Smart Shopper - Suggest a topic of discussion

Kirstie_H

Try Add-ons and dealer extras: are they worth it? where you're likely to get a response.

extech2

How about starting a discussion with the title: "Dumb Shoppers". I will offer the first one. Many-many years ago I bought a 2-year old Accord for my wife. She doesn't know much about cars, every time we get something new it takes her a year or two until she figures out how to change radio stations or how to use the A/C. Anyway, about 3 years later, just before Christmas, I put four new Michelins on her Accord. Then I told her, "Honey, guess what I got for you as the best Christmas present, ever - I'm giving you four new tires for you car!" (She got more than that, mind you, I'm not completely suicidal yet). My wife sincerely thanked me for the beautiful gift, then added, "Honey, I thought the car already had tires when you bought it."

tidester

IIRC, Reader's Digest (do they still publish that?) used to have a section called "Humor in Uniform." Perhaps we could adapt the idea to something like "Humor in Car Shopping" or "Automotive Humor?"

tidester, host

Kirstie_H

We have Bad Purchasing Decisions, but I kinda like tidester's idea of an auto humor discussion... hm.

mezavala

Hi everyone!
I just sold my old 97 Town and country and I need to make a decision on what car should I buy :confuse:
I'm 26 yeras old and have a 4 year old daughter, we live in NY I use the car to drop my husband to work and to take my daughter to school. I also do some shopping and regular stuff I love suvs but as we are on a bubget we want to spend 17K tops, besides we want to save gas too, so we were looking into the small economic vehicles :shades: The ones we liked so far are the Nissan Versa and the Dodge caliber. Any suggestions anyone? Which one is better?
Besides we are thinking of financing...should we lease an inexpensive car?
Thanks in advance for taking the time and helping me out in this dilema...

british_rover

Hmh Maybe a Mazda 5???

A left over or used 2006 should be close to your price range and it is a very nice little miniVAN.

Also try.....

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0e173c/121

tidester

You may want to look at the existing Please help me decide between... or, as British_Rover suggested, What's the best vehicle for my needs?.

tidester, host

recentbuyer1

I see that there is a topic for documentation fees...how about one for arbitration agreements? I did all my research before recently buying my car, but that is one thing that slipped by me. I was presented with one during the final paperwork, and it raised some concern but I signed it. I've read in some places you should NEVER sign on and in others that it is practically standard in certain states. I am in Florida and so far have been unable to find out if it is a common practice here or if the dealer was trying to pull something. They were very, very upfront about everything else, gave us an excellent price, and dealt with us professionally and fairly. I'd love to learn more about arbitration agreements and if they should always be refused or, if now, where you are likely to stuck with them.

Kirstie_H

Thanks for the suggestion! We're always looking for interesting new discussions.
Arbitation Agreements - What Do They Mean?

rhsbob

Years ago I used a search engine on the Edmunds site to choose a car. By specifying horsepower, transmission, other option sI was able to determine that the Maxima was the best car for me. Later on I used the same search engine to isolate my pathfinder from other SUVs.

Anyone know if a search engine like this -- one that lets you specify equipment, HP, price, etc -- still exists?

thanks

Kirstie_H

I haven't seen anything exactly like you describe - the closest I got on Edmunds was to narrow down by either body style (Sedan, SUV, etc.) and/or price range, then within that search you can compare up to 5 vehicles - the comparison will list the HP & equipment of each vehicle selected.

newbee7

Can someone describe exactly the list of all the papers needed to be signed at the dealer in order to buy a new/used car?

At what point (or after signing which paper) the buyer can still legally back out of a deal?

tidester

You may want to try the Selecting and Buying My First Car discussion.

tidester, host

lightwave25

What's the best used car to buy under $11,000. I have been thinking about either an older 3 series BMW or something similar. I'd like to have a small sedan that has looks, performance, and respectability. :shades:

Kirstie_H

Try Used Vehicles: Best Values

cobraboy1

Seriously, If all vehicles are properly maintained at the correct times, serviced by a dealer. can anyone here agree to the possibility that they are just as dependable over time, in this new day and age?

tidester

Buying American Cars: What Does It Mean? may be what you're looking for.

tidester, host

joshben

I just learned that my 2006 model-year car, which I bought new from the dealer in May of 2006 as the first registered owner, was repainted at some point between the time it left the factory and when I took delivery.

