We also have the customer sign a form stating that an extended warranty was offered. We also have a customer sign a "We Owe" form that states any promises made. Even if we owe nothing it will say "nothing owed"
This way there is no questions if somebody is owed something after the sale....OTOH the guy can't come back 2 years later and state he was promised a free moonroof.
I've signed a "we owe" form before, and I appreciated having it presented to me so there was no chance that I would walk in a week later and either find that 1) the salesperson who made the promise had left, or 2) nobody recalled promising me anything. They even put down that I would be given a free loaner during the time the "we owe" work was being done.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Update: I arrived at the dealership this past Saturday morning. They viewed my car for roughly 5 minutes, came inside and shook my hand and said "Congratultions, you are the first person who honestly dexcribed the condition of your car". This was great news, they were honouring the deal that they had offered.
we sign half the paperwork and I say that I want to drive THE car before I sign off on it. They take me out to the lot and show me around the car and it turns out to be the wrong colour. It was silver rather than dark grey as I had confirmed two days earlier. I still really wanted the car so I agreed to take it for a test drive and really think about it. I decided since it was not what I really wanted I would need some persuading. ie: Another $500 or so off the price. They said that they could not budge. I left saying that I had my cell phone with me and would be in thecity the rest of the day. They called twice asking me to come back but did not mention being able to do any better on price.
They called this morning and said that they could get the color I wanted if I still wanted the deal. I do.
My question is this though. I am buying a 2005 and it is almost October. Should I be paying sticker price? They claimed that they were losing $3000 on my trade, but I got the impression that they already had a deal in place for mine since they really didn't look it over very long at all. In fact they didnt even leave the lot with it. Just moved it from one parking spcae to another. They also seemed to really want this deal to work.
I guess I am having a hard time beleieving that they would take a $3000 hit on the trade even to make the deal on the new one. What do you guys think ?
.... Depends on what you're trading ..... then it will depend on home base, the year, miles, color, options, condition and what it "might" need as far as service ....
It sounds like most of these forms exist to protect the dealer; if the form is required, like the money laundering one, it should be easy enough to find a link on the net describing the form. The ECOA stuff talks about a lender's responsibility to consumers, but I don't see any forms that are legislated?
I suspect that if Bobst refused to sign the no other stuff purchased form, the manager would just put a note on it that said customer refused and go on and take his money.
Someone want to go find Bob/Marsha7 and send him this way?
some may disagree with some of the things you say and the way you go about purchasing a vehicle but from someone which has sold thousands of vehicles over the past decade I can tell you that you are correct in your comments almost every time.
You do not offend unless offended You are somewhat open minded to suggestions You do what you say you are going to do
What more could a salesperson ask for? We would get along just fine.
I bought a new car a week ago and I just got a call saying my payment was going to change and I needed to sign a new contract. Can I just return the car cut and dry or is there stipulations? Also is there a certain amount of time delerships have to work with a bank before you can just say I don't want it anymore? Please advise.
It was not the car he requested. He requested dark grey...not the silver the dealership tried to sneak in.
I would think one would want to test drive a vehicle, check for any damage, and make sure it has all the options(color) etc you want BEFORE starting any paperwork.
Interesting comments sbell. If you ( or anyone else) were to categorise all the customers you've had in the past decade...I would be curious as to how you would describe them.
i.e 20%.... honest, straightforward, plesant, does not get offended
40%.... average joe, not exactly straight with his numbers, playing your numbers off other dealers, generally honest...on time.
My Mazda6 is in the shop (has been for 2 weeks) aparently alternator is hard to find... But I digress...
The dealer gave me a free loaner. However, the license stickers are a week away from expiring. I might not have time to come into the dealer so they may change it. My question is, is it possible I might get stopped for expired tags, and I would be responsible, or would I get off with a warning. Has anyone here had a similar experience when it comes to rental cars? I would tell the officer that I have no responsibility being the car is not mine, but a rental. But I would rather avoid that. I called the service dept, but due to their hours of operation they are never open when I'm available. And no other personnel can help me once the service dept. is closed.
You'd probably get by with a warning if you get pulled over. Just explain this is a loaner and you've had it awhile. If I were you, I'd call the service dept. and ask that the stickers be left up in the sales dept. where you'll pick them up. Sales is usually open later than service. Here in the boondocks, they're here till 8:00 three nights a week. I don't see why no other personnel could help with this. It's a pretty simple deal. If they are never open when you're available, how did you receive your loaner?
The short answer is that the vast majority of people I do business with are good people.
10% would buy even if you poked them in the eye with a stick 80% are decent people looking to buy a good car at a fair price 10% well, they are not nice people.
People are in general good and not the boldface liars they sometimes are portrayed to be. They are often simply misinformed and need a little help with their research so they can make a well-informed decision.
