Oh, I think I understand. I just don't want to meet "the manager". Odds are it'll make me less interested in returning. Why should I have to mess around with a salesperson who has no authority, a manager who can make the deal and an F&I person who will try to upsale me? Bah....
Now, if I got handed off to that "other guy" making the rounds today, I'd be yelling for the manager.
The dealer where I got the Cadillac and previously the Buick has its greeter leave the showroom and engage you out in the lot if she sees someone looking around outside. That irritates me.
In both dealerships I worked, customers were left alone on the lots (used and new) and were not to be approached by employees. At the dealership where I was a manager, we had several decorative signs prominently displayed in all areas - these stated, "...you are our guest - feel free to browse. If you would like some assistance, please stop into the showro
om."
I like that approach "you are our guest - feel free to browse.". Most people looking at a Mercedes or similar car are adults and they can ask for help if they need it.
They are grown up enough they can wander the lot and see what models they want to enquire about.
I think meeting the manager is OK with me....if he is likeable and seems trustworthy it could give a customer more confidence in the dealership.
When we were looking at Passats we met the manager at one dealership, and he seemed very nice. I would have bought from them, but they got more bad reviews than good ones...bought from a dealer that is further away and harder to get to, but who got mostly very good reviews - and we have been totally satisfied with their service.
In this case, meeting the manager, and having good reviews, could have made a difference in where we bought our Passat.
Meeting the manager as Mike describes it is fine, what I detest is when "Meet the manager" is just another name for letting someone else have a shot at trying to get you to buy TODAY. The local Nissan dealer pulled that stunt on my wife and it cost them the sale of a fully loaded brand new Xterra.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The Mustang GT is now officially off my list; I checked out a base GT. I didn't think it was possible, but the cloth seats look even worse in person than they do in pictures. So, based on my budget I could either get a base GT with the Performance pack, Recaros, and the cr*p interior or get a GT Premium with a livable interior and no Performance pack or Recaros. I cannot decide which would suck more- so the 'stang is off the island....
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I hate being handed off to a manager when I'm just looking. I've definitely gone to the approach of finding what I want in theory, write them nicely that I'm interested and that if the car is as advertised and I like it after the test drive I'll buy it at an out the door price determined before I go to the dealership. So far I'm two for two on that. When I brought a dealer where I didn't use that approach the sales manager, after hearing my out the door price and being OK waited until I brought my wife in and started ridiculing my price. We immediately got up and left and he started complaining how much of his time we wasted. Not nearly as much as he wasted mine.
I dropped an email to the salesman saying sorry the deal blew up but it wasn't his fault; it was his manager's. He calls, apologizes, for the sales manager and says the sales manager wanted to know if he could call. I said I saw nothing to be gained by that. By then I'd bought the 5.
Today in sales you better be ready to pounce on a deal that will make you money when you have a ready customer. Had he done that I'd have a CX5. I'm happy and he had that CX5 for some time after that.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
So, did the Strategic Vision interview last night. It lasted an hour (was supposed to last 45 minutes).
Interesting!
Pretty in-depth but the highlights were mainly centered around my ownership experiences with different brands, and my opinions of specific brands. Get this out of the way up front. They asked about Cadillac, but dropped it off the list after I gave them my "ranking" of it in terms of its competition. They wanted me to be honest and said there "were no wrong answers".
So, I gave them my honest opinion about the CTS. Don't know if Cadillac will see what I said because my comments were supposed to be anonymous. Hopefully, if they did, they'll take it to heart and learn something about customer service and their inability to provide "customer satisfaction" when their products go bad. If not, "same old, same old".
After we spoke about my "current car", how it was unreliable and that I did not consider it a quality vehicle, we moved on to 4 other specific brands.....Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
Again, it was an hour interview so I'm probably missing some of it, but generally speaking they wanted to know...
-what my general opinion was about the above brands. -would I describe them as reliable? Dynamic? Premium? Elegant? Timeless? -Did I consider any of them to evoke premium, stout, luxurious? -Were they youthful? -Were they focused on performance? -Were the brands perceived as safe? -Were they appealing enough to get me to test one?
This is where they kind of got into the meat and potatoes of the interview. The above questions needed me to expound on my answers and give them the reasons why I felt the way I answered....about each brand.
They wanted to know my opinions on the Audi A/S 3/4,, BMW 3/4, Lexus IS/ES and Mercedes C//CLA.
Missing from this list, rather surprisingly given Lexus was on the list, were Acura, Infiniti, Volvo, Jag and Lincoln.
Don't know where they got their data, but it was assumed I drove all the models above at some point. All true except for the BMW 4 series and the Lexus ES.
