Any Questions for a Car Dealer?

bowke28

ive had dumber reasons in my not-so-distant past.

post #10,000!!!

i am forever ingrained in the annals of edmunds!

;-)

driftracer

congrats!

jeffg

Why don't you just buy your salesman a gift certificate to a restaurant? He/she would appreciate a $50 gift cert. much more than a $100.00 bonus and it's a very nice way to make sure your salesman gets something for the hard work.

simbas

So here's what the dealer offered me...... $500.00. So I said give me a new car! The car was used and the drivers seat already had plenty of wear. Apparently, it was driven by the previous sales manager, who was terminated. I'm guessing that he drove it REAL HARD right before he had to turn it in. So I had to get my second choice in color. I still think that they should offer me something for my patience and understanding. They screwed up! That would be wishful thinking! Thanks for your advice

steine13

Count your blessings and enjoy your new wheels.
As far as your "time and patience", that's water under the bridge, and it beats a 4-week battle of wills during which you dare not drive the Tahoe while everyone figures out how to resolve it.

I'm glad they stepped up and made it right.

-Mathias

rroyce10

... $500 ...?

             They probably blew it out for "net net" because it was a demo ...

                   Like Mathias said .. enjoy the vehicle and go on .............

                               Terry.

mfullmer

Why do people just assume a demo vehicle was driven hard? From the time I was 21 until I was 32 I only drove demos and drove them just as I would any other car. Demos are driven by personnel (usually Management)from the dealership and only occassionally by customers. Why on earth would you think the terminated manager drove it "VERY HARD" just before he turned it in. It's not like they told him "Ok, on Thursday we're going to fire you, so get ready." In all likelihood the guy had no idea that he was being terminated and therefore had no reason to beat up his demo.

simbas

All you said may be true about the guy not driving it hard! However, for the extra $500.00 that they were going to reduce the price, it just wasn't worth it!

mfullmer

In that you are correct. A demo should be discounted much more than $500.00.

murray53

I wish that I would have asked the dealer I bought my Toyota Camry from in 1987 for something in compensation. The new 1988 Camry I bought had 14 miles on it when I put a deposit on it; when I picked it up it had 65. Some of that could have been blamed on a trip to the alarm shop for the useless alarm I foolishly bought but I am pretty sure it was used for a few test drives as well. Toyotas weren't that plentiful then (before plants in the US were opened) and I'm sure that the dealer pulled this stunt with a few other cars as well to avoid the depreciation on a demo vehicle. I guess I can't complain since the car lasted a long time. I would like to know what it is on Long Island that makes dealers think that once you put a deposit down on a car that they can abuse you to their heart's content. Maybe it's something in the water.

mfullmer

You have to be kidding me right? You obviously don't realize what dealers use demos for. Demos are not used to let people test drive a car. Demos are used by Management and Principals of the dealership.

You are being totally unreasonable to think that 51 miles being put on it is a "stunt" by the dealer. Do you know exactly how far the alarm shop was from the dealership? Do you know that gas didn't need to be put in it during that time? If vehicles really weren't that plentiful then, you were lucky you found one with 14 miles on it in the first place.

You didn't buy a demo and weren't entitled to, and would be silly to ask for, compensation for 51 miles. Cars on dealer lots are driven all the time by would-be buyers. You would be hard pressed to not find a majority of cars on the lots with under 50 miles.

imidazol97

"You would be hard pressed to not find a majority of cars on the lots with under 50 miles."

This means most cars would be under 50 miles... That's opposite the rest of your argument!!!

