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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I hear you on the Camry vs Accord. I'd take the Accord every time but my wife puts a bit more emphasis on noise in the car and the Camry excels at that. Actually the overriding factor in favor of the Accord was because I was buying from someone I know there was no haggling - just a done deal.

    We had stopped in the local Subaru place first and it was like a shark tank.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Yup,different cars for different folks really.. Cant go wrong with either the Accord or Camry. Both have good reliability with Accord having a slightly higher resale value.. But I keep them atleast 5 yrs,so that`s not an issue. Also I was thinking,there is a new redesigned Camry for 2012. So basically this will be a 07-11version-- a 5 yr old model.. Dont know how that plays out !!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Steve,

    I read the Prices Paid forums and I shake my head at the pain some people put themselves through in their zeal to pay the least possible.

    They will put up with sleasebags and shark tanks. They will pit dealer against dealer and the slimy stores will lie to them to get them in or hit them wilth extra charges when they get there.

    You have done what I always suggest...Ask a friend, family member or co-worker for a referral. If you see a new Camry in a store parking lot, strike up a conversation. Ask them if they would reccommend the store where they bought it.

    It really doesn't have to be the ordeal a lot of people make it.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Must have been difficult keeping your ear on that hood at 90 mph and speeding up.....

    Hey, it takes years of highly specialized training, skill and planning to accomplish that. DO NOT try this at home, kids!!

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I think it is exactly those sorts that create the toxic atmosphere at a lot of dealerships. it becomes shark vs. shark.

    Funny story that a friend in the biz told me. He had an annoying grinder who squeezed out every nickle he could on the deal. When they finally had the deal and he went through FWI the guy bought the extended warranty and everything else they were selling. The dealership made nothing on the car transaction and $4K on the back end!

    I couldn't do this....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    The Genesis wins on styling, interior materials, and handling (RWD) the Avalon wins on refinement, ride, and has a little more interior room.

    Thank you for taking the time to explain the difference between the two cars. I understand where you are coming from....I think based on your fine analysis I would prefer the Genesis, although that noisy engine might be a deal breaker.

    I was curious because the reviews for the Genesis are excellent, so I don't know why people would choose the Avalon, but you explained it very well.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    The engine is only noisy on startup for a few seconds. It has to do with the top-mounted oil filter so I am told. I didn't want to make it sound like its always noisy, just at startup.

    I was curious because the reviews for the Genesis are excellent, so I don't know why people would choose the Avalon, but you explained it very well

    Overall its a very competent car, ride is subjective. Some people find it too soft, others (like me) too hard and unsettled. Next time out they should offer a base "soft" suspension then construct a "sports" package with firmer shocks and bigger wheels/tires for those who prefer that.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    Next time out they should offer a base "soft" suspension then construct a "sports" package with firmer shocks

    I think Mercedes was smart to do that with their C Class. 2 versions are available,
    Luxury and Sport.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288

    I often wonder what goes through the mind of a driver whose car is on fire and he can't get the seatbelt unlatched.

    On both of our cars, I carry one of those "thingies" to break glass/cut a seat belt. :shades:
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    It's not a good thing for a engine to make noise when first started up. That means some parts are being oil starved. This really shouldn't happen especially on a new car.

    Out "extra" car is a 1993 Ford Explorer with 165,000 miles. It sometimes can sit for over a month without being started. The only time it made some noise was this winter on a 20 degree day. I realized I hadn't started it for probably two months.

    It fired right up, clattered for about three seconds and quieted down. It can sit for a month and fire up without a sound.

    This can't be good long term. I would ask your dealer about it.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    edited March 2010
    i think the fuel injectors can get clattery for a bit when cold.
    usually between october and may, i start my mustang once.
    there is an electrical connection i disconnect, turn the engine over a few times, then start it for real.
    i think these direct injection engines that are becoming more mainstream are naturally more noisy than port injected (current tech) engines.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    i thought it was an either/or situation.
    me, i have a keypad by the garage door and a key too. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    That would be different and not a problem. If it's valve or lifter noise, THAT would be a problem!
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    It's not a good thing for a engine to make noise when first started up

    I know, it drives the heck out of me. It even does it when its not that cold outside. It has been discussed at length over on another forum, some say that synthetic oil helps. If I was buying the car I would be all over the dealer. However, I am leasing it, and doing all service at the dealer so if anything does go wrong its on Hyundai.