Again, the interviewer asked about my opinion of the performance of each, compared to the others. They styling of each compared to the others. The feeling I got while driving them. Whether I felt they were quality vehicles. Whether they were dynamic. If I felt they were premium vehicles. IF I felt they were worth their MSRP price points (the price points they threw out there seemed to be on the low side. For example, I told the interviewer I probably wouldn't consider an IS250, but would consider an IS350 F Sport, which is several thousand more than the IS 250.
Again, probably more in depth than what I'm writing here. I liked the interview. I'm glad they valued my opinion. The interviewer wouldn't give me the number of interviews they were tabulating, but I don't know how many they could do, over a reasonable period of time, taking an hour each.
I would tend to question the validity of their results if they ask the same questions about cars a respondent has driven and ones that have not been driven. The two seem incompatible.
Considering an Encore with all the bells and whistles, love the size. To suydam and BWIA, do you have Nav., and how is/are the audio and electronics? What is/are the things about it you like least?
Although the Encore hits the sweet spot the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited looks like a home run with all the bells and whistles and six inches longer at 176 " than the Encore. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/all-new-tucson/
I've been in the market for a compact CUV for a few months now and I have been waiting for the Tucson since I first set my eyes on it at its unveiling at the Geneva auto show. The dimensions seem just right and not as top heavy as the Encore. And the tech and performance is exactly what I want, to wit.
175-hp, 7-speed, 1.6L turbo, with 19" wheels (for the Limited). 8-inch touch-screen navigation, 405-watt premium audio with external amplifier and 8 speakers, Leather seating surfaces, Power driver seat w/power lumbar support and power passenger seat, Dual automatic temperature control w/Clean-Air Ionizer and Auto Defogging System, Blue Link® Telematics System, Heated front and rear seats.
Wait, there's more: Proximity Key entry with Push Button Start, Hands-free automatic Smart Lift-gate , Full LED headlights, HID with Dynamic Bending Lighting System , LED tail lights, LED Daytime Running Lights and Front fog lights.
And for safety: Back-up camera with Rear parking sensors, Lane departure warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection system with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
Features like these were once the domain of the "luxury" high price marques. Thanks to Hyundai, the MSRP for the Tucson Limited is in the low to mid $30k's.
Hey guys. I'm attempting to help someone I know buy a new 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE. He's a hard working livery cab driver from the Dominican Republic (excellent credit). He is a super nice guy and I just don't want him to get raked over the coals. He currently drives a 2014 Ford Taurus Limited which @qbrozen pegged a value of $16,000 on the trade. The Fusion he's buying has a sticker price of $29,765 and an invoice of $27,475.
He qualifies for the following rebates:
$500.00 Aged Inventory $1,000.00 Ford Motor Credit Company
Did I miss anything rebates or incentive-wise?
That would bring the selling price of the car down to $25,975.00 minus $16K for his trade in comes out to $9,975.00 plus 8.875% NYC sales tax ($885.28) equals $10,860.28
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I would tend to question the validity of their results if they ask the same questions about cars a respondent has driven and ones that have not been driven. The two seem incompatible.
It sounds like they are looking to find out the respondent's perceptions not actual driving experience.
Hey guys. I'm attempting to help someone I know buy a new 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE. He's a hard working livery cab driver from the Dominican Republic (excellent credit). He is a super nice guy and I just don't want him to get raked over the coals. He currently drives a 2014 Ford Taurus Limited which @qbrozen pegged a value of $16,000 on the trade. The Fusion he's buying has a sticker price of $29,765 and an invoice of $27,475.
He qualifies for the following rebates:
$500.00 Aged Inventory $1,000.00 Ford Motor Credit Company
Did I miss anything rebates or incentive-wise?
That would bring the selling price of the car down to $25,975.00 minus $16K for his trade in comes out to $9,975.00 plus 8.875% NYC sales tax ($885.28) equals $10,860.28
well, per truecar in my area, there is $1500 hybrid cash, plus $1000 if I finance through Ford (no problem! do it and pay it off a month later), plus $500 aged inventory. The Truecar estimate is $24,580.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I would tend to question the validity of their results if they ask the same questions about cars a respondent has driven and ones that have not been driven. The two seem incompatible.
It sounds like they are looking to find out the respondent's perceptions not actual driving experience.
That's the impression I got, too. Although, when asked if I had ever driven a particular brand/model, the questioning turned in a different direction (one of more personal experience). If I answered I hadn't driven a particular model, the questioning turned more to my perception of it in more general terms.
Hey guys. I'm attempting to help someone I know buy a new 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE. He's a hard working livery cab driver from the Dominican Republic (excellent credit). He is a super nice guy and I just don't want him to get raked over the coals. He currently drives a 2014 Ford Taurus Limited which @qbrozen pegged a value of $16,000 on the trade. The Fusion he's buying has a sticker price of $29,765 and an invoice of $27,475.
