Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I wouldn't say Nissan is exactly blowing Altimas out of the door! When I hear statements like that I would be tempted to leave, or ask for another $100 off just for having to endure this idiot.

    I'm not going to argue with the number of sales that Altima had or that the SM was an idiot. Even if Betty wanted to verify that Altima wasn't as big of a seller that the SM claimed, it wouldn't have swayed her one bit because she liked that car right from the beginning of her search for a new car. Plus, if she didn't know that going in to pick up her new car, she couldn't have researched it while at the dealership (she's not the type that travels with a computer).

    She's a big girl and she got the car she wanted and at a price that was less than what she thought she'd have to pay eventhough she had to put up with a sleazy SM to get it. As for service, if she doesn't like the service department where she bought, there are a few other Altima stores that aren't that far away.

    Would I have put up with that SM? Probably not but I wasn't the one who had to have an Altima either.

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Would I have put up with that SM? Probably not but I wasn't the one who had to have an Altima either.

    I guess it is a sales technique. The salesperson knows Betty wants that car, so they know she is going to buy it, just how much money can they extract from her.

    Once a car salesman explained why they do the low ball price. Guy goes in, gets an amazing price, goes home, tells his wife and kids he is getting a new car, tells his friends and neighbors, gets excited dreaming about it....goes back to sign and the price has gone up....how will he tell every one he isn't getting his new car.

    I think it helps if you are a little detached from the offer. Act like you don't care that much whether the deal goes through or not. Also, don't go around telling people you have bought a new car until the papers are signed.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Hope that is of some help.
    It is. It helps me to know you know how to cut and paste.


    You should try it sometime. It is fun! Like being in kindergarten all over again. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    SM: I don’t know why we have reduced this car like we have. It’s one of the most popular cars on the road and should sell itself but we kept reducing the price anyway.

    I guess it is a sales technique. The salesperson knows Betty wants that car, so they know she is going to buy it, just how much money can they extract from her.

    Might be a good time to get a real salesman's perspective on this one. But you guys seem to have been drinking too much Haterade on this one. I see nothing "sleazy" or underhanded about what the SM said. It sure doesn't seem like he's trying to bump poor ole Betty to me. If he was going to raise the price he wouldn't do it by precepting it by what he said. If anything he might be trying to make Betty feel guilty over getting such a good deal from them. But, that's still a stretch. Where's isell by the way? He'll set you guys straight on this one. :surprise:

    Snakie, still waiting to hear about your $5 scratch off winner. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    always wins the negotiation.

    It helps to have a Plan B waiting in the wings & be willing, almost anxious, to get up, walk out the door & execute it.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    jipster...I concur. I don't think the Nissan SM was trying to bump Betty. Sounds like he was trying to reassure her she was getting a good deal. Why he had to do that, I don't know. She's sitting in front of him ready to sign papers.

    I know I'm generalizing, but I do find the sales people (and their managers) at Nissan dealerships to be some of the most confounding folks to work with. They are inexperienced, seem to be stuck on their "pitch", and seem to employ every stereotype (bad ones) that we've noted from car sales people.

    Then again, I've only experienced the ones around my 'burg. That's hardly scientific.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    It helps to have a Plan B waiting in the wings & be willing, almost anxious, to get up, walk out the door & execute it.

    True. And best not to burn your bridges behind you as you are walking out that door. Saying something like, "I think I'll shop around a bit more", or "I'll need to go home and check my numbers and then decide if I want to pay that much." is better than saying something like, "screw you! ". :sick:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    . . .best not to burn your bridges behind you . . .

    Absolutely.

    Just being detached & willing to get up and do something else (elsewhere) is often all it takes. Getting invested in a particular car is the kiss of death -- there's always another one somewhere else, and it helps if you've already researched what it is and where it is.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    jipster...I concur

    Glad you chimed in gg. I knew if jmonroe and driver agreed on something... I must be right in taking the opposite position. ;)

    The SM's attempt to reassure Betty seems to have failed much like that of the SM who tried to reassure me of a good deal when my wife and I bought a Buick Century at a Dodge dealership about a decade ago. The deal was done. We are getting ready to walk out the door with the keys. The SM says something about how we got such a good deal that he only made $50 on it. Which I'm guessing was a mini. I suppose he said it to make me feel good about the deal, but it also had the reverse effect, as it conjured up images of the SM scrounging through garbage cans to feed his family. :sick:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,087
    edited August 2010
    The SM says something about how we got such a good deal that he only made $50 on it.

