten to walk... most likely they will not charge for you and not jeopardize a deal providing they're not at the lowest possible number on the car.
this happend to two people i know (not lojack but with options they didnt order) both threatened to walk away from the car and the dealer just ate the cost.

a dealer did window etching for me and tried to charge me $500... i told them i dont want the car anymore and my local police dept does it for free... it wasnt the cost it's just ugly and does not serve a purpose for me. shame too, i really wanted the car but all the etching was crooked and very noticeable and i wouldnt be able to live with it.

LOL i had the same situation, except with a used car. i saw it on the paperwork, asked about it, they said it is mandatory with every sale. i asked if it was law or if it was company policy to etch every car... they said policy. needless to say they ate the cost. mine wasn't crooked or anything though

OP i would threaten to walk. its obviously something you didn't ask for, they can't make you take the car.

[in2dwww]

Well, I signed some paperwork yesterday. I signed the buyers order and the finance contract, but I didn't leave the down payment and didn't leave with the car. Their finance person wanted my recent pay stubs because I switched jobs less than 2 months ago (I ordered the car before changing jobs). The price is right, but they added a mod to my car and that's just not cool. I didn't take delivery of the car - it's on their lot because I didn't want to take it until I got all the paperwork squared away. Since the car was ordered, I would lose my deposit if I walk unless "they screwed up the order." In this case, LoJack is not what I ordered.

[iconoclast]

LOL i had the same situation, except with a used car. i saw it on the paperwork, asked about it, they said it is mandatory with every sale. i asked if it was law or if it was company policy to etch every car... they said policy. needless to say they ate the cost. mine wasn't crooked or anything though

i dont know what they used on the window but it was bright white instead of the usual faded lettering... normally you dont even see it but this stood out and the moron put it on every window crooked. i was furious.

Well, I signed some paperwork yesterday. I signed the buyers order and the finance contract, but I didn't leave the down payment and didn't leave with the car. Their finance person wanted my recent pay stubs because I switched jobs less than 2 months ago (I ordered the car before changing jobs). The price is right, but they added a mod to my car and that's just not cool. I didn't take delivery of the car - it's on their lot because I didn't want to take it until I got all the paperwork squared away. Since the car was ordered, I would lose my deposit if I walk unless "they screwed up the order." In this case, LoJack is not what I ordered.

long story short, you didnt order it or ask for it, your original paperwork should reflect that. you are not obligated to take it or pay for it.

[in2dwww]

long story short, you didnt order it or ask for it, your original paperwork should reflect that. you are not obligated to take it or pay for it.

Well, the sheet that breaks out all the costs says nothing about LoJack. They stuffed paperwork into a small folder... a LoJack folder. I opened up the folder and on the flap is the transponder ID and the car VIN. They didn't charge for it, the folder states that the car has it and I need to visit my.lojack.com to activate it.

The finance lady tried to sell it to me, but I declined... what she failed to tell me is that they installed it already.

And thanks for the quick and precise response!

[duffman1101]

long story short, you didnt order it or ask for it, your original paperwork should reflect that. you are not obligated to take it or pay for it.

This. They screwed up your order by adding an expensive option you didn't want. I'd tell them they can eat the cost or have the car sit on their lot and wait for someone who wants it.

Worse to me is it's an obvious "we'll just add it and they'll probably take it because they want the car and will just pay for it anyway" play by the dealer. fuck that.

[iconoclast]

agreed, i just dont like that tactic... another one i noticed dealers doing is including a tire package, clear-bra or autostart when you dont ask for it... it will just be part of the bill and you have to look closely at the breakdown.
it's bad enough they tack on a DOC fee or "CONVEYANCE" fee these days now it's every other little thing under the sun they try to push on to you...

And thanks for the quick and precise response!

no worries, i have purchased and sold more than my fair share of cars and i have experienced almost every tactic in the book to extract extra money so i am not surprised by this but in the end it is your choice. i would push for them to eat the cost and get lojack for free or walk from the car. chances are they'll chase you for the business and not let you walk. especially going into the holiday season and a new year upon us.

[in2dwww]

LOL i had the same situation, except with a used car. i saw it on the paperwork, asked about it, they said it is mandatory with every sale. i asked if it was law or if it was company policy to etch every car... they said policy. needless to say they ate the cost. mine wasn't crooked or anything though

OP i would threaten to walk. its obviously something you didn't ask for, they can't make you take the car.

Speaking of window etching, in one of my law classes, I met the attorney who prosecuted a dealer for window etching fraud:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...28/013539.html

[duffman1101]

Do let us know how the dealer responds...

[in2dwww]

Do let us know how the dealer responds...