He qualifies for the following rebates:
$500.00 Aged Inventory $1,000.00 Ford Motor Credit Company
Did I miss anything rebates or incentive-wise?
That would bring the selling price of the car down to $25,975.00 minus $16K for his trade in comes out to $9,975.00 plus 8.875% NYC sales tax ($885.28) equals $10,860.28
well, per truecar in my area, there is $1500 hybrid cash, plus $1000 if I finance through Ford (no problem! do it and pay it off a month later), plus $500 aged inventory. The Truecar estimate is $24,580.
Thanks! Edmunds didn't have the Hybrid cash listed.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Considering an Encore with all the bells and whistles, love the size. To suydam and BWIA, do you have Nav., and how is/are the audio and electronics? What is/are the things about it you like least?
Although the Encore hits the sweet spot the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited looks like a home run with all the bells and whistles and six inches longer at 176 " than the Encore. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/all-new-tucson/
And for safety: Back-up camera with Rear parking sensors, Lane departure warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection system with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. Features like these were once the domain of the "luxury" high price marques. Thanks to Hyundai, the MSRP for the Tucson Limited is in the low to mid $30k's.
Wow....a lot of car for the money! I think it looks great too...kind of like a baby X1!
So, GM’s claim is all about copyright and software code, and it’s the same claim John Deere is making about their tractors. The TL;DR version of the argument goes something like this:
Cars work because software tells all the parts how to operate The software that tells all the parts to operate is customized code That code is subject to copyright GM owns the copyright on that code and that software A modern car cannot run without that software; it is integral to all systems Therefore, the purchase or use of that car is a licensing agreement And since it is subject to a licensing agreement, GM is the owner and can allow/disallow certain uses or access.
Life sure is complex theses days! I wonder if Toshiba owns my laptop, if Samsung owns my TV, if SanDisc owns my MP3 player, if Mercedes owns my E400?
Interesting arguement. Maybe GM feels it doesn't have to fix GG's car, since it belongs to them anyway.
This will be settled in the courts. The difficulty for automakers is you BOUGHT the car, you didn't rent it from them. AND you sign a licensing agreement for your laptop software. You didn't sign a licensing agreement for the software that runs your CVT.
The Mustang GT is now officially off my list; I checked out a base GT. I didn't think it was possible, but the cloth seats look even worse in person than they do in pictures. So, based on my budget I could either get a base GT with the Performance pack, Recaros, and the cr*p interior or get a GT Premium with a livable interior and no Performance pack or Recaros. I cannot decide which would suck more- so the 'stang is off the island....
I'm back. Not dead but as some surmised I've been busy with spring chores and driving the bus. They're down 40 drivers so it's been 50 hour weeks. Add the farm (hopefully my last year) and it's been crazy.
Trying to catch up on posts and the best I could do is go back a few weeks. Missed the start of GG's Caddy problem. That's just not fair, he really liked that car. I think the company is being stupid. To imply that he's making it all up is so insulting.
Too bad about Mike's father but great news about that new Hep C drug. A woman at work had to fight the insurance company to get payment for her husband to take it. Something like $80,000.
Very interesting about Roadburners impression of the Mustang. My opinion of the cloth interior is similar. I like the Ceramic interior but when I saw it in person it looked cheap. The leather version, on the other hand was beautiful. Don't know if it's $5k more beautiful but I liked it.
RR, what did you think of the shifter? I'm sure you have more experience with modern short throw set ups but it totally creeped me out. Clutch pedal was too soft and the shifter felt like I was playing with a video game toggle. I'm not a very proficient standard shift man so I think the auto would be my choice.
Did you think it was too quiet? I thought it had the same exhaust sound as my Lincoln. I found a couple of options for exhaust system retrofit but wonder why I have to spend the extra money right out of the gate.
Anyway, nice to see you're all still here holding down the fort.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This will be settled in the courts. The difficulty for automakers is you BOUGHT the car, you didn't rent it from them. AND you sign a licensing agreement for your laptop software. You didn't sign a licensing agreement for the software that runs your CVT.
There is probably fine print somewhere. All the manuals for the E400 must add up to about 800 very dry pages. In the Bmw 535 I had to agree to the terms of the GPS every time I started the car...if I didn't it assumed I had agreed.
Stever, I know what you mean about those forms. Before a colonoscopy or for laser vision they bring out the agreement at the last moment. I have to sign and give up my rights to sue, even if they blow it!
The Mustang GT is now officially off my list; I checked out a base GT. I didn't think it was possible, but the cloth seats look even worse in person than they do in pictures. So, based on my budget I could either get a base GT with the Performance pack, Recaros, and the cr*p interior or get a GT Premium with a livable interior and no Performance pack or Recaros. I cannot decide which would suck more- so the 'stang is off the island....
