What say we drop the reverse auction schtick and move on to other FUN topics -
like what is the ratio of free hot dogs to car sales. In other words how many free hot-dogs do you need to give away to get an additional car sold ? Now that's something I would like to know. Or conversely - If I buy a car from you - then how many hotdogs does that entitle me to ??
Or - What is the unit cost of one of those Giant inflatable Gorillas you put on top of the dealership when you have a "Monster Sale" ? Is someone assigned to put up the inflatable gorilla or do you contract it out.
my wife is convinced that the "$1000 online shopping spree" we scratched off in a direct mailer from a local dealership is legit, and that we should hightail it down there to claim our prize. Does anyone have any details on this obviously bogus offer that I can use to dissuade her?
-Jason
<edit> is it possible the shopping spree is at a "reverse auction" online site? <shudder...> the horror...
the $1,000 spree is only available as credit coupons in a catalog of worthless junk that is provided for you.
You can't combine offers, the coupons are broken down into $250 increments, and everything (madly overpriced) in the book starts at $300, plus shipping....
The catalog company, along with the dealer, considering you actually buy a car from them AND order something from the book, still makes money by selling you a $20 trinket, advertised at $300, for $50..plus shipping and applicable state sales taxes...
It's not $1,000 at a real store, while even seeming attractive, has to come from somewhere - like the bottom line of the car deal, raising the price of what you COULD pay without the "gift".
I hope that explanation works for your lady - mine won't just go with the "because it's a scam" or "because I said so" either.
Ten bids and still going strong. Now I have the Honda Civic at $550 under invoice right here locally! This price even includes their doc fee! And I haven't had to communicate or do anything with any car dealer. The website is doing it all for me!
I will find it hard to believe if they go ANY lower than this. Will keep you guys informed if they sell me the car at the final price or not!
I can't believe how right you guys where with all your wonderful advice. Thanks a million. Sure am glad I didn't listen to any of your sarcasm. Although I do appreciate what little good advice you guys gave!
......... No, I understand what you mean .. I've had customers that have picked out a certain particular vehicle, then walked the inventory and then picked between a 25 miles and 2.5 miles .. I've had customers that have changed their "favorite color" for the same .l.o.l..
Sometimes they just have to experience it in order to understand that nuttin's free
Years ago in Cancun on the way outta the hotel the desk clerk approached the wife - "wouldn't you like to have a free breakfast and this lovely little Cancun beach bag?" I said thanks - but no thanks - wifey says "but I want it "
After breakfast came the tour of the timeshare suites, T.O.'s between two salesman & then the manager ("It's only $15,000, and you can put it on your Visa!").
Only cost me a little time. An hour and a half well invested - she has not been interested in any "free" offers since.
I had the 15th, and boy was I close... You spent the whole week before that, talking about trading that Chevy truck on a Cavalier. I have another date in mind, but I'm not saying what it is... Lets just say that I have that day off work.
My lips are sealed, but my only hint is.......the Chevy is still sitting in the yard (t-case laying under it) and I'm NOT buying a small car.
Oh and the Explorer has a service appt for next Friday (leaky rear hatch and clicky front end). Sooooo, I would say don't plan your dates too close to now.
If so, that's the day I'm choosing. You'll take the V-6 Exploder in for service, and something magical will happen to get you in a V-8 Exploder with the third row seats.
Nope, that won't happen, I won't buy from the dealer that services my Explorer. The only Ford dealer I will buy from is 300 miles away. Won't be back down there until August.......oops, gave it away.
So if the dealers don't care to respond to all this, considering that they've pretty much gotten tired of your posts, then that's "guilty as charged"? What to you think this site is, your personal courtroom or something? This is getting ridiculous!
-Dan-
And I just said that the scroll wheel works. I apparently couldn't help myself. Back to scrolling.
"Why would an ex car salesman betray your profession like that if it wasn't true?
There have been several Automotive News stories about that guy - he couldn't hang in the car business, got fired from several places, and so he wrote all of that goofy stuff.
Sure, I have no doubt that 1 out of 1,000 dealerships operates like that - sounds to me more like one of those rating attempts, like Dateline.
The Dateline story was more of a scam than the "scam" it uncovered. They sent a lady in to buy a car with no restrictions, no questions, and no objections, and she got hammered. And why not?
I think your posts are some of the most entertaining and enlightening I've read in quite some time -- perhaps not in the way you intend them, but entertaining and enlightening nevertheless.