Service was open when I p/u the car originally, but I work weekdays until 7:30, when service is closed. It is just more convenient for my schedule to get stuff done in the evenings. Anyway, I called today and they will leave the stickers with someone in sales. My original question was I was wondering if anyone else came across the same situation over the years... Not sure why anyone other than service was unable to help me at the time I called last Saturday, but I guess no one in sales that day wanted to disturb anything in service which was closed by then... BTW, they gave me a new Mazda Tribute for a loaner, which is a really nice SUV, and not too bad on gas mileage!
One other question.... why does it take almost two and 1/2 weeks to get an alternator? I called this morning and Alt still has not arrived.
20%... Think they know exactly how the car business works and we're out to screw everybody. That, in turn, leads to being very difficult to deal with. I would put those who are loud/obnoxious/rude in this category. Where I work, there are a great deal of Engineers (in all fields) or ask question they know the answer to and if you screw up they relish it. That said, I have a few engineer owners who were very nice and somewhat easy to work with, but that's certainly not the majority.
25%... Just want you to show the car, find what they want, let them drive it, give them a price and drive it out. No frills, no anything. Just want it by the book. Typically not asking for big discounts. We have a very large military arsenal here, and most military fall in this category.
15%... Like someone else said, if I poked them in the eye they would still want to buy a car. Some folks love the idea of having a BMW, and as long as it's a color they like and it's got the right transmission, they're gonna buy.
35%... is like the average Joe you talked about. They do a little comparison shopping, more so with Lexus/MB/Infinity than anywhere else. I don't run into a whole lot of competing with other BMW dealers b/c the nearest two are 100 miles away in either direction... just occasionally. This person has looked at TMV or saw what KBB had to say, so somewhat informed, yet, probably lying about this great deal he's talking about. I read one time that the average God-fearing-never-told-a-lie-in-his-life man feels as though it's perfectly okay to lie to a car salesman, all in the name of getting a better deal. I understand the lying I guess since this industry has been know for liars/cheats/etc. This is the category most of my owners/customer fit into.
5%... Never have a chance at buying a car without hitting the lottery. Credit is terrible ... typically asks "what's my note going to be on this car." Just no respect for me, or my time. I've gotten to the point where I don't put up with it and tell them to look all they want and head back for my office ... or catch another Up.
I am looking for a new car. I wished I did it earlier as the employee discount is almost out and I havent found anything I liked in the '05 (what is left). Right now Im looking at a Pontiac G6 (have a GM card and can save 1,000) but no offers/rebates are out there for the '06 models. I know I wont pay the MSRP after the employee discount was given. Do you think the dealerships may offer incentives later on at the end of the year?
Ok here's how this whole scenario would work. You said one dealer appraised your A4 at $11000 the other delaer (who doesn't have the color you want) appraised your A4 at $`14000.
If the ACV (actual cash value) of your A4 is $11000 and that's all the money they're putting into it then the extra $3000 they say they're paying for it is coming out of the gross of the TSX (meaning you're getting the TSX at cost/invoice). And that's why they can't discount the TSX anymore because that money went to your trade. Either way look at the difference you have to pay: new car price minus trade = difference.
Now if the first dealer you went to is paying you $11000 for your A4 but he's discounting the TSX $3000 then it's the same thing as above.
I traded in an MB sedan for an '06 ML500 without a hassle. 7 days after driving off from the dealer, the SUV started having a mechanical problem. Though the warranty covers it, the truck has been in the shop for 7 days now due to in availability of parts! The inconvenience is enormous! I should have kept my old car. The questions are: 1) Can i have the sedan that i traded in, back? 2) Is there a law that protects consumers from manufacturers issuing defective products/vehicles? I only used the SUV for 7 days for crying out loud! Only 400 miles on it. 3) whats a lemon?
I traded in an MB sedan for an '06 ML500 without a hassle. 7 days after driving off from the dealer, the SUV started having a mechanical problem. Though the warranty covers it, the truck has been in the shop for 7 days now due to inavailability of parts! The inconvenience is enormous! I should have kept my old car. The questions are: 1) Can i have the sedan that i traded in, back? 2) Is there a law that protects consumers from manufacturers issuing defective products/vehicles? I only used the SUV for 7 days for crying out loud! Only 400 miles on it. 3) whats a lemon?
..... Sounds like you're an owner .... at this point in time you might call the MB 1-800 number and get in touch with the regional service rep .. you are light years from going lemon - yet ...
> I traded in an MB sedan for an '06 ML500 without a hassle. 7 days after > driving off from the dealer, the SUV started having a mechanical problem. > Though the warranty covers it, the truck has been in the shop for 7 days > now due to inavailability of parts! The inconvenience is enormous! > I should have kept my old car.
> 3) whats a lemon? :lemon:
Generally, a vehicle will be declared a lemon if the dealer can not repair it within several (4) attempts or if the vehicle is in for repair more than a specified number (30) of days. :mad:
Whoever financed your vehicle isn't going to have much sympathy for your plight, since all they do is collect the payment. They have nothing to do with build quality, warranty work, etc., and when you signed the finance papers, you sealed the relationship with them as stated above.
