New Washington State Bill To Prevent Direct-to-Consumer Sales

NukeDukem

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Just introduced. No too late to call your rep to have this changed/squashed. Details start at 9:08:



Senate Bill #5377
 

MavMaven1

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Why is it that lawmakers think they know better than their constituents?

Money. Dealer Association donations trump your rights combined with the fact that no one seems to be held responsible in elections. Even if they are the damage is done, likely never to be undone.
 

vrgruver

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Just buy it out of state. Problem solved.
 

Nice Dawg

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Why is it that lawmakers think they know better than their constituents?

Money. Dealer Association donations trump your rights combined with the fact that no one seems to be held responsible in elections. Even if they are the damage is done, likely never to be undone.
Yep, deep pocketed dealers want to limit individual choices. The Dealership model is going the way of the dinosaurs...who enjoys being held captive for hours on end dealing with the sales reps and management...
 

Nice Dawg

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Why is it that lawmakers think they know better than their constituents?

Money. Dealer Association donations trump your rights combined with the fact that no one seems to be held responsible in elections. Even if they are the damage is done, likely never to be undone.
Yep, deep pocketed dealers want to limit individual choices. The Dealership model is going the way of the dinosaurs...who enjoys being held captive for hours on end dealing with the sales reps and management...
 
OP
OP
NukeDukem

NukeDukem

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Yep, deep pocketed dealers want to limit individual choices. The Dealership model is going the way of the dinosaurs...who enjoys being held captive for hours on end dealing with the sales reps and management...
When I leased my interim EV a few weeks ago, the process was painless and seamless. Not counting the test drive, I think I spent 20 minutes at the dealer. It was so easy I'd happily do it again tomorrow.
 

Nice Dawg

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Why is it that lawmakers think they know better than their constituents?

Money. Dealer Association donations trump your rights combined with the fact that no one seems to be held responsible in elections. Even if they are the damage is done, likely never to be undone.
Yep, deep pocketed dealers want to limit individual choices. The Dealership model is going the way of the dinosaurs...who enjoys being held captive for hours on end dealing with the sales reps and management...
When I leased my interim EV a few weeks ago, the process was painless and seamless. Not counting the test drive, I think I spent 20 minutes at the dealer. It was so easy I'd happily do it again tomorrow.
Glad it was a good experience, BUT, the VAST majority typically have a poor experience and it is a terrible waste of time.
 

OlyScout

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I live in Olympia, WA and sent the following to my senator:

Opposition to SB 5377 – Protecting Consumer Choice in Auto Sales and Service

Dear Senator Bateman,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB 5377, which would prohibit auto manufacturers from selling and servicing vehicles directly to consumers, instead requiring them to go through third-party dealerships. This bill does not protect consumers; rather, it creates unnecessary barriers, adding a middleman that increases costs and reduces transparency in the car-buying and servicing process.

Dealership models have long been associated with predatory fees, aggressive sales tactics, and markups that drive up vehicle prices. By requiring consumers to go through dealerships rather than purchasing directly from manufacturers, SB 5377 limits competition and consumer choice while benefiting an industry that often prioritizes profit over fair pricing and customer experience.

Additionally, many consumers have had negative experiences with dealership service departments, which frequently inflate repair costs, push unnecessary add-ons, and delay essential maintenance. Direct manufacturer service models offer more transparent pricing, better customer support, and improved efficiency, all of which are stripped away by this bill.

At a time when consumer choice and fair market practices should be encouraged, SB 5377 moves in the wrong direction by reinforcing an outdated dealership model that does little to protect buyers. I urge you to oppose this bill and stand with Washington residents who deserve more options, not fewer, when purchasing and maintaining their vehicles.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your leadership and look forward to your response.
 

Nice Dawg

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I live in Olympia, WA and sent the following to my senator:

Opposition to SB 5377 – Protecting Consumer Choice in Auto Sales and Service

Dear Senator Bateman,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB 5377, which would prohibit auto manufacturers from selling and servicing vehicles directly to consumers, instead requiring them to go through third-party dealerships. This bill does not protect consumers; rather, it creates unnecessary barriers, adding a middleman that increases costs and reduces transparency in the car-buying and servicing process.

Dealership models have long been associated with predatory fees, aggressive sales tactics, and markups that drive up vehicle prices. By requiring consumers to go through dealerships rather than purchasing directly from manufacturers, SB 5377 limits competition and consumer choice while benefiting an industry that often prioritizes profit over fair pricing and customer experience.

Additionally, many consumers have had negative experiences with dealership service departments, which frequently inflate repair costs, push unnecessary add-ons, and delay essential maintenance. Direct manufacturer service models offer more transparent pricing, better customer support, and improved efficiency, all of which are stripped away by this bill.

At a time when consumer choice and fair market practices should be encouraged, SB 5377 moves in the wrong direction by reinforcing an outdated dealership model that does little to protect buyers. I urge you to oppose this bill and stand with Washington residents who deserve more options, not fewer, when purchasing and maintaining their vehicles.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your leadership and look forward to your response.
How can we get a copy of who is sponsored/ owned, by the dealer lobbyists first before contacting the politicians about the concerns.
 
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