1) IMO, it's tough to use a 1-5 scale for luxury. A better rating, IMHO, would be to make a list of luxury makes and ask where Cadillac falls in that list. (I assume we are excluding exotics like Bentley and Rolls Royce?)
2) The Escalade is probably the most intriguing, especially the new design. I'm not an SUV guy, but the Escalade seems nice (but I've never driven it.)
3) Three things that come to mind: old people, big ol' boat cars, luxury but poor GM quality
Warren Clarke just did a ranking of the Top 10 2006 Luxury Cars with the Lowest TCO. Of the ten vehicles, Volvo had a whopping four on the list. No other brand even had two! As a woman, I've always loved Volvo... now I have even more reason... luxury (or entry luxury, at least) for less.
My recent experience turned out to be a great one for me, maybe not the dealer. This would be my 2nd car, but the first time I ever went to the dealer alone.
I have grown up around cars all my life, my dad is a mechanic and owns his own business. Not only have I grown up around the shop, I do my own maintence on my vehicles. It was the rule, you want a car you have to take car of it. I love working on my car and learning more about it, but it definately helped me in this recent adventure.
I drove into the dealer and was approached by a salesman as I was getting out of my car. I would be trading in a 2005 AWD Equinox LT for a Mazda 6. The salesman and I went for a few test drives on different models while I asked about everything under the sun about the car. I researched the Mazda 6 for about 2 weeks before deciding this was the car I wanted... I basically knew everything about the car and was seeing how informed the salesman was. After the test drives we went inside to talk prices. He asked what I wanted for my trade-in and of course I overstated the amount, so I would get what I wanted for it. He asked me where I came up with those numbers and I told him that I was already quoted from another dealer at that amount (which was a lie) and that if I sold it privately I could get a lot more.
The Salesman went to talk to his manager and get my car appraised. They both came back a little later with some numbers on the trade-in and I basically laughed in their face when they told me the amount, the difference was almost 5,000. I told them Thank you for your time, but that was not even close to what I was looking for. And started to get my things. They asked if I had a few minutes and went back to their office to re-work the numbers. After they came back out we were a little closer, so I decided to stay and negotiate the price of the Mazda 6. After negotiating down the price of the Mazda 6 and negotiating up the price of my trade-in we were in the range I wanted to be. Just to make sure I wasn't being taken for a ride I went to a few more dealers to get some quotes, and I was still better off at the original dealer. 2 weeks after the negotiating started I wound up getting a 2006 Mazda 6 Grand Sport, fully loaded: with everything and a few extras such as Satellite Radio, Automatic transmission, Wheel Locks, an extended warranty (7 year, 70,000 miles) for $23,600 (which is under invoice because I talked to another dealer and he pulled the invoice on the exact car because he couldn't match my original offer and couldn't figure out where they were getting the numbers on the New car and my trade-in).
So all and all, my experience was a good one. It definately pays to do your research before you walk in and not be afraid to walk out. Almost all the dealers I went into tried to "push" me into buying a car that day stating that the car I wanted would be hard to find. Guess it pays to wait sometimes, because I got an awesome deal and my father couldn't be prouder!
Just found this discussion & read all the posts. Some old questions mentioned Internet sales.
After 5 days of Internet negotiations, I got an offer for $150 less than my OTD price. I used my initials on the e-mails so the dealer didn't know I am female. Even though we had a brief phone call the day before to set up an appointment for signing papers, you should have seen the look on his face when I walked in (and no it wasn't that I'm a super model nor do I resemble an alien.) Surprise doesn't describe it.
However, I was surprised when he told me he liked my negotiation style and I had whooped him on the price (polite BS, perhaps.) But also, he didn't try to work me for any more money. (Of course, I already had a certified check for the price agreed upon. The most he might have gotten is a zip-lock bag half-full of snack change.)
Although I can't prove it, my feeling is that I would not have gotten the good deal had I gone in face to face. Guess I won't know until I try this in 100,000 miles. I might go for the face to face to test it.