I learned this from one of the assessment pros at a large, reputable network of dealerships that I took my car to in order to see what they'd offer me for it, since I had my eye on a higher-line used model of the same make that was being sold in an online auction, and I thought this might be a quicker and easier way to get a decent price for it than going to the trouble of listing it and selling it myself. Instead, after thoroughly examining my car and having a couple of his colleagues look at it, too, in order to confirm that it had been repainted, he told me that they could only offer me what the car would sell for at auction, which was a full 20% less than the amount he would've written a check for if the car still had all its original factory paint.

(And I have no reason to doubt or discredit this assessor, in case you're thinking he was just giving me a line so that he could steal my car away from me for a lowball price, since it's against the policy of the company he works for to resell a car that has had more than half of its body panels repainted...so if I'd accepted his company's check, they would've sent it to auction, they wouldn't have put it on their lot.)

Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. I explained to him that what he was telling me wasn't possible because I'd never been in an accident or had any kind of body work or paint work whatsoever done to it since I had purchased it new from the dealer, and that I was scrupulous about my cars' upkeep. He then proceeded to point out to me which 5 of the car's 8 major body panels had been repainted, and showed me where I could run my finger along a place in the door jamb that didn't have the glass-smooth feel of the factory-painted door jamb on the opposite side.

I didn't accept his auction price because it was way below what I was expecting to get for it, and I went home alternatingly angry and depressed. One of my primary reasons for selecting this particular vehicle is because it holds its value better than most cars, and I wanted to have the freedom to switch out of it relatively early if I decided to do so without taking a signficant financial hit. Now that high resale value attribute is for naught, and it kills me every time I think about it.

Earlier today I read a posting on an online automotive board by a former employee of the company whose car I bought, and he talked about how dealers are not under any obligation to disclose to customers the information that a car has been repainted after leaving the factory. He said this sort of thing happens more often than people realize, and that when pre-delivery damage happens, it's usually while the car is being transported from the factory to the dealer, and that in such a case the manufacturer he worked for would repair and repaint a damaged car (usually expertly, he said) and force their dealer to accept it. And because dealers aren't required to share this information with buyers, he said, buyers should be prepared to go over even a new car with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it was acceptable before buying it. So if that's all true, then I dropped the ball by accepting a car that I simply trusted was factory-fresh.

Given all that, what, if anything, can I do? Do I have any recourse with the dealer or the manufacturer?

I still like the brand and, in fact, the used car I wanted to buy online was a higher-line model from the same manufacturer. I went to my dealer this afternoon to talk about trading in my car for a new version of the higher-line model I was going to buy used to see what kind of trade-in value they'd offer me for mine, and they offered me the exact same auction figure the assessment pro's organization had offered me. I asked them why their offer was so low (I haven't told the dealer yet about my visit to the assessment pro and my learning that my car had been repainted), and asked them if they had found something wrong with my car that had prevented them from offering me more, and they said no, that's just all they could offer me.

For what it's worth, when I bought my car it had been sitting on the dealer's lot for about half a year, and I even asked the salesman at the time if there was something wrong with the car, some problem it had that had kept them from selling it sooner, and while I don't recall his exact words, he responded in the negative, to the effect that there was nothing wrong with the car. But now I know that there was something wrong with the car.

Or do I? Could the car come out of the factory with less than perfect paint, such that someone doing an assessment of it would inaccurately deduce that it had been repainted after it had left the factory? (The assessment pro said the repaint was a quality job and not immediately obvious, which was why he'd consulted a couple of his colleagues to confirm his suspicions.)

Anyway, if I go to my dealer and ask them about this, who should I ask to talk to, and what should I say?

If I were to buy a new car from the dealer, all the compensation I'd need would be a good deal on the new car I was buying from them and a fair market price (NOT the lowball auction price) for my trade-in, so that my car is not downgraded in value for reasons beyond my control and so that I don't get ripped off by them for a second time. But is there something I can do, some strategy I might pursue, that could help me attain that?

If I had to guess, I'd say the dealer is going to give me no satisfaction over this, and I'll be selling my car myself and buying used. But I sure would like to hear from any pros out there who might be willing to give me some advice. And thanks for reading all of this!

joel0622

How about a forum where people who work in any form of the business, sales, insurance, accesories, etc can simply post the there location and and an email address for members to contact them. I guess it would be a networking thread.