However, most of the techniques you have posted are general sales techniques taught and practiced in many industries. In fact, Henry Kissinger (considered by many to be one of the greatest negotiators ever), wrote that the two most powerful words in any negotiation are "if" and "yes."
If you feel your trade is worth more than a dealer can offer, how is the dealer being duplicitous by suggesting you keep it and sell it yourself.
If a dealer can't offer a particular vehicle at a certain price, how is he duplicitous by presenting you one which he can offer at a lower price.
You presented these articles as though they documented some sort of unethical or fraudulent behavior on the part of car dealers when they clearly do not. With all due respect sir, I think it is you who needs to defend your position. I certainly look forward to you attempting to do so because you rock harder than Jack Black!
has be recycled dozens of times. There are numerous websites floating in the ether with the same 'consumer news'. They are pay-per-click advertising websites.
Yes, there are car dealers who would swindle their own mothers. However, most car dealers are honest hardworking businesspeople.
You'll want to be careful whose website you quote from. One of these 'consumer advocates' has a catch at the bottom of every page of his site. It says if you quote him for any reason, you owe him $10,000.00!
You realize that the information you posted is likely subject to copyright protection and by posting an entire article from that site without permission or proper attribution you have likely violated that law?
You aren't presenting any new information to people that might come in here sincerely looking for honest, upfront advice. You are copying the article written by someone no different than those who do walmarts**ks or ihatemyjob or whatever type of website. The author is disgruntled and reiterating all the stereotypes and misconceptions about car dealers and salesmen.
Please understand, my last post to you was deleted and I've learned my lesson to try to be civil; however, what I don't understand is none of the salespeople in this forum have said any of the things described in that article. So what's the point? That other salespeople are sleazy? Yeah, we knew that. There are sleazy salespeople. Big deal. Isn't that what edmunds.com is for? To educate people how to avoid those things? How to be a smarter shopper? Then why do when need this other site?
"Or - What is the unit cost of one of those Giant inflatable Gorillas you put on top of the dealership when you have a "Monster Sale" ? Is someone assigned to put up the inflatable gorilla or do you contract it out."
Ha! It's pretty funny that you say this because for the past week, I've heard this radio ad for a large area Chrysler dealer telling us it's not just May, but MONSTER MAY. They even provide the "grrwwwl" effects to convince me. ;-) I drove by yesterday and saw no monsters or gorillas.
"glad to hear it worked...that tells me that EVERYONE will be convinced with such a ploy...look for my ads soon!!"
Heh! I guess I should have said "they even provided the "grrrwwll" effects to TRY convincing me". The only problem is I don't even know why MONSTER May is so much better than good old regular May. Fine, it's MONSTER May, great, I believe you. But, who cares?
My friend is the soon-to-be-hired IT director for this store. He worked previously at another Chrysler store in marketing and IT. He left when they kept letting people go and giving him their work. I hope I can convince him to stop the nonsense!
the reason bill is around irritating all of you is because you either respond to him or write about him to each other. i gave bill my 2 cents worth when he was still in the "asking your opinion" phase. since then he's moved on to lecturing and baiting you guys.
the sad part is you all fall for it. if you want to move on, scroll by his postings.
how many 2000 word essays can you read in one day?
Actually, to get this to a question that the post by tornado25 brought up. Do those screamer adds with the guy with the most annoying voice on radio actually work.
I personally change the station as quick as my fingers can find the buttons on the radio but they must work because they keep airing them.
Just curious is there a central clearing house for these type of ads because it always seems to be the same 'guy' on them. You all know the voice I am sure but why on earth use the scream tactics.
If I get stuck on the ad long enough to get the name of the dealer I certainly would strike them from my 'shop-there' list.
Bill100 arduously believes he is right. That's okay. Others strongly believe he is way off base. That's okay too. The simple fact is that Bill came to this site with an idea he just knew would work, and asked for opinions. Sounds reasonable. Bill got his opinions. Got what he asked for. Unfortunately, Bill did not like the feedback. Uh oh, this may not be good. Based on his own feedback to the feedback, Bill is not happy with the responses. Obvious from his postings, I believe that Bill truly believes he can change the way cars are purchased. Just the facts here son, just the facts.
My issue with this is simple. What I thought at the beginning of Bill's postings was here is someone who seems sincere in helping a car buyer. However, the more Bill posted, the more suspicious I became about his real motive.
