a grr-argh day

[jaina]

People seem determined to make things hard for me today. After much research, we decided to go with Verizon for our new cell phones, so we went to a retail store today in order to get the phones right away. After waiting around quite awhile to talk to a customer service rep, we found out that they couldn't give us phones with San Diego area codes. We'd have to get phones with Boston area codes, then switch them once we got to San Diego. And there wouldn't be any sort of forwarding available. The rep didn't seem to understand why we thought this was such a big problem.

So we decided, screw the store, we'll order the phones online and they'll be waiting when we get to San Diego, since we actually get the apartment on the 11th. And we'll get a free TTT DVD. Only the Verizon online store is apparently broken today, and they seem to have no idea when it will be back up.

Then, I emailed a whole bunch of Toyota dealers in the San Diego area last night, saying "I'm moving to San Diego next week, I want to buy a car now that will be waiting when I get there. I want *this* car in *this* color with *these* accessories. What's your best price?" Of the three responses I've gotten so far, one said "Call me when you get to San Diego and I'll help you buy a car," one said "Call me to discuss this further"-- um, whatever, and one said "Here's a car we have, except it doesn't have side air bags or anti-lock brakes"-- the two most crucial accessories. So, erm, yeah. Anyone know anything about buying a car online, through vehix.com or something?

At least hack night should be lots of fun. I will go and kick people if it's not.

Comments

[bluedaisy.livejournal.com]

According to the recent experience of a friend of mine, car dealers are pretty-much not willing to sell you a car not-in-person. I'm shocked that you got them to say "call me"...
Saturn is apparently an exception -- but if you don't like their cars (or, as in his case, are too tall for their cars) that doesn't help you.

[samlhh.livejournal.com]

Saturns are pretty much the exception to every car-buying rule (says the girl who's owned the same green Saturn for 8 years and whose father just bought his 4th Saturn two weeks ago). However, while they're good products, they're not great, and I don't know with what I'll eventually replace mine.

Take what info you have and hold it over the car dealer's heads. Reply to the two who just said Call Me with something like, "Well, X Toyota dealer has offered me a car, but it's lacking these accessories that I really want. I'll go with them if I have to since it is really inconvenient for me to do this other than over email during my moving process; but do you think you can help me?" Showing them that you are serious, that you're actively shopping around, and that you're making decisions may be helpful. Any way it happens, you'll probably have to get on the phone with them at some point anyway to put down some money to hold the car.

what i've learned from moving to california

[schneck128.livejournal.com]

from my experience, things get done faster/better when you do them in person. i know that's annoying -- i'm one of those people who likes to do *everything* online. but things get unduly screwed up that way, most of the time.

just trying to be wise. :o)

Re: what i've learned from moving to california

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

But see, I'm going to be in CA for about five days before my dad and Rogue arrive with the truck. I really want to have the car waiting for me when I get there; otherwise I'm going to have a terrible time getting around. If I *could* do this in person, I would, except that I can't.

Re: what i've learned from moving to california

[schneck128.livejournal.com]

well, hey. me idea!

i don't have class wednesdays or fridays and sometimes my monday or tuesday classes are puntable (they're webcast later). so i could try and come down and drive you to a dealership if you need. :o)

let me know.