Guys, something utterly ridiculous just happened to me, I have to vent. I was trying to contact one of the service "advisors" (they are really salespeople, but let them be) in my BMW dealership to simply confirm eligibility of my car to have an oil change done at BMW's dime (last one). Didn't want to schedule service and hear "sorry pal, you need to wait X more days". Simple enough, right? Well... this is THIRD DAY of a one-way phone tag, including leaving a voice mail and call-back number and still NOTHING. ZIP. Nobody could be bothered. Every time I call all of them are busy or gone (my luck, but I can understand that one), but not to call me after three days is beyond ridiculous. To rub the salt into the wound - I get onto the website to send a complaint that way, using their "Contact Us" feature. ERROR MESSAGE "feature unavailable or disabled". This is a freaking luxury dealer that charges arm and leg for their service and they couldn't be bothered. Unfortunately, not much choice, others are way to far to take my business elsewhere.
Those are things that can really spoil a day. A simple five-minute request turns into some kind of obstacle course and those "advisors" turn into elusive Howard Hughes-like figures.
Guys, something utterly ridiculous just happened to me, I have to vent. I was trying to contact one of the service "advisors" (they are really salespeople, but let them be) in my BMW dealership to simply confirm eligibility of my car to have an oil change done at BMW's dime (last one). Didn't want to schedule service and hear "sorry pal, you need to wait X more days". Simple enough, right? Well... this is THIRD DAY of a one-way phone tag, including leaving a voice mail and call-back number and still NOTHING. ZIP. Nobody could be bothered. Every time I call all of them are busy or gone (my luck, but I can understand that one), but not to call me after three days is beyond ridiculous. To rub the salt into the wound - I get onto the website to send a complaint that way, using their "Contact Us" feature. ERROR MESSAGE "feature unavailable or disabled". This is a freaking luxury dealer that charges arm and leg for their service and they couldn't be bothered. Unfortunately, not much choice, others are way to far to take my business elsewhere.
I'm ready to break something...
WELCOME TO THE CLUB! I am so disgusted with Mercedes Benz that I am never going to buy another one. They build s car without two basic STANDARD features and do nothing to solve the problem. They broke a FDDERAL LAW by listing on their Monroney Sticker 2standatd features and the car was built without them. Is that fraud?
"WELCOME TO THE CLUB! I am so disgusted with Mercedes Benz that I am never going to buy another one. They build s car without two basic STANDARD features and do nothing to solve the problem. They broke a FDDERAL LAW by listing on their Monroney Sticker 2standatd features and the car was built without them. Is that fraud?"
It does seem that their "order process integrity" is more important to them than satisfaction of one loyal customers. But perhaps you expect a bit too much. Even if they made the car today, they can't fly it across the Ocean - by ship it is six weeks, sometimes four. Add couple of weeks for customs here and there (Fed officials are not in big rush), it adds up to two months. So, Christmas is kind of "expedited".
Regarding "fraud" question, I guess you need intent. If it was unintentional then they it's not fraud, just incompetence.
BTW, seems like the best thing is for them was to give your CLS back the moment you discovered the issue. Why didn't they do that first? I guess you thought they'd
probably not fraud. They listed standard features that are standard. They just had a production error, and are rectifying it. Might have a legal issue if they tried to stick you with the car though.
not sure it is fair to say they don't care. You have gotten quite a bit from the dealer and MB. Heck, 4 calls today? If they really could not care less, you would have gotten none!
giving you a brand new car to use as long as it takes, a free $2,800 option package, expedited delivery from the ship is all IMO stepping up for the customer. Gotta assume that the production process is so tightly run that getting a car stuck in right away is not easy, otherwise they would have done it.
also, entirely possible that they have to do something on the production side to make sure the features are actually on the car. not likely yours was the only one produced incorrectly.
But, entirely up to you if the process has turned you off. Hopefully the old car is still sitting there.
A good solution would be to buy a cheap older car that someone is selling in the neighborhood. Title, register and insure it; that would maintain your insurance. Then when/if your next car comes in just put a for sale sign on it and unload it within the 30 days grace period your insurance will continue to cover both cars.
Mike, lets look at what you really want. MB, although nice, is a mainstream car. If you want exemplary service and a flawless vehicle you need to step up and buy it. This, for example>
Spent a lot of time in the ATS today and made some interesting discoveries.
Since I bought the "Standard Collection" (base model) ATS, it does not have the same level of equipment that my Regal, for example, came with as standard. Most of this I knew about beforehand, but I find some of it odd.
For example, Cadillac produces 3 different designs of rear seats for these cars. Mine, with a fixed rear seatback. Other models have a fixed seatback with a center pass-through. And still others have a folding rear seatback (the Regal and my 2 prior GM cars all had split-folding rear seatbacks). Hard to understand the rationale on that.
One of the things I liked on the Regal was a delayed locking function. You would press the door lock button when exiting the car and it would not lock immediately but give you 15 or so seconds, to let you open a rear door or the trunk, for example. The Cadillac locks immediately. Odd. And as I mentioned, the trunk cargo net is an option on these cars where it was standard on the Buick.
Also, you have to go up in the model line to get turn signals in the outside rear view mirrors. And the inside rear view mirror is not auto-dimming like the one in the Regal. Also, even though I never used them on the Regal and so it isn't a big deal for me, the base model does not come with driving lights. Seems strange for a car that costs significantly more.
HOWEVER - I don't want that to sound too negative. This car is unbelievable to drive. I can see where the money was spent on this platform. I thought the Regal Turbo was sporty. This takes that to a whole different level. I drove some roads that I regularly drove in the Regal and what a difference! Compared to that, the ATS feels like it is on rails. The handling is in a whole different league. The extra 50 HP and about 500lbs less weight means this thing is a rocket ship by comparison, yet with ride and smoothness that is comparable. It is also a lot quieter. In terms of handling, it reminds me of my old GTI, but rides much better, and is far quicker than that ever was. I could get into so much trouble with this thing.
Suggestion: Write a letter to the owner of the dealership, and politely ask him to call up his own service department and also write a letter to them using the "contact" tab on his website.