    I hate that! When I bought my 06 Avalon the salesperson said (jokingly?) "You got a great deal as usual, I never make any money on you..."

    I had purchased three 30K plus cars from her, my parents bought two, my best friend 1, and the company I work for bought at least 5 Camrys from her on my recomendation. She must have made something over the years.

    My question always is, if you don't make any money why sell it? It really isn't very professional, IMO. They should just say, you got a great deal and leave it at that. Actually, it would be in their best interest to say that whether you did or not ;)

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I see nothing "sleazy" or underhanded about what the SM said.

    Maybe we are too suspicious, but if not sleazy, I think it was not polite and respectful.

    SM: I don’t know why we have reduced this car like we have. It’s one of the most popular cars on the road and should sell itself but we kept reducing the price anyway.

    Ah, boo hoo. What would you like sympathy? If I had paid the original price would you be crying for me? If he just said, Betty, you got this car at a really good price that would be fine.

    .
    SM: I’m a salesman and I have to think that the next person that walks through that door will want that car for the first price we give them and we can sell it for that and make a better profit.


    That is probably the worst part. We could have sold it to someone else and made more profit. Implying, they are sorry they sold it to Betty because there is another buyer just waiting to grab that car. This was unnecessary. Let Betty enjoy her new purchase without feeling guilty that she is denying this guys family their next meal.

    Betty: Well, I guess that didn’t happen did it? Otherwise we wouldn’t be sitting here right now. Would we?
    SM: Don’t worry, I’m going to sell you the car for the price that we gave you but that’s how the car business works.


    I do agree with you, his statements can be taken two ways. The way I see it, he had nothing to gain by being an obnoxious jerk. It would have been much better just to tell Betty she got the car at a good price, and he hopes she enjoys her new car. He didn't have to say someone else would have bought it and paid more for it.

    Sometimes at our book sale someone brings a book over and asks about it. I sometimes tell them that is a really good price, if you want it buy it now, it might not be there when you come back....which is totally a true statement.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    The Monkees, which aired from 1966 to 1968. The members were Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Englishman Davy Jones,

    So you post a picture where Nesmith isn't wearing his hat (or inventing basketball...) - image">
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Just to show, how a customers mind works when buying.

    We have our open to the public sale once a month. Probably about 2000 to 3000 people show up, some buy $100 or $200 worth of books at a time. New paperbacks fo about half price, or $4 each.

    We buy the new best sellers as a convenience and loss leader for people. We had the number one book on sale "Girl With the Dragon Tatoo" which at a book store would be $13.50 plus 5% tax makes it $14.18.

    We buy it for 40% off $13.50, plus tax and shipping would be $8.70. We sell it for $9.55 cents and include the tax, for $10.

    This guy is asking me about the book and I spend about 5 minutes answering questions. I tell him it will be one of the best books he will ever read, I have never heard any one who doesn't like it. 40 million copies of the 3 books sold - around the world.

    So, after all that, he says, looking at our $10 price which includes sales tax, and the $13.50 regular price, which doesn't include sales tax so is actually $14.18, that there isn't enough difference in our price to make him buy it :sick:

    Another guy said, he'll buy it at the used bookstore....where it will be $7.35 (half price plus tax compared to our $10 price inc tax). What he doesn't realize is it sells out so fast he won't get it there and it will cost him $2 to make another trip somewhere else.

    One lady said she was number 140 to get the book at the library, so she scooped it up for $10. Most people (probably 99%) are greatful to be paying wholesale prices for great books. Then there are the idiots, at least they are small in number, but they make a big impression.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    So you post a picture where Nesmith isn't wearing his hat (or inventing basketball...) -

    Thanks fezo...I was worried that I might not sleep tonight if I didn't remember what Nesmith looked like without his hat.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Sadly I can understand that....