I am new to this particular forum. Please tell us about your negotiating style. In the past, it's always been my husband who negotiated and purchased our autos. I think this time I'm ready to try it. My brother-in-law is in the business and I could always ask for his help. I have already picked the SUV, with hubby's approval because he will drive it on long trips. It's just a matter of timing.
Well, the first step is to determine the price you are willing to pay. You could start by looking at the discussion group for the SUV in the Prices Paid forum.
lv2drv I negotiated on several premises that may or may not actually be true. Nevertheless, it worked for me. 1. Using the internet is best because there are not the normal assumptions one makes when seeing a person i.e. physical appearance, clothing, speech, etc. (Others will disagree, but we all know better.) 2. The Edmund's TMV is a fair price at which to bargain.(You may get an argument here, too. However, I researched on Kelly Blue Book, the official car maker's site, and other discussion boards--although they were never as good as this one-- to compare what people said they paid.) 3. Using an out the door (OTD) price allows the dealer flexibility in his add-on profits (fees can be manipulated or removed) but gives the buyer the feeling of not being taken for a ride in dealer fees because you are looking at the car's price. 4. Buying at the end of the month gets a better price, and buying shortly before the new year's models come out garners a better deal. 5.Not using dealer financing (having a check in your hand) or using a trade-in simplifies and speeds up the deal. 6. I had a hard copy of prices, fees, tax %, tag/title, and document prep., worked out on a spread sheet. This way I knew how much above or below invoice or TMV the dealer offer was. 7. I didn't back down because I knew my price saved me money and made money for the dealer. I shopped around and let the dealers know it. As well as letting them know that I wasn't interested in all of the add on "purtifying" garbage that they sock it to ya for i.e. scotchguard, detailing, wheel locks, mud guards, extended warranty (for a honda...pleez.) Good Luck on your purchase. :shades:
Hi folks - I was hoping someone could shed some light on cargo room (BMW X3) vs. how much i really need, considering we're having our first baby in a few months. I currently drive a golf and love the hatch space, but it's a 2 door, so not exactly ideal. Do any of you with babies have an X3 ? Do you find the cargo room enough to fit a stroller, and other baby-related gear ? Also what about weekend trips for 2 adults and a baby. Is there enough space for the baby's things, plus our duffels/pullmans ? I may consider an X5 (i believe the cargo room is only just slightly wider than the X3) but the X5s just seem a bit too big for me, since i've been driving a golf for 7 years. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks !
A reporter from a large daily newspaper is looking to speak to women who are current Dodge Caliber or Compass drivers. The reporter would like to discuss why you purchased the vehicle. Please provide your daytime contact info to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, October 18, 2006.
Hi. Very excited - going to buy a 335i 2007 BMW. Can't decide on the colours and trim. Don't trust the men's boards to help advise on this stuff
Haven't seen the wood... is it real wood trim or is it plastic, please? I think the red is quite cute, or the pale silver metallic but haven't seen dark green metallic in person - is it nice? Inside - black leather? Or is the brown nicer? Dealership didn't have a lot for me to see in person.
I have to say, as a woman who works in marketing, I'm astounded by the lack of boards for women who are looking to buy new cars. Women account for more than half new car purchases and they also are on the internet more than men... so why aren't there more forums for us?
I would happily go onto "co-ed" boards but it seems like most of them are pretty much for gearheads guys, whom I respect for their knowledge but who don't really discuss the stuff I want to know in language that I understand.
Anyway, just my gripe. I really, really appreciate this thread!
but it seems like most of them are pretty much for gearheads guys
There are a few gearheads around. They just tend to post more than most and are a valuable resource. You may also be surprised to learn that some of those gearheads ARE women! And, just for the record, most men are not gearheads.
Anyway, welcome aboard and thanks for participating.
And, the beauty of our format is that we welcome you to create any discussions that you think might be of interest. If they're focused on women and that's what you want, be our guest!