Or I can utilize the loop hole I have found in the TOS I can't post my email address and offer Service Contracts and post prices, but I can have some one else post it for me :shades:

Kirstie_H

Uh... yeah, that would violate our Membership Agreement... check the "promotions & solicitations" section.

And that loophole will just be used to make a noose :P We remove posts that contain contact information that belongs to other people, since we cannot verify each and every number/e-mail posted in the Forums, nor that the individual wished to have their information published.

joel0622

So this is just an oversite since 2002 then right just bustin your chops a little

read post #2
And post #7 and #11 etc etc

Kirstie_H

Our membership agreement has changed since that time, so old posts are grandfathered in.

As an example, we no longer permit user IDs that are, in essence, solicitation. This means that if our friend "isellhondas" were to sign up today, we'd make him change his user ID. But given that he registered before that policy went into effect, the name is his to keep!

(I will ALWAYS win, so bust away )

kyfdx

(I will ALWAYS win, so bust away )

Trust me... don't waste your time.. Kirstie rules... literally...

asah

So my parents passed away and now i have a 2006 saab 9-5 with a loan on it. I can give it back to the bank but they will sell it at auction and charge me for the difference. Or i can try and sell it my self but i have to make the expensive payments until then. Or I can try and trade it and my current old car in for a car I can afford. I am just looking for any suggestions on this type of situation. Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated!!

jlawrence01

So my parents passed away and now i have a 2006 saab 9-5 with a loan on it. I can give it back to the bank but they will sell it at auction and charge me for the difference.

First, unless you cosigned for the car, you are not personally liable for the debts incurred by your parents related to the vehicle.

However, the estate is liable. Your best bet would to find out how much is owed on the vehicle and then take the Carmax to see what the car is worth. If you can sell it to Carmax and cover the loan, that is great. (And I am assuming that you are executor of the estate because if you are not, you will be unable to sell it). At this point, I think that it is smarter to dump the car at Carmax rather than trying to run a private sale.

If your parents had no money or assets, you could probably turn the car into the bank realizing that it is very difficult for a bank to collect a deficiency from deceased lenders. If the estate has assets, you would be foolish to allow the car to be voluntarily repossessed. On a SAAB, you will not get a lot at the auctions.

Hope this helps.

joel0622

I don't know who it is financed with. If it the manufacture then you need to see if they have the same thing as Ford does.

If you are 70 or older when you start the contract and the buyer or co buyer pass away Ford has a program called "Piece of Mind" what the program does is forgive the debt. You don't get to keep the car but you can turn it in with no hassle.

tidester

Ford has a program called "Piece of Mind"

I think it would be called "Peace of Mind."

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

tidester

You may want to take a look at Questions About Private Sale Transactions and Pricing my used vehicle for private sale. Also, check out How to sell your car..

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

joel0622

No its Piece, they go in and remove a portion of your brain and donate it to science in return for forgiving the debt

The spell check works great but the stupid check is broke

asah

Thank you. I am the executor of the account and yes there are assets to be claimed against, so I guess i might try and get the car to a carmax, but it is like 2 hours away but worth it to figure this whole things out. The car is financed by Chase so it is isn't the automobile manufacturer. Your responses have been helpful!!

jlawrence01

I suggested Carmax because that is the "quick and easy" way to get rid of a car. You will not get the BEST price, but as executor, you want to get rid of the vehicle as easily as possible.

My second recommendation would be to take it to the local Saab dealership, explain your situation and ask him for a cash price. In some cases, he might buy the car from you at a wholesale cost.

Reading between the lines a bit, whatever you do, sell the car. If you assume payments, remember that in addition to the large payments, Saabs are very expensive to maintain. If I remember right, the scheduled 15k mile maintenance runs $650 at the local Cadillac/Saab dealership.

tidester

The spell check works great but the stupid check is broke

Well, what do you expect for a freebie?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

joel0622

A topic to discuss the current Advertising strategy that the manufactures are using. Who's commercials you like and who's you don't regardless of the make. For instance i would ride a bike before I drove a Toyota but I still like the Commercial where the guys girl friend sets his truck on fire and pushes it off the cliff and it lands and is just fine. or when the Loch Ness Monster spits out the truck.