    Your Explorer sounds like my seldom driven 99 S10 with 113K. It starts up in extreme temps after sitting with no noise at all. I guess those low tech engines aren't so bad after all.... ;)

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

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    So just a follow up to the Ebay purchase. It was my wife`s choice and she decided to go with the 09 Camry XLE with 4400 miles for $19700. And the shipping is 650. I am buying the Toyota factory ext warr online for 7yr/100k miles from a Toyota dealer for 900. :shades:

    My personal choice was the Avalon Limited though. But she`s driving-- so she selects !! :P

    So what do you folks think ??
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Where are you finding the Toyota factory extended warranty on line? I'm probably beyond that point but it's worth a shot.

    We bought an 07 Camry XLE - the four with cloth seats but otherwise quite equipped - with 44,000 as opposed to 4400 on it for considerably less money. We're happy with how that turned out.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, as to your choice - I don't think you could go wrong either way. She'll be very happy which should make you so.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    . I am buying the Toyota factory ext warr online for 7yr/100k miles from a Toyota dealer for 900

    Both cars sound nice, so it is just the one that appeals to the driver...which is your wife.

    I wonder about a 7 yr/100k mile warranty for $900 though. I assume the first 3 years are covered by Toyota any way. You are paying for years 4 to 7 I assume. That sounds like a very low price for 4 years of warranty....$225 a year. Is is an official Toyota warranty? Is it a warranty company that won't honor the warranty or will be out of business by then? If it is an official Toyota warranty, it is a bargain!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    It is at the Toyota Nation forum from the dealer Toyota of Greenfield. Not sure if i can post the salesguy`s contact or phone. I had previously purchased a Lexus factory ext warr too from him. Search google fro Toyota nation forums and in that you will get that info.. And it is a Toyota factory ext warr,not a worthless 3rd party aftermarket warr that can go bust anytime like USFidelis recently did. :shades:

    He has the lowest rates available anywhere .Hope this helps. :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You can send the info to my carspace mail - fezo @carspace.com

    Sounds like a good deal. I'll see if I can get that. For $900 it would be great. It was being offered at almost twice that and supposedly because they were going to give me a break...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    edited March 2010
    Hi Fezo,
    I just sent the info to your carspace email .It is actually $945 for the 7yr/100k mile toyota factory ext warr. Hope this helps ! :shades:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    One other thing, I think it is really nice that your wife has chosen the car she wants.

    At work a lady gets a new car about every 5 years. The previous one was a Mustang convertible and the new one is an Accord. She did want a 4 door car this time, but other than that, she is presented with the car as a surprise gift. She doesn't try out any cars or go out to look at them. She got tired of the Mustang because for the few times she could have the top down, it didn't make up for having kids getting in and out of a 2 door car every day.

    My wife tested a number of cars and she decided what she liked. I can't imagine choosing a car for my wife...part of the fun is trying them out to see what suits you.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    edited March 2010
    driver....when I was married, my wife did the same thing. She told me the color she liked....2 doors vs 4 doors....auto vs manual trans. But, in reality, that was about it. She left everything else up to me. Even the brand/model, etc. She didn't even care if I put it in my name (which she preferred). Of course, she also knew that the money for the car would be coming out of my account. Not her account, nor our joint accounts.

    She was never much into sports cars (like I was). But, she liked "big iron" around her. So, the two cars I actually bought her were, in order....a CPO, one year old Lincoln, and later, a new Avalon (with gold badging, no less, which she absolutely loved). :surprise:

    delthe....nice job on the new car. Congrats! I'm sure your wife truly appreciates it.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    (with gold badging, no less

    I am so glad that fad is over. When I bought my 2000 Solara in white, the dealer wanted me to put the gold badges on. They were popular on black and hunter green cars too IIRC

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    She left everything else up to me.

    GG, I think the big difference is this lady would prefer to choose her own car. Her husband thinks it is up to him to make these decisions for her. I get the impression he likes to make decisions regarding vehicle purchases, electronics etc, which is fine if the partner doesn't mind. In this case, I think she would really like to choose a car which she picked out.