    We have 470 holds on that book and 79 copies to keep filling the holds.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    We have 470 holds on that book and 79 copies to keep filling the holds.

    Just go out and buy it...it is worth every penny.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The salesperson knows Betty wants that car, so they know she is going to buy it, just how much money can they extract from her.

    I don’t think it was so much the fact that the SM mentioned that he didn’t know why they kept lowering the price (which is in itself pretty dumb because he was probably the one that was doing that) to make the sale that bothered Betty as much as it was dealing with the SM in general. Remember, it was the SM, very early in her search, who said in a follow up call that HE made, “I think we gave you a good price for the Altima, so we’ll just stick to that price”. After the SM said that, it was the salesman who called back to say that the store policy was to not give a better price over the phone and if she came in "he knew he could give her a better price".

    So, given that Betty had some prior dealings with that SM I don’t blame her for being put off by anything he had to say. If it weren’t for the salesman (she mentioned to me a couple of times that she really liked him) she would have bought at another Altima store altogether.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Just go out and buy it...it is worth every penny.

    What can you really sell it to me for? I want the holdback.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Just go out and buy it...it is worth every penny.
    What can you really sell it to me for? I want the holdback.


    We pay $8.70 and sell for $9.55. Count in overhead, labor (labour in Canadian), spoilage, etc. there isn't a lot of room left.
    Basically, it is take it or leave it......we sold out of 50 copies in a day so you don't get any hold back money if there was any. :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    bothered Betty as much as it was dealing with the SM in general

    Fair enough, but there wasn't much choice, if we believe the salesman did have to go because his daughter had an emergency.

    I don't think the SM would have been a problem in the final negotiations if he just kept his mouth shut, and he brought out the papers as agreed to over the phone.

    I would have been really upset if he added all the extras (under coat, clear coat, mop n glow etc., and expected to get that.

    I wonder if the salesman really did have to go, or if he had to get to a bar. I know I am being suspicious, but I have had situations and the emergency was not really why the salesperson (or in my case it was a lawyer) couldn't be there. The thing was, my lawyer was so devious he actually won our case in a difficult situation against a high power law firm and a huge conglomerate....but he won because he knows how to think in such a crafty way. Guess we'll never know for sure about that.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    I know I'm generalizing, but I do find the sales people (and their managers) at Nissan dealerships to be some of the most confounding folks to work with. They are inexperienced, seem to be stuck on their "pitch", and seem to employ every stereotype (bad ones) that we've noted from car sales people.

    Then again, I've only experienced the ones around my 'burg. That's hardly scientific.


    Back in 2005 my wife was looking at a new Xterra. The salesperson was excellent, but the SM stuck his nose in the cubicle and became pushy- which ticked off my wife to the extent that she wound up with a CPO X3. We had explained that we were going to sell her car privately(the infamous 1997 528i that I sold for $10k after Carmax had offered $5k). The SM kept pushing us to trade it because "private sales can fall through" and "trading it will reduce your sales tax". Idiot.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, that drives me crazy! You're gonna save me sales tax? Like a grand or two in sales tax? If not don't bother me.

    I have traded in some cars but admittedly it was paying for the convenience every time.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Oh, that drives me crazy! You're gonna save me sales tax?

    In Ontario the sales tax can be substantial. You pay sales taxes on the difference in price and the tax is about 13% total. So if your trade is worth $10000, you would have to get $11300 for your car privately to break even.