Kirstie_H

What, isn't Car Commercials The good, the bad, and the annoying! good enough for ya? :P

bretsky1

looking for late model camry and used dealers or dealerships to avoid, or recommend.

thanks brett

tidester

I started this topic to help in choosing a dealership: Choosing a Dealer - What to Look For

Post a message there to get some feedback.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

msindallas

I have often wondered about the difference between buying a new car vs. buying a late model low mileage used car. You don't pay for the huge 1st year depreciation while still having the warranty, and on the other hand, you dont know how the car's been (ab)used. On one hand you get the latest model, and on the other hand, an already debugged car. I would like to hear the experts' comments on this issue. Thank you, - MS.

PS: If there is already a thread dealing with the issue, a pointer would be sufficient. Thanks, - MS.

Kirstie_H

Well, it looks like we have Buying New vs Used. That seems like a good place to start!

cjandrews

Hi,

I'd love to know more about what it means when a used vehicle's Carfax/Autocheck report contains a long period of transitions from dealer to auction to dealer to auction.

Is this bad?
Does it imply anything in particular about the car?
Are there any particular things to look for?

Thanks!!!
Chris

tidester

Hi, CJ! I think you did post your message in the most appropriate discussion: cjandrews, "Purchasing Used Vehicles" #1184, 30 Apr 2007 10:04 pm

I amended my reply for clarification.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

cjandrews

Thanks!

joel0622

Allot of talk here about the great negotiating skills, tips, and ideas. How about a discussion about times when we got are heads torn off? Like before the internet came along, or the first purchase you ever made. I know I have had my head torn off and won't mind bearing my soul Before I got in the car biz if you looked up "lay down" in the dictionary there was a picture of me

tidester

Have you seen Bad Purchasing Decisions: Share Your Stories?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

geffen

I have a suggestion for a new topic - Older Salespeople - Today I went car shopping once again, I pulled into a dealers lot and I notice sales people then this older guy walks up to me and asked me have I been helped, he told me he was retired but came back to work, he was in his mid 70's, we got to talking about cars and basically got so far off the subject of cars, I found myself in a discussion about the economy with him, finally I told him i'll have to stop back later, he was a nice guy and all I just didnt want to be rude and just walk away.

tidester

That could fit nicely into either Stories from the Sales Frontlines or How to find a quality salesperson.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

conlux44

I'd like to learn how to hold a dealer to those sketchy Sunday newspaper ads offering 5 grand off normal list price of a particular model. "Just had one in stock partner, and just sold it." B#LL SH*T!!!!!!! EACH WEEK, WEEK- AFTER- WEEK, THE SAME CAR IS ADVERTISED AT THE SAME ABSURD PRICE!!!!! ----- it's simply unlawful.

tidester

You'll definitely want to check this out: Bait & Switch

Another one of interest would be Screamer Ads - Do they work?.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

msindallas

Why don't the domestic manufacturers put any emphasis on a brand names or continue them? Examples: Cavalier and Beretta by Chevrolet. I remember looking at those cars when I was in school in the 90's, thinking someday I will get a job and buy one of these. When the time came, they are discontinued! What happened to the Escort, Taurus and Contour? Only brand name that comes to mind thinking of Chevrolet is a Corvette, which I cannot afford!

In contrast, look at Camry, Corolla, Jetta, Accord, Civic - the models keep changing in size, looks and performance over the years, but the names are the same for decades - giving a confidence to the prospective buyer - this car has been around for a long time, must be good in popularity and reliability.

If they continue this process of discontinuing new models every few years, consumers get skeptical - if I buy the model today and it gets discontinued next year, will I be able to get service and maintenance? Will the resale value drop like a rock?

Do you all think this is a problem for the domestics, or is it just me? Like many others, I want them to succeed, too, but this neglect is just one more slipping stone down the slope, IMHO. Comments, please.

Kirstie_H

That could be an interesting discussion - I think it will get more traffic on the Automotive News board, though. You can create your own discussion once you get there using the "add discussion" link at the top of the discussion list.

joel0622

I want to find out how long customers wait to take delivery. Meaning from the time you agree how long till you take physical delivery.

The reason I ask is we sold a truck to a guy who just moved here from NYC and he was amazed he was getting the truck the same day. He said in NYC he usually had to come back 3-5 days later to take delivery. That amazed me.