    I was hoping my wife would go with an Audi 4. She liked it up until she actually tested a bmw 3 series. Unfortunately, that cost about $12k more :sick:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    My dad used to occasionally surprise my mom with a new car. This tended to be a disaster as their tastes in cars could not be more different. Dad's idea of a nice car was a Deville with loads of goodies. My mom liked little cars with minimal options. I inherited the stick shift gene from her. It took decades but after a while dad finally figured this out and eventually learned if he wanted mom really happy with a car as a present that he should let her pick it out and he could just write the check.

    This last deal was a great example of stepping back from what I'd buy and letting her decide what she wants. She's really pleased with the new car.

    Now I'll see if I go for the extended warranty. Thanks, del!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • biancarbiancar Member Posts: 965
    Wonder if there are any women posting here who are in the opposite situation. I'm much more of a car person than my husband is. For all the cars we have bought in our married life, he came with me to test-drive only once, when we ended up buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee. That was for a special situation; we had that for three years and then went back into sedans.

    We've had a Camry, the Jeep, a Maxima, and my beloved 350Z, and now I'm shopping for something to replace the Maxima. He honestly just doesn't much care. As long as it suits our needs and our budget, he's fine, and he trusts me to do the research, find and pay for whatever. He gets worried when I start talking about cars much north of 35k, but other than that, we think enough alike on these things that he just doesn't want to be bothered to put the time in to search, shop, and buy.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    edited March 2010
    tjc....ain't that the truth regarding "gold badging". Before I ever pulled the trigger, I would accompany my former spouse to the car dealer to make sure she at least liked what I had picked and was getting ready to buy. Once she saw the Avalong (white) with the "gold badging" she said she thought it was "classy". I thought it was garish. But, gotta give the lady what she wants.

    I remember the "up charge" for the badging being a sticking point to the deal, at the time. This was in the mid-late 90s. But, at the time I think they had an MSRP "adder" of around $500 for it. I distinctly remember saying that the deal would be scuttled if they were sticking to that. Did my usual "one price" offer. I walked twice before they finally "threw it in" as part of the deal.

    What could something like that possibly cost? The badging is plastic. It took maybe 30 minutes to take off the old badging an install the gold plastic pieces. So, $10 for the badges, and maybe another $25 in labor?

    No matter. She took the car with her when we split. Haven't spoken to her in quite some time, but last I heard, she had racked up 100K on the Avalon and traded it in for a Solara. Knowing her, she got "baby seal clubbed" in the process.

    Gotta luv'er for her other attributes, though. :P
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I can't remember the last time someone sold a "gold kit".

    I always thought they looked tacky and ruined the looks of the car.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    My old 98 Sebring convertible came with a gold package. I removed all the lettering so it became the stealth Sebring. I liked the look without any markings. It still had pretty garish wheels though.

    The thing I still see around are the fake convertible tops. Someone is driving around town in an 08 Accord sedan with one of those. It looks hideous. Really destroys the look of the car.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    My local Toyota dealer has a brand new Camry right out front with a cloth top... :sick: The only new car that can pull off a cloth top would be a Grand Marquis or Town Car. Of course you can't tell the difference between a new one and a 10 year old one, but thats another story.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    The dealer that I got the Camry from was offering an extended warranty for $1,600 which struck me as too much. When I tried the dealer who sells them at a substantial discount he tells me he can't sell one once the car is out of its original warranty which, at 44K this one is. Wonder what the original dealer was trying to sell? Could have sworn the FWI lady said it was an actual Toyota warranty but I could be wrong on that and that would solve the puzzle.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    i>My local Toyota dealer has a brand new Camry right out front with a cloth top...

    Maybe you have lots of people who drive to Florida in your area. Your dealer is trying to appeal to them. That car would fit right in down there...in fact not having a cloth roof looks out of place.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited March 2010
    Years ago, when I was in the tool business, there was a huge Cadillac Dealer in California that had two of ther bays dedicated to installing accessories.

    I watched them hang Continental Kits on Cadillacs, install "Trunk Straps, THICK padded vinyl tops with side irons. They would put those garish chrome wire wheels along with those ugly Vogue tires. They would mount big grills on front etc. Gold Kits.

    Thousands of dollars of hideous junk...in MY opinion. I'm sure the people who bought this stuff just loved it!
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    That is an excellent idea.

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Richard,

    You could "customize" that convertable you know.