    I think it is a factor, but not if the dealer offers you $5000 and you can get $10,000 for the car.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, when you are dealing with that much tax it does become another story. I always get a little culture shock in Ontario in that very issue. At least I am doing my part to pay for your health care! :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    edited August 2010
    Maybe a coincidence or generalization- but from my experience - the worst dealerships are Nissans followed by Chrysler/Dodge. And it is not confined to a single city or state. I have felt that all around the country. Seriously the Nissan sales and service departments are pathetic,sleazy and incompetent. The service dept`s are the most incompetent that I have ever seen,dare say,even close to a rip off -probably even worse than Dodge. Just my experience though ! :lemon:

    Some of you may not agree with me here-- and I am not a huge fan of Hondas as I like quiet,plush rides-- but the best experiences I have had in sales department was at Honda--they seemed to be the most knowledgeable,friendly and less pressurizing. Again, others may have had different experiences, but that`s been my scenario !! :shades:

    My regular Toyota dealer has been fantastic too - have been going to him for the past 8 yrs. But the best experiences ever were and still are at Lexus dealerships. Top notch and immaculate and very polite and courteous with services designed to pamper you. Totally different matter that you pay for that type of service through your wallet !! Nothing is free !! :P
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    I use a Ford synthetic transmission oil in my Mazdaspeed and I'm changing it later this week. I went to the web site of my closest Ford dealer(Bill Collins Ford) and the parts department page is configured so that you can send a message to the parts desk. I asked if they had the fluid in stock and gave the part number. I received a response within two hours, advising me that it was in stock. So.....
    After I drop my son off at soccer practice I drive over to the dealer. I tell the parts guy what I want, he types it into the inventory computer and tells me "We don't got it." I explain that I received an e-mail stating it was in stock and he says "That's your problem; you should of called instead." Grrrr...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    What a moron?? I think dealerships need to hire more qualified and competent people. You should have asked as to who sent you the email. Also you should have told him for wasting your time that -- It`s not " We dont got it" but rather "We dont have it" !! :shades:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    At least I am doing my part to pay for your health care!

    2 things fezo;
    1) Keep writing more posts so I don't have to keep looking at that stupid picture of Mike Nesmith.

    2)How are you paying for our health care? Are you an ex-Ontarian?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Boy, you'd think he knows better than to let me know the Nesmith picture drives him nuts.....

    image

    Frank Zappa and Michael Nesmith (Nez is the one with the hat....) BTW - I'm a big fan of Nesmith's solo work.

    Meanwhile, I only contribute a little to your health care - by visiting often and buying things with 13% sales tax.

    Come on down to Jersey and help bail out the state. We have a comparitively reasonable 7% sales tax but have no idea what it's paying for.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    but I think you pros will be impressed with what I learned (especially Isellhondas).

    As many of you know, we recently sold our condo and bought a house. The lease on our 2007 BMW X3 3.0Si matured at the end of July. We opted to turn our Montego Blue, beauty back in to BMW.

    The other day I spotted a full page ad advertising a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Sedan for $309 per month for 36 months with a $1999 Capitalized Cost Reduction, taxes paid up front, and 10K miles per year.

    Out of curiosity (maybe if it was cheap enough I could convince the Board of Directors that we need a 3rd car so If the kids need to go 2 separate places, we can comfortably & safely transport them as My Prelude does not have the LATCH system) I called the dealer today to inquire about the sparesely optioned Mercedes' they advertised.

    "Good Afternoon, Mercedes-Benz of White Plains, this is Samuel L. Jackson (names changed to protect the innocent & to comply with Town Hall regulations), how can I help you?"

    "Hello, I'm calling to inquire about the C300 with the manual transmission you advertised in Friday's paper. Can you tell me the particulars of the lease (selling price, MSRP, residual, money factor)? I'm not really in the market for a car right now, but can justify it if it is a sensational car at a spectacular price."

    "Sure, no problem BLAH BLAH BLAH. Do you have a trade?"

    "No trade, we turned in my wife's leased 2007 BMW X3 about 2 weeks ago. How often does the car need to go in for service and what do the services cost?"

    "Mercedes-Benz has a great pre-paid maintenance plan that they'll residualize and you can roll right into your lease. You'll really like the way the C-Class drives, rock solid on the highway, but not harsh like a BMW."

    "Sounds great. If we do decide to lease the car, we'd like to lease with $0 Cap cost reduction, for 36 months, 15,000 miles per year, 6% CT taxes rolled into the payment, & the MB prepaid maintenance. How much would that be roughly?"

    "Can you come over here? I'd really like to show you the vehicle in person so we can crunch some numbers. We're open until 7:00 tonight."

    "Ok, sounds great. I'll see you between 6 & 6:15pm."

    ...TO BE CONTINUED...

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    nyccarguy (who by the way hasn't been nyccarguy for over 6 years & doesn't even live in NY state anymore.), he made an appointment to go look at a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Sedan @ 6:00pm.

    I pulled into the dealership at 5:56pm. You should have seen the look the 2 "seasoned" salesmen gave each other when they saw my car. While my Prelude is in good shape, it still has it's boy racer looks (my exhaust doesn't help). I get out of the car in my cargo shorts, old navy tshirt, sneakers, & store keys attached to my belt loop. It was the "If this guy is an up, then we'll have the cleaning crew sell him a car."

    Samuel L Jackson came out to greet me. We shook hands. He said he'd go and get the car.

    "We have a silver or black. The black is a litle cheaper."

    "Black it is"

    He shows me the car and asks what I think.

    "Very handsome, huge trunk, nice interior."

    "Gimme your license so I can make a copy and we can go for a ride."

    "You know what, before I take a test drive, I'd feel more comfortable to see what the numbers come out to."

    We go back to his desk. I tell him I'm surprised he has a RWD Mercedes with a stick (Every Mercedes around here is All Wheel Drive & automatic) He tells me it is sweet.

    He asks me again what parameters I'd like to put in the lease. He punches the numbers into his computer & comes up with $459/ month.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    So I told him I was looking for a payment in the mid$300 range. But I know that isn't possible since the selling price of the car is fantastic & the lease rate & residual are what they are

    He tried to get me to stay so we could find a number that works for me.

    I thanked him again for his time, got up, shook his hand, then left.

    How'd I do sales pros? I wasn't a stroke, declined the test drive becauseI wasn't certain I wanted to buy. Showed up for my appointment on tine, & even wrote the guy a follow up thank-you email.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Sedan for $309 per month for 36 months with a $1999 Capitalized Cost Reduction,

    You handled it like a pro..............you played it perfectly.
    But how did it go from $309 to almost $500? I suppose the $1999 Capitalization Cost Reduction (is that a nice way of saying down payment in MB language), plus taxes, etc in the lease help boost it pretty fast.

    The C300 is a great car, the salesman was pretty fair...but it is the old, get you to want the car, and then hit you with the real price. The $309 was just to get you in the door. I am not too sure clothes even matter any more, there might be a better chance you have money if you aren't dressed up.

    The one bit of solid advice I can give you is it is pretty late in the year to lease a 2010. Since the lease is based on the value of the car at the end of the lease, sometimes it costs less, or the same to lease a 2011. Different if you were buying, and you get your discount off the top, but on a lease you are really leasing a one year old car.

    Good story, sorry you couldn't get it for the price you wanted, I think you would have liked the MB.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,087
    Sounds like you did fine to me. It all could have been done over the phone and saved you the trip down there. However, the salesman wanted you at the dealership.

    Just for my own curiousity what was the MSRP of that C-class? Someone told me Mercedes always has pretty good leases. If I had to guess, I would say about 36ish... if so that is a pretty decent lease if was really zero down w/taxes @ 15k a year.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Frank Zappa and Michael Nesmith (Nez is the one with the hat....) BTW - I'm a big fan of Nesmith's solo work

    Go see Jersey Boys, I think you would love it!

    Thanks for bringing your money to Canada, we can use it. There has been some talk of a value added tax being implemented in the U.S. I believe you are the only civilized country without one. It is a federal tax applied on top of your state tax. Don't get mad at me, I am just the messenger.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,087
    edited August 2010
    But how did it go from $309 to almost $500?

    Well there would be the 1999 rolled in, taxes, acquistion fee, Nyc wanted 15K instead of 10K probably a 2% reduction in residual value, and the prepaid maintenance. Doesn't take long to creep up.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I explain that I received an e-mail stating it was in stock and he says "That's your problem; you should of called instead." Grrrr..

