Scout warns VW dealers on using intimidation to stop direct-to-consumer sales

[smboogie]

I have to agree, just look at recent vehicle sales from reservations that have occurred. Bronco's are a great one, Hummer EV another. People reserved their vehicle at a price and they immediately attempted to add on more costs and charges. As I recall even Rivian attempted this but back tracks when a large % of reservation holders threatened to pull them causing a huge credit to be issued.

The most recent car I purchased was from CarMax and the process was easy, even though it took too much time. Even the trade in was super easy to have completed.

 

[rfk]

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/01/s...ornia-dealer-association-against-legal-fight/

 

[Uncle Spade]

Mic... Drop...

 

[joewilk45]

I need to figure out what to do with my current vehicle lease is up in May of 2026. Do we buy it out at 42 k probably have 30 k miles on it. 2023 Volvo XC90 plug in hybrid. What will it be worth at trade in when scout becomes available ? Or do I walk and lease or buy a Kia or Hyundai for same cost of lease buyout I'm thinking a 2025 Hyundai Palisade maybe worth more than Volvo at trade in or just keep Volvo which is a great ride. Planning for a car 2yrs out poses some challenges.

 

[rfk]

I need to figure out what to do with my current vehicle lease is up in May of 2026. Do we buy it out at 42 k probably have 30 k miles on it. 2023 Volvo XC90 plug in hybrid. What will it be worth at trade in when scout becomes available ? Or do I walk and lease or buy a Kia or Hyundai for same cost of lease buyout I'm thinking a 2025 Hyundai Palisade maybe worth more than Volvo at trade in or just keep Volvo which is a great ride. Planning for a car 2yrs out poses some challenges.

I always helpfully advise fewer job changes and car transactions. If you like the Volvo just keep it, Scout timelines could change again and its better to be in position to just wait it out.

That said, one consideration is warranty coverage on that PHEV - powertrain is 4 years/ 50k miles? Traction battery is 8 years/ 100k miles? Will those cover your likely usage? If not, you might likely get hit with a big $ repair, e.g. ERAD, HVCH, just out of warranty. Perhaps dial-up Steingold Volvo in RH for an extension when the time comes to decide way forward.

 

[joewilk45]

I have prepaid maintenance 4 sets wipers one set of brakes and rotors along with 40,50,60 service to extend warranty 8 yrs 100 k 4 k cost I know Michael thank you for your insight

 

[Scout it out]

After buying my Tesla in 2018, I will always prefer the direct-to-consumer sales model going forward. Just a much more pleasant, time saving, stress-free experience. Why should buying a car be any different than buying furniture, a mattress, or any number of other things that we used to buy from a dealer and can now buy online. Good riddance to the dealer model!

 

[PMurphy]

Here's Scout's strongly worded response letter to

BRILLIANT marketing plan by VW dealers: legally force customers to buy from you because your business model sucks so much?! I will happily drive to an adjoining state or tribal land for delivery to avoid my state's dealer franchise law if necessary. The “market adjustment” mark ups mentioned by others and warranty/secret formula this and that sales pitch that has to be endured during the sale closing are infuriating. May actually consider a Scout managed extended warranty based on being a new product (stated factory warranties are actually much stronger than expected!).

The primary issue for direct to consumer vehicle purchases is obtaining service. Current EV manufacturers have made progress on a viable service strategy. The bar for comparison to the existing conventional dealer model has been set pretty low. Parts changers (vs. diagnostic trouble shooting) and selling “additional” service by the service writer are also frustrating to a knowledgeable customer.

Fortunately the reduced maintenance schedule for EV’s should avoid many of the issues mentioned above. I, like many customers are ready to move to a new sales/ service model. Best of luck to those who have to continue to endure the current dealer situation.