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I remember a story about a woman who clipped forty-some coupons from the Yellow Pages that promised $100 off a new car. As the coupon didn't state "only one coupon per purchase" she was certain she was owed a free car for her efforts. She didn't get the car (thankfully), but was exactly was her thought process? It certainly wasn't based on a system of fair play.

The dealer blew a perfectly good chance to really get some tremendous advertising, imho. Of course, they'd have to print a notice that no coupons printed before a certain date would be accepted in the future, one coupon per purchase, expiration dates, and all that fine print on subsequent coupons, and run it with their new coupon deal as the story broke in the local news....

A few years back, someone dug an old coupon for a $19.99 Earl Scheib's paint job out of some yellowing publication which had no expiration date on it. They honored the coupon and painted the guy's car for $19,99. The press they got was likely worth multiples of what they lost on that one paint job.

So by giving away a free $40,000 auto, you think the dealer would have easily recouped 40 sales (that wouldn't have happened anyway) in order to break even, and some more and come out ahead?

Why would I buy a car from a dealer (that I otherwise wouldn't have) because he gave someone that I don't’ know a free car, because she brought in some yellow paper? I think I'd go to a dealer that could still afford to cut me a deal.

I presume you don't own a car dealership.