What I now see is someone who is really not interested in constructive feedback. Everyone else has weighed in quite eloquently on this aspect. However, I think what's really torquing most folks is that Bill totally misrepresented himself from his first post. IMHO, Bill is guilty of the same "crime" he charges most car dealers with--deceptive practices. Kinda like the pot calling the kettle black. Kinda like take a look in the mirror. Well, I think everyone gets my, no pun intended, drift.
BTW, just purchased two GM vehicles one week apart from small dealership in DE--awesome dealer for sales and service from previous purchase and years of service. Did I get the best deal--yes I did. Did I pay the least I could--probably not. But I remember from Business 101, or was it Intro to Business, or was it Common Sense 101, a business has to make money to stay in business.
Remember, life is not "one size fits all", and neither is the car buying experience.
1 out of 1000 dealers are honest to their customers! I had to keep this post separate!
Where did you get his info? Sure wasn't the Dateline segment!
Let's try 7 out of 10 at least in my opinion. And my opinion makes more sense with all the history the profession has behind it.
I am not saying their deceptive all the time. All I am saying is some way or another a tactic or two usually more is used to close a deal on a customer through most given dealerships! To me that only hurts your business! Because now you made the buyer mad even though she or he bought the car "if you didn't drive them away that is" there still going to pass the story around to friends and family about what you tried on them. I know for a fact this happens because my friend that bought the SUV has been telling people all day long. So now this dealership has pretty much half a military squadron informed about how they try to use devious tactics on their customers.
Those of you complaining about the length of this recent dialog are doing absolutely nothing but continuing it by answering the posts you don't like. If you feel someone is misrepresenting themselves and is contributing nothing to the overall discussion, IGNORE THAT PERSON!! It's THAT simple.
Everyone: knock off the repetition and move on, please!
kcram Host Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Not trying to repeat myself over and over. I have to because all they want to do is critizize anything I ever try to say to them. Actually its getting a little old to me also. I am waiting on legit answers from these people. They want to critize but they won't back up anything they say with proof or facts.
Kram I have a high respect for Edmunds.com being #1 when it comes to consumer help! I have promoted your site to many many people who never even heard about you guys before.
As for what's going on here I apologize for being out of hand sometimes but I feel all consumers has a right to hear why car dealers have to be so under handed sometimes.
All their doing is proving to everyone that something must be shady because none of them want to talk about why these things happens to people when their at the dealership. They wouldn't on Dateline and they won't here.
Came back from a Toyota dealer, and was told that ABS was not necessary on a Corolla. He said that the braking system that comes standard is the equivalent of ABS. Is this true? Strikes me as odd since ABS is an option. Also, how necessary is ABS? He said abt the only way to get ABS is to also pay for side airbags, which my friends are saying is unnecessary.
Also, I am a student, and was thinking abt registering my vehicle in my school's state, instead of my home state b/c the tax rate is 2% less at school. Any drawbacks to this?
Lastly, can any1 tell me abt the Toyota $400 graduate incentive (for graduates in the last 2 yrs or those abt to graduate in 6 months)? If I want this rebate, how will this be checked? It would be a splitting of hairs to determine if I'm w/in that time frame. Also, if I'm not, does any1 think it's still possible to negotiate the additional $400 anyways? I feel like if the factory or dealer can offer $400 off to some, they could do it for me.
........ The standard braking system is just that: the standard braking system ... the salesperson probably doesn't have one in stock and the airbag combo might even be harder to find in his region, it depends on where you live ... that being said, I'm a Big advocate of ABS and all the airbags systems, *unfortunately* I have been in a few "hum dingers" and they WILL save your life, so if you can get them - do so.!
You need your school records for the extra rebates and the vehicle has to be registered in the home address ..
First of all I think that salesperson is doing you a major dis-service when saying ABS and regular brakes are essentially the same. So much so that I would seriuosly consider buying somewhere else. I am not arguing whether you need them or not but that level of dishonesty makes me wonder about the ethics of that salesperson. Things will not get better as you continue the process and other questions come up.
Driving a vehicle with ABS during an emergency stopping situation is night and day from a vehicle without them. Your entire technique for braking and steering have to change. If you never had them and can handle a car properly to avoid skids then maybe you don't need them. But to say cars with and without them are the same is totally inaccurate.
Re: the airbags, I would get them if they were not too expensive. A little more 'insurance' for perrsonal safety is worth a few bucks and you could likely get discounts on your insurance to offset the cost.
Obioulsy you'll decide for yourself what makes sense but as I said I would shop elsewhere.
I would not buy a small car without side air bags. I was in a very safe car (SAAB) when I was hit broadside by a large car that ran a red light doing 60. I walked away. I am not sure if I would be typing this without the Side Airbags.