Murray53: How far WAS the alarm shop from the dealership???

wibble

Reminds me of a woman that came in for a new car. I brought what she wanted up from the back lot and was showing her over the car. Everything was fine until I started the engine and she saw the odometer. She threw a tizzy over the 12 (yes, 12) miles on the clock and accused me of trying to sell her a used car as new. I explained how it was delivery mileage and mileage to and from the gas station we used and how every car has at least 8 miles on the odometer off the transporter. She wasn't having any of it. She insisted that every new car she'd ever owned had zero miles on the clock. I got my manager to talk to her but she left threatening to call the BBB and the DMV and have us shut down. Never heard a thing from, or about, her after that! Who knows what she would have made of my new Subaru that was delivered with 280 miles on it.

akangl

Miles I've had on a new vehicle was my Titan at 313 when I bought it. I wasn't happy about it, but it was the ONLY truck on the lot optioned the way I wanted it so I didn't have much choice. Least amount of miles was 8 on my 97 Subaru Impreza. Average seems to be around 50 or so, my Focus had 51 on it, course it was growing roots at the dealer too, had been there forever.

svejk1

I'm out looking for a new car - a BMW 5 series or Audi A6 and I'm getting the following tactic from the dealers:

The car is so popular, so new, etc. that the dealer has no reason to reduce the price more than ~ $500-$1500 off of sticker.

Any suggestions on how to overcome this or is this simply the truth?

wibble

Two things you could try is printing out Edmunds TMV pricing and Carsdirect pricing for the vehicles you're intereted in. You don't have a location in your profile so I can't check prices in your area. Also, are we talking 2004 or 2005? You'll be hard pushed to get much off a 2005 import at the moment.
Check out the picing forums for the two vehicles;

williamsdad "Audi A6: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" Sep 13, 2004 10:58am and plasticmd "BMW 5-Series: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" Sep 19, 2002 11:30am!make=BMW&model=5%20Series&ed_makeindex=.ef0f831

Lastly, try hitting the 'phone and finding the deal you want. Don't bother with e-mail.

svejk1

thanks

paulhuang

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about the F&I profits. I think I am going to just stick with my prearranged financing.

Jeffg, the premise was to not cost me anything so the gift certificate idea would not work.

Again, thank you all for your responses.
Paul

wibble

It could just be a loose gas cap. Did the light go out during your test drive?

kittenmoon

No- it kep flashing- FLASHING, not staying on, which I have always been told is a bad thing. I am trying to figure out if this guy is trying ot sell me a bad car or what. It's new, and would be warrantied, but I do not want to get screwed right off.

wibble

I'v just bought a Subaru and test drove a couple of new Foresters. Neither of those nor the Outback or Legacy had any issues with the engine warning light. Personally, I think the guy is spinning you a line. It may be worth asking over in one of the Subaru forums. Is there another Subaru dealer close to you that you could try?

bird8

What kind of a reduction in price can you expect when you qualify for a green invoice on a new Chrysler product such as a Jeep Grand Cherokee? I want to make sure that the dealer is being honest with the reduction. Do you also qualify for manufacturers incentives on top of the green invoice price?

rroyce10

...... If it's a new vehicle I wouldn't worry about it, if the PDI wasn't done yet or correctly it's not a big deal - I just wouldn't take delivery until it's done .. hey, half of the BMW's look like a Christmas tree before PDI ........

                                 Terry.

akangl

Sounds like the dash of my Titan when we bought it, had low washer fluid light on, 4LO light on, and the tire pressure light on. Glad all that's fixed, haven't seen a light come on in a while.

Kirstie_H

Aha! Finally, a question I can help with, having used this program most recently. "Green sheet" pricing is a certain, set percent (I think it's 7%, but could be wrong) below dealer invoice. This is non-negotiable by either party, and the dealer is required to show you the invoice. Dealers really can't "cheat the system" on this program, as it is a Chrysler program - my salesman told me they'd be in trouble if they did. The only variable is any trade-in you've got.

And yes, you also qualify for all rebates & incentives available on the vehicle you're purchasing. I have used this program several times, and always with a good experience.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

bird8

Thanks for the info.

macedon

Can the host please get back to me. My new vehicle was received with a very small chip on the hood. (2005 Corolla LE).

Dealer put dab of paint on it today and said it was fixed. Not acceptable so going to see Customer Relations Manager and General Manager today (afternoon). Customer Relations Manager said I guess it'll have to be sent out.

Others advised me to get full paint warranty on the re-done paint. What should I expect from a full-paint warranty ( # years)? Could they deny that this is such a warranty even exists? I expect to have thiis car at least 10 years. Any advice and info is greatly appreciated.

(Inever would have bought if I saw chip earlier and they said it would be a snap to fix. I park outside and repainting has 'rules' to follow for care)...I want a new car but know they won't do it.

thank you

mfullmer

Sorry, a mix up of words. What I meant was you'd be hard pressed to find any car on todays lots with less than 50 miles. Thanks for catching that.

mfullmer

Yes, the only new cars I've ever had that had barely any miles on them were ones I specially ordered. My '02 Oldsmobile Bravada had 13 miles on it when I picked it up. My '04 Lexus RX330 had 10 miles on it when I picked it up. My '05 Toyota Solara Convertible had 10 miles on it when I picked it up.

Every other car I picked off of the lot had more. Pleople just don't understand and too many people are out there trying to get "compensated" in any shape or form instead of looking at things objectively and realistically.

driftracer

THERE IS NO warranty against paint chips - the paint warranty on a new car is against body panel rust through and things like GM and DCC cases where the paint actualy came off of the car.

Chips in the paint have nothing to do with the factory warranty. If the dealer does paint work on your car, it's a gift.

As you said, "I never would have bought if I saw chip earlier".

Because you didn't see the chip at delivery, it's not even a dealer issue - you now get to prove that it didn't happen AFTER delivery.

bowke28

let me get this straight...

you want a new car over a pebble chip?!?! ok...lets step back and punt. lets find some priorities.

ive never had a car more than 3 months without a paint chip of some magnitude. they happen.

blh7068

Hey Bowke-

Got a Q for ya being a Nissan guy. I got an 02 Max(great car) majestic blue. I gave it a serious bath the other day and I couldnt believe how BADLY the hood is chipped for only having the car a little more than 2 years. What's with Nissans paint? Is the clearcoat real thin?

macedon

I saw the paint AT the time of taking possession, before I took the vehicle off the lot.

That is why they are doing something. I'm sure they wouldn't do a thing if I noticed it after I left the lot.

mfullmer

(Inever would have bought if I saw chip earlier and they said it would be a snap to fix. I park outside and repainting has 'rules' to follow for care)

Ok, I don't get it. You stated the above in your first post. Did you or did you not see a paint chip before taking delivery of the vehicle? The deal isn't done until you take delivery so by taking delivery with the Dealers agreement they would do something about you essentially said you were taking it with the damage. You shouldn't have taken delivery if you weren't happy.

isellhondas

This tiny chip will be the first of many. Honestly, I would stick with the touch up. They could repaint your entire hood but then it might not match after awhile.

True, your car should have been delivered in "perfect" condition. No doubt about that.

This, however is not a perfect world.

Life is short...enjoy your new car!

kyfdx

I agree.. a paint chip maybe knocks the value down $50... A total repaint of the hood will probably knock $1000 off the value of your car.

bowke28

nissans paint is no different from honda, toyota, ford, chevy, etc...

whats with the gravel trucks on your nearest highway?

KCRam

Don't jump down anyone's throat... debate the situation, not the person.

kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards

jwilliams2

Shucks, missed the "jumping down the throat" post. Musta been edited or deleted, huh?

bobst

When we bought our new car last year, we noticed a scratch on the door. They agreed to fix it, and we paid for the car.

A few days later we brought the car in to get the scratch fixed and to get the two new keys made. You guys knew I would have to include the keys in my story, didn't you?

They fixed the scratch pefectly, gave us the new keys (both of which could be used to start the car), and we were on our way. Pohanka Acura in Chantilly VA seems to be a very good dealer.

mike20

I saw your profile...what was bad about it...if you don't mind me asking??

mfullmer

Oh my, is there a character limit in these posts? Seriously though here is a short rundown.

