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Internet vs. Traditional Car Buying

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  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    But, you seem to be suggesting just randomly calling car dealers, which seems like an awfully time consuming way to find a used car.

    There aren't all that many dealers I'd want to deal with (15-20 at most) so I still prefer the phone method for used cars. Also, from what I've been told and heard about checking dealer used car inventory on line is they are not as up to date as much as we would like to think they are.

    I'm not trying to convince you to do it my way. I'm just saying why, if I were looking for a used car, I would prefer the phone method.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,242
    At first glance, calling dealers on the phone one by one seems awful time wasting. However, personal experience says it might not be a bad way to go.

    Internet listings of both new and used cars are almost always out of date. At least half the time if you follow up with a call the car has been sold. Sometimes cars stay on web sites for weeks after they are sold. One new car dealers' site in my area was 100% inaccurate. None of the cars listed was available. It's like they just don't care.

    The last time I bought a used car I purchased it from a dealer who had an updated website. While I was test driving the car I finally bought I noticed that every car I had looked up on the web site was there on the lot. Either this guy didn't ever sell his cars or he thought enough of his customers to hire an $8/hr. high school kid to keep his list current.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    I guess my experience has been different. I have not had much problem with the cars being there, more just that some of the data was inaccurate on the used cars...e.g. listed as manual and actually automatic or visa-versa.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    e.g. listed as manual and actually automatic or visa-versa.

    I've heard of this too and this would definitely be a deal breaker for me. A different interior color I might be able to live with but not this.

    I've bought my share of used cars and buying used takes considerably more work but the savings is well worth the time spent. At least it always was for me, otherwise I wouldn't have done it as many times as I did.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    just a little insight in how the dealer i used to work for would put cars up on the internet...

    we had a service where a guy would come out once a week or so (sometimes a little less often than once a week) and take pictures of all the used inventory and do what's called a "vin explosion". basically, they would put the vin number into a program, and the system would extrapolate what the car had based on the vin number. it was usually accurate, and i don't remember one ever messing up the transmission or anything...

    anyways, some dealers don't update their own inventory, and cars can come and go before the guy who took the pictures and updated the websites even had a chance to photograph it...

    i do understand what you mean though, and yeah, its frustrating not to have the correct info on the web on a daily basis...but based on how our dealer did it...it would only be correct once a week or so...just so you know...

    -thene :)
  • cosanostracosanostra Member Posts: 97
    I was thinking more along the lines of jeffyscott's idea of using the internet to get an idea of where the car(s) you're looking for are at and what a dealer has on the lot, then calling if what I'm looking for is there. If the website is out of date and the car is no longer there, oh well on to the next one.

    -cosanostra
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If the website is out of date and the car is no longer there, oh well on to the next one.

    From what I've heard about dealers inventory for used cars, a lot of them must work like 'thene' said in post 1845.

    With this being the case, all the more reason to use the phone method. Unless you like looking more that buying. :D

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • cosanostracosanostra Member Posts: 97
    If there isn't some work done to narrow down the number of dealers, it seems like you could spend quite a bit of time on the phone with a bunch of dealers who may or may not have what you're looking for. By searching with the 'net you've at least narrowed the calls to dealers that had your vehicle in the last week or so. Then you can call those 10-15 versus randomly calling dealers.

    Again, I'm not advocating using the internet or email exclusively, but rather as a way to narrow the search to specific dealers.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I agree. We as a dealer just started keeping non Land Rovers and we are not a drive by location. But we have had success with people seeing the cars on-line and then calling or coming in.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    That is exactly how ours works thene. Once a week a lady comes by, takes pics and prints the window sticker and the As-Is sticker an puts them in the cars. She then uploads them to a Inventory management system which we control.
  • daveyd088daveyd088 Member Posts: 9
    Just wondering what everyone looks for when they visit a dealer web site. We are updating ours and any feedback as to what you think should be there would be great. Also, would you ever use a live chat feature to speak with someone while looking at inventory? We might be adding this but the cost seems a little steep for the product. Please let me know what you think. :)

    Dave
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Looking for inventory w/features that are on each of the cars. Checkout www.fitzmall.com, I personally think that hits the mark right on.