Also, look at the IIHS crash stats. They are finding that Side Airbags make a big difference in side impacts. To the point where some cars go from poor to the top rating when equipped with side air bags.
As for ABS, if you can remeber to pump the brakes when skidding, you do not need them. However, if you are like most of us, and just pound the brake peddle in a panic stop, they are worth it.
It is almost maddening to attempt to buy a midsize sedan with ABS/side curtains right now. The Altima and Mazda 6, two of my favorite options, offer both of these options but it's almost impossible to find a 4-cylinder version on the lot with that package. It is easier to find ABS on the Accords and Camrys, but few have the side curtains unless you go to a luxury package.
When will the safety equipment be more common on the base models? I understand that many dealers say that consumers don't want them because of the extra cost, but I believe they could sell quite a few more if they were made available.
It would also help if the manufacturers, like Mazda, wouldn't require a lot of other options in order to get side curtains.
"Also, look at the IIHS crash stats. They are finding that Side Airbags make a big difference in side impacts. To the point where some cars go from poor to the top rating when equipped with side air bags."
I think that pretty much sums up the case for side airbags. Great post! Oh, and mystf18, I think you'll find that the cost of the side airbags will be nearly offset by the college rebate, if you qualify.
"I feel like if the factory or dealer can offer $400 off to some, they could do it for me."
it is a manufacturer incentive that is subsidized by the federal gov't. ever wonder why all of them are exactly $400?
also, if they could afford to give it to everyone, it would be a regular rebate and not restricted to just recent college grads. they have to draw the line somewhere.
just like with the Farm Bureau rebates (you have to be a member), manufacturer financing rebates (you have to finance through them), or military rebates (must be active duty or retired).
I did 10 years on active duty, but because I didn't retire, I don't get that extra $750 some manufacturers offer - because I'm not eleigible...
just did 10 years and got out during imposition of the Graham-Rudman Budget Reduction Act (initiated in 1989, knocked out 40% of the military through fear tactics in 1991 and 1992). I got out in 1992, did 5 years of inactive reserve.
..... ** I understand that many dealers say that consumers don't want them because of the extra cost **
Unfortunetly, that's a fact Jack .. customers would rather pay for a spoiler, Nav system (that they will get tired of in 30 days) or a XM Satellite Radio before they will ever pay for the safety extra's .. sad, but true.
Comments
That's alot of words you printed out there.
What say we drop the reverse auction schtick and move on to other FUN topics -
like what is the ratio of free hot dogs to car sales. In other words how many free hot-dogs do you need to give away to get an additional car sold ? Now that's something I would like to know. Or conversely - If I buy a car from you - then how many hotdogs does that entitle me to ??
Or - What is the unit cost of one of those Giant inflatable Gorillas you put on top of the dealership when you have a "Monster Sale" ? Is someone assigned to put up the inflatable gorilla or do you contract it out.
-Jason
<edit> is it possible the shopping spree is at a "reverse auction" online site? <shudder...> the horror...
You can't combine offers, the coupons are broken down into $250 increments, and everything (madly overpriced) in the book starts at $300, plus shipping....
The catalog company, along with the dealer, considering you actually buy a car from them AND order something from the book, still makes money by selling you a $20 trinket, advertised at $300, for $50..plus shipping and applicable state sales taxes...
It's not $1,000 at a real store, while even seeming attractive, has to come from somewhere - like the bottom line of the car deal, raising the price of what you COULD pay without the "gift".
I hope that explanation works for your lady - mine won't just go with the "because it's a scam" or "because I said so" either.
I will find it hard to believe if they go ANY lower than this. Will keep you guys informed if they sell me the car at the final price or not!
I can't believe how right you guys where with all your wonderful advice. Thanks a million. Sure am glad I didn't listen to any of your sarcasm. Although I do appreciate what little good advice you guys gave!
Bill
Terry.
Years ago in Cancun on the way outta the hotel the desk clerk approached the wife - "wouldn't you like to have a free breakfast and this lovely little Cancun beach bag?" I said thanks - but no thanks - wifey says "but I want it "
After breakfast came the tour of the timeshare suites, T.O.'s between two salesman & then the manager ("It's only $15,000, and you can put it on your Visa!").
Only cost me a little time. An hour and a half well invested - she has not been interested in any "free" offers since.
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Oh and the Explorer has a service appt for next Friday (leaky rear hatch and clicky front end). Sooooo, I would say don't plan your dates too close to now.