UPDATE:
I went to the dealership this afternoon. I had ALL my paperwork with me from day 1. They gave me a story about inventory management, theft, blah blah blah, "we do this to all of our cars." That's when I had to point out that they had no sign on the wall, nothing in the paperwork for the order, and nothing in the deposit paperwork that LoJack is added. I did some research about LoJack installations and the device is always on even if it's not activated. Also, as the car ages, the battery within the device fails and starts to draw more power from the car's 12v circuitry... yes, LoJack is hardwired to the car. I told them if the device is not removed, they must replace the car battery at their cost or pay the $80 LoJack device inspection fee (every 2 years). The sales guy understood and said he would get it sorted out. The finance person told me it wouldn't have been installed if I told them not to. I rudely interrupted the finance person's circular logic by stating that the deal is dead. Obviously, I didn't want to do that - they didn't want to do that - and nobody wanted to let that happen. I wasn't getting a solid answer, nor were they willing to discount any warranty or Audi Care, So I pulled out the MAGIC BULLET. I told them that even if I decide to still purchase the car, it will look very bad on their survey if LoJack is still on the car. The sales guy came in to check up on us and I told him the same thing about the survey. I was calm, blunt, and hard to handle. Within minutes, I was told that they will have their LoJack guy remove the device. I'm not being charged for any of it, obviously. I didn't get an apology, but I did get an assurance that it will be removed. I do give them credit, however, for not trying to bribe a "perfect" survey out of me either. I left tonight without the car and will pick it up when it's ready as promised. I already have the transceiver serial number which I will use to verify the device removal.

It took about 30 minutes to discuss. When the car is ready, I'll let you know if it's actually removed...

The obvious problem with LoJack installations is that the location of the device is a secret.

[ddillenger]

You sir, are a fool.

Lo-jack is a great option, draws virtually no power, and makes your insurance cheaper. If they were willing to throw it in and you declined, I don't even know what to say.

[in2dwww]

You sir, are a fool.

Lo-jack is a great option, draws virtually no power, and makes your insurance cheaper. If they were willing to throw it in and you declined, I don't even know what to say.

You're certainly entitled to that opinion, but they were not going to throw it in. They installed it, but wanted money for activation. If I didn't ask for it, especially on something I had to order and wait months to get, I sure as hell don't want it.

[HIS4]

You sir, are a fool.

Lo-jack is a great option, draws virtually no power, and makes your insurance cheaper. If they were willing to throw it in and you declined, I don't even know what to say.

I wouldn't call anyone a fool for knowing what they want and having the balls to take a stand against a pushy dealer. If he had wanted it, he would have ordered it. Simple as that. The BS about inventory control is exactly that. BS. The car is a customer order so it shouldn't be sitting on the lot. The customer is contacted as soon as the arrival date is set so that car shouldn't be on the lot for more than a day. This was an attempt at forcing an upsell plain and simple.

OP, if things don't happen the way you want with the removal of the device, I would walk. Don't even give them the option of ordering another one for you. Who knows what other shady things they would do.

[lojackdude123]

Hey folks, my name is Jason and I work for LoJack. Just for an FYI, we pre-load select dealership lots with our recovery system. You don’t have to necessarily elect to have the LoJack activated. If anyone wants to discuss this privately please email me at jaleman (a) lojack.com Thanks.

[iconoclast]

in theory the unit may still be in the OP's vehicle and down the road he can enable it? (providing the dealer did not want to waste time and money removing the unit.)

[in2dwww]

If it's stolen, I not interested in getting it back. I don't need LoJack.

[seph]

Hey folks, my name is Jason and I work for LoJack. Just for an FYI, we pre-load select dealership lots with our recovery system. You don’t have to necessarily elect to have the LoJack activated. If anyone wants to discuss this privately please email me at jaleman (a) lojack.com Thanks.

pre-loading a lot is one thing but this car wasn't on the lot, It was special ordered.

[lojackdude123]

If it's stolen, I not interested in getting it back. I don't need LoJack.

What about the loss of your downpayment? Insurance deductible? Loss of start up costs (acquisition fee, sales tax, registration fee's, etc) cost of rental car? Cost of lease payments until vehicle declared "total loss"? Personal property in the vehicle (gps, money, laptop, ipad, etc.) and cost of lost time like all the inconveniences?

That's potentially $1,000's and $1,000's.

[iconoclast]

i would rather let the car go missing than have a theft recovery vehicle... nothing but issues and an insane amount of depreciation on top of not having anybody who would want to buy it after. pass.

(plus gives you an excuse to get into something new/different.)

[hender]

same reason I get into a fender bender and flee the scene, driving it into a lake.

[in2dwww]

What about the loss of your downpayment? Insurance deductible? Loss of start up costs (acquisition fee, sales tax, registration fee's, etc) cost of rental car? Cost of lease payments until vehicle declared "total loss"? Personal property in the vehicle (gps, money, laptop, ipad, etc.) and cost of lost time like all the inconveniences?