What you CAN do is call the 1-800 MB number, talk (politely) with your salesperson and see if he can help be your advocate, and make for darn sure you document your problems in writing and keep all service papers. If you want to take up the issue with MB, you will need to make sure you have your difficulties documented, and deal with them in writing.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
It can be difficult to get parts for several reasons. I've got two customers whose sunvisors broke on their new Malibus. GM is working on getting a new style part, so I can't get new visors until they're designed, produced, and distributed. One guy has been waiting over a month, with no delivery date in sight. It can be difficult to locate parts, especially for a new model year vehicle. Your case probably falls into this category-you have their loaner, they tend to remember you when you're driving their car.
You may also be dealing with inefficiency. The service guy said he'd order the part, but the parts department didn't get the message. Your call to remind them may have helped, if this happened.
I've also had situations where the warehouse knocks a part off the order list and the parts man doesn't catch it so the part gets forgotten.
I got my ML on Mercecedz Benz Credit. I'm just so frustrated because i already forgot how my new SUV looks like. It was only a week old and its been in the shop eversince.
Not to defend the dealer (or MB), but sometimes it is hard to get a part on a new design if it isn't soemthing that normally breaks (or gets stocked), so that might be the hold up.
A polite call asking for a detailed update sounds like it is in order.
Even though the car company and finance company both say "Mercedes Benz", they are, in fact, two completely separate entities.... One builds and sells cars, and they other finances the cars.
A similar example would be something like a conglomerate like Citigroup.... You might have a problem with your credit card, but your local CitiBank branch bank isn't going to be able to help with customer service on your credit card.
Well, as far as I'm concerned, I am driving their car, so no mileage is going on mine :-) I would think an alternator is not that hard to find. My last car was a Ford Probe (built by Mazda) and every time it needed a part it was a month long wait. BTW my car is an 03 model, so you would think that the general auto parts and service industry would be ramped up on it by now. I still take my car into the dealer for oil changes, because I'm not sure if the average oil change places have the proper oil filters for it (cartridge type).
That kind of blows me away. My brother had the manual transmission lock up on a Friday in his 2003 Mazda6. By Wednesday they had a brand new tranny, flywheel, and starter delivered and installed, and he was back on the road. And they can't find an alternator for your car? Weird.
Is it considered rude to ask to deal with a differant salesman. I am very close to purchasing a car but the particular salesman I am working with me makes me feel very uncomfortable. I have worked with the Sales manager and I really like him, but he keeps telling me I must deal with the salesman.
It is nothing personl against the guy, I just do not feel comfortabel around him. He is very pushy and that is not what I want. I don't much for options in other dealers.
I am about 95% I would buy the car from someone else, and only about 25% sure from him, should I inform the manager about this ?
I was in the same situation. Here is what happened to me. I was at the dealers and dealt with this guy. Few weeks later I sent E mail asking to find me a car with color and options etc. He e mailed me back saying he can onlu give 6-7% off of MSRP. As far as I reserched on the web, most people are getting about 10% off of MSRP. This was the only dealer in my town for this type of car. Went to the dealer again asking for him to let me test drive, he was busy with other customer.So, I started to talk to this lady she turned out to be a manager and she immidiately gave me 11% off ! While she was doing that my sales guy came into her office looking for me and he had a serious face. I said" This is much better than deal you've given me!" His reply was " Well, she is my boss and I couldn't have done that" But I didn't like the price they gave me for my trade in. So I walked out that day empty handed. Called the dealer back asking for the same sales guy, again he wasn't available , so I asked to speake to her instead. She didn't give me better price for my trade in but she gave me another $1000 discount for the new car. Now, I was very happy and my total was 13.8% off of MSRP!!
If the salesperson is truly rude, pushy, or inconsiderate, feel free to ask for a different salesperson. Be sure to explain the entire situation to the manager and site examples of you being uncomfortable. Although the original salesperson will be seriously pissed off, a good manager should be able to give some feedback based on what you said so perhaps he'll learn from his mistakes..... (or not) :P You specifically asked us here if asking for another salesperson is rude... It's not rude unless you act all rude about it (yelling, setting ultimatums, etc) or don't provide any reason/examples why you are doing it.
I wouldn't be rude about it...but I also wouldn't feel as though I owed a reason or had to give an example about why I wanted another salemen. Saying you are uncomfortable with your current salesperson, and would like another, is all they need to know.
Plus, I wouldn't want to be dawging on a salesperson to his boss and get him in trouble. If he's not any good I'm sure the salesmanager already knows.
Looking for a quick opinion from someone who knows more than me about the car biz.
Like many SUV owners, I am feeling the gas price crunch, and want to get out of my 2001 Dodge Durango (SLT Plus, 4.7L V-8, all options, good shape, 68k miles). Most dealerships I have negotiated with have been going off of auction reports and wholesale value to calculate a trade in amount. I got a few such reports in late August--the avg. for my vehicle was around $11K. Two weeks ago I began looking in earnest, and reports were coming in around $9500. On Saturday 9/24, a dealer came back with a report of $7800. So, according to these reports, I've lost over $3000 in the last month.
My hypothesis is that this is the worst possible time to trade in a mid-sized gas guzzler. First, the shock value of $3.00 gas is still fresh in consumer's minds, but will lessen over time. Second, with the employee pricing deals over the summer, there must be a million newer used SUVs floating around on lots from trade-ins and such, creating an overload on the supply-side of the equation, and thereby lessening the demand for my vehicle. So, if I wait a couple of months for the market to equalize, and for consumers to get over the shock of paying $3.00 a gallon and thinking that SUVs are worth it again, the value of my trade will increase--maybe not back up to what it was this summer, but will pick up a grand or two.
This this hypothesis tenable? Will I be better off waiting for a few months, spending a little extra on gas, but coming out ahead in the long run? Or, is my Dodge a hopeless case that I should dump while I can get something out of it (large dealers have given somewhat better offers--yesterday I received an unseen appraisal of $10500, assuming MSRP on an '06 Corolla)?
Used car values ar kind of similar to computer prices. They tend to drop fast sometimes, then possibly hold steady for a short period of time before dropping further. Outside of the exceptionally rare vehicle, I wouldn't expect it to be going back up.
Dealers can show you larger amounts for your trade in. That is exactly what the Toyota dealer is doing. He is using any discount that he can give you on the Corolla and applying it to your trade value. Tell him that you don't want to buy his car but you'll sell him yours for $10500. I'm willing to bet that they will change their tune quickly.
The value will never do up.... It might not go down as fast, but won't go up. The only thing that will make it not drop as fast is when people get more used to the gas prices.
However, the employee pricing thing has hit everyone with a domestic and won't change the future price of used vehicles and more or less than it already has. Think about it.... if a whole bunch of people bought a brand new $35k Durango for high-$20k this summer, used 2005s will now probably go for around $20k. Before the employee pricing, 2004 prices were around $20k, but if you can get a 2005 for that price, then why buy a 2004?... and so it all trickles down.
Unfortunately, your 2001 has taken it's big hit and will continue to drop in value like any used car does.
........ The only way your SUV ~ or the Maserati Quattroporte down the street or that 05 Porsche Cabriolet that your boss drives will ever go up in value .. is to drop a Revue Thommen watch in the front seat and drop a Rolex in the glove box (just to keep their attention) ...... all vehicles depreciate .. some a little more than others ....
That said .. lets step back and look at the big picture ..
It's September 28th, and the 06's are on the ground or 27 minutes away .. just like last year at this time when the 05's were hitting the street - and in 04 and in 02 and in 2000 etc, etc .... vehicles take a "kicker" when the new models are breathing down the neck of a dealer *and* the manufacturers know this ... if dealers don't move the iron, then the dealers don't order more - simple ...... right now, BMW has $2,000/$5,000 in trunk money, Benz has kickers to the dealers for $3,000/$6,000 based on unit volume ... last year Infiniti had incentive money on most of their stuff and Volvo, VW and Nissan was right behind them ~ and Yota and Honda was right behind them ...... it's just like any other retail business .. look at Dillards, $65 Turnbury and Jack Nicklaus golf shirts for the season blow-out price of $20 (I know my closet is lookin' pretty full right about now .l.o.l..) .... turn em' and burn' em' to move em' ...... and none of these examples have anything to do with fuel cost .. it's business as usual.
Now .. lets introduce the higher price of gas ......
I hired a college Professor from UCF about 2 months ago (which had nothing to do with nothing, just friend of a friend and wanted to be in the car biz -- so be it) ......... after he talked with 10 maybe 12 customers in his first week and did a few deals, he sat with me one night and said: "I can't understand how people can be so stupid" .. I just sold a Corolla to a guy and his only reason for trading was - he wanted to save gas money" .. "and I understand that .. but his new car will only get him 35/38 miles to a gallon, on a good day - maybe .. and he only drives 8/10,000 miles a year, and his Buick was getting him 30mpg - and he had the records to show me" .. "and when we finally ended up with final figures, he financed $7,000 more than his current loan" ... "I'm an Economics Professor, I even showed him in black in white how it will take him 82 months to even break even .. because the higher priced gas is only costing him another $27 a month" ......
My answer: "sometimes even the blind - go deaf" ........... "by the way, keep the college stuff at the college" ...l.o.l......
Only do it if the math works ....
Terry
PS: your vehicle wasn't worth $11,000 in August .. might/maybe the strong $9's if it's a 4x4, glows in the dark and it needed Zero .... big big miles here ......
I appreciate the insight provided by these opinions. It is useful to know better how the market works in cars.
I have done the math--thanks for the advice. Based on current gas prices and the amount of miles my wife and I drive, we'd be looking at saving about $150 -- 175/mo. in gas alone, with me driving an economy car and her driving the '02 Passat that I currently use for my commute (80 miles roundtrip). Not to mention burning less gas, creating less smog, all that enviro kind of stuff...