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
Hi, I didn't realize that you couldn't name a particular car salesman when I did my first post but was told I could name the dealership (Riverside Scion in Tulsa). I had a great buying experience and was very lucky to get the salesman I did. He was more like a Toyota educator/professor, had 35 years of Toyota experience and was incredibly patient. He told me that women buy over 70% of the cars, take 3.5 weeks to buy a car and that men typically come in and buy one the first time. Also, don't ask for their "best" price because the best price for them is the highest one for the buyer. I'm waiting on my new Scion TC to arrive and guess I choose a color that seems to be a bit harder to locate - the Azure Pearl. I drove the Camry, Matrix, Corolla and am renting the Yaris until they locate my car. I liked them all but decided to go with the Scion TC because I liked the lines of the car, the extras and the color.
It's great there is a women's forum for car buying. I found an article for women regarding buying cars. A great resource especially if you are considering a used car.
I am actually looking for a used car this time, but have bought new cars. I am in sales and based on my experience, never let the salesmen/women pressure you into buying a new car on the first trip. If it is a "high pressure" dealer, they will call you the next day (or sooner) and say "what will it take to get you to buy this car". Have a ridiculous figure in mind before you receive this call and start the negotiations here. (I actually had one guy agree to this price which was well below invoice!) Once you agree on a price, have them email you the offer. Don't go back in to the dealer until you have reviewed the paperwork.
I learned in a negotiation seminar that although the sales person may be very nice, it is his/her job to take money from you. You wouldn't just give $1000 to a good friend. Why would you give it to this person you don't even know? Don't be afraid to negotiate!
No, you don't go to a seminar to learn that. You go to a negotitation seminar to acquire negotiating skills and may, in the process, hear editorial comments from the instructor to provide background or to motivate the discussion.
My wife asked for the dealerships "best price" when we were minivan shopping a few years back. The Honda saleman came back with what my research showed to be a great "best price". Though they did try to sneak an extra $500 into their finance charge.
A Toyota salesman though counterd with "Well, you tell me the most you will pay...." :P
So, sometimes it pays to ask for their "best price"... sometimes it doesn't.
"So, sometimes it pays to ask for their "best price"... sometimes it doesn't."
That is what we learned in 1994 when we were looking at a Mazda. I kept asking the sales person for a price and he would not give me one, so we drove away.
I am a young women and I am not very interested in cars. However, its time for me to buy my first car and I am VERY confused. I need help in understanding the basic car options. For example, when trying to research cars on edmunds.com they need to know what style of car I want, an LS LT 5m etc. I have no idea what the differences are. Is there a website I can go to that will explain basic car models, options, etc??
amarie - welcome to edmunds! what kind of things are you looking for in your car? did you want automatic or manual, leather, cloth, full size sedan, small compact car, etc.
let us know your needs, and price range, and perhaps we can point you in some directions and help you figure out what would work best for what you need!
After reading a few of the posts on here, it seems that the stereotype of a woman car shopper still holds true.
"I like that read one", "Silver Mazda 6", "Metallic BMW"... Note that not a single description what the engine, transmission choices were...
Not putting women down, or anything, but women, in majority shop based on looks and preception, not on what's under the hood. The sales people will take advatange of that, unless women, and many men take time to educate themselves as far as what exactly is available out there, and what the choices are. Educated consumer is the sneaky sales person's worst nightmare.
Sales tactics, like the one taking off his wedding band, are not limited to salesmen only. I have had sales women flaunt their "goods" in hopes of making a sale.
when i started selling cars, there was a woman who told me a story about a customer who came in who was very nice. she took him on a test drive, and all of a sudden, he started making lewd comments to her. she had him stop the car and made him get out. she got in the driver's seat and locked the doors and left him there - about 2 miles from the dealership.
you never know who you are going to get in the car with as a salesperson (especially as a woman!)
i don't sell anymore, but that story weirded me out a little at first!
I can't remember if I have told this story here before or not. If I have I apologize for the repeat.