That's potentially $1,000's and $1,000's.

If you have a lease, those fees would all apply. Even if you totaled the car yourself, you lose out on all that...

On a finance, you're out if your payoff is higher than market value. You would lose what you paid on sales tax, but the same could be said if you sold your car or traded it in.

Sure, there are other costs too, like "what if you had a full tank of gas?" etc... but you likely won't get that back if it was driven like it was stolen.

If you have more than 1 car, the rental cost wouldn't be necessary. There are too many variables that amount to nothing other than a waste of time to discuss.

I just know the facts:
According to the FBI, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 43 seconds.
According to LoJack a car is stolen every 26 seconds
According to Jeremy Clarkson, the Ford F150 sells at the rate of 107 units every hour!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHDlJSSZYjg

[name.goes.here]

i would rather let the car go missing than have a theft recovery vehicle... nothing but issues and an insane amount of depreciation on top of not having anybody who would want to buy it after. pass.

(plus gives you an excuse to get into something new/different.)

Been there. Done that. Had a car stolen many years ago and taken for a joyride. Car was found couple of days later, interior was trashed. Never enjoyed driving the car again.

[name.goes.here]

What about personal property in the vehicle (gps, money, laptop, ipad, etc.) and cost of lost time like all the inconveniences?

Car would get stolen but theives would leave all personal property of value behind when ditching the car? Not buying it.

[jlaudio]

What about the loss of your downpayment? Insurance deductible? Loss of start up costs (acquisition fee, sales tax, registration fee's, etc) cost of rental car? Cost of lease payments until vehicle declared "total loss"? Personal property in the vehicle (gps, money, laptop, ipad, etc.) and cost of lost time like all the inconveniences?

That's potentially $1,000's and $1,000's.

spoken like a true lo-jack salesman. does lo-jack cover personal property, the rental car, or the lease payments? i fail to see how lo-jack provides any sort of protection other than you get your stolen car back, but who would even want the car back?

shit if my car is stolen i hope its not found

[duffman1101]

OP, glad you stuck it to the dealer and didn't let them jerk you around. Tip of the hat to you, sir. Enjoy the ride when you finally get it!

[pkancel]

I was just getting ready to make this comment and saw the LoJackDude comment. I have bought quite a few cars over the years and and they do preinstall these on a lot of vehicles, whether you ordered or not. That way if you say ok, its done, ready to go, charge you and out the door you go. However, every time I bought the car, I said no thank you. If my car is stolen, I most definitely dont want it back since it will likely be beaten to hell or stripped. So the dealer usually has me check, No Lojack, and then I am on my way.

Not sure why they gave you such a hard time, should be a pretty quick yes or no!

[jaysen]

What about the loss of your downpayment? Insurance deductible? Loss of start up costs (acquisition fee, sales tax, registration fee's, etc) cost of rental car? Cost of lease payments until vehicle declared "total loss"? Personal property in the vehicle (gps, money, laptop, ipad, etc.) and cost of lost time like all the inconveniences?

That's potentially $1,000's and $1,000's.

No disrespect lo-jack man, but you obviously don't work directly with law enforcement on the recovery of these lo-jack vehicles and are only TOLD the "statistics" (ala selling points)... and I agree some people don't have 3-10K to throw away, but there's no amount big enough to make me take my vehicle back.

I certainly do not want my vehicle recovered after some cluck took my A4 for a joyride with dirty dave and the boys in the backseat. The items you rave about re: personal property will be long GONE before the vehicle is recovered. Recovery time is CERTAINLY quicker with lo-jack/on-star than a vehicle without, however the items inside are almost instantly offloaded before a dirt bag decides to go driving around. Not to mention a thief certainly does not want to draw attention to himself driving a $45K ride when he obviously hasn't slept in 4 days because of his meth binge. With that said, this will lead him/her to rummage through the car quickly after taking it and dumping it somewhere before a report can even be pulled.

Also, the misconception that "EVERY" police vehicle is equipped with a lo-jack kit is FALSE. An agency of approximately 100 officers will have maybe, 3-4 units equipped, 1 or 2 more if they're lucky. How many of those vehicles are actually operational during one shift (typically 10-12hrs) which leaves the potential of the car thief to ride freely for "X" amount of hours until one goes in-service, OR the idiot drives in to another city where another agency can pick it up.

We won't even begin to talk about the "FUN" law enforcement has trying to recover your vehicle, especially if dirtbag decides to run :) Ever see an A4 do a buck twenty on residential streets at 3:00 pm - I have

[in2dwww]

UPDATE:
I finally picked up the car yesterday. I will create a new post with pics soon. But right now, I'm busy playing with it!

[BMWBig6]

UPDATE:
I will create a new post with pics soon. But right now, I'm busy playing with it!

Please, don't post those pics!