Given the amount we would save, it makes sense to a degree to get out of the Dodge, even if we have to roll a little negative equity on top of a new car. Of course, if we have to take a considerable hit, make a huge down payment just get back up to what we owe on the Dodge, and and/or roll over several thousand on a new car, it doesn't make a lot of sense.
Based on current gas prices and the amount of miles my wife and I drive, we'd be looking at saving about $150 -- 175/mo. in gas alone,
It would still be penny-wise and pound-foolish to trade out of your SUV. The transaction costs such as sales taxes and registration fees will clobber you.
I don't know where you live, but let's make some really optimistic assumptions. Let's say that you live in a "difference state", which means that you pay sales tax only on the difference between your trade-in and the car you buy. Say that you buy a $20,000 car and your trade is worth $10,0000. (Remember that you have some negative equity in there.) So your difference figure is $10,0000.
Say your sales tax rate is 5% and that registration fees in your state run about $200. That means you will pay $500 in sales taxes, plus another $200 in registration feses, Which means it will take you about five months just to break even on the government's cut of the transaction.
There will be some dealer fees in there. Lets say that they aren't completely unreasonable, and they are around $200. There's another month until break-even.
Now, I assume you will be borrowing that $10,000. I don't know what the payoff is on your SUV, but you say you are upside down on it. You will pay another loan-origination fee (1 more month until break-even).
So, it will take you eight months just to break even on the transaction costs--and that's with very optimistic assumptions. If you live in a non-difference state, or one with higher sales taxes, then you are looking at more like a fifteen or sixteen months just to break-even on the transaction costs.
We haven't figured in the costs of having a longer loan (you will restart the clock), at probably a higher interest rate (interest rates have only gone up over the past few years). Toss those in and ithe situation looks even worse.
The only way this makes barely any sense is from a cash-flow perspective--if you don't have the money to make your monthly bills. But you would be much better off to stop eating out and to cut out cable or something like that than to trade your gas guzzler on a new car.
If might make some sense if yougot a well-used economy car that was completely paid for by the amount you sold your SUV for. But then you are driving an older car that you may not be very happy with.
Don't forget mother-in-law coming once a year (7-seat capacity), fishing trip every three years (4x4), and I towed my 2500 lb boat trailer three years ago and my Explorer was too slow for that. :P
Comments
This way there is no questions if somebody is owed something after the sale....OTOH the guy can't come back 2 years later and state he was promised a free moonroof.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Update: I arrived at the dealership this past Saturday morning. They viewed my car for roughly 5 minutes, came inside and shook my hand and said "Congratultions, you are the first person who honestly dexcribed the condition of your car". This was great news, they were honouring the deal that they had offered.
we sign half the paperwork and I say that I want to drive THE car before I sign off on it. They take me out to the lot and show me around the car and it turns out to be the wrong colour. It was silver rather than dark grey as I had confirmed two days earlier. I still really wanted the car so I agreed to take it for a test drive and really think about it. I decided since it was not what I really wanted I would need some persuading. ie: Another $500 or so off the price. They said that they could not budge. I left saying that I had my cell phone with me and would be in thecity the rest of the day. They called twice asking me to come back but did not mention being able to do any better on price.
They called this morning and said that they could get the color I wanted if I still wanted the deal. I do.
My question is this though. I am buying a 2005 and it is almost October. Should I be paying sticker price? They claimed that they were losing $3000 on my trade, but I got the impression that they already had a deal in place for mine since they really didn't look it over very long at all. In fact they didnt even leave the lot with it. Just moved it from one parking spcae to another. They also seemed to really want this deal to work.
I guess I am having a hard time beleieving that they would take a $3000 hit on the trade even to make the deal on the new one. What do you guys think ?
Thanks,
Scott
Terry.
I suspect that if Bobst refused to sign the no other stuff purchased form, the manager would just put a note on it that said customer refused and go on and take his money.
Someone want to go find Bob/Marsha7 and send him this way?
Steve, Host
"What do you guys think ?"
If they have the car you requested, I think you should be willing to pay the price you agreed to pay.
You do not offend unless offended
You are somewhat open minded to suggestions
You do what you say you are going to do
What more could a salesperson ask for? We would get along just fine.
Thank you,
Billy, AZ
It was not the car he requested. He requested dark grey...not the silver the dealership tried to sneak in.
I would think one would want to test drive a vehicle, check for any damage, and make sure it has all the options(color) etc you want BEFORE starting any paperwork.
i.e 20%.... honest, straightforward, plesant, does not get offended
40%.... average joe, not exactly straight with his numbers, playing your numbers off other dealers, generally honest...on time.
20% ....short, sarcastic, tempermental, demanding, ...but workable
20%....outright liar, no respect for your time or talent, loud and obnoxious, makes inapproriate car salesmen jokes in your presence.
How about a view from the other sides perspective?