I learned early on in my career that you do not generalize shoppers into groups. Every one is a buyer till they tell you different, regardless of age, sex, or social status.
One day in 1994 about 2 months into my sales career a lady pulled up in an Aerostar van. She said she wanted to look at a new one. So we went out on the lot and found what she was looking for, I did my 6 step walk around and pointed out all the features highlighting what seemed to be important to her. We then went on a demo ride. Everything was going great. When we got back I said these words which turned out to be a deal killer................."So, when would you like to bring your husband back" I heard a small errrch, that was the whole deal coming to a screaming halt. She got in her van and left.
Well about 4 hours later I get paged for a guest on the lot. I go outside and there she stands, she tells me she wanted to show me something. it was a brand new van she bought from a competitor. All she said was, "I don't need my husband to buy a new car."
I said, "thank you for the lesson I will never forget it"
To this day I never ask about the husband. Asking about the wife is fine because you can joke about that and find out if all the decision makers are there, but not the husband.
I had a experience like that too when I was 2 mos in the biz... Had a couple come in and look at car when I first met them I asked the guy what his name was and his wife was a few feet away, I then i asked if his mother was looking for a car also not knowing it was his wife... granted she did look 10 years older but I learned never to assume also.
A guy came in with a very attractive mid to early 20 something woman and I just assumed it was his daughter since he was in his late 50's to early 60's.
I tend to hang on to my vehicles until they die, so it's been a few years since I last purchased, Hopefully the experience has improved considerably for women car buyers.
I went to a half a dozen or so dealerships. At the first one, I strolled through the new and used vehicles for at least 30 minutes. Several salesmen stood just outside the door and not one approached me. Since there was no one stopping me, I left.
The second dealership was better. I was quickly greeted by a nice-looking, very young salesguy. I explained I was interested in a new vehicle. Before I could say much more, he condescendingly offered to choose the perfect car for me. Called me "sweetheart". Thanks, but I am fully capable of making my own decisions, "sweetheart."
The third one was going a bit better until we got to negotiating. Then he said he couldn't give me an exact quote until he spoke to my husband. Buh-bye.
The fourth one my husband was with me. The salesperson directed all his attention to him, even though he stated early on that I was the one making the purchase. Another thing that killed the sale--while standing in the show room, we could hear another salesperson talking on the phone complaining about her lousy week and all the "deadbeat losers" she had seen wanting a new car. Yeesh. :surprise:
The fifth and sixth ones did the "husband" thing. I was beginning to think I would need to cross-dress as a man to be treated fairly and with some respect. Finally got the car I wanted and at a fair price, but I can't say it was such a great experience I would go back to the same dealership.
You get all upset because of the way people treat you. You should be more concerned with the way you treat them.
Next time, decide what kind of car you want, determine how much you want to pay, go to a dealer who has the car you want, and make an offer. I bet they will take you seriously.
I think Karen handled it very well. Instead of responding with anger to the salespersons insensitive and disrespectful behavior, she took her business elsewhere.
Most people prefer to look around at what's on a lot, learn a little about the vehicle, take a test drive... and then make an offer. Your patented method isn't for everyone.
No, she doesn't. I wish that wasn't a common experience but I have had exactly the same experience. Just last week I went to see if the Nissan Versa might be a possibility for us. Like Karen, I strolled around the lot for about 20 minutes without anyone coming out. When one salesman did, I asked him some questions about the Versa, and my answer was "oh, they're all a little different." Well, that was informative. I had to ask to drive one, and then he couldn't find a key anywhere.
If I bring my husband, who knows nothing about cars, the response is generally much quicker and more helpful.
While taking your business elsewhere is a good idea in the abstract, Karen's experience shows you might have to visit a lot of dealerships to do that. A sense of humor helps!
"I strolled around the lot for about 20 minutes without anyone coming out. When one salesman did, I asked him some questions about the Versa"
If I had a question for a sales person, I would walk inside, find a sales person, and ask my question. Waiting for a sales person to come to you is being very passive.