And, if you are supposed to strive to buy for the lowest price, why is a dealer evil when they try to do the same thing when "buying" your trade?
Overall, this boils down to doing research, being prepared, and having a clue.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If my car is stolen, I can probably get more from the insurance than I could get from a trade-in. I say, give me the money and I will get a new car.
Besides, who wants their car back if it is stolen? Who knows what unpleasant things happened in the back seat.
-Dan-
And I just said that the scroll wheel works. I apparently couldn't help myself. Back to scrolling.
There have been several Automotive News stories about that guy - he couldn't hang in the car business, got fired from several places, and so he wrote all of that goofy stuff.
Sure, I have no doubt that 1 out of 1,000 dealerships operates like that - sounds to me more like one of those rating attempts, like Dateline.
The Dateline story was more of a scam than the "scam" it uncovered. They sent a lady in to buy a car with no restrictions, no questions, and no objections, and she got hammered. And why not?
However, most of the techniques you have posted are general sales techniques taught and practiced in many industries. In fact, Henry Kissinger (considered by many to be one of the greatest negotiators ever), wrote that the two most powerful words in any negotiation are "if" and "yes."
If you feel your trade is worth more than a dealer can offer, how is the dealer being duplicitous by suggesting you keep it and sell it yourself.
If a dealer can't offer a particular vehicle at a certain price, how is he duplicitous by presenting you one which he can offer at a lower price.
You presented these articles as though they documented some sort of unethical or fraudulent behavior on the part of car dealers when they clearly do not. With all due respect sir, I think it is you who needs to defend your position. I certainly look forward to you attempting to do so because you rock harder than Jack Black!
Yes, there are car dealers who would swindle their own mothers. However, most car dealers are honest hardworking businesspeople.
You'll want to be careful whose website you quote from. One of these 'consumer advocates' has a catch at the bottom of every page of his site. It says if you quote him for any reason, you owe him $10,000.00!
You aren't presenting any new information to people that might come in here sincerely looking for honest, upfront advice. You are copying the article written by someone no different than those who do walmarts**ks or ihatemyjob or whatever type of website. The author is disgruntled and reiterating all the stereotypes and misconceptions about car dealers and salesmen.
Please understand, my last post to you was deleted and I've learned my lesson to try to be civil; however, what I don't understand is none of the salespeople in this forum have said any of the things described in that article. So what's the point? That other salespeople are sleazy? Yeah, we knew that. There are sleazy salespeople. Big deal. Isn't that what edmunds.com is for? To educate people how to avoid those things? How to be a smarter shopper? Then why do when need this other site?
Ha! It's pretty funny that you say this because for the past week, I've heard this radio ad for a large area Chrysler dealer telling us it's not just May, but MONSTER MAY. They even provide the "grrwwwl" effects to convince me. ;-) I drove by yesterday and saw no monsters or gorillas.
"mine won't just go with the "because it's a scam" or "because I said so" either."
Ain't that the truth
-Jason
glad to hear it worked...that tells me that EVERYONE will be convinced with such a ploy...look for my ads soon!!
Heh! I guess I should have said "they even provided the "grrrwwll" effects to TRY convincing me". The only problem is I don't even know why MONSTER May is so much better than good old regular May. Fine, it's MONSTER May, great, I believe you. But, who cares?
My friend is the soon-to-be-hired IT director for this store. He worked previously at another Chrysler store in marketing and IT. He left when they kept letting people go and giving him their work. I hope I can convince him to stop the nonsense!
i gave bill my 2 cents worth when he was still in the "asking your opinion" phase. since then he's moved on to lecturing and baiting you guys.
the sad part is you all fall for it. if you want to move on, scroll by his postings.
how many 2000 word essays can you read in one day?
I personally change the station as quick as my fingers can find the buttons on the radio but they must work because they keep airing them.
Just curious is there a central clearing house for these type of ads because it always seems to be the same 'guy' on them. You all know the voice I am sure but why on earth use the scream tactics.
If I get stuck on the ad long enough to get the name of the dealer I certainly would strike them from my 'shop-there' list.
JR
My issue with this is simple. What I thought at the beginning of Bill's postings was here is someone who seems sincere in helping a car buyer. However, the more Bill posted, the more suspicious I became about his real motive.
What I now see is someone who is really not interested in constructive feedback. Everyone else has weighed in quite eloquently on this aspect. However, I think what's really torquing most folks is that Bill totally misrepresented himself from his first post. IMHO, Bill is guilty of the same "crime" he charges most car dealers with--deceptive practices. Kinda like the pot calling the kettle black. Kinda like take a look in the mirror. Well, I think everyone gets my, no pun intended, drift.
BTW, just purchased two GM vehicles one week apart from small dealership in DE--awesome dealer for sales and service from previous purchase and years of service. Did I get the best deal--yes I did. Did I pay the least I could--probably not. But I remember from Business 101, or was it Intro to Business, or was it Common Sense 101, a business has to make money to stay in business.
Remember, life is not "one size fits all", and neither is the car buying experience.
Where did you get his info? Sure wasn't the Dateline segment!
Let's try 7 out of 10 at least in my opinion. And my opinion makes more sense with all the history the profession has behind it.
I am not saying their deceptive all the time. All I am saying is some way or another a tactic or two usually more is used to close a deal on a customer through most given dealerships! To me that only hurts your business! Because now you made the buyer mad even though she or he bought the car "if you didn't drive them away that is" there still going to pass the story around to friends and family about what you tried on them. I know for a fact this happens because my friend that bought the SUV has been telling people all day long. So now this dealership has pretty much half a military squadron informed about how they try to use devious tactics on their customers.
Bill
If you don't respond, the conversation ends.
Those of you complaining about the length of this recent dialog are doing absolutely nothing but continuing it by answering the posts you don't like. If you feel someone is misrepresenting themselves and is contributing nothing to the overall discussion, IGNORE THAT PERSON!! It's THAT simple.
Everyone: knock off the repetition and move on, please!
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Kram I have a high respect for Edmunds.com being #1 when it comes to consumer help! I have promoted your site to many many people who never even heard about you guys before.
As for what's going on here I apologize for being out of hand sometimes but I feel all consumers has a right to hear why car dealers have to be so under handed sometimes.
All their doing is proving to everyone that something must be shady because none of them want to talk about why these things happens to people when their at the dealership. They wouldn't on Dateline and they won't here.
Thanks for your time...
Bill
Also, I am a student, and was thinking abt registering my vehicle in my school's state, instead of my home state b/c the tax rate is 2% less at school. Any drawbacks to this?
Lastly, can any1 tell me abt the Toyota $400 graduate incentive (for graduates in the last 2 yrs or those abt to graduate in 6 months)? If I want this rebate, how will this be checked? It would be a splitting of hairs to determine if I'm w/in that time frame. Also, if I'm not, does any1 think it's still possible to negotiate the additional $400 anyways? I feel like if the factory or dealer can offer $400 off to some, they could do it for me.
Thanks so much for any help.
You need your school records for the extra rebates and the vehicle has to be registered in the home address ..
Terry.
Driving a vehicle with ABS during an emergency stopping situation is night and day from a vehicle without them. Your entire technique for braking and steering have to change. If you never had them and can handle a car properly to avoid skids then maybe you don't need them. But to say cars with and without them are the same is totally inaccurate.
Re: the airbags, I would get them if they were not too expensive. A little more 'insurance' for perrsonal safety is worth a few bucks and you could likely get discounts on your insurance to offset the cost.
Obioulsy you'll decide for yourself what makes sense but as I said I would shop elsewhere.
JR
Also, look at the IIHS crash stats. They are finding that Side Airbags make a big difference in side impacts. To the point where some cars go from poor to the top rating when equipped with side air bags.
As for ABS, if you can remeber to pump the brakes when skidding, you do not need them. However, if you are like most of us, and just pound the brake peddle in a panic stop, they are worth it.
When will the safety equipment be more common on the base models? I understand that many dealers say that consumers don't want them because of the extra cost, but I believe they could sell quite a few more if they were made available.
It would also help if the manufacturers, like Mazda, wouldn't require a lot of other options in order to get side curtains.
I think that pretty much sums up the case for side airbags. Great post! Oh, and mystf18, I think you'll find that the cost of the side airbags will be nearly offset by the college rebate, if you qualify.
it is a manufacturer incentive that is subsidized by the federal gov't. ever wonder why all of them are exactly $400?
also, if they could afford to give it to everyone, it would be a regular rebate and not restricted to just recent college grads. they have to draw the line somewhere.
I did 10 years on active duty, but because I didn't retire, I don't get that extra $750 some manufacturers offer - because I'm not eleigible...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Unfortunetly, that's a fact Jack .. customers would rather pay for a spoiler, Nav system (that they will get tired of in 30 days) or a XM Satellite Radio before they will ever pay for the safety extra's .. sad, but true.
Terry.