- Ordered vehicle but it sat on the lot for three weeks after they got it because of the suspension recall (Apr. '01).
- While sitting at the first stop after starting, the transmission would downshif abruptly after about 10 seconds causing everyone in the car to turn around to see if I had just been rear-ended.
- Left air bladder for rear suspension failed while on the freeway when car was 4 months old. This caused the left side to "fall" resulting in the right air bladder failing. By the time I pulled over I looked like some '70s low rider and the hood was pointed to the sky.
- On three seperate occassions I would go out to the car to find it unable to start. They would bring it in on a flat bed. (This was caused by the infamous "broken terminal stud" of some GM batteries)
- Many squeaks and rattles in the vehicle that had to be fixed by the dealer installing various pieces of felt/rubberstripping, etc.
- When the back seats were down it would rub against the cover for the 12v socket causing a permanent dent in the leather even after the replaced the cover.
- The black on the steering wheel audio buttons flaked off within the first year.

Ok, I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

bobst

The car had a 1-year warranty, and during that time a bunch of things went wrong. A squeak in the heating fan, a repair needed to the differential, battery went dead, bad fuel pump, nasty leak in the transmission ... I think that was all, but there may have been other things.

After that, the car was great until we got ready to sell it 12 years later. Once the car knew that we wanted to replace it, it decided to get even and made us spend about $900 fixing the fuel injection.

macedon

Darn, I had no idea that the deal was not done until I take delivery.

I hate the car buying experience. And hope it is a long time until I have to go through it again.

Thanks for your advice.

bowke28

i can see why you hate it so much. you go crazy over a tiny paint chip. if i did that, i would get ulcers too.

there are ways to do this right and still enjoy yourself.

if you are spending $20k+++ on the car you want, shouldnt you have fun doing it?

macedon

Well my experience with chips is that it will spread to the entire hood. I had this on a rear spoiler. That car was old so I didn't care if the spoiler had paint or not....

The repair was not the repair that was promised. It is pathetic...

volvodan1

I haven't been selling cars forever, so some of my fellow NADART contributors may have different opinions, but I haven't seen chips spread on a hood. I have seen paint on a spoiler crack and spider, however. In fact I have never seen chips "spread".

In fact, I haven't seen many rear spoilers w/ chips in them, now that I think of it

bowke28

spoilers are made of plastic, and paint does not adhere to it as well. thats why it spiderwebbed on you.

also, if the car was so old, wouldnt you expect something like that? you are dealing with a new car, and not only are you starting fresh, the paint technology is far more advanced as well.

i think you are overanalyzing it. if you just dont like the way it looks, just say so. nothing wrong with that. but if the dealer simply said they would "touch it up", then they did what they promised.

if they said they would "repair" it, then go back and insist on a repair...but dont ask them to paint the whole hood. thats overkill.

macedon

They said that the chip would be nothing to fix and it would as good as new and not even noticeable. Which it is not. They filled it in 5 minutes and the paint is not level with the paint around the chip so it is obvious. (probably only one dab of paint). (Shouldn't it also be clear coated or is that not necessary since it is so small).

I'll drop in at a very reputable auto body shop to ask his advice. I just don't want any indication of the chip ever being there. This should be possible since the cardealer post stated that I wouldn't believe how many new cars are touched-up...

I am to call them Monday to make an appt. with the dealer. They always tell me 'Monday', guess it's a very slow day and don't what problems while others are making deals...

bolivar

Paint the whole hood.

Heck, paint the hood, front bumper, and both front fenders. The car will then look like the 1980's GM cars when the front and back were painted separately and all new cars had paint jobs that didn't match.

Actually - It's a chip. Live with it. More will be quickly joining it.

And, you said you don't garage the car. Setting outside will age the car quickly anyway.