I'm back. Not dead but as some surmised I've been busy with spring chores and driving the bus. They're down 40 drivers so it's been 50 hour weeks. Add the farm (hopefully my last year) and it's been crazy.
.
Welcome back. I figured you were either plowing the back 40, or were looking for all those buried cans with hidden money.
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
Currently own: 2017 BMW M4, 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Used to own: 2008 VW R32, 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1987 BMW 325IS
I'm back. Not dead but as some surmised I've been busy with spring chores and driving the bus. They're down 40 drivers so it's been 50 hour weeks. Add the farm (hopefully my last year) and it's been crazy.
Trying to catch up on posts and the best I could do is go back a few weeks. Missed the start of GG's Caddy problem. That's just not fair, he really liked that car. I think the company is being stupid. To imply that he's making it all up is so insulting.
Too bad about Mike's father but great news about that new Hep C drug. A woman at work had to fight the insurance company to get payment for her husband to take it. Something like $80,000.
Very interesting about Roadburners impression of the Mustang. My opinion of the cloth interior is similar. I like the Ceramic interior but when I saw it in person it looked cheap. The leather version, on the other hand was beautiful. Don't know if it's $5k more beautiful but I liked it.
RR, what did you think of the shifter? I'm sure you have more experience with modern short throw set ups but it totally creeped me out. Clutch pedal was too soft and the shifter felt like I was playing with a video game toggle. I'm not a very proficient standard shift man so I think the auto would be my choice.
Did you think it was too quiet? I thought it had the same exhaust sound as my Lincoln. I found a couple of options for exhaust system retrofit but wonder why I have to spend the extra money right out of the gate.
Anyway, nice to see you're all still here holding down the fort.
Welcome back! I never got around to test driving a GT; there was no point once I found out I'd have to take the cr*p interior if I wanted the PP. I did check out the shifter when I sat in the car; I liked it. A lot. At least I gave Ford a chance to earn my business...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Stever, I know what you mean about those forms. Before a colonoscopy or for laser vision they bring out the agreement at the last moment. I have to sign and give up my rights to sue, even if they blow it!
I was thinking more about your "Toshiba owns my laptop" comment. Who's gonna own your bionic knee? Will you have to dance to JNJ's tune?
The John Deere case is interesting - they sell two versions of the same tractor, but the "better" code unlocks more power than the cheap version. You crack the code (chip the tractor), you get the better model without having to pay for it.
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.
Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?
Stever, I know what you mean about those forms. Before a colonoscopy or for laser vision they bring out the agreement at the last moment. I have to sign and give up my rights to sue, even if they blow it!
I was thinking more about your "Toshiba owns my laptop" comment. Who's gonna own your bionic knee? Will you have to dance to JNJ's tune?
The John Deere case is interesting - they sell two versions of the same tractor, but the "better" code unlocks more power than the cheap version. You crack the code (chip the tractor), you get the better model without having to pay for it.
Now I see what you mean.
If you own a Tesla you have to leave it outside once a month so Tesla can do computer updates etc. I guess they will want to own the car too.
Yeh, knees, hearts, etc., I think I should own the part....they can still "control" the software, just like they do on my computer.
Stever, I know what you mean about those forms. Before a colonoscopy or for laser vision they bring out the agreement at the last moment. I have to sign and give up my rights to sue, even if they blow it!
I was thinking more about your "Toshiba owns my laptop" comment. Who's gonna own your bionic knee? Will you have to dance to JNJ's tune?
The John Deere case is interesting - they sell two versions of the same tractor, but the "better" code unlocks more power than the cheap version. You crack the code (chip the tractor), you get the better model without having to pay for it.
Now I see what you mean.
If you own a Tesla you have to leave it outside once a month so Tesla can do computer updates etc. I guess they will want to own the car too.
Yeh, knees, hearts, etc., I think I should own the part....they can still "control" the software, just like they do on my computer.
But, I am sure there is a disclaimer about changing the software in an engine to make it perform differently...no company would take on that liability.
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.
Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?
Looks pretty nice though................
My understanding is that existing Fiat dealers will have the opportunity to sell Alfas as well.
What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.
Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?
Looks pretty nice though................
My understanding is that existing Fiat dealers will have the opportunity to sell Alfas as well.
What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.
I think it is brilliant! Not too many people can afford an Alfa, but, if these are more popularly priced then it will make an Alfa available to way more people.
There aren't too many European luxury cars to choose from these days, and the Alfa will offer something a little more unique.
I wonder where they will be on the JD Powers and CR reliability surveys...but other than that, they should sell really well.
I was thinking more about your "Toshiba owns my laptop" comment. Who's gonna own your bionic knee? Will you have to dance to JNJ's tune?