"I had to ask to drive one"
When I want to test drive a car, I ask the sales person. That's how it works.
Ah and now we come to one of the great quandries of being a sales person.
Some people want attention right away and will be offended if you don't give it to them. Others want to be left alone until they ask for help. You can't figure out which kind of person you have until you actually greet them. You have to split the differance.
1. Don't go rushing out to meet someone the minute they pull up.
2. Don't ignore them outside for 20 minutes either.
Also some people don't want to be asked to drive anything because they think it is pushy. Others will be offended if you don't offer them a test drive. You have to skirt that middle ground and find happy place in the middle.
Obviously the two people above are extreme examples of each personality trait but everyone falls some where in the middle.
Going back to my story of thinking the older man's young compainon was his daughter when it was actually his wife I have another similar story.
Guy comes in who I had talked to earlier in the morning on the phone. He is with a woman about 20-25 years his junior that could very well be his daughter.
I introduce myself he introduces himself but never his companion.
Hmhh well I am not going to presume anything and make the same mistake twice. For all I know she could be his mistress or something.
It turns out she was his wife and she was offended that I didn't pay more attention to her. That is why they didn't buy the car or so they claimed. After talking more with the husband I put everything else together. While he said the car was really for him the wife was planning to drive it instead and she didn't want a Land Rover she only wanted a mercedes.
He wanted the Rover but she wanted the Mercedes and she got her way.
Comments
1 Where would you rank Cadillac in the luxury car category? (this group includes Lexus, BMW and Mercedez) rank on scale of 1-5, 1 being the highest
2 Which Cadillac model interests you the most, if at all?
3 What three words come to mind when you think of Cadillac?
And if you want to talk about anything else that deals with Cadillac, that would be extremely helpful as well. Thank you very much....
Here's my sample: 1.BMW 2.Mercedes 3.Lexus 4.Audi 5.Acura 6.Infiniti 7.Cadillac 8.Jaguar 9.Volvo 10.Saab
2) The Escalade is probably the most intriguing, especially the new design. I'm not an SUV guy, but the Escalade seems nice (but I've never driven it.)
3) Three things that come to mind: old people, big ol' boat cars, luxury but poor GM quality
1) I agree that it's hard to rank luxury makes like that, but I guess I'd give it a four.
2) The SRX interests me most.
3) Three words: expensive, luxury, American
I have grown up around cars all my life, my dad is a mechanic and owns his own business. Not only have I grown up around the shop, I do my own maintence on my vehicles. It was the rule, you want a car you have to take car of it. I love working on my car and learning more about it, but it definately helped me in this recent adventure.
I drove into the dealer and was approached by a salesman as I was getting out of my car. I would be trading in a 2005 AWD Equinox LT for a Mazda 6. The salesman and I went for a few test drives on different models while I asked about everything under the sun about the car. I researched the Mazda 6 for about 2 weeks before deciding this was the car I wanted... I basically knew everything about the car and was seeing how informed the salesman was. After the test drives we went inside to talk prices. He asked what I wanted for my trade-in and of course I overstated the amount, so I would get what I wanted for it. He asked me where I came up with those numbers and I told him that I was already quoted from another dealer at that amount (which was a lie) and that if I sold it privately I could get a lot more.
The Salesman went to talk to his manager and get my car appraised. They both came back a little later with some numbers on the trade-in and I basically laughed in their face when they told me the amount, the difference was almost 5,000. I told them Thank you for your time, but that was not even close to what I was looking for. And started to get my things. They asked if I had a few minutes and went back to their office to re-work the numbers. After they came back out we were a little closer, so I decided to stay and negotiate the price of the Mazda 6. After negotiating down the price of the Mazda 6 and negotiating up the price of my trade-in we were in the range I wanted to be. Just to make sure I wasn't being taken for a ride I went to a few more dealers to get some quotes, and I was still better off at the original dealer. 2 weeks after the negotiating started I wound up getting a 2006 Mazda 6 Grand Sport, fully loaded: with everything and a few extras such as Satellite Radio, Automatic transmission, Wheel Locks, an extended warranty (7 year, 70,000 miles) for $23,600 (which is under invoice because I talked to another dealer and he pulled the invoice on the exact car because he couldn't match my original offer and couldn't figure out where they were getting the numbers on the New car and my trade-in).