    Think how a Continental Kit would look on the back!
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm surprised that your Explorer battery wouldn't run down after a month, especially two months. It must be a great battery.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    How about a gold grill and some gold rims? :sick: :P

    Richard
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,785
    How about a gold grill and some gold rims?

    Don't forget a gold tooth or two...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    When I decided on the jeep liberty in 03 wanted one with BOTH antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. No one had them. Looked for weeks --- dealer search was fruitless. Finally located one 40 miles from here and drove out. It was white with vinyl wood grain panels on the sides and back. I said it was a dealbreaker and if I bought it would have to be removed. Told him I would bring my wife tommorrow to look it over -- when we arrived it was in the back lot being de-woodied. Talk to the guy -- his words on the work are unprintable. What a job and he was the one who installed it. Used a plastic tool to help and I checked it thoroughly -- no damage. Had a green sheet price on it ---msrp was 29k got it for 21500. Probably should have kept the woodgrain -- heard they are hot in the northwest.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    It was white with vinyl wood grain panels on the sides and back. I

    Reminds me of the early 90s Dodge Caravans/Plymouth Voyagers. We had one of those as a beater vehicle at the office. My Mom had one too, but thankfully it was without the woodgrain.

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

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    They can actually backdate your policy if the car is just over the 3yr/36k warr. So,if you are just 2 or 3 months or 2k-3k miles over,they just backdate it. Dont know if 44k will be applicable-it is almost 8k over. But,yes 1600 is a bit high especially if it is not a Toyota warr.. If it is indeed a Toyota warr- I am surprised that they can issue it at 44k.. :shades:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    I watched them hang Continental Kits on Cadillacs, install "Trunk Straps, THICK padded vinyl tops with side irons. They would put those garish chrome wire wheels along with those ugly Vogue tires. They would mount big grills on front etc. Gold Kits.

    Send them down to Florida....they'll get snapped up real fast.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    IMHO backdating is fraud and something I would never do. Most factory warranties are done thru an administrator such as APCO, not the manufacturer. As miles pile up on a car, so will the incidents of repair. One cannot compare the cost of an extended warranty on a new car to one with 44k on it.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    edited March 2010
    Oh, I am sorry if my reply came across that way... What I meant was if you own the car since new and by the time you bought it new -it say already has 2-3k demo miles or if the dealer drove it and then titled it-and so it has say 2-3 month/2-3k mile usage --then that dealer could contact Toyota about it and issue the ext warr accordingly.. So if the car has 3k miles and is new,never titled--they usually can extend the factory warr to 39k miles if you ask.Not at random -backdating anyone or everyone..That would be fraud.

    So the dealer asks you for the bill of sale and in most of the cases,only the dealer who sold you the car only could do it unless there are exceptional factors like you moved..

    Also there are preowned factory ext warr-not as comprehensive as the 7yr/100k warr -but with some exclusions. Nissan has these,not sure about Toyota. So if you are over the 3yr/36k warr on a Nissan-they have preowned ext warr available at the dealer. Hope this clears things up and avoids any confusion.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    I have now learned (after just about a year and 10K miles) that I just hate the way it rides. Its jittery and expansion joints and ruts in the road just intrude way too much into the cabin for me.

    Not sure what type of tires came with it, but OEM tires usually aren't the best. A better set of tires would help with the ride, if you decide to keep it that long.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    With many manufacturers (and I am not sure about Toyota) the dealer must RDR (Retail Delivery Report) a car when it is sold or put into demo or service loaner status. The warranty clock starts then and cannot be undone.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    edited March 2010
    My personal choice was the Avalon Limited though. But she`s driving-- so she selects !!

    So what do you folks think ??

    I think you are "THE KING"!! What the "KING" wants the "KING" should get! Now take that lousy Camry from your Queen and trade it in for that Avalon you wanted. She'll respect you for your strong armed approach and give you your every hearts desire.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    I think you are "THE KING"!! What the "KING" wants the "KING" should get!

    Just like Jip does when he wants to trade for another bmw. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    So just a follow up to the Ebay purchase. It was my wife`s choice and she decided to go with the 09 Camry XLE with 4400 miles for $19700.

    I was just thinking, you said this fellow sells a lot of cars on EBay, so he is probably a used car dealer I am guessing.

    My question is, why wouldn't the original Toyota dealer have kept this low mileage car on his lot? Why do they sell them off to another dealer?

    Just wondering :confuse:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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