    Sounds like you may have gone to Oxmoor Mazda by mistake. :sick:

    But, I think I would have had a problem with the parts guy saying."That's your problem." It's rude and insulting... and it was their screw up, and their problem, They should have made a run to Pep Boys (or where ever) and got your trans. oil while you waited in the customer lounge drinking a cold Sam Adams.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Sales folks seem to not posting at present so I'll hazard a response.
    The sales persons desired result is dough in their pocket which did not happen so I'd say it was a no gainer for the sales guy and/or the dealership. Test drive is irrelevant since no money was exchanged.

    One thing bothers me. You seem to have gotten attached to a rental car!
    Lease, rental same thing only longer term.
    I've rented many cars in my work, (a few weeks at a time vice 3 years, but same thing). I only liked one enough to move on it. A yellow Mustang with the 5.0. Must have been one of the first ones made back in 79-81. I tried to buy it at turn-in and was told it would be up for sale in Mo/Day/Yr/mileage. They were in Houston and I lived in Virginia so I chalked it up as a no go.

    Maybe it's a NY thing. My brother-in-law (originally from Long Island-now in Va) rented a tiller for the weekend for $75. I said you could have bought it for $300.
    NY, VA different mindset I guess. Oh well, good luck with the MB. Dave

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    My brother-in-law (originally from Long Island-now in Va) rented a tiller for the weekend for $75. I said you could have bought it for $300

    There is a time when renting is probably the better choice. If he only needs the tiller once or every few years he is probably ahead just renting it when he needs it. He might not want to store it when he is not using it 99% of the time.

    A lease is sometimes good for business people. Get a nicer car for the same amount and easier to write off. But it back at the end and get a 2nd family car for a good price.

    I like to own in most cases, gives me more control. I can sell the car when I want, I don't have to worry about mileage limits, if my lifestyle changes I can do what I want, etc. but, there are times when leasing or renting do make sense.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Doesn't take long to creep up.

    Yes, like almost double! I don't know how effective advertising that really low rate is. It might upset some people who go in all excited to get a new MB for a little more than a Camry, only to find in real life the price will be almost double. I suppose some people will go for the low price deal, like the car so much (which is why the salesman wanted take nyc for a test drive so badly), and be willing to lease the car for at least 50% more than the advertised price....once it is on paper.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    MSRP on the C was under $35K. The silver one had a sticker price just over $35K. The only option was an iPod integration kit.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Good to know, I made a draft to refer back to later when need be. But the cynic in me acknowledges that rarely is there ever a free ride.

    I ride and work on bikes a fair bit. And they go through pads faster than you'd think when sport riding in the canyons. But what I have found is if you find a pad that lasts, then you need to take thickness reading on your rotor at the same time. This way you can see if the new pad is killing your rotor. You see...rotors on bikes, most are SS (stainless steel) are expensive. Consider that a simple pair of OEM's for the front on a VFR are around the 700 dollar range!

    So what some of us riders do is opt to go with the softer pads (ones that have good retarding characteristics of course) but save the rotors. They are usually the ones which have less metal in them. That is what the content became when asbestos was banned.
    The dust on wheels is actually a combo of the glues used to bind the pad material.

    So let us know if the rotors are taking the heat now Jim, ok?

    Still real good name to know. Good tip..
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,087
    and be willing to lease the car for at least 50% more than the advertised price....once it is on paper.

    The 1999 is right there on the lease offer as it's part of the total cost. Anyone who knows leasing knows the taxes/tags etc is never part of the teaser low lease payment.

    Lets look at it this way, before even going into the dealership you know that the 309 goes right to 364 after rolling in the 1999 then adding 7% tax brings it to 390. Also I believe there is most likely a bank/inception/acquisition fee of most likely $500+.

    All in all a $459 lease payment on a 35K car with 15K miles a year and scheduled maintenance with zero down is not a bad deal IMO.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,769
    Frank Zappa and Michael Nesmith (Nez is the one with the hat....)

    Actually, that's Zappa with the hat in that pic.
    :P

    '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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ding! Ding! Ding! You win the prize. I was worried no one would catch that....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    But, I think I would have had a problem with the parