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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Well, if the buyer didn't negotiate at least $1000 off the MSRP, he should have spent some time on Edmunds. :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, I hate doing this!

    Looking for cars in a hurry since my daughter drowned hers. Everyone views their Internet department as a way to get you to come in and then they'll talk price. I got one today where I said here's a firm price from elsewhere. All i want to know is if you can play ball because you're closer and I'd rather give you the business. I get back a replay that they only offer numbers to a person who comes in. I said thanks but no thanks. If that's the way they want to be they can go suck an egg.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I'm surprised -- you can quotes all the time online around here. New or used. Have you tried cars.com or autotrader? The showrooms are empty around here. Find an audi or infinity dealer who sells all models of used cars. They have dedicated internet specialists that will work with you if they have a car you are interested in. They also seem more inclined to negotiate on the phone or online. There is a nearby honda dealer that gives firm quotes as well.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Too bad. I'll bet you are nowhere near our neighborhood...

    Infiniti is quite some distance and local Audi guy burned down years ago.

    I'm going to start looking south as opposed to north.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Another IBMer here, well ex-IBMer. I worked for them right out of college in 83 until they really started going downhill in the mid 90s and left them in 95. So here's the rest of my story.

    51 years young, but growing old ain't fun, already feeling the affects of arthritis in the legs, an avid biker, bike 120-150 miles a week, not sure if that's causing my issues as biking "should" be low impact. Also, enjoy fishing and hunting, whitetail deer in upstate NY, and gators here in Florida. The gator hunting is a real rush.

    Married 26 yrs with 2 boys in their early 20s, great kids who will go far in life. I can say that I was a success as a parent as they will both be college educated well adjusted young adults.

    I've been fortunate in my professional career as my job is still here in the USofA and hasn't been outsourced to India yet. I'm in the IT field, computer science degree out of RIT, started with IBM in 83, worked in the Kingston NY location for 3 yrs before transferring to Endicott NY until 95 when I left and got a job with Lockheed Martin here in Orlando. It's a good company and did great under the GW years but so far not so good with Obama.

    As far as cars go, I got bit by the Honda bug in 99 with the Odyssey after a couple of problematic Chevy conversion vans. All the Hondas I've had have been great, 99 CRV and 01 Accord. The Toyotas for the most part have also been good, currently have an 04 HL, 04 Taco, and 06 Tundra, but not as bullet proof as the Hondas. I just switched my vehicle to an 08 Chrysler Sebring, bought 1 yr old used due to the huge depreciation hit. It's been OK so far, 2 unexpected repairs, still covered under warranty.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Steve,

    Do you need me to fly into town and help you out?

    Anything for a brother!
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    edited March 2010
    It's a great idea driver but cars don't have nearly as much markup as clothes, so it's not like there's lots of room to be giving money away after a deal is done, and it's not as simple as bringing a receipt to the store.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Interesting! Do you come back and visit BC often? When is the last time you were here?

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, Craig! Come on over!

    I now have a mutual friend in the biz checking things - at least I hope I do. He's the used car manager for a Toyota dealership. About two - three hours from here but shorter than driving across the country - though I'd love an excuse to do that!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Big difference between buying a shirt and buying a car. Do you think it would work on a house deal? An interesting but not very practical idea.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Fezo -- if you have someone you trust in the business looking for you - you should do fine. I'd be optimistic.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    Do you come back and visit BC often?

    As often as I can, but my most recent visit was in the summer of '07, coming back from a drive to Alaska & the Yukon.

    You may or may not recall an exchange we had a few years ago regarding your hospital work and when/where it was. We pretty much established that when my wife & I were living in the Lower Mainland, you were a youngster.

    Wonderful place, however -- if I had to list the top three mistakes in my life, among them would be leaving British Columbia.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah. I think it's a little better having sorted out more what I consider to be unrealistic options (that is separating out what I could get a loan on vs. how much car she really needs). Also recalling that it's more my wife's/family car as opposed to what I like. Translated that means a Camry would do as would a Sonata, even though I'm not sure if we're ready to jump the Korean car barrier yet.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • biancarbiancar Member Posts: 965
    Fezo, do you ever read Warren Brown's columns? He writes for the Washington Post. He is a big believer in the Korean companies and feels they have arrived now to be on par with Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. He feels they are a huge value because perception has not caught up to reality yet; i.e., people still think "Korean cars? Hmmm...." instead of "Korean cars, well-made, good cars."

    In other words, you probably would not go wrong with a Sonata. WB happens to like that one a lot.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Yes I do recall!

    Vancouver was even more fun with the Olympics here. We had much needed street parties like never before!

    To stay on topic: We're getting some of the loaded Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks coming in. Loaded models top out in the CDN $75k range! Pretty wild!

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    edited March 2010
    Do you think it would work on a house deal? An interesting but not very practical idea

    I don't think it worksw on a house deal because when the one house is sold there isn't another one to be marked down.

    I think it would be a good thing on cars because a lot of people put off buying until the prices fall, or special offers are made. I remember I was interested in a K-Car when they first came out (don't ask me why, but I am a sucker for something really new - for a little while), but they were priced really high. By then I bought a Cutlass instead. When the K Cars didn't sell at high prices they lowered the price.

    I don't think I would have bought an SHO Taurus until I could see which way the market would go. That's an expensive Ford with a big engine that I don't think would be in demand. I think the $1000 off could just be the beginning of a fall in prices. So, a 6 month price guaranty might make the fence sitters react.

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    some of the loaded Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks coming in. Loaded models top out in the CDN $75k range! Pretty wild!

    Geez, What do you use a $75000 truck for? Keep us posted on how well those sell. That's one I would want a 6 month price guaranty on! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    But cars go "on sale" all the time. Rebates, dealer cash, special manufacturer lease and purchase rates, demonstrators, end of model year, etc. Like buying a computer or big screen, you just have to stop the clock at some point and pull the trigger.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Like buying a computer or big screen,

    Basically, I agree with you. But, I think a car company that really wants to increase sales, would make a big impression, it they had a price guaranty. Somebody like Hyundai or Kia, who want to gain market share.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Turned 61 (ouch!) last month. Born in Philly, I've spent most of my life in the NY metro area.

    Graduated with a degree in philosophy, a '68 Rambler American with optional AM radio & a high draft number in 1971. Pursued a PhD in philosophy until I realized that it would take me forever to get a degree that would have no discernible cash value.

    Worked for the federal government for a few years. That bored me, so I went into the family biz (apparel imports) & did my part to run it into the ground. After that, I drifted into IT - specifically, IBM mainframes. (We're in the mid-80s at this point.)

    That worked out very well for me. I found that I have a knack for analysis & design, & because of my liberal arts background, I'm a better writer than most tech people.

    Married a marvelous woman. We have a daughter & a grandson.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Look at GM with their 60 day money back guarantee. I'm not so sure that sales went through the roof during their promotion.

    Keep in mind that the rebates and deals stay almost the same from month to month although the details do change. Some months may have free accessories wirht $2k, others a $2k rebate, and other times, just low financing instead of a reabte. The price itself (MSRP) usually doesn't change throughout the year.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    And if the MSRP changed, they would have to change the invoice to the dealers. That will never happen.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,535
    Pursued a PhD in philosophy until I realized that it would take me forever to get a degree that would have no discernible cash value.


    Couldn't you open a little philosophy shop? ;)

    Edmunds Price Checker
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    Edmunds Moderator

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,535
    Hey, Cliff... I have some co-workers in Lima.. I'll ask them tomorrow..

    From what I see, Tom Ahl looks to be pretty internet-savvy for a small-town dealership..

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    How can you have a price guarantee since every car sells for a slightly different price?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Thanks, I appreciate it. The response was mostly a mixture of cut and paste responses, misspellings and the most interesting thing was the e-mail address was for a different guy than the responder. I did not think it was that good - in a nutshell we are good come on over. I gave her an outline to try and obtain specific dollar answers. If it would be kosher and if you think it would be interesting I can post some of the dialog.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I realized that it would take me forever to get a degree that would have no discernible cash value.

    Alex Trebek seems to have done pretty well with his degree in philosophy! ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    We're getting some of the loaded Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks coming in. Loaded models top out in the CDN $75k range! Pretty wild!

    Do you get many folks buying those with 7 year variable rate loans? Loans at rates related to prime are fine so long as people understand what they are getting into. However, I heard recently that quite a large percentage (can't remember the exact figure) of Canadians believe that interest rates will not rise in the next 12 months (definitely not the case).
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Look at GM with their 60 day money back guarantee. I'm not so sure that sales went through the roof during their promotion.

    I'm not surprised. Did you read the conditions that went with the offer. I could qualify, but most of the people I know could not take advantage of the offer for one reason or another.

    GM do not have anything that lights my fire right now, but that's another story.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    ti...regarding that BMW article where most think their BMWs are FWD, I've always suspected that those who buy Benz's and BMWs do so for the badge, and not how the cars perform.

    When I was perusing "ebay motors" with thoughts of listing my Tahoe, I ran across a couple of listings that had some Benz's listed as "FWD". Could have been a typo, or someone who really didn't know what it was they were listing. Still, you'd think they'd get the facts straight if they were trying to sell a $xx,xxxx car online.

    Boom....Vancouver is one of my absolute favorite areas of North America, bar none. I could see me living there some day, after my career is finished.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    FWD -- Four Wheel Drive. Don't you know anything? :P

    I actually read an article somewhere online that a salesman sold a front wheel drive SUV claiming that FWD stands for four wheel drive.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    How can you have a price guarantee since every car sells for a slightly different price?

    Just to be clear......if there was a special offer, extra $2000 off, 0% financing etc., you could go back and claim it.

    Of course, the manufacturer would have to make it so complicated that you would never go through the trouble of doing it.

    It would just be a way to make customers feel they won't get ripped off.

    It would be like GMs return the car in 60 days if you don't like it. Who is going to unwind a deal and risk losing their trade in....and now have to go out and find a new car.

    Seriously, having a price guaranty is not practical for cars, but I think Hyundai or Mitsu could make a good promo from it. The prices they publish are pretty well what the cars will sell for, not much bargaining room. They usually lower their price near the end of the model year, so it would be some assurance you are getting a low price.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Latest figures (2003) show that he makes $10 million a year. Alex is worth every penny of it.

    Richard
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    Vancouver was even more fun with the Olympics here. We had much needed street parties like never before!

    Boom,

    Have you ever traveled east to Kelowna. I've been there twice, really nice and beautful area. When I went there the Vancouver airport was under constuction, I assumed it was in preparation for hosting the Olympics.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    exb0....I've heard all sorts of things from car sales people that made me raise an eyebrow a time or two (our illustrious sales people here excluded).

    One of my favorites....and heard recently....

    -DI (stands for a direct injection). Described as "dirt inspection" by the sales person.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Couldn't you open a little philosophy shop?

    What would be the difference between that & a bar?
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    OK, since we've drifted off topic a little bit, I hope the hosts will indulge me in throwing out a real world conundrum to the gallery...

    My nephew attends Purdue U. He's a JR. A few months ago, while he was walking back to his place after class, he was hit by a car while crossing the street. He was in the cross walk and had the light on his side.

    I'm a little fuzzy about the rest of the details, but apparently this girl simply wasn't watching what she was doing or where she was going. My nephew says she looked like she was texting while trying to drive. She denies this, however.

    Bottom line, my nephew's leg was hurt pretty badly, requiring surgery, pins, a full length leg cast, therapy, etc to literally, get back on his feet. Fortunately, he's young enough that, while painful, his recovery was relatively swift. He still walks with a limp. And, he occasionally has some pain. But, he's back at least 75% of where he was. DRs don't know how this could affect him in the future, but none of us have a crystal ball. The possibility does exist that problems could arise somewhere down the road as a result of the accident. He also missed a semester of classes as a result.

    Here's the kicker. The girl was cited as being in the "wrong". The girl didn't have insurance. Moreover, she's from WI, and as such is technically an out of state resident also attending Purdue. Parents can't be held liable since she's over 18. She hasn't got anything that could even remotely be considered a worthwhile asset to go after.

    For all intents and purposes, aside from a ticket and a fine for her transgressions, she's off free and clear.

    My nephew, being a pedestrian, really has no recourse here. His health insurance (which is through my sister) covered his medical bills. But, he gets no compensation for tuition paid (which he couldn't use since he was infirm). No consideration given if he runs into problems later on in life. And, while I'm not a big believer in trying to award someone a monetary value for pain and suffering, he certainly suffered.

    Where does he go (and how should my sister proceed on his behalf) from here? What are his options?

    I
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Described as 'dirt inspection' by the sales person."

    Perhaps that is what happened with FOB---Frequency Operational Band. Was my salesman just showing off when I asked him? Some posters here thought that I was kidding. I actually believed it. After all, I had no reason to doubt him.

    Richard
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    It's lawyer time. Suggest the firm of Blood,Butcher and McNasty.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Her car is an asset. She should be forced to sell it and give your nephew the money. I know. It will never happen. WI needs to change their laws. In North Carolina, no insurance now means no car. Does she work? Can wages be garnished? Here's a law suit for you: I sue you on future earnings possibilities. Wouldn't that be interesting in court?

    Richard
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Parents can't be held liable since she's over 18

    I believe they can if the car was registered in their name. Tough case, sometimes life just sucks.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I think I would do a check and see if she or her parents owned the car. They could be lying or shading the truth. If it is registered to her parents then they may be responsible.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736
    I could quite possibly be wrong here, as I have no real experience or knowledge, but I was under the impression that, in a case such as this, it becomes a matter of a civil person-to-person suit. If the ruling is for the plaintiff, the defendent could have their wages garnished for eternity.

    '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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Dan, Sorry to hear that. You are right, he may, like athletes, have problems down the road. I agree that if the parents name was on the title they could be held legally responsible. Also, with a lawsuit, he may be able to attach the girl's future earnings. I would consult a good lawyer.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Couldn't you open a little philosophy shop?

    What would be the difference between that & a bar?


    A liquor license.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    edited March 2010
    Difference between a bar and a philosophy shop? At the philosophy shop you can only get philosophicals.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    If there's a suit, or even if the cops wanted to pursue charges they could subpoena the cell phone records which would give a pretty good record of whether she was texting or not.

    They already have her on record as responsible so that's a start.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    >The girl didn't have insurance.

    Who owns the car? Was she cited for no insurance if Indiana has an insurance required law?

    I would believe he needs to get a judgement against her in case she has money in the future, such as inheritance.

    How does Purdue Campus Police feel about the situation of no insurance? Did she have a parking permit from Purdue? I would make as much trouble for her as I could.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I would make as much trouble for her as I could.

    I think our society is over litigious. However, this is a case when you must pursue satisfaction through the courts. I agree with imidazol97.

    It's not fair that your nephew who did everything right is being affected (might be affected long term) because of somebody's carelessness. In addition, the fact that she didn't even have insurance really pisses me off. :mad:

    I'm not a lawyer (I didn't even spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express), but surely her cell phone records can be subpoenaed, right?

    Best of luck with this, and please keep us updated. Hope your nephew has a full and speedy recovery.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    edited March 2010
    Thanks all. Obviously I'm short on a lot of detail here. My sister (and my nephew) have been dealing with this for the last several months. The information the girl gave the police was bogus. My understanding is the address on her license (she had a driver's license from Wisconsin), as well as her supposed address at Purdue are incorrect. Or, at the very least, not up-to-date as she no longer resides at the address she gave the police, nor listed correctly on her license.

    She was registered as a student, but is no longer attending classes.

    The police did find her parents. What I don't know is who the car is registered to. The girl, or the parents.

    As you might guess, the parents, who reside in Wisconsin, allegedly have no clue where she's at. They confirmed that she was attending Purdue. But, have no knowledge of where she's been over the last several months. I'm having a hard time believing that.

    Any record of employment is either difficult to ascertain, or she has no employment. In short, she's disappeared, according to her parents.

    My sister was trying to do this via the police (including campus police). From what I understand, their jurisdiction begins and ends once it was determined she was officially a Wisconsin resident, even though she was temporarily living in Ft Wayne, IN (Purdue).

    I would think she could be tracked via her SS#, if that's correct. What I don't know is how or if it's possible for one police jurisdiction to track someone who may be residing in a different state. At the very least, it should be fairly simple to find out where she's working, if she's working.

    Don't know if she was required to have a court hearing, and if so, the outcome of that hearing.

    I agree with all of you, however. It's time for my sister and my nephew to hire a lawyer. I know my sister's insurance company is looking for her, too. They want restitution for the medical bills they had to pay out.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
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