So all and all, my experience was a good one. It definately pays to do your research before you walk in and not be afraid to walk out. Almost all the dealers I went into tried to "push" me into buying a car that day stating that the car I wanted would be hard to find. Guess it pays to wait sometimes, because I got an awesome deal and my father couldn't be prouder!
After 5 days of Internet negotiations, I got an offer for $150 less than my OTD price. I used my initials on the e-mails so the dealer didn't know I am female. Even though we had a brief phone call the day before to set up an appointment for signing papers, you should have seen the look on his face when I walked in (and no it wasn't that I'm a super model nor do I resemble an alien.) Surprise doesn't describe it.
However, I was surprised when he told me he liked my negotiation style and I had whooped him on the price (polite BS, perhaps.) But also, he didn't try to work me for any more money. (Of course, I already had a certified check for the price agreed upon. The most he might have gotten is a zip-lock bag half-full of snack change.)
Although I can't prove it, my feeling is that I would not have gotten the good deal had I gone in face to face. Guess I won't know until I try this in 100,000 miles. I might go for the face to face to test it.
I negotiated on several premises that may or may not actually be true. Nevertheless, it worked for me.
1. Using the internet is best because there are not the normal assumptions one makes when seeing a person i.e. physical appearance, clothing, speech, etc. (Others will disagree, but we all know better.)
2. The Edmund's TMV is a fair price at which to bargain.(You may get an argument here, too. However, I researched on Kelly Blue Book, the official car maker's site, and other discussion boards--although they were never as good as this one-- to compare what people said they paid.)
3. Using an out the door (OTD) price allows the dealer flexibility in his add-on profits (fees can be manipulated or removed) but gives the buyer the feeling of not being taken for a ride in dealer fees because you are looking at the car's price.
4. Buying at the end of the month gets a better price, and buying shortly before the new year's models come out garners a better deal.
5.Not using dealer financing (having a check in your hand) or using a trade-in simplifies and speeds up the deal.
6. I had a hard copy of prices, fees, tax %, tag/title, and document prep., worked out on a spread sheet. This way I knew how much above or below invoice or TMV the dealer offer was.
7. I didn't back down because I knew my price saved me money and made money for the dealer. I shopped around and let the dealers know it. As well as letting them know that I wasn't interested in all of the add on "purtifying" garbage that they sock it to ya for i.e. scotchguard, detailing, wheel locks, mud guards, extended warranty (for a honda...pleez.)
Good Luck on your purchase. :shades:
tidester, host
Do you plan to mention the name in all of your posts?
I don't think so.
tidester, host
Haven't seen the wood... is it real wood trim or is it plastic, please? I think the red is quite cute, or the pale silver metallic but haven't seen dark green metallic in person - is it nice? Inside - black leather? Or is the brown nicer? Dealership didn't have a lot for me to see in person.
Thanks so much.
I would happily go onto "co-ed" boards but it seems like most of them are pretty much for gearheads guys, whom I respect for their knowledge but who don't really discuss the stuff I want to know in language that I understand.
Anyway, just my gripe. I really, really appreciate this thread!
There are a few gearheads around. They just tend to post more than most and are a valuable resource. You may also be surprised to learn that some of those gearheads ARE women! And, just for the record, most men are not gearheads.