    As a user, I would love to have live chat available. However, I'm not sure how you would be able to staff with enough salesmen to respond in a timely manner.....if there are a number of questions that come in at the same time. In a way, a good problem to have.
  • gasman1gasman1 Member Posts: 321
    I agree with Fitzmall. I also like the Toyota sites now that they seem to be standardized (at least those in IA).

    However, I don't care for live chat if it's anything like those that pop-up while browsing their site and come on with, "I see that your interested in ____, may I help you?" I feel like they're watching what I'm doing. Let me do my resarch and I'll contact you.
  • bpizzutibpizzuti Member Posts: 2,743
    I prefer THAT type of live-chat...give us a button to start it ourselves rather than one of those annoying pop-ups. Sprint and HP have those, and they really annoy. Letting the potential customer request it, on the other hand, is much less intrusive. People have enough trouble with pushy salespeople: do you really want to have a pushy website too? :P
  • daveyd088daveyd088 Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the advice. I will check out Fitzmall. We have people who just respond to the new internet leads and will also be working the live chat if we get it. It would not be on a popup basis, you would need to click on the link and go from there. It's actually really cheap on a per month basis, but the cost of getting our computers out of the stone age is a little higher. :)
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,242
    The ideal car web site would have the following:

    --picture of the vehicle, or at least a notation about color.
    --Information on options, trim etc.
    --price. When I see "contact dealer" I tend to ignore that car.
    --current information. When a car sells it should come off the site ASAP. Nothing is more annoying than calling for a test drive to find out the car was sold two weeks ago.

    As for the web chat thing, that's what the telephone is for.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • loki74loki74 Member Posts: 28
    Thoughts from a current shopper -

    YES, I would use a live chat... ABSOLUTELY.

    Most of the other things I would say has already been said... but two things stand out to me. ACCURATE price, and make sure shoppers can search the cars using very specific criteria. For example (for people who don't know yet:), I'm looking for a Honda Civic LX Sedan, manual transmission. On some sites, the only way I can tell the sedan sticks from the coupe sticks is the MSRP. I should not have to do that. They should be listed clearly, separately.

    Thanks,

    Loki
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    As for the web chat thing, that's what the telephone is for.

    I'll second that, especially since I can talk faster than I can type.

    For me, the car would be in someone else's driveway by the time I finished the "web chat thing" session. :sick:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    why not use an instant messanger type program. include your user name online, and that way you can put up an away message if you are not available, and when you have someone available, people can send messages regarding the cars in stock...

    just a thought...(and IM is free!)

    -thene
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    I have just posted this in the "Prices Paid" forum for this model, but would like any feedeback from the "Internet vs Traditional Car Buying" users as well.

    Since I'm not sure whether double-posting of info is frowned upon or not, I provide this link to what I wrote

    link title

    What does anyone make of my quote? What should my follow-up questions be?
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    from your link:

    FYI - I'm moving away from 10 years and three different minivans (two Dodge Caravans and the current Mazda MPV ES) -to the "family friendly" SUV.

    It's surprising to hear you say an SUV is "family friendly". I have two sons with a family, son #1 has a Dodge Caravan and a 4-door family sedan and son #2 has an Explorer and a 4-door family sedan. Son #2 says when the Explorer dies, he's buying a minivan because he can see from his older brother the minivan is more "family friendly" and I agree with him. Anytime I need to haul something back from the home center or either of them buys a piece of furniture, the minivan is the preferred hauler.

    What does anyone make of the quote I just received?

    Only a price comparison can determine this unless you're going to consider which dealer you're willing to buy from given their reputation. A reputable dealer should not be ignored based on price alone!!

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    and when you have someone available, people can send messages regarding the cars in stock

    We have something like that, but we call it email :D:D

    Sorry Bean, that was like standing in the batters box and seeing volley balls coming at ya :D:D
  • cosanostracosanostra Member Posts: 97
    I'd have to agree with those that said to emulate fitzmall.com. For me, I'd like to know the basics (color, transmission, engine, miles, etc) along with any add-ons (package 1, package Q, whatever).

    I don't know that I'd use a live chat. A phone call seems easier once I've determined the car is in the inventory. But as long as the livechat was only an option and not being shoved at me I might consider it.
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    well yeah, you can use email...but for a back and forth that is a little more "real time", IM would work too.

    or, that thing on your desk there with the numbered buttons and funny looking handle? that's a pretty good way to get a hold of a salesperson and talk to them in "real time"

    -thene ;)
  • snapcracklepopsnapcracklepop Member Posts: 111
    Just keep in mind if you don't go there in person, you miss out on this: link title
    Ok, its a little crazy, but you have to admit its a very effive bit.
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    "It's surprising to hear you say an SUV is "family friendly". I have two sons with a family, son #1 has a Dodge Caravan and a 4-door family sedan and son #2 has an Explorer and a 4-door family sedan. Son #2 says when the Explorer dies, he's buying a minivan because he can see from his older brother the minivan is more "family friendly" and I agree with him. Anytime I need to haul something back from the home center or either of them buys a piece of furniture, the minivan is the preferred hauler."

    Well yes - for pure "hauling", then the Minivan is better. But then again, so is a pickup truck.

    Don't get me wrong - I've enjoyed my 10 years of minivans - but the kids are bigger now - we don't need to bring as many things with us when we go places (wagons, etc) - so we'd like something a bit more "stylish". And perhaps a bit more power for me. The SUV fits that bill.

    "What does anyone make of the quote I just received?


    Only a price comparison can determine this unless you're going to consider which dealer you're willing to buy from given their reputation. A reputable dealer should not be ignored based on price alone!"

    I'm not type to let a few hundred dollars more off sway me to anyone less than "reputable".

    By the way - I lease my vehicles, so I perceive them as "rentals" anyway.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Maybe it's just me, but the SUVs I have been in never seem to have a back seat that is that comfortable for larger kids or adults. Typically the seat is too low and then there is not enough extra horizontal space to make up for that. OTOH, minivans seem to me to typically have had higher seating, but are tighter horizontally.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    By the way - I lease my vehicles, so I perceive them as "rentals" anyway.

    From your link in post 1860 you sure looked like a buyer to me when you said:

    "Dealer one came back with a simple quote: $24,114. This is an "special internet pricing quote" - which expires in 7 days and not valid after months end. I understand this is standard procedure". :surprise:

    However, since you rent your vehicles, you can't be unhappy for too long. ;)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • loki74loki74 Member Posts: 28
    Here's a fun question for y'all -

    I received a quote I like through email, and I'm going to go (hopefully) finalize the deal tonight. In the email, the dealer also asked if I would "share how we did." Now, I have no problems sharing ALL the quotes I received from other dealers... but how ethical is that? <--- or is that a dumb question. :)

    Some quotes were crazy high - how did they expect to get my business? :)

    Thanks

    Loki :)
  • bigman35bigman35 Member Posts: 10
    The best way to shop for cars is to go to one dealership work them, get a quote, and then call other dealerships with that number and say if you can beat this price i will come in and buy it today! I gaurentee you will get the best deal that way!!
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    Re: Received Internet Quote [jeffyscott]

    Maybe it's just me, but the SUVs I have been in never seem to have a back seat that is that comfortable for larger kids or adults. Typically the seat is too low and then there is not enough extra horizontal space to make up for that. OTOH, minivans seem to me to typically have had higher seating, but are tighter horizontally

    My kids are not "large" yet. Ages 12 and 10 - both about 107 lbs.

    After three consecutive minivans - my wife and I would like something different. That is what is pushing the SUV acquisition. Plus the added feature of AWD.

    Re: Received Internet Quote [jmonroe]

    From your link in post 1860 you sure looked like a buyer to me when you said:

    "Dealer one came back with a simple quote: $24,114. This is an "special internet pricing quote" - which expires in 7 days and not valid after months end. I understand this is standard procedure".

    However, since you rent your vehicles, you can't be unhappy for too long


    Well, I'd rather not be "unhappy" at all. :D

    Sorry for the purchase or lease confusion, however.

    I also got a lease quote from one of the internet salesman.

    The fact is, I am doing preliminary work now and don't intend to make the deal until the end of May.

    Here is the quote given to me regarding leasing a SE model Santa Fe with AWD and XM radio:

    A lease on an AWD Santa Fe SE with everything in the payment except 1st month and DMV fees is $434/month. The cost to purchase the vehicle would be $24519 including the factory rebate. These prices are good until
    April 30 2006.


    Heh, heh - I'm sure the 2006 was just a typo :P

    I see that this dealers "purchase price" is $400.00 more than the first one. Looks like he's factoring in a nice little profit for himself there.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Most dealers if they suspect you will be shopping it around won't waste their time to even give you a quote.
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    i would give them that info after everything in the deal has been done and you've signed all the papers. i don't see it as being "unethical" to tell him those numbers. its not like the moral police are gonna come after you if you bring a circular for one big box electronic store and try to have the other big box store match it...

    good luck with your purchase!

    -thene :)
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    No different then the prices paid fourm here.
  • asafonovasafonov Member Posts: 401
    - Full and correct details on a vehicle - engine, transmission, options, trim level, etc.
    - "Last changed" stamp
    - On a new car, one picture is probably enough. On a used, 3-4 help (but no "live 360 degree tours")
    - No live chat (but reasonably prompt responses to email inquiries)

    cars.com has the ability to save and retrieve vehicles for comparison - nice but not crucial for me personally.
  • shoparoundshoparound Member Posts: 47
    REALLY?

    Saleman #1 "Hey John, is she shopping around?"
    johnam007 "Yeah"
    Saleman #1 "Blow her out now. Walk her to her trade."
    johnam007 "But maybe she's looking for a saleperson to sell her a car?"

    You think?
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I don't follow your example.

    johnam007 "Yeah" (acknowledges she's just shopping)

    Then according to you he says "But maybe she's looking for a salespaerson to sell her a car?"

    What made him change his mind?

    "Most" salesman won't waste their time if they sense someone is going to shop their quote around. They will either low ball you or won't even waste their time at all.
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    I thought the whole point of a "salesman" was to make a sale

    That is - to follow through with all leads until you connect. That's the nature of the business, is it not?

    So - now they're going to pick and choose who they think they can sell to the easiest? Geez. How about these lazy middlemen actually do something for their pay?
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    of course it is to make a sale - however if a customer doesn't want to buy today, and the salesperson tries to push a sale, then the customer gets upset. if its busy, the salesperson needs to make the best use of their time. they don't get paid unless they sell something, so spending 8 hours with someone just browsing today, while other people are selling cars to actual customers just doesn't pay the bills. you need to understand that - its not being "lazy"...its being smart.

    it seems however that no matter what a salesperson does, its wrong in the eyes of many customers...

    -thene :sick:
  • bigman35bigman35 Member Posts: 10
    Yea but if you make it seem like your not shopping around they wont know the difference.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    So - now they're going to pick and choose who they think they can sell to the easiest? Geez. How about these lazy middlemen actually do something for their pay?

    Get a clue

    I have allot more to say about that but Kristie or Tidester would just have to delete it.
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    Alright sorry for the crack about "lazy" salespeople. Don't want to besmirch your "noble" profession. Though you have to realize that most people percieve car sales-reps to be thieving weasels. Why else do we have to "go to school" and learn how to negotiate and study all these numbers?

    Anyway, I was just a bit annoyed at my "internet sales" connections not getting back to me in a timely way. I had to resend my questions.

    One did just get back to me, and here is some new data:

    Here's a lease quote on the 07 Santa Fe SE AWD, per your requirements.

    $461/mo. for 30 months, with 1st payment and DMV out of pocket ($529). Everything else rolled into payments. 12,000 mile per year allowance, $0.20 per mile thereafter.

    Does this look like decent numbers?
    (I'm much rather have some useful information here, rather than having do deal with someones perceived "hurt feelings") :P
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    most people percieve ...

    Contrary to popular belief, perception is not necessarily reality. I suggest we avoid such generalizations even if we are ascribing various conclusions to the notorious and ethereal "most people."

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,242
    "... everything else rolled into payments..."

    I don't know anything about leases but EVERYTHING ELSE sends up a red flag. What is this? If it's sales tax, fair enough, but if it's warranties, waxes and gap insurance I'd want to know the details.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Yea but if you make it seem like your not shopping around they wont know the difference

    Well obviously, duh!

    Which is why I said "if they suspect you're shopping around"

    Thene said it well.....a "good" salesman will make the most use of his time to make a sale right there right now. That's their job. That's what they get paid for.

    Now I'm not in the biz, but I know how it works in sales and it ain't easy, not for me, my skin isn't thick enough.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    It isn't about being lazy, it's about being smart with your time. Weed out the folks who will waste your time and spend time with the folks who are quality "ups".

    It is merely another facet of the business. Any business actually.

    Good salespeople gravitate towards buyers! Surprise, huh? We also gravitate towards buyers who like to pay profit. Nothing mindblowing yet, huh?

    -Moo
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    Fair enough Tidester - I will refrain from the "most people" generalizations.

    Replying to: dave_h2 (Apr 26, 2007 2:08 pm)

    "... everything else rolled into payments..."

    I don't know anything about leases but EVERYTHING ELSE sends up a red flag. What is this? If it's sales tax, fair enough, but if it's warranties, waxes and gap insurance I'd want to know the details.

    Well, naturally the devil is in the details.

    I'm working my way to that point.

    Usually (I hope that is not perceived as a generalization) with leases, "with everything in" means the taxes. In other words, avoiding the bilk-job of a "down payment" (on a lease - how absurd).

    So -what's the ratio of salespeople trawling and cluttering up these forums - to actual people looking for a fighting chance against the professionals?
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    So -what's the ratio of salespeople trawling and cluttering up these forums - to actual people looking for a fighting chance against the professionals?

    I gotta admit. This is kind of a funny dilemma your putting yourself in. You ask for help from people who would know best (those in the car industry) and yet make underhanded insults to them in the same breath. :surprise:

    Good luck out there. Just trying to show both sides. :)

    -Moo

    P.S. To answer your question, it doesn't sound like a bad deal, but there are much more aggressive leases out there. Check out a Murano. You may be surprised by how much vehicle you can get for the same payment. Don't worry about "everything else rolled into payments". All that means is any profit and taxes needing to be paid are included.

    FYI, if you lease through Nissan Motor, there is no security deposit, GAP insurance is included and the mileage overage fee is .15/mile. No crazy turn in fees at the end. Just a very straightforward lease. It sounds like the leasing company you are using may not be as aggressive.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    So -what's the ratio of salespeople trawling and cluttering up these forums - to actual people looking for a fighting chance against the professionals?

    That's not very nice, unless you mean salespeople who might be soliciting in these Forums, in which case the exact ratio in percent is 0/100.

    It's not always a combat - the salespeople who frequent these discussions don't get anything (business or otherwise) for offering advice, and you are welcome to disregard it if you don't like it. From their perspective, a truly informed customer is often a better customer, because they don't come in with expectations that can't be met, and they usually know what they want, and know a good deal when they spot it.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Thanks Kirstie - we do need someone to stick up for us at times. Also, to clarify, taxes on a lease are based on the monthly payment. If the payment is $500 per mo., and the local tax basis is 5%, the total payment is $525. Customers should make sure taxes are included in the quote.
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