Hi, I'm Fil, and I'm a Jackass

This is Fil Catania, he's the General Manager at BMW of Lincoln (Nebraska) part of the Husker Automotive group. And he's a jackass.

(Image hotlinked, if they publish his mug it's public, right?)

Long story short, BMW of Lincoln listed a brand new BMW M3 on eBay without a reserve hoping to cash in on the over-the-top demand for the car (MSRP $68,000+, but many dealers were getting $100,000+ for them). Ken Tanisaka of Los Angeles had the winning (and only) bid of $60,000 and the dealer decided that they weren't going to honor the deal.

Ken first posted his story was here, but it’s gone viral. The readers digest condensed versions are here, here and here. (for now – story still developing).

Like most car buyers, we've all experienced something like this in the past. I tried to help my mother buy a car a couple of months ago, only to fall prey to the oldest trick in the book - a bait and switch. Martin Honda (Newark, DE) gave me an incredible price over the phone and later confirmed it in person for a new Accord. Turns out, it was also unbelievable because it was a ‘mistake’. We left furious, but knew there was practically nothing we could do – they’re the big multi-million dollar dealer and you’re Joe Schmoe. Think the newspaper wants your sad tale of woe over the $2000-3000 one of their major revenue streams tried to fox you out of? Yeah, Right. (In fairness, they did pay a $100,000 fine 12 years ago for deceptive practices). And my mother is driving a new Altima now.

So, Fil – and Husker Auto Group – I hope you guys get your asses handed to you. I hope eBay revokes your account, I hope the State of Nebraska fines you a big ole pile, and I hope the court ultimately awards Ken not only his car, but a nice chunk of cash for his hardship, because it looks like it’s coming to that as you assholes can’t figure out when it’s time to take your $6-7000 hit and move on.

Updated: PWN3D!!! (YouTube Video beyond the break)

Final Update: Sale Complete - Ken is getting his car.

Posted by Clancy at March 26, 2008 9:47 PM | TrackBack