The dealer gave me a free loaner. However, the license stickers are a week away from expiring. I might not have time to come into the dealer so they may change it. My question is, is it possible I might get stopped for expired tags, and I would be responsible, or would I get off with a warning. Has anyone here had a similar experience when it comes to rental cars? I would tell the officer that I have no responsibility being the car is not mine, but a rental. But I would rather avoid that. I called the service dept, but due to their hours of operation they are never open when I'm available. And no other personnel can help me once the service dept. is closed.
I don't see why no other personnel could help with this. It's a pretty simple deal.
If they are never open when you're available, how did you receive your loaner?
10% would buy even if you poked them in the eye with a stick
80% are decent people looking to buy a good car at a fair price
10% well, they are not nice people.
People are in general good and not the boldface liars they sometimes are portrayed to be. They are often simply misinformed and need a little help with their research so they can make a well-informed decision.
One other question.... why does it take almost two and 1/2 weeks to get an alternator? I called this morning and Alt still has not arrived.
20%... Think they know exactly how the car business works and we're out to screw everybody. That, in turn, leads to being very difficult to deal with. I would put those who are loud/obnoxious/rude in this category. Where I work, there are a great deal of Engineers (in all fields) or ask question they know the answer to and if you screw up they relish it. That said, I have a few engineer owners who were very nice and somewhat easy to work with, but that's certainly not the majority.
25%... Just want you to show the car, find what they want, let them drive it, give them a price and drive it out. No frills, no anything. Just want it by the book. Typically not asking for big discounts. We have a very large military arsenal here, and most military fall in this category.
15%... Like someone else said, if I poked them in the eye they would still want to buy a car. Some folks love the idea of having a BMW, and as long as it's a color they like and it's got the right transmission, they're gonna buy.
35%... is like the average Joe you talked about. They do a little comparison shopping, more so with Lexus/MB/Infinity than anywhere else. I don't run into a whole lot of competing with other BMW dealers b/c the nearest two are 100 miles away in either direction... just occasionally. This person has looked at TMV or saw what KBB had to say, so somewhat informed, yet, probably lying about this great deal he's talking about. I read one time that the average God-fearing-never-told-a-lie-in-his-life man feels as though it's perfectly okay to lie to a car salesman, all in the name of getting a better deal. I understand the lying I guess since this industry has been know for liars/cheats/etc. This is the category most of my owners/customer fit into.
5%... Never have a chance at buying a car without hitting the lottery. Credit is terrible ... typically asks "what's my note going to be on this car." Just no respect for me, or my time. I've gotten to the point where I don't put up with it and tell them to look all they want and head back for my office ... or catch another Up.
Thanks!
40%.... average joe, not exactly straight with his numbers, playing your numbers off other dealers, generally honest...on time.
20% ....short, sarcastic, tempermental, demanding, ...but workable
20%....outright liar, no respect for your time or talent, loud and obnoxious, makes inapproriate car salesmen jokes in your presence.
On the overall ..... that's a pretty good brush stroke .....
Terry
If the ACV (actual cash value) of your A4 is $11000 and that's all the money they're putting into it then the extra $3000 they say they're paying for it is coming out of the gross of the TSX (meaning you're getting the TSX at cost/invoice). And that's why they can't discount the TSX anymore because that money went to your trade. Either way look at the difference you have to pay: new car price minus trade = difference.
Now if the first dealer you went to is paying you $11000 for your A4 but he's discounting the TSX $3000 then it's the same thing as above.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
The questions are: 1) Can i have the sedan that i traded in, back? 2) Is there a law that protects consumers from manufacturers issuing defective products/vehicles?
I only used the SUV for 7 days for crying out loud! Only 400 miles on it.
3) whats a lemon?
Please advice.
Thanks.
The questions are: 1) Can i have the sedan that i traded in, back? 2) Is there a law that protects consumers from manufacturers issuing defective products/vehicles?
I only used the SUV for 7 days for crying out loud! Only 400 miles on it.
3) whats a lemon?
Please advice.
Thanks.
Terry.
$500ish over invoice would just about kill it ...............
Terry.
Honestly, i don't feel like paying this bill since the vehicle is currently spending more time in the shop than i actually used it.
Please advice...
Don't get the two confused .....................
Terry.
> driving off from the dealer, the SUV started having a mechanical problem.
> Though the warranty covers it, the truck has been in the shop for 7 days
> now due to inavailability of parts! The inconvenience is enormous!
> I should have kept my old car.
> 3) whats a lemon? :lemon:
Generally, a vehicle will be declared a lemon if the dealer can not repair it
within several (4) attempts or if the vehicle is in for repair more than
a specified number (30) of days. :mad:
New York's lemon law is explained here:
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/consumer/cars/qa.html
You'll find your state's lemon law here:
http://autopedia.com/html/HotLinks_Lemon2.html
http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/state_laws/
Presumably, you've got a free loaner from your dealer.
Better to be miling up his car than yours.
What you CAN do is call the 1-800 MB number, talk (politely) with your salesperson and see if he can help be your advocate, and make for darn sure you document your problems in writing and keep all service papers. If you want to take up the issue with MB, you will need to make sure you have your difficulties documented, and deal with them in writing.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
You may also be dealing with inefficiency. The service guy said he'd order the part, but the parts department didn't get the message. Your call to remind them may have helped, if this happened.
I've also had situations where the warehouse knocks a part off the order list and the parts man doesn't catch it so the part gets forgotten.
I'm just so frustrated because i already forgot how my new SUV looks like. It was only a week old and its been in the shop eversince.
Thanks all for your advices.
You guys are the best!!!
Not to defend the dealer (or MB), but sometimes it is hard to get a part on a new design if it isn't soemthing that normally breaks (or gets stocked), so that might be the hold up.
A polite call asking for a detailed update sounds like it is in order.
And yes, you have to make your first payment.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Even though the car company and finance company both say "Mercedes Benz", they are, in fact, two completely separate entities.... One builds and sells cars, and they other finances the cars.
A similar example would be something like a conglomerate like Citigroup.... You might have a problem with your credit card, but your local CitiBank branch bank isn't going to be able to help with customer service on your credit card.
-Jason
Is it considered rude to ask to deal with a differant salesman. I am very close to purchasing a car but the particular salesman I am working with me makes me feel very uncomfortable. I have worked with the Sales manager and I really like him, but he keeps telling me I must deal with the salesman.
It is nothing personl against the guy, I just do not feel comfortabel around him. He is very pushy and that is not what I want. I don't much for options in other dealers.
I am about 95% I would buy the car from someone else, and only about 25% sure from him, should I inform the manager about this ?
Thanks,
Scott
Here is what happened to me. I was at the dealers and dealt with this guy.
Few weeks later I sent E mail asking to find me a car with color and options etc.
He e mailed me back saying he can onlu give 6-7% off of MSRP. As far as I reserched on the web, most people are getting about 10% off of MSRP.
This was the only dealer in my town for this type of car.
Went to the dealer again asking for him to let me test drive, he was busy with other customer.So, I started to talk to this lady she turned out to be a manager and she immidiately gave me 11% off ! While she was doing that my sales guy came into her office looking for me and he had a serious face. I said" This is much better than deal you've given me!" His reply was " Well, she is my boss and I couldn't have done that"
But I didn't like the price they gave me for my trade in. So I walked out that day empty handed. Called the dealer back asking for the same sales guy, again he wasn't available , so I asked to speake to her instead. She didn't give me better price for my trade in but she gave me another $1000 discount for the new car.
Now, I was very happy and my total was 13.8% off of MSRP!!
Plus, I wouldn't want to be dawging on a salesperson to his boss and get him in trouble. If he's not any good I'm sure the salesmanager already knows.
Like many SUV owners, I am feeling the gas price crunch, and want to get out of my 2001 Dodge Durango (SLT Plus, 4.7L V-8, all options, good shape, 68k miles). Most dealerships I have negotiated with have been going off of auction reports and wholesale value to calculate a trade in amount. I got a few such reports in late August--the avg. for my vehicle was around $11K. Two weeks ago I began looking in earnest, and reports were coming in around $9500. On Saturday 9/24, a dealer came back with a report of $7800. So, according to these reports, I've lost over $3000 in the last month.
My hypothesis is that this is the worst possible time to trade in a mid-sized gas guzzler. First, the shock value of $3.00 gas is still fresh in consumer's minds, but will lessen over time. Second, with the employee pricing deals over the summer, there must be a million newer used SUVs floating around on lots from trade-ins and such, creating an overload on the supply-side of the equation, and thereby lessening the demand for my vehicle. So, if I wait a couple of months for the market to equalize, and for consumers to get over the shock of paying $3.00 a gallon and thinking that SUVs are worth it again, the value of my trade will increase--maybe not back up to what it was this summer, but will pick up a grand or two.
This this hypothesis tenable? Will I be better off waiting for a few months, spending a little extra on gas, but coming out ahead in the long run? Or, is my Dodge a hopeless case that I should dump while I can get something out of it (large dealers have given somewhat better offers--yesterday I received an unseen appraisal of $10500, assuming MSRP on an '06 Corolla)?
Thanks in advance!
Dealers can show you larger amounts for your trade in. That is exactly what the Toyota dealer is doing. He is using any discount that he can give you on the Corolla and applying it to your trade value. Tell him that you don't want to buy his car but you'll sell him yours for $10500. I'm willing to bet that they will change their tune quickly.
However, the employee pricing thing has hit everyone with a domestic and won't change the future price of used vehicles and more or less than it already has. Think about it.... if a whole bunch of people bought a brand new $35k Durango for high-$20k this summer, used 2005s will now probably go for around $20k. Before the employee pricing, 2004 prices were around $20k, but if you can get a 2005 for that price, then why buy a 2004?... and so it all trickles down.
Unfortunately, your 2001 has taken it's big hit and will continue to drop in value like any used car does.
No good answer unless you just decide to keep it and live with the gas prices.
You see, you have a trade that nobody wants for the same reasons you want to get rid of it. We just cringe when a gas guzzler pulls in.
That said .. lets step back and look at the big picture ..
It's September 28th, and the 06's are on the ground or 27 minutes away .. just like last year at this time when the 05's were hitting the street - and in 04 and in 02 and in 2000 etc, etc .... vehicles take a "kicker" when the new models are breathing down the neck of a dealer *and* the manufacturers know this ... if dealers don't move the iron, then the dealers don't order more - simple ...... right now, BMW has $2,000/$5,000 in trunk money, Benz has kickers to the dealers for $3,000/$6,000 based on unit volume ... last year Infiniti had incentive money on most of their stuff and Volvo, VW and Nissan was right behind them ~ and Yota and Honda was right behind them ...... it's just like any other retail business .. look at Dillards, $65 Turnbury and Jack Nicklaus golf shirts for the season blow-out price of $20 (I know my closet is lookin' pretty full right about now .l.o.l..) .... turn em' and burn' em' to move em' ...... and none of these examples have anything to do with fuel cost .. it's business as usual.
Now .. lets introduce the higher price of gas ......
I hired a college Professor from UCF about 2 months ago (which had nothing to do with nothing, just friend of a friend and wanted to be in the car biz -- so be it) ......... after he talked with 10 maybe 12 customers in his first week and did a few deals, he sat with me one night and said: "I can't understand how people can be so stupid" .. I just sold a Corolla to a guy and his only reason for trading was - he wanted to save gas money" .. "and I understand that .. but his new car will only get him 35/38 miles to a gallon, on a good day - maybe .. and he only drives 8/10,000 miles a year, and his Buick was getting him 30mpg - and he had the records to show me" .. "and when we finally ended up with final figures, he financed $7,000 more than his current loan" ... "I'm an Economics Professor, I even showed him in black in white how it will take him 82 months to even break even .. because the higher priced gas is only costing him another $27 a month" ......
My answer: "sometimes even the blind - go deaf" ........... "by the way, keep the college stuff at the college" ...l.o.l......
Only do it if the math works ....
Terry
PS: your vehicle wasn't worth $11,000 in August .. might/maybe the strong $9's if it's a 4x4, glows in the dark and it needed Zero .... big big miles here ......
ooooh, do I smell Honda-itis ...................?
Terry.
I have done the math--thanks for the advice. Based on current gas prices and the amount of miles my wife and I drive, we'd be looking at saving about $150 -- 175/mo. in gas alone, with me driving an economy car and her driving the '02 Passat that I currently use for my commute (80 miles roundtrip). Not to mention burning less gas, creating less smog, all that enviro kind of stuff...
Given the amount we would save, it makes sense to a degree to get out of the Dodge, even if we have to roll a little negative equity on top of a new car. Of course, if we have to take a considerable hit, make a huge down payment just get back up to what we owe on the Dodge, and and/or roll over several thousand on a new car, it doesn't make a lot of sense.
Based on current gas prices and the amount of miles my wife and I drive, we'd be looking at saving about $150 -- 175/mo. in gas alone,
It would still be penny-wise and pound-foolish to trade out of your SUV. The transaction costs such as sales taxes and registration fees will clobber you.
I don't know where you live, but let's make some really optimistic assumptions. Let's say that you live in a "difference state", which means that you pay sales tax only on the difference between your trade-in and the car you buy. Say that you buy a $20,000 car and your trade is worth $10,0000. (Remember that you have some negative equity in there.) So your difference figure is $10,0000.
Say your sales tax rate is 5% and that registration fees in your state run about $200. That means you will pay $500 in sales taxes, plus another $200 in registration feses, Which means it will take you about five months just to break even on the government's cut of the transaction.
There will be some dealer fees in there. Lets say that they aren't completely unreasonable, and they are around $200. There's another month until break-even.
Now, I assume you will be borrowing that $10,000. I don't know what the payoff is on your SUV, but you say you are upside down on it. You will pay another loan-origination fee (1 more month until break-even).
So, it will take you eight months just to break even on the transaction costs--and that's with very optimistic assumptions. If you live in a non-difference state, or one with higher sales taxes, then you are looking at more like a fifteen or sixteen months just to break-even on the transaction costs.
We haven't figured in the costs of having a longer loan (you will restart the clock), at probably a higher interest rate (interest rates have only gone up over the past few years). Toss those in and ithe situation looks even worse.
The only way this makes barely any sense is from a cash-flow perspective--if you don't have the money to make your monthly bills. But you would be much better off to stop eating out and to cut out cable or something like that than to trade your gas guzzler on a new car.
If might make some sense if yougot a well-used economy car that was completely paid for by the amount you sold your SUV for. But then you are driving an older car that you may not be very happy with.
Well I'm sure that the OP isn't the only one using the fuzzy math to justify a new car.
Last year, the fuzzy logic was something like "I've got two kids and a dog so that's why I need the Excursion"
2018 430i Gran Coupe