I believe both my wife's knees were made by Zimmer. She had been seeing ads on TV from the attorney offices wanting to "help" you get free money from companies because their knees were causing problems. She just asked her doctor at her 5,000 mile checkup this week (note automotive allusion) if either of them are in the recalled group. He said there were no problems with either. They X-rayed both knees to do the checkup.
I wonder if the manufacturer of the knees can claim they still own the knees because it was their software code that built them? They're just letting you use them.
@oldfarmer50 - hey pal! Good to see you are still around. Thank-you for checking in. I thought maybe those fugitives from Clinton were hiding somewhere on your property
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Speaking of GG's faulty Caddy, I wonder whether it is possible (with the VIN) to trace the car after it is returned to GM? Will GM crush it as it did with its first generation EV's or sell it for a tidy profit?
I am thinking crushing it is an unlikely scenario and the dealer will likely reflash the computer and resell the vehicle as a CPO.
Speaking of GG's faulty Caddy, I wonder whether it is possible (with the VIN) to trace the car after it is returned to GM? Will GM crush it as it did with its first generation EV's or sell it for a tidy profit?
I am thinking crushing it is an unlikely scenario and the dealer will likely reflash the computer and resell the vehicle as a CPO.
And that begs the question.....I wonder who is driving the first CTS GG handed back in?
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.
Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?
Looks pretty nice though................
My understanding is that existing Fiat dealers will have the opportunity to sell Alfas as well.
What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.
I think it is brilliant! Not too many people can afford an Alfa, but, if these are more popularly priced then it will make an Alfa available to way more people.
There aren't too many European luxury cars to choose from these days, and the Alfa will offer something a little more unique.
I wonder where they will be on the JD Powers and CR reliability surveys...but other than that, they should sell really well.
There is a lot to consider. If you were looking at the Alfa vs. an M3, assuming competitive pricing, the BMW wins out for dealer support, aftermarket support, and club support.
The Alfa wins out for looks in my opinion, and engine sound. Here's the promotional video. The first 20 seconds or so is fluff:
@nyc, In CT, I'm getting 0% for 60 months plus $1000 or $2500 cash back for a 2015 Fusion Hybrid.
Cool. I just saw this post now from yesterday. Weird. Cool. Let us know how it goes. So you are dumping the Escape, right? I like the Fusion, it is very slick looking. I'll be interested to hear your take on the Hybrid versus the 2.0 Turbo you had before the Escape. Your 2.0 T was FWD too, not AWD?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I was just perusing a Buick forum and found a customer's experience with his Buick Encore which I expected to be the same at Buick or Cadillac. In short, the guy returned two vehicles and got his money back. Here is an excerpt of his original post, GM's response and the resolution.
@neilman ... "Vehicle road tested wonderful during the dealer visit, but has been a huge disappointment after taking it home. We already exchanged the vehicle (so we're on our second one) and really appreciate the dealership's cooperation with doing their best to make the situation right for us. Both vehicles have the same problem, in fact the 2nd one is worse and I wish I had kept the 1st one."
@nrichards ..."I have shared your comments with our engineers and they are interested in more details. Would you be willing to email me last 8 of your VIN and the dealership from whom you purchased the vehicle?
Nick Richards Buick Communications Manager nick.richards@gm.com"
@neilman .... "Sorry for the delay in providing an update. Luckily we were able to return the vehicle and get our money back. GM and the dealer were very accommodating and cooperative throughout the process. I would say it was the best service I have experienced from all dealers of various brands I have done business with over many years. They actually put MB, Acura, Lexus to shame.
Too bad...my kids really loved the Encore. Maybe down the road when the bugs have been worked out and the cars are made in the US we'll give it another try."
Similar thing happened to a salesman I deal with. He had a 2002 RX300. Serviced it at the same dealership religiously. Every time he dropped it off for service, they gave him a loaner. One time the RX stopped running somewhere in PA. He called AAA and they towed him to his dealership in NJ which was exactly the max tow distance away from where he broke down. The problem was a coil pack that needed to be replaced. They told him they had one in the shop "laying around," put it in for him and sent him on his way. When the transmission finally crapped out on him at 450K miles, he looked elsewhere, but ultimately said: How can I ever buy another vehicle besides a Lexus. He bought a CPO RX350 with 48K on it. He's now got close to 200K on that one.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
oldfarmer...good to see you back. Right now I'd prefer the Caddy you posted over mine.
Update....BBB response......(paraphrasing) Cadillac is ignoring your issue. They claim everything works as designed.
Then why did they replace the steering unit (which didn't solve the problem)?
The more I deal with these buffoons the angrier I get. And, they wonder why their sales are in the toilet. Ain't going to get any better by pulling this kind of garbage.
The Mustang GT is now officially off my list; I checked out a base GT. I didn't think it was possible, but the cloth seats look even worse in person than they do in pictures. So, based on my budget I could either get a base GT with the Performance pack, Recaros, and the cr*p interior or get a GT Premium with a livable interior and no Performance pack or Recaros. I cannot decide which would suck more- so the 'stang is off the island....
I'm back. Not dead but as some surmised I've been busy with spring chores and driving the bus. They're down 40 drivers so it's been 50 hour weeks. Add the farm (hopefully my last year) and it's been crazy.
Trying to catch up on posts and the best I could do is go back a few weeks. Missed the start of GG's Caddy problem. That's just not fair, he really liked that car. I think the company is being stupid. To imply that he's making it all up is so insulting.
Too bad about Mike's father but great news about that new Hep C drug. A woman at work had to fight the insurance company to get payment for her husband to take it. Something like $80,000.
Very interesting about Roadburners impression of the Mustang. My opinion of the cloth interior is similar. I like the Ceramic interior but when I saw it in person it looked cheap. The leather version, on the other hand was beautiful. Don't know if it's $5k more beautiful but I liked it.
RR, what did you think of the shifter? I'm sure you have more experience with modern short throw set ups but it totally creeped me out. Clutch pedal was too soft and the shifter felt like I was playing with a video game toggle. I'm not a very proficient standard shift man so I think the auto would be my choice.
Did you think it was too quiet? I thought it had the same exhaust sound as my Lincoln. I found a couple of options for exhaust system retrofit but wonder why I have to spend the extra money right out of the gate.
Anyway, nice to see you're all still here holding down the fort.
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
I never buy any car whose name I can't pronounce !! Much less spell !
Not on any subject that we've been dealing with and I'm not buying a vacuum cleaner or dishwasher any time too soon (though will be getting a carpet and upholstery steamer) but something else.
Have you ever seen a car that is in absolutely the wrong color for that car? I'm talking perfectly good colors that are just terribly wrong for that car. What brought this up is when my wife and I were out the other night and what drives by as we're walking along is a recent Camaro convertible in dark red with a black top. The combination of the sporty Camaro with the utterly staid and conservative color just seemed horribly wrong.
My theory is if you want a dark Camaro get it triple black and maintain that thing like crazy. Otherwise get a lighter color.
While we were up there (Red Bank, NJ - great little town) we pass a parking spot on the street with a charger for electric vehicles. By the time we walked by it a second time there was a BMW with dealership ads painted all over in it charging away. We were there for a concert that was well attended. I'm assuming the car was there to advertise. Good thing I don't have my Tesla yet.....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Comments
Now, if I got handed off to that "other guy" making the rounds today, I'd be yelling for the manager.
I like that approach "you are our guest - feel free to browse.". Most people looking at a Mercedes or similar car are adults and they can ask for help if they need it.
They are grown up enough they can wander the lot and see what models they want to enquire about.
I think meeting the manager is OK with me....if he is likeable and seems trustworthy it could give a customer more confidence in the dealership.
When we were looking at Passats we met the manager at one dealership, and he seemed very nice. I would have bought from them, but they got more bad reviews than good ones...bought from a dealer that is further away and harder to get to, but who got mostly very good reviews - and we have been totally satisfied with their service.
In this case, meeting the manager, and having good reviews, could have made a difference in where we bought our Passat.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I dropped an email to the salesman saying sorry the deal blew up but it wasn't his fault; it was his manager's. He calls, apologizes, for the sales manager and says the sales manager wanted to know if he could call. I said I saw nothing to be gained by that. By then I'd bought the 5.
Today in sales you better be ready to pounce on a deal that will make you money when you have a ready customer. Had he done that I'd have a CX5. I'm happy and he had that CX5 for some time after that.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Interesting!
Pretty in-depth but the highlights were mainly centered around my ownership experiences with different brands, and my opinions of specific brands. Get this out of the way up front. They asked about Cadillac, but dropped it off the list after I gave them my "ranking" of it in terms of its competition. They wanted me to be honest and said there "were no wrong answers".
So, I gave them my honest opinion about the CTS. Don't know if Cadillac will see what I said because my comments were supposed to be anonymous. Hopefully, if they did, they'll take it to heart and learn something about customer service and their inability to provide "customer satisfaction" when their products go bad. If not, "same old, same old".
After we spoke about my "current car", how it was unreliable and that I did not consider it a quality vehicle, we moved on to 4 other specific brands.....Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
Again, it was an hour interview so I'm probably missing some of it, but generally speaking they wanted to know...
-what my general opinion was about the above brands.
-would I describe them as reliable? Dynamic? Premium? Elegant? Timeless?
-Did I consider any of them to evoke premium, stout, luxurious?
-Were they youthful?
-Were they focused on performance?
-Were the brands perceived as safe?
-Were they appealing enough to get me to test one?
This is where they kind of got into the meat and potatoes of the interview. The above questions needed me to expound on my answers and give them the reasons why I felt the way I answered....about each brand.
They wanted to know my opinions on the Audi A/S 3/4,, BMW 3/4, Lexus IS/ES and Mercedes C//CLA.
Missing from this list, rather surprisingly given Lexus was on the list, were Acura, Infiniti, Volvo, Jag and Lincoln.
Don't know where they got their data, but it was assumed I drove all the models above at some point. All true except for the BMW 4 series and the Lexus ES.
Again, the interviewer asked about my opinion of the performance of each, compared to the others. They styling of each compared to the others. The feeling I got while driving them. Whether I felt they were quality vehicles. Whether they were dynamic. If I felt they were premium vehicles. IF I felt they were worth their MSRP price points (the price points they threw out there seemed to be on the low side. For example, I told the interviewer I probably wouldn't consider an IS250, but would consider an IS350 F Sport, which is several thousand more than the IS 250.
Again, probably more in depth than what I'm writing here. I liked the interview. I'm glad they valued my opinion. The interviewer wouldn't give me the number of interviews they were tabulating, but I don't know how many they could do, over a reasonable period of time, taking an hour each.
I'd do it again!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I've been in the market for a compact CUV for a few months now and I have been waiting for the Tucson since I first set my eyes on it at its unveiling at the Geneva auto show. The dimensions seem just right and not as top heavy as the Encore. And the tech and performance is exactly what I want, to wit.
175-hp, 7-speed, 1.6L turbo, with 19" wheels (for the Limited). 8-inch touch-screen navigation, 405-watt premium audio with external amplifier and 8 speakers, Leather seating surfaces, Power driver seat w/power lumbar support and power passenger seat, Dual automatic temperature control w/Clean-Air Ionizer and Auto Defogging System, Blue Link® Telematics System, Heated front and rear seats.
Wait, there's more: Proximity Key entry with Push Button Start, Hands-free automatic Smart Lift-gate , Full LED headlights, HID with Dynamic Bending Lighting System , LED tail lights, LED Daytime Running Lights and Front fog lights.
And for safety: Back-up camera with Rear parking sensors, Lane departure warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection system with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
Features like these were once the domain of the "luxury" high price marques. Thanks to Hyundai, the MSRP for the Tucson Limited is in the low to mid $30k's.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
He qualifies for the following rebates:
$500.00 Aged Inventory
$1,000.00 Ford Motor Credit Company
Did I miss anything rebates or incentive-wise?
That would bring the selling price of the car down to $25,975.00 minus $16K for his trade in comes out to $9,975.00 plus 8.875% NYC sales tax ($885.28) equals $10,860.28
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
In CT, I'm getting 0% for 60 months plus $1000 or $2500 cash back for a 2015 Fusion Hybrid.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
http://consumerist.com/2015/05/20/gm-that-car-you-bought-were-really-the-ones-who-own-it/
GM’s claim is all about copyright and software code, and it’s the same claim John Deere is making about their tractors. The TL;DR version of the argument goes something like this:
Cars work because software tells all the parts how to operate
The software that tells all the parts to operate is customized code
That code is subject to copyright
GM owns the copyright on that code and that software
A modern car cannot run without that software; it is integral to all systems
Therefore, the purchase or use of that car is a licensing agreement
And since it is subject to a licensing agreement, GM is the owner and can allow/disallow certain uses or access.
Life sure is complex theses days! I wonder if Toshiba owns my laptop, if Samsung owns my TV, if SanDisc owns my MP3 player, if Mercedes owns my E400?
Interesting arguement. Maybe GM feels it doesn't have to fix GG's car, since it belongs to them anyway.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I'm back. Not dead but as some surmised I've been busy with spring chores and driving the bus. They're down 40 drivers so it's been 50 hour weeks. Add the farm (hopefully my last year) and it's been crazy.
Trying to catch up on posts and the best I could do is go back a few weeks. Missed the start of GG's Caddy problem. That's just not fair, he really liked that car. I think the company is being stupid. To imply that he's making it all up is so insulting.
Too bad about Mike's father but great news about that new Hep C drug. A woman at work had to fight the insurance company to get payment for her husband to take it. Something like $80,000.
Very interesting about Roadburners impression of the Mustang. My opinion of the cloth interior is similar. I like the Ceramic interior but when I saw it in person it looked cheap. The leather version, on the other hand was beautiful. Don't know if it's $5k more beautiful but I liked it.
RR, what did you think of the shifter? I'm sure you have more experience with modern short throw set ups but it totally creeped me out. Clutch pedal was too soft and the shifter felt like I was playing with a video game toggle. I'm not a very proficient standard shift man so I think the auto would be my choice.
Did you think it was too quiet? I thought it had the same exhaust sound as my Lincoln. I found a couple of options for exhaust system retrofit but wonder why I have to spend the extra money right out of the gate.
Anyway, nice to see you're all still here holding down the fort.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I want them to have it back. No problem!
Stever, I know what you mean about those forms. Before a colonoscopy or for laser vision they bring out the agreement at the last moment. I have to sign and give up my rights to sue, even if they blow it!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Then this showed up:
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1506-alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-arrives-with-510-hp/
Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.
I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.
Nelson
Currently own: 2017 BMW M4, 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Used to own: 2008 VW R32, 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1987 BMW 325IS
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The John Deere case is interesting - they sell two versions of the same tractor, but the "better" code unlocks more power than the cheap version. You crack the code (chip the tractor), you get the better model without having to pay for it.
Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?
Looks pretty nice though................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you own a Tesla you have to leave it outside once a month so Tesla can do computer updates etc. I guess they will want to own the car too.
Yeh, knees, hearts, etc., I think I should own the part....they can still "control" the software, just like they do on my computer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
There aren't too many European luxury cars to choose from these days, and the Alfa will offer something a little more unique.
I wonder where they will be on the JD Powers and CR reliability surveys...but other than that, they should sell really well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I wonder if the manufacturer of the knees can claim they still own the knees because it was their software code that built them? They're just letting you use them.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I am thinking crushing it is an unlikely scenario and the dealer will likely reflash the computer and resell the vehicle as a CPO.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The Alfa wins out for looks in my opinion, and engine sound. Here's the promotional video. The first 20 seconds or so is fluff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=17&v=cCPYmVZwXc4
Currently own: 2017 BMW M4, 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Used to own: 2008 VW R32, 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1987 BMW 325IS
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I was just perusing a Buick forum and found a customer's experience with his Buick Encore which I expected to be the same at Buick or Cadillac. In short, the guy returned two vehicles and got his money back. Here is an excerpt of his original post, GM's response and the resolution.
@neilman ... "Vehicle road tested wonderful during the dealer visit, but has been a huge disappointment after taking it home. We already exchanged the vehicle (so we're on our second one) and really appreciate the dealership's cooperation with doing their best to make the situation right for us. Both vehicles have the same problem, in fact the 2nd one is worse and I wish I had kept the 1st one."
@nrichards ..."I have shared your comments with our engineers and they are interested in more details. Would you be willing to email me last 8 of your VIN and the dealership from whom you purchased the vehicle?
Nick Richards
Buick Communications Manager
nick.richards@gm.com"
@neilman .... "Sorry for the delay in providing an update. Luckily we were able to return the vehicle and get our money back. GM and the dealer were very accommodating and cooperative throughout the process. I would say it was the best service I have experienced from all dealers of various brands I have done business with over many years. They actually put MB, Acura, Lexus to shame.
Too bad...my kids really loved the Encore. Maybe down the road when the bugs have been worked out and the cars are made in the US we'll give it another try."
Read more at http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/14991/buick/encore/2015-buick-encore-prices-paid-and-buying-experience/p1
http://jalopnik.com/here-s-why-my-dad-will-never-buy-anything-but-a-lexus-e-1713628752
Similar thing happened to a salesman I deal with. He had a 2002 RX300. Serviced it at the same dealership religiously. Every time he dropped it off for service, they gave him a loaner. One time the RX stopped running somewhere in PA. He called AAA and they towed him to his dealership in NJ which was exactly the max tow distance away from where he broke down. The problem was a coil pack that needed to be replaced. They told him they had one in the shop "laying around," put it in for him and sent him on his way. When the transmission finally crapped out on him at 450K miles, he looked elsewhere, but ultimately said: How can I ever buy another vehicle besides a Lexus. He bought a CPO RX350 with 48K on it. He's now got close to 200K on that one.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Update....BBB response......(paraphrasing) Cadillac is ignoring your issue. They claim everything works as designed.
Then why did they replace the steering unit (which didn't solve the problem)?
The more I deal with these buffoons the angrier I get. And, they wonder why their sales are in the toilet. Ain't going to get any better by pulling this kind of garbage.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Have you ever seen a car that is in absolutely the wrong color for that car? I'm talking perfectly good colors that are just terribly wrong for that car. What brought this up is when my wife and I were out the other night and what drives by as we're walking along is a recent Camaro convertible in dark red with a black top. The combination of the sporty Camaro with the utterly staid and conservative color just seemed horribly wrong.
My theory is if you want a dark Camaro get it triple black and maintain that thing like crazy. Otherwise get a lighter color.
While we were up there (Red Bank, NJ - great little town) we pass a parking spot on the street with a charger for electric vehicles. By the time we walked by it a second time there was a BMW with dealership ads painted all over in it charging away. We were there for a concert that was well attended. I'm assuming the car was there to advertise. Good thing I don't have my Tesla yet.....