Guys, something utterly ridiculous just happened to me, I have to vent. I was trying to contact one of the service "advisors" (they are really salespeople, but let them be) in my BMW dealership to simply confirm eligibility of my car to have an oil change done at BMW's dime (last one). Didn't want to schedule service and hear "sorry pal, you need to wait X more days". Simple enough, right? Well... this is THIRD DAY of a one-way phone tag, including leaving a voice mail and call-back number and still NOTHING. ZIP. Nobody could be bothered. Every time I call all of them are busy or gone (my luck, but I can understand that one), but not to call me after three days is beyond ridiculous. To rub the salt into the wound - I get onto the website to send a complaint that way, using their "Contact Us" feature. ERROR MESSAGE "feature unavailable or disabled". This is a freaking luxury dealer that charges arm and leg for their service and they couldn't be bothered. Unfortunately, not much choice, others are way to far to take my business elsewhere.
Those are things that can really spoil a day. A simple five-minute request turns into some kind of obstacle course and those "advisors" turn into elusive Howard Hughes-like figures.
That's such a wonderful story about your Dad! He's a man who literally built this country! He's strong, selfless, & patriotic. I'm proud he fought for our country.
Just keep hoping for a miracle for your son.
I know you are pissed about your E400. I think MB does want to satisfy you as a long term, loyal customer. Besides, if you think MB customer service doesn't care, wait until you have a problem with Audi. I really do think it is the best car in the segment for you. The BMW 5er would be its closest competitor. The F10 is very softly sprung & has run flats. It won't give you that hall mark Mercedes ride you are so used to.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Suggestion: Write a letter to the owner of the dealership, and politely ask him to call up his own service department and also write a letter to them using the "contact" tab on his website.
A letter may be in order. Contact tab on the website doesn't work, error.
I know you are pissed about your E400. I think MB does want to satisfy you as a long term, loyal customer. Besides, if you think MB customer service doesn't care, wait until you have a problem with Audi. I really do think it is the best car in the segment for you. The BMW 5er would be its closest competitor. The F10 is very softly sprung & has run flats. It won't give you that hall mark Mercedes ride you are so used to.
Right on NYC! Mike, first talk it over with the dealer. I think they are trying, but, they probably run a tight schedule. I am surprised they can't find a car headed to a dealer, like the one you ordered, but, maybe they can't mess with that.
NYC is right, the 535 is the closest you will find to the E400. But, I don't think you will like it as much. It seems lower, seats are very low and you aren't sitting as upright, also the steering is firmer, ride is harsher. Cornering is better and handling in the 535, but, I don't think that will offset the comfort level of the MB. The A6 gets high praise these days, but I found it to be the weakest....wasn't the tops in any category for me.
Cadillac, it will be a worth a try. But, I think you should just go with their plan, you can put miles on their car and when you get your E400 it will be the car you will like the most. It really is special, it's so quiet and it is built right!
Ab, that is how they get a low (relatively) base price model to advertise on a $299/mo lease. But they are perfectly happy to sell you all the goodies you feel like paying for.
Guys, something utterly ridiculous just happened to me, I have to vent. I was trying to contact one of the service "advisors" (they are really salespeople, but let them be) in my BMW dealership to simply confirm eligibility of my car to have an oil change done at BMW's dime (last one). Didn't want to schedule service and hear "sorry pal, you need to wait X more days". Simple enough, right? Well... this is THIRD DAY of a one-way phone tag, including leaving a voice mail and call-back number and still NOTHING. ZIP. Nobody could be bothered. Every time I call all of them are busy or gone (my luck, but I can understand that one), but not to call me after three days is beyond ridiculous. To rub the salt into the wound - I get onto the website to send a complaint that way, using their "Contact Us" feature. ERROR MESSAGE "feature unavailable or disabled". This is a freaking luxury dealer that charges arm and leg for their service and they couldn't be bothered. Unfortunately, not much choice, others are way to far to take my business elsewhere.
Those are things that can really spoil a day. A simple five-minute request turns into some kind of obstacle course and those "advisors" turn into elusive Howard Hughes-like figures.
I'm ready to break something...
I know how you feel. I was racing to work at noon and I passed the Ford store where I dealt with the apathetic salesman. I virtually had to beg the guy to call me when a Mustang finally arrived. Out of the corner of my eye I swear I saw a white 2015 sitting out front as I drove by.
Why no call from the sales dude? Maybe it just dropped out of the sky and he didn't 't know it was there. Maybe he's a millionaire who doesn't need to sell cars. Maybe he's an idiot. I'll be sniffing around at dawn tomorrow but what's up with that? If ever there was a customer that was waiting to be sold it 's me. It's like they have zombies working there.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm still fuzzy on the whole insurance thing. If you are driving a dealer car on their tags, doesn't there insurance cover it?
No. Only employees are covered - I am not employed by the dealership which means I am not insured by the dealership. My own insurance covers me for liability and property damage as well as damage to the car.
It is the same as if I was renting s car. It's my own insurance that covers me. I had to sign a "Borrowed Vehicle Agreement" which requires me to be insured.
and quite possibly they profiled you, figuring a 60ish guy is not really the likely buyer. Especially if you showed up in the Lincoln or the Vandura! Now, if you rolled up in the Eclipse, I would figure you where the type of eccentric that would be buying a nice GT.
at least go in when you do and take up with a different sales guy. if they ask if you were working with anyone say No, since you obviously aren't!
Or try a different dealer. Plenty of Ford dealers around, and I think they are all going to have a Stang in now.
The dealer around the corner from me (where my neighbor works) shows 2 2015s as in stock. Both black Ecoboosts.
and quite possibly they profiled you, figuring a 60ish guy is not really the likely buyer. Especially if you showed up in the Lincoln or the Vandura! Now, if you rolled up in the Eclipse, I would figure you where the type of eccentric that would be buying a nice GT.
at least go in when you do and take up with a different sales guy. if they ask if you were working with anyone say No, since you obviously aren't!
Or try a different dealer. Plenty of Ford dealers around, and I think they are all going to have a Stang in now.
The dealer around the corner from me (where my neighbor works) shows 2 2015s as in stock. Both black Ecoboosts.
Yes I did show up in the Eclipse and the guy didn't show the least interest in what I might be trading. I should roll in there tomorrow driving that rusty hulk and chewing on a hayseed and ask him for his best offer.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This morning I helped an 89-year old WWII veteran vote his absentee ballot. He has macular degeneration and doesn't hear well. He is often at the quick market (UDF) where I pick up morning coffee. He's about the age my brother would have been who died in WWII.
I have been reading "Killing Patton" while waiting at the hospital. I was able to figure out exactly where my brother was killed on a hill that was part of the Battle of the Bulge. The story of poor planning by the generals for his new green group of soldiers matches what one of few survivors from his group told my parents in the early 50s when he went to as many homes of his dead buddies that he could find.
It's a very interesting book.
A couple ofmy dad's friend's fought with Patton in the Third Army- I heard more than a few fascinating stories.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Guys, something utterly ridiculous just happened to me, I have to vent. I was trying to contact one of the service "advisors" (they are really salespeople, but let them be) in my BMW dealership to simply confirm eligibility of my car to have an oil change done at BMW's dime (last one). Didn't want to schedule service and hear "sorry pal, you need to wait X more days". Simple enough, right? Well... this is THIRD DAY of a one-way phone tag, including leaving a voice mail and call-back number and still NOTHING. ZIP. Nobody could be bothered. Every time I call all of them are busy or gone (my luck, but I can understand that one), but not to call me after three days is beyond ridiculous. To rub the salt into the wound - I get onto the website to send a complaint that way, using their "Contact Us" feature. ERROR MESSAGE "feature unavailable or disabled". This is a freaking luxury dealer that charges arm and leg for their service and they couldn't be bothered. Unfortunately, not much choice, others are way to far to take my business elsewhere.
Those are things that can really spoil a day. A simple five-minute request turns into some kind of obstacle course and those "advisors" turn into elusive Howard Hughes-like figures.
I'm ready to break something...
I know how you feel. I was racing to work at noon and I passed the Ford store where I dealt with the apathetic salesman. I virtually had to beg the guy to call me when a Mustang finally arrived. Out of the corner of my eye I swear I saw a white 2015 sitting out front as I drove by.
Why no call from the sales dude? Maybe it just dropped out of the sky and he didn't 't know it was there. Maybe he's a millionaire who doesn't need to sell cars. Maybe he's an idiot. I'll be sniffing around at dawn tomorrow but what's up with that? If ever there was a customer that was waiting to be sold it 's me. It's like they have zombies working there.
Many salespeople are to put it nicely....lazy. They will say they will call you when a car comes in but they don't have a good way to record the information so they can match you up.
I don't think it has anything to do with the way you dress or look. These days that means nothing. The rich guy could have worn out jeans with holes in them, and the struggling salesman could be in a suit and tie.
Don't take these things personally. March into where you see the car and find out if you like it, and don't worry about asking for the sales guy you talked to before.
I'm still fuzzy on the whole insurance thing. If you are driving a dealer car on their tags, doesn't there insurance cover it?
No. Only employees are covered - I am not employed by the dealership which means I am not insured by the dealership. My own insurance covers me for liability and property damage as well as damage to the car.
It is the same as if I was renting s car. It's my own insurance that covers me. I had to sign a "Borrowed Vehicle Agreement" which requires me to be insured.
Mike, it may take some work but your insurance company should be able to transfer your insurance to the loaner car until your car comes in. This is another inconvenience and no one wants to be inconvenienced....but, it sounds like everyone is trying to correct the problem as best as possible.
If you don't cooperate they may decide to let the deal fall through....it doesn't sound like they were going to make much on the car.
If it happened to me I'd be mad as hell. But, if that's the car I wanted, and if the dealer tried to get me the right car as quickly as possible.....I'd use the loaner car and wait it out.
It sounds like there isn't much pressure to sign anything....test drive a 535, A6, and CTS. Love to see how you think they compare.
I have a question about the USAA rebate program. My wife and I are USAA member through her Dad. If my parents wanted to purchase an MB, would I just have to be listed as a co-owner and still be able to take advantage of the rebate?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Not a misprint. Yesterday I bought a full tank of Shell V-Power gas for $1.65 a gallon. How did I accomplish this feat? Simple really. The regular price for V-Power is $3.45 but with my Stop & Shop card I was able to get a $1.80 discount of each gallon for a net price of $1.65 per gallon.
I have been buying gas at a discount for years, and the best part, it does not cost me anything. With every purchase at Stop & Shop supermarket you accumulate points which can be used at Stop & Shop's own gas stations or at Shell stations.
Ab, that is how they get a low (relatively) base price model to advertise on a $299/mo lease. But they are perfectly happy to sell you all the goodies you feel like paying for.
Well, the base price is still $5-$6K more than a Regal. You'd think a few little things could be included for that delta. Actually I believe it is Cadillac trying to follow the BMW model of charging extra for every little thing, because they can.
I am not complaining though. I really like this car.
Mike
I have a question about the USAA rebate program. My wife and I are USAA member through her Dad. If my parents wanted to purchase an MB, would I just have to be listed as a co-owner and still be able to take advantage of the rebate?
As long as the individual listed on the USAA printout (incentive sheet) is a co-owner, it's fine.
Mike, I am a little confused on the insurance issue. Maybe I missed something, but why would your ins. be canceled if you still own your old car? Have you signed the title over already?
I agree with stickguy that Mercedes is trying, etc. Is it possible that all the pain and frustration you are suffering because of your son's illness is causing you to take these frustrations out on Mercedes a little bit? Just a thought.
Farmer, I looked at the 3 dealers closest to me and only found 1 GT that was not a premium. Start driving stick, this one is even about the same color as the Eclipse!
not sure what you mean by interior. Color, or style?
My late Father was in the first wave of the invasion of Normandy. He had black and white pics from an official Army "documenter" who didn't survive the invasion. Pretty horrific pics. Dad survived that invasion, only to get shot by a sniper walking across an open field in France, bringing ratiions to his outfit. He lost an eye amd was lucky, given the bullet entered the very edge of his eye socket without entering his brain.
He was presented with a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He downplayed his heroics throughout his life.
Mike....I understand your frustration. I have to believe your insurance agent can work out something given the circumstances. It sounds like you're past the point of doing any kind of business with Mercedes. I felt the same about Cadillac. It took 10 years for me to change my mind, and it took an extra ordinary effort to get me back.
Whether you keep your current car, which is very nice, or decide on a Caddy, Audi, BMW, or something else, I think cars have become so good there really are no bad choices.
Just find a dealership that you feel meets your expectations.
Oldfarmer...like you, I just don't get it. I don't know if some dealerships purposely hire any warm body that walks through the door. Or, they just don't train them and expect them to succeed. Or, the dealership's attitude is reflectec in their sales staff that they're only interested in the "laydown".
Maybe Geico can just assign the insurance to the loaner car. After all, that is what you are driving. I still don't see why they cancel the insurance because you are waiting for the new car. How do people that don't own a car get to drive when they need to, if you have to have insurance in your own name, but need to own a car to get it?
This situation really does seem like a Geico issue, not mercedes.
Mike, I am a little confused on the insurance issue. Maybe I missed something, but why would your ins. be canceled if you still own your old car? Have you signed the title over already?
I agree with stickguy that Mercedes is trying, etc. Is it possible that all the pain and frustration you are suffering because of your son's illness is causing you to take these frustrations out on Mercedes a little bit? Just a thought.
Yes, the title has been signed over to the dealer.
I will find out more this afternoon. They could return my old car with title until new car comes in. The kicker here is if the trade is going to be 2 months older with over 10,000 miles on it, it won't be worth $61,000, especially once the 2015 CLS hit the showroom, which is next week.
It's really a very messy situation which Mercedes says they cannot solve - insurance-wise.
Not a misprint. Yesterday I bought a full tank of Shell V-Power gas for $1.65 a gallon. How did I accomplish this feat? Simple really. The regular price for V-Power is $3.45 but with my Stop & Shop card I was able to get a $1.80 discount of each gallon for a net price of $1.65 per gallon.
I have been buying gas at a discount for years, and the best part, it does not cost me anything. With every purchase at Stop & Shop supermarket you accumulate points which can be used at Stop & Shop's own gas stations or at Shell stations.
Well there is a cost...
First you have to buy a lot of groceries to get that many points. Are you sure you didn't buy things you otherwise might not have because you rationalize it would get you points?
Second all your purchases are tracked an analyzed and the information possibly sold to marketers (and the CIA). Personally, the thought of J. Edger Hoover laughing at my choice of peanut butter turns me off to those programs.
But then, I'm crazy.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
What does Geico say if you talk to an agent and explain the entire weird situation? It just seems odd that they won't keep taking your money so you can keep driving. They should have some kind of non-car owner policy for people that rent/borrow.ZIP, etc.
the other options I see are to have them add the loaner (makes as much sense as cancelling you!).
Or, if you have to at the end of the month, go to a local wrecking yard or body shop. Find something that no longer runs. Make an arrangement to "buy" it for $100-200. Let Geico insure it. Keep driving the loaner. Once the new car comes in, sign it back over to the shop, keeping the $100 for the trouble.
that or call another insurance co. to see if they will cover you while driving the loaner.
There are 2 chains around here that we go to. One of them just got rid of the rewards card, and just makes it automatic that you get the special price. The other one only ever had a phone #, so not sure what they would be selling.
my wife does always sign up for those at other stores to get coupons, etc. Not sure I really car if American Eagle knows how many pairs of jeans my daughter buys!
If I was buying something really private, just would not use a card I guess.
Mike....for no other reason than the stress factor, I think it might be best to walk away from the deal. There is no good answer to the issue. Take a few weeks, maybe test drive a bunch of cars in the same vertical market. Then, decide what you want to do.
That way you can make a decision without the time crunch, nor the stress of making a hurried decision.
Acting on the recommendations of you folks I went Stang hunting today. My first stop was the dealer nearby with the Zombie salesman where I saw a white 4 cyl. 2015 yesterday. It was there in front so I took a look. My initial impression was that it looked Camaroesque from the 1/4 front view (not good). There was also a white 2014 in the lot and I liked the front of that much better. Rear and 3/4 rear of the '15 looked much better The place was dead but it was 8:30 am so maybe they weren't open. I left rather than try to raise the dead.
I then drove to another dealer about 20 miles way because they had a few units with Ceramic interior which looked nice on line. Intended to just look and run.
Within seconds a salesman appeared. He was the opposite of the other salesman, friendly and engaging. He quickly talked me into a test drive.
The car was a GT stick in Ruby Red with black leather. I wasn't crazy about testing a manual because the standards I drive are very different from the short throw in this car and I didn't want getting use to shifting to distract me...but what the heck.
First thing I noticed was that outward visibility wasn't the greatest. I also didn't expect the hood to be so LONG. It was like driving my son's Deville. The combination made me feel like I was driving from a cave. I had trouble with the soft clutch pedal and even stalled it once. Luckily, there was a start stop button so I just hit the button to restart. The car was almost TOO quiet. No rev noise to gage clutch engagement and not the rumble I would have expected from that big V8.
Perhaps it was the quiet nature of the vehicle or my bad clutch work but it didn't seem very fast. I mean not the head snapping acceleration I expected. We were mainly on straight country road with 45mph limits so I never got it over 60 and there was no opportunity to take any turns to judge handling. Car felt more like driving a brick than a sports car.
On the way home I couldn't help but compare the Mustang to the Eclipse and I'm sad to say for visibility, handling and quickness I liked the Eclipse better. I can't believe it.
It's probably not fair to judge one car after a 10 minute drive against one I've driven for 6 years. I'm sure with continued driving I'd learn all the sweet spots on the new car. I just didn't get the tingle up my leg feeling.
The salesman certainly didn't do anything wrong. He was the perfect combination of aggressiveness and cooperation. He offered to change the configuration of an inbound unit to exactly how I wanted it and have it there in a month. He let me know he was hungry without being obnoxious. If I buy it will be from this guy.
But now I'm in a quandary. The car was nice but is it $35k nice. I guess this process is....
.....TO BE CONTINUED.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
BABYSITTER: Slang term used for a co-signer or co-buyer on an automobile contract; often used where the primary buyer needs help to make a decision or make the buy.
BACK END: Back end is the contract which is being sent to the bank for financing, where extra "hidden" profit is made by the dealer; the back end profit occurs because the dealer gets a kickback from the bank just for setting up the loan there instead of somewhere else.
BACK OUT THE DEAL: See meaning of Unwind.
BEATER: See SLED.
BE BACK: Prospective buyer who has been in the dealership once or several times. Did not buy at that time and has returned for additional information or whatever.
BIRD DOG: One who refers prospective customers to a particular dealership or salesman for a given fee or compensation.
BOUNCE: To bounce someone means to increase the sales price of the car, interest rate, monthly payments, etc.
BRICKS: This term is used to refer to one's house as security in taking out a second trust deed loan.
BROWNIE: To sell a car to a customer as a result of going around and putting a piece of paper with a message like "call me regarding your car" on car windows on the street.
BUMP: See BOUNCE.
BUREAU: A credit report on a customer.
BUY RATE: This is the interest rate that banks or financing institutions will charge on all contracts being financed. It is a "secret" number between the lender and the dealer which is the real amount of the interest rate that the loan starts out at before the dealer increases it for its own extra profit.
A BUYBACK: a vehicle that the manufacturer bought back, usually because it was a lemon, and then was resold, often through a car dealer auction where it can be recycled back into the marketplace, often without disclosure of its true history of defects, also, see laundered lemon.
CANDY STORE : A dealership with lots of vehicle inventory.