Anyway, welcome aboard and thanks for participating.
tidester, host
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
I didn't realize that you couldn't name a particular car salesman when I did my first post but was told I could name the dealership (Riverside Scion in Tulsa). I had a great buying experience and was very lucky to get the salesman I did. He was more like a Toyota educator/professor, had 35 years of Toyota experience and was incredibly patient. He told me that women buy over 70% of the cars, take 3.5 weeks to buy a car and that men typically come in and buy one the first time. Also, don't ask for their "best" price because the best price for them is the highest one for the buyer. I'm waiting on my new Scion TC to arrive and guess I choose a color that seems to be a bit harder to locate - the Azure Pearl. I drove the Camry, Matrix, Corolla and am renting the Yaris until they locate my car. I liked them all but decided to go with the Scion TC because I liked the lines of the car, the extras and the color.
http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22300/27577/?CMP=KNC-DC_YSM_6
I am actually looking for a used car this time, but have bought new cars. I am in sales and based on my experience, never let the salesmen/women pressure you into buying a new car on the first trip. If it is a "high pressure" dealer, they will call you the next day (or sooner) and say "what will it take to get you to buy this car". Have a ridiculous figure in mind before you receive this call and start the negotiations here. (I actually had one guy agree to this price which was well below invoice!) Once you agree on a price, have them email you the offer. Don't go back in to the dealer until you have reviewed the paperwork.
I learned in a negotiation seminar that although the sales person may be very nice, it is his/her job to take money from you. You wouldn't just give $1000 to a good friend. Why would you give it to this person you don't even know? Don't be afraid to negotiate!
You had to go to a fancy seminar to learn that?
No, you don't go to a seminar to learn that. You go to a negotitation seminar to acquire negotiating skills and may, in the process, hear editorial comments from the instructor to provide background or to motivate the discussion.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
-thene
My wife asked for the dealerships "best price" when we were minivan shopping a few years back. The Honda saleman came back with what my research showed to be a great "best price". Though they did try to sneak an extra $500 into their finance charge.
A Toyota salesman though counterd with "Well, you tell me the most you will pay...." :P
So, sometimes it pays to ask for their "best price"... sometimes it doesn't.
That is what we learned in 1994 when we were looking at a Mazda. I kept asking the sales person for a price and he would not give me one, so we drove away.
I haven't asked for a price since that time.
let us know your needs, and price range, and perhaps we can point you in some directions and help you figure out what would work best for what you need!
-thene
"I like that read one", "Silver Mazda 6", "Metallic BMW"...
Note that not a single description what the engine, transmission choices were...
Not putting women down, or anything, but women, in majority shop based on looks and preception, not on what's under the hood. The sales people will take advatange of that, unless women, and many men take time to educate themselves as far as what exactly is available out there, and what the choices are. Educated consumer is the sneaky sales person's worst nightmare.
Sales tactics, like the one taking off his wedding band, are not limited to salesmen only. I have had sales women flaunt their "goods" in hopes of making a sale.
2.BMW
3.Mercedes
Last Cadilac
The STS interests me the most
Three words.... Bad Resale Value :
you never know who you are going to get in the car with as a salesperson (especially as a woman!)
i don't sell anymore, but that story weirded me out a little at first!
-thene
I learned early on in my career that you do not generalize shoppers into groups. Every one is a buyer till they tell you different, regardless of age, sex, or social status.
One day in 1994 about 2 months into my sales career a lady pulled up in an Aerostar van. She said she wanted to look at a new one. So we went out on the lot and found what she was looking for, I did my 6 step walk around and pointed out all the features highlighting what seemed to be important to her. We then went on a demo ride. Everything was going great. When we got back I said these words which turned out to be a deal killer................."So, when would you like to bring your husband back" I heard a small errrch, that was the whole deal coming to a screaming halt. She got in her van and left.
Well about 4 hours later I get paged for a guest on the lot. I go outside and there she stands, she tells me she wanted to show me something. it was a brand new van she bought from a competitor. All she said was, "I don't need my husband to buy a new car."
I said, "thank you for the lesson I will never forget it"
To this day I never ask about the husband. Asking about the wife is fine because you can joke about that and find out if all the decision makers are there, but not the husband.
-thene
A guy came in with a very attractive mid to early 20 something woman and I just assumed it was his daughter since he was in his late 50's to early 60's.
NOPE it was his WIFE.
That is why I never assume anymore.
I went to a half a dozen or so dealerships. At the first one, I strolled through the new and used vehicles for at least 30 minutes. Several salesmen stood just outside the door and not one approached me. Since there was no one stopping me, I left.
The second dealership was better. I was quickly greeted by a nice-looking, very young salesguy. I explained I was interested in a new vehicle. Before I could say much more, he condescendingly offered to choose the perfect car for me. Called me "sweetheart". Thanks, but I am fully capable of making my own decisions, "sweetheart."
The third one was going a bit better until we got to negotiating. Then he said he couldn't give me an exact quote until he spoke to my husband. Buh-bye.
The fourth one my husband was with me. The salesperson directed all his attention to him, even though he stated early on that I was the one making the purchase. Another thing that killed the sale--while standing in the show room, we could hear another salesperson talking on the phone complaining about her lousy week and all the "deadbeat losers" she had seen wanting a new car. Yeesh. :surprise:
The fifth and sixth ones did the "husband" thing. I was beginning to think I would need to cross-dress as a man to be treated fairly and with some respect.
Incredible!
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
You get all upset because of the way people treat you. You should be more concerned with the way you treat them.
Next time, decide what kind of car you want, determine how much you want to pay, go to a dealer who has the car you want, and make an offer. I bet they will take you seriously.
LOL... that's a good one Dr. Phil.
I think Karen handled it very well. Instead of responding with anger to the salespersons insensitive and disrespectful behavior, she took her business elsewhere.
Most people prefer to look around at what's on a lot, learn a little about the vehicle, take a test drive... and then make an offer. Your patented method isn't for everyone.
No, she doesn't. I wish that wasn't a common experience but I have had exactly the same experience. Just last week I went to see if the Nissan Versa might be a possibility for us. Like Karen, I strolled around the lot for about 20 minutes without anyone coming out. When one salesman did, I asked him some questions about the Versa, and my answer was "oh, they're all a little different." Well, that was informative. I had to ask to drive one, and then he couldn't find a key anywhere.
If I bring my husband, who knows nothing about cars, the response is generally much quicker and more helpful.
While taking your business elsewhere is a good idea in the abstract, Karen's experience shows you might have to visit a lot of dealerships to do that. A sense of humor helps!
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
"I strolled around the lot for about 20 minutes without anyone coming out. When one salesman did, I asked him some questions about the Versa"
If I had a question for a sales person, I would walk inside, find a sales person, and ask my question. Waiting for a sales person to come to you is being very passive.
"I had to ask to drive one"
When I want to test drive a car, I ask the sales person. That's how it works.
Some people want attention right away and will be offended if you don't give it to them. Others want to be left alone until they ask for help. You can't figure out which kind of person you have until you actually greet them. You have to split the differance.
1. Don't go rushing out to meet someone the minute they pull up.
2. Don't ignore them outside for 20 minutes either.
Also some people don't want to be asked to drive anything because they think it is pushy. Others will be offended if you don't offer them a test drive. You have to skirt that middle ground and find happy place in the middle.
Obviously the two people above are extreme examples of each personality trait but everyone falls some where in the middle.
Going back to my story of thinking the older man's young compainon was his daughter when it was actually his wife I have another similar story.
Guy comes in who I had talked to earlier in the morning on the phone. He is with a woman about 20-25 years his junior that could very well be his daughter.
I introduce myself he introduces himself but never his companion.
Hmhh well I am not going to presume anything and make the same mistake twice. For all I know she could be his mistress or something.
It turns out she was his wife and she was offended that I didn't pay more attention to her. That is why they didn't buy the car or so they claimed. After talking more with the husband I put everything else together. While he said the car was really for him the wife was planning to drive it instead and she didn't want a Land Rover she only wanted a mercedes.
He wanted the Rover but she wanted the Mercedes and she got her way.