CASH THE DEAL: This means that a third party lender has accepted the finance contract assignment from the dealer and paid the dealer for it. The dealer has their money and this is usually the point of no return as far as the dealer is concerned, i.e., the dealer will most often refuse to unwind the deal.
CHASSIS: The frame of a vehicle, may or may not include the engine as part of it, depending on the chassis manufacturer and its construction process.
CHISLER: A buyer who constantly grinds the salesman to the best possible deal that he can get.
CLIMBER: A salesman who can sell anything to anyone. One who is able to tackle a tough customer and knock them over.
CLOSER: Usually a pushy salesman whose job it is to "close" the deal with the customer when the customer hesitates when dealing with the salesman.
COLD CANVAS: A form of prospecting where a salesman or dealership solicits any and all prospective buyers in any given area.
COME ON: This is where the buyer is led to believe one thing and it turns out to be really something else.
DE-HORSE: This is when you take a customer out of his trade-in and let him temporarily drive a borrowed car from the dealership until his purchase is completed.
DESK: The floor manager’s central location. It literally is an office location that is typically on the show room floor and glass walled so the Desk Man (the manager) can see everything that is going on. From here the manager controls every deal being worked on. Sales staff go to the Desk to get approval on every aspect of the deal. The Desk controls the payment quotes, the price, the down payment and trade in terms. See Tower.
DESKMAN or DESK: A man who both figures and determines what kind of deal the dealership will make to a customer. He is in charge of all financial aspects of every deal and charged with the responsibility of maximizing the dealer profit.
DEUCE: This usually refers to a $200.00 figure for whatever reason, down payment, trade-in value, etc.
DIP: This is when the customer needs additional or all of his cash down advanced by a finance company.
DOORMAN: The name given to the dealer employee who stands at the doorway of the finance manager office, blocking it, when the buyer is sitting in the F&I office and the final paperwork is being signed, an intimidation tactic often used by the salesperson on the deal or the floor manager when the dealer knows there is something in the transaction that the customer does not know or understand and may object to.
DOUBLE DIP: To finance purchase between two or more loan companies.
DOWN: Short form for down payment. Also used when a salesman is finished talking to a prospective buyer. He is considered to be down and the next salesman is considered to be up and in line to handle the next prospective buyer.
DOWN STROKE: Means customer's down payment.
EDGY: This is a customer who may or may not be able to get his car financed.
EIGHTY FIVE FIFTY FIVE, 8550: This is the GM paint code for black paint. It is sometimes used by a dealer to refer to the race of a prospective buyer as a slang term. It may also occur with other franchised dealers using their manufacturer paint code for the color black.
ETCH, ETCH-A-SKETCH: Often called theft guard or a similar term, it is a soft add on product promoted as a product that will reduce the chance of a vehicle being stolen, to apply it the dealer uses a chemical that eats, or etches, into one or more glass windows a series of numbers that the dealer claims can enable police to find the owner of the car if they recover it after it was stolen, usually sold for hundreds of dollars by a car dealer, the product itself can be found on the internet as a self-installed kit that will cost about $20, the window etch scheme makes maximum car dealer profit at little cost and some say etch gives little or no real benefit to the consumer.
There are 2 chains around here that we go to. One of them just got rid of the rewards card, and just makes it automatic that you get the special price. The other one only ever had a phone #, so not sure what they would be selling.
my wife does always sign up for those at other stores to get coupons, etc. Not sure I really car if American Eagle knows how many pairs of jeans my daughter buys!
If I was buying something really private, just would not use a card I guess.
My wife is theone who shops at Stop & Stop. She knows all the secrets about couponing and extra bonus rewards points. Sometimes she gets as many as 500 points on $5 worth of groceries; otherwise, it is one point for $1 of groceries.
As to selling personal data, not a big deal, as most big data mining analytics have become common place and pervasive in the economy. Besides, what kind of information can be gleaned from a customer who buys grocery products?
Mike....for no other reason than the stress factor, I think it might be best to walk away from the deal. There is no good answer to the issue. Take a few weeks, maybe test drive a bunch of cars in the same vertical market. Then, decide what you want to do.
That way you can make a decision without the time crunch, nor the stress of making a hurried decision.
That might be what I do. I am waiting for the manager to come into my dealership now to determine the best course of action - I am sitting in the lounge waiting for him to arrive.
I am really not sure what I want to do. It all depends on available options.
Thank you for the input - and thanks to all for your support. I am just stressed out from this mess, my son, and the pneumonia I am recovering from.
This summer I noticed some rust on the top of the fenders of my 1999 Wrangler; I was a bit surprised as I try to keep my vehicles clean. Anyway, I went ahead and had both fenders repaired at an excellent local shop. It turns out that Jeep bolted a reinforcing panel under the fender and sandwiched a piece of foam in between to keep things quiet. Well, water gets in the foam and traps moisture- the result is the rust I found. Needless to say, the panels weren't reinstalled. $600 later it looks like new again- and hopefully it will continue to plug along for another 10-15 years.
And yes, I know it would be less expensive to buy a new Wrangler every three years, but what can I say? I'm just stubborn...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My '74 CJ-5 had some foam between the gas tank and a shield. The shield was fine but the tank rusted out in year three. Some things never change I suppose.
@imidazol97, fun link. I think I'll take up "pipe smoking". I pretty much meet all the other criteria as it is.
one thing Mike about unwinding the deal is I gotta think it will end up costing you a lot more in the end, or you will get less car for the money. Just because of how cheap they sell the Benz, and odds are you won't get near as much in a couple of months for the trade.
But, 1st rule of any financial transaction, don't do things under duress or if you are not comfortable.
as long as they have not sold your old car yet, is there any harm in waiting a few weeks to see if it really will arrive (the new one) by the end of the month? They would have to know by the end of next week if it was produced and on a ship by then.
very odd situation. I am very curious to know how many other units were produced and shipped this way. Hard to believe that yours was the only one, but I suppose it could have somehow been a fluke. If not, there are going to be a whole bunch of cars held at port while they figure out what to do! Unless of course you had some odd options set that caused the problem.
I should stop at the MB dealer and see if they have any 2015 E400s on the lot, and ask the salesguy to show me how that feature works.
Farmer, I would certainly say go back and drive another one with an automatic, since that is what you would be getting. Of course it is going to be something you have to get used to. I even found that with our RDX. Smaller than the van, but much different to drive. It had been a long time since I had a big, proud hood out front to contend with!
A Mustang is a throwback design for sure, with the long hood the biggest difference.
Maybe it ends up that you don't really want it after all. Try a few other options to see if something else feels better. A new GTI? That will be less of a shock coming out of an Eclipse. Plus a lot cheaper.
I can't remember now why you were looking to do this move, since you seem to actually like your current car. Just got the new car itch, or some fascination with Mustangs?
Since others are bragging about their recent purchases I thought I'd share my nearly new wheels.
It may not be not have the pedigree of Germany's Big Three but my 1999 RAV 4 purchased in Japan and shipped 8,800 miles across the Pacific, has arrived at its new home in the Caribbean. Sorry oldfarmer this one is spoken for.
Note: the steering wheel is on the right since they drive on the wrong side of the road in the Caribbean.
Comments
Those are things that can really spoil a day. A simple five-minute request turns into some kind of obstacle course and those "advisors" turn into elusive Howard Hughes-like figures.
I'm ready to break something...
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"WELCOME TO THE CLUB! I am so disgusted with Mercedes Benz that I am never going to buy another one. They build s car without two basic STANDARD features and do nothing to solve the problem. They broke a FDDERAL LAW by listing on their Monroney Sticker 2standatd features and the car was built without them. Is that fraud?"
It does seem that their "order process integrity" is more important to them than satisfaction of one loyal customers. But perhaps you expect a bit too much. Even if they made the car today, they can't fly it across the Ocean - by ship it is six weeks, sometimes four. Add couple of weeks for customs here and there (Fed officials are not in big rush), it adds up to two months. So, Christmas is kind of "expedited".
Regarding "fraud" question, I guess you need intent. If it was unintentional then they it's not fraud, just incompetence.
BTW, seems like the best thing is for them was to give your CLS back the moment you discovered the issue. Why didn't they do that first? I guess you thought they'd
2018 430i Gran Coupe
not sure it is fair to say they don't care. You have gotten quite a bit from the dealer and MB. Heck, 4 calls today? If they really could not care less, you would have gotten none!
giving you a brand new car to use as long as it takes, a free $2,800 option package, expedited delivery from the ship is all IMO stepping up for the customer. Gotta assume that the production process is so tightly run that getting a car stuck in right away is not easy, otherwise they would have done it.
also, entirely possible that they have to do something on the production side to make sure the features are actually on the car. not likely yours was the only one produced incorrectly.
But, entirely up to you if the process has turned you off. Hopefully the old car is still sitting there.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
More pet pictures here....http://www.610wtvn.com/photos/snap-shots/pets-in-halloween-costumes-137329/#/52/21573298
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Since I bought the "Standard Collection" (base model) ATS, it does not have the same level of equipment that my Regal, for example, came with as standard. Most of this I knew about beforehand, but I find some of it odd.
For example, Cadillac produces 3 different designs of rear seats for these cars. Mine, with a fixed rear seatback. Other models have a fixed seatback with a center pass-through. And still others have a folding rear seatback (the Regal and my 2 prior GM cars all had split-folding rear seatbacks). Hard to understand the rationale on that.
One of the things I liked on the Regal was a delayed locking function. You would press the door lock button when exiting the car and it would not lock immediately but give you 15 or so seconds, to let you open a rear door or the trunk, for example. The Cadillac locks immediately. Odd. And as I mentioned, the trunk cargo net is an option on these cars where it was standard on the Buick.
Also, you have to go up in the model line to get turn signals in the outside rear view mirrors. And the inside rear view mirror is not auto-dimming like the one in the Regal. Also, even though I never used them on the Regal and so it isn't a big deal for me, the base model does not come with driving lights. Seems strange for a car that costs significantly more.
HOWEVER - I don't want that to sound too negative. This car is unbelievable to drive. I can see where the money was spent on this platform. I thought the Regal Turbo was sporty. This takes that to a whole different level. I drove some roads that I regularly drove in the Regal and what a difference! Compared to that, the ATS feels like it is on rails. The handling is in a whole different league. The extra 50 HP and about 500lbs less weight means this thing is a rocket ship by comparison, yet with ride and smoothness that is comparable. It is also a lot quieter. In terms of handling, it reminds me of my old GTI, but rides much better, and is far quicker than that ever was. I could get into so much trouble with this thing.
I am happy.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
That's such a wonderful story about your Dad! He's a man who literally built this country! He's strong, selfless, & patriotic. I'm proud he fought for our country.
Just keep hoping for a miracle for your son.
I know you are pissed about your E400. I think MB does want to satisfy you as a long term, loyal customer. Besides, if you think MB customer service doesn't care, wait until you have a problem with Audi. I really do think it is the best car in the segment for you. The BMW 5er would be its closest competitor. The F10 is very softly sprung & has run flats. It won't give you that hall mark Mercedes ride you are so used to.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2018 430i Gran Coupe
NYC is right, the 535 is the closest you will find to the E400. But, I don't think you will like it as much. It seems lower, seats are very low and you aren't sitting as upright, also the steering is firmer, ride is harsher. Cornering is better and handling in the 535, but, I don't think that will offset the comfort level of the MB. The A6 gets high praise these days, but I found it to be the weakest....wasn't the tops in any category for me.
Cadillac, it will be a worth a try. But, I think you should just go with their plan, you can put miles on their car and when you get your E400 it will be the car you will like the most. It really is special, it's so quiet and it is built right!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Why no call from the sales dude? Maybe it just dropped out of the sky and he didn't 't know it was there. Maybe he's a millionaire who doesn't need to sell cars. Maybe he's an idiot. I'll be sniffing around at dawn tomorrow but what's up with that? If ever there was a customer that was waiting to be sold it 's me. It's like they have zombies working there.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It is the same as if I was renting s car. It's my own insurance that covers me. I had to sign a "Borrowed Vehicle Agreement" which requires me to be insured.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
and quite possibly they profiled you, figuring a 60ish guy is not really the likely buyer. Especially if you showed up in the Lincoln or the Vandura! Now, if you rolled up in the Eclipse, I would figure you where the type of eccentric that would be buying a nice GT.
at least go in when you do and take up with a different sales guy. if they ask if you were working with anyone say No, since you obviously aren't!
Or try a different dealer. Plenty of Ford dealers around, and I think they are all going to have a Stang in now.
The dealer around the corner from me (where my neighbor works) shows 2 2015s as in stock. Both black Ecoboosts.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Imid, is that you?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://brownsfordamsterdam.com/Albany/For-Sale/New/Ford/Mustang/2015-V6-Gray-Car/33816972/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
http://www.yourupstateford.com/Inventory/Details?PaCode=20609&vin=1FA6P8CF7F5304481
Surprised they even have a stripper like that since most on the local inventory list are loaded premium models.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I don't think it has anything to do with the way you dress or look. These days that means nothing. The rich guy could have worn out jeans with holes in them, and the struggling salesman could be in a suit and tie.
Don't take these things personally. March into where you see the car and find out if you like it, and don't worry about asking for the sales guy you talked to before.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you don't cooperate they may decide to let the deal fall through....it doesn't sound like they were going to make much on the car.
If it happened to me I'd be mad as hell. But, if that's the car I wanted, and if the dealer tried to get me the right car as quickly as possible.....I'd use the loaner car and wait it out.
It sounds like there isn't much pressure to sign anything....test drive a 535, A6, and CTS. Love to see how you think they compare.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have a question about the USAA rebate program. My wife and I are USAA member through her Dad. If my parents wanted to purchase an MB, would I just have to be listed as a co-owner and still be able to take advantage of the rebate?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
$1.65 per gallon of Shell V-Power.
Not a misprint. Yesterday I bought a full tank of Shell V-Power gas for $1.65 a gallon. How did I accomplish this feat? Simple really. The regular price for V-Power is $3.45 but with my Stop & Shop card I was able to get a $1.80 discount of each gallon for a net price of $1.65 per gallon.I have been buying gas at a discount for years, and the best part, it does not cost me anything. With every purchase at Stop & Shop supermarket you accumulate points which can be used at Stop & Shop's own gas stations or at Shell stations.
I am not complaining though. I really like this car.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I agree with stickguy that Mercedes is trying, etc. Is it possible that all the pain and frustration you are suffering because of your son's illness is causing you to take these frustrations out on Mercedes a little bit? Just a thought.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
not sure what you mean by interior. Color, or style?
http://holmanfordmapleshade.com/South-Jersey-Cherry-Hill/For-Sale/New/Ford/Mustang/2015-GT-Orange-Car/33968764/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
He was presented with a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He downplayed his heroics throughout his life.
Mike....I understand your frustration. I have to believe your insurance agent can work out something given the circumstances. It sounds like you're past the point of doing any kind of business with Mercedes. I felt the same about Cadillac. It took 10 years for me to change my mind, and it took an extra ordinary effort to get me back.
Whether you keep your current car, which is very nice, or decide on a Caddy, Audi, BMW, or something else, I think cars have become so good there really are no bad choices.
Just find a dealership that you feel meets your expectations.
Oldfarmer...like you, I just don't get it. I don't know if some dealerships purposely hire any warm body that walks through the door. Or, they just don't train them and expect them to succeed. Or, the dealership's attitude is reflectec in their sales staff that they're only interested in the "laydown".
Plenty of Ford dealers around, though!
This situation really does seem like a Geico issue, not mercedes.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I will find out more this afternoon. They could return my old car with title until new car comes in. The kicker here is if the trade is going to be 2 months older with over 10,000 miles on it, it won't be worth $61,000, especially once the 2015 CLS hit the showroom, which is next week.
It's really a very messy situation which Mercedes says they cannot solve - insurance-wise.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Well there is a cost...
First you have to buy a lot of groceries to get that many points. Are you sure you didn't buy things you otherwise might not have because you rationalize it would get you points?
Second all your purchases are tracked an analyzed and the information
possibly sold to marketers (and the CIA). Personally, the thought of J. Edger Hoover laughing at my choice of peanut butter turns me off to those programs.
But then, I'm crazy.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
the other options I see are to have them add the loaner (makes as much sense as cancelling you!).
Or, if you have to at the end of the month, go to a local wrecking yard or body shop. Find something that no longer runs. Make an arrangement to "buy" it for $100-200. Let Geico insure it. Keep driving the loaner. Once the new car comes in, sign it back over to the shop, keeping the $100 for the trouble.
that or call another insurance co. to see if they will cover you while driving the loaner.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
my wife does always sign up for those at other stores to get coupons, etc. Not sure I really car if American Eagle knows how many pairs of jeans my daughter buys!
If I was buying something really private, just would not use a card I guess.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That way you can make a decision without the time crunch, nor the stress of making a hurried decision.
Acting on the recommendations of you folks I went Stang hunting today. My first stop was the dealer nearby with the Zombie salesman where I saw a white 4 cyl. 2015 yesterday. It was there in front so I took a look. My initial impression was that it looked Camaroesque from the 1/4 front view (not good). There was also a white 2014 in the lot and I liked the front of that much better. Rear and 3/4 rear of the '15 looked much better The place was dead but it was 8:30 am so maybe they weren't open. I left rather than try to raise the dead.
I then drove to another dealer about 20 miles way because they had a few units with Ceramic interior which looked nice on line. Intended to just look and run.
Within seconds a salesman appeared. He was the opposite of the other salesman, friendly and engaging. He quickly talked me into a test drive.
The car was a GT stick in Ruby Red with black leather. I wasn't crazy about testing a manual because the standards I drive are very different from the short throw in this car and I didn't want getting use to shifting to distract me...but what the heck.
First thing I noticed was that outward visibility wasn't the greatest. I also didn't expect the hood to be so LONG. It was like driving my son's Deville. The combination made me feel like I was driving from a cave. I had trouble with the soft clutch pedal and even stalled it once. Luckily, there was a start stop button so I just hit the button to restart. The car was almost TOO quiet. No rev noise to gage clutch engagement and not the rumble I would have expected from that big V8.
Perhaps it was the quiet nature of the vehicle or my bad clutch work but it didn't seem very fast. I mean not the head snapping acceleration I expected. We were mainly on straight country road with 45mph limits so I never got it over 60 and there was no opportunity to take any turns to judge handling. Car felt more like driving a brick than a sports car.
On the way home I couldn't help but compare the Mustang to the Eclipse and I'm sad to say for visibility, handling and quickness I liked the Eclipse better. I can't believe it.
It's probably not fair to judge one car after a 10 minute drive against one I've driven for 6 years. I'm sure with continued driving I'd learn all the sweet spots on the new car. I just didn't get the tingle up my leg feeling.
The salesman certainly didn't do anything wrong. He was the perfect combination of aggressiveness and cooperation. He offered to change the configuration of an inbound unit to exactly how I wanted it and have it there in a month. He let me know he was hungry without being obnoxious. If I buy it will be from this guy.
But now I'm in a quandary. The car was nice but is it $35k nice. I guess this process is....
.....TO BE CONTINUED.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
BABYSITTER: Slang term used for a co-signer or co-buyer on an automobile contract; often used where the primary buyer needs help to make a decision or make the buy.
BACK END: Back end is the contract which is being sent to the bank for financing, where extra "hidden" profit is made by the dealer; the back end profit occurs because the dealer gets a kickback from the bank just for setting up the loan there instead of somewhere else.
BACK OUT THE DEAL: See meaning of Unwind.
BEATER: See SLED.
BE BACK: Prospective buyer who has been in the dealership once or several times. Did not buy at that time and has returned for additional information or whatever.
BIRD DOG: One who refers prospective customers to a particular dealership or salesman for a given fee or compensation.
BOUNCE: To bounce someone means to increase the sales price of the car, interest rate, monthly payments, etc.
BRICKS: This term is used to refer to one's house as security in taking out a second trust deed loan.
BROWNIE: To sell a car to a customer as a result of going around and putting a piece of paper with a message like "call me regarding your car" on car windows on the street.
BUMP: See BOUNCE.
BUREAU: A credit report on a customer.
BUY RATE: This is the interest rate that banks or financing institutions will charge on all contracts being financed. It is a "secret" number between the lender and the dealer which is the real amount of the interest rate that the loan starts out at before the dealer increases it for its own extra profit.
A BUYBACK: a vehicle that the manufacturer bought back, usually because it was a lemon, and then was resold, often through a car dealer auction where it can be recycled back into the marketplace, often without disclosure of its true history of defects, also, see laundered lemon.
CANDY STORE : A dealership with lots of vehicle inventory.
CASH THE DEAL: This means that a third party lender has accepted the finance contract assignment from the dealer and paid the dealer for it. The dealer has their money and this is usually the point of no return as far as the dealer is concerned, i.e., the dealer will most often refuse to unwind the deal.
CHASSIS: The frame of a vehicle, may or may not include the engine as part of it, depending on the chassis manufacturer and its construction process.
CHISLER: A buyer who constantly grinds the salesman to the best possible deal that he can get.
CLIMBER: A salesman who can sell anything to anyone. One who is able to tackle a tough customer and knock them over.
CLOSER: Usually a pushy salesman whose job it is to "close" the deal with the customer when the customer hesitates when dealing with the salesman.
COLD CANVAS: A form of prospecting where a salesman or dealership solicits any and all prospective buyers in any given area.
COME ON: This is where the buyer is led to believe one thing and it turns out to be really something else.
DE-HORSE: This is when you take a customer out of his trade-in and let him temporarily drive a borrowed car from the dealership until his purchase is completed.
DESK: The floor manager’s central location. It literally is an office location that is typically on the show room floor and glass walled so the Desk Man (the manager) can see everything that is going on. From here the manager controls every deal being worked on. Sales staff go to the Desk to get approval on every aspect of the deal. The Desk controls the payment quotes, the price, the down payment and trade in terms. See Tower.
DESKMAN or DESK: A man who both figures and determines what kind of deal the dealership will make to a customer. He is in charge of all financial aspects of every deal and charged with the responsibility of maximizing the dealer profit.
DEUCE: This usually refers to a $200.00 figure for whatever reason, down payment, trade-in value, etc.
DIP: This is when the customer needs additional or all of his cash down advanced by a finance company.
DOORMAN: The name given to the dealer employee who stands at the doorway of the finance manager office, blocking it, when the buyer is sitting in the F&I office and the final paperwork is being signed, an intimidation tactic often used by the salesperson on the deal or the floor manager when the dealer knows there is something in the transaction that the customer does not know or understand and may object to.
DOUBLE DIP: To finance purchase between two or more loan companies.
DOWN: Short form for down payment. Also used when a salesman is finished talking to a prospective buyer. He is considered to be down and the next salesman is considered to be up and in line to handle the next prospective buyer.
DOWN STROKE: Means customer's down payment.
EDGY: This is a customer who may or may not be able to get his car financed.
EIGHTY FIVE FIFTY FIVE, 8550: This is the GM paint code for black paint. It is sometimes used by a dealer to refer to the race of a prospective buyer as a slang term. It may also occur with other franchised dealers using their manufacturer paint code for the color black.
ETCH, ETCH-A-SKETCH: Often called theft guard or a similar term, it is a soft add on product promoted as a product that will reduce the chance of a vehicle being stolen, to apply it the dealer uses a chemical that eats, or etches, into one or more glass windows a series of numbers that the dealer claims can enable police to find the owner of the car if they recover it after it was stolen, usually sold for hundreds of dollars by a car dealer, the product itself can be found on the internet as a self-installed kit that will cost about $20, the window etch scheme makes maximum car dealer profit at little cost and some say etch gives little or no real benefit to the consumer.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As to selling personal data, not a big deal, as most big data mining analytics have become common place and pervasive in the economy. Besides, what kind of information can be gleaned from a customer who buys grocery products?
I am really not sure what I want to do. It all depends on available options.
Thank you for the input - and thanks to all for your support. I am just stressed out from this mess, my son, and the pneumonia I am recovering from.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
And yes, I know it would be less expensive to buy a new Wrangler every three years, but what can I say? I'm just stubborn...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@imidazol97, fun link. I think I'll take up "pipe smoking". I pretty much meet all the other criteria as it is.
But, 1st rule of any financial transaction, don't do things under duress or if you are not comfortable.
as long as they have not sold your old car yet, is there any harm in waiting a few weeks to see if it really will arrive (the new one) by the end of the month? They would have to know by the end of next week if it was produced and on a ship by then.
very odd situation. I am very curious to know how many other units were produced and shipped this way. Hard to believe that yours was the only one, but I suppose it could have somehow been a fluke. If not, there are going to be a whole bunch of cars held at port while they figure out what to do! Unless of course you had some odd options set that caused the problem.
I should stop at the MB dealer and see if they have any 2015 E400s on the lot, and ask the salesguy to show me how that feature works.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A Mustang is a throwback design for sure, with the long hood the biggest difference.
Maybe it ends up that you don't really want it after all. Try a few other options to see if something else feels better. A new GTI? That will be less of a shock coming out of an Eclipse. Plus a lot cheaper.
I can't remember now why you were looking to do this move, since you seem to actually like your current car. Just got the new car itch, or some fascination with Mustangs?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It may not be not have the pedigree of Germany's Big Three but my 1999 RAV 4 purchased in Japan and shipped 8,800 miles across the Pacific, has arrived at its new home in the Caribbean. Sorry oldfarmer this one is spoken for.
Note: the steering wheel is on the right since they drive on the wrong side of the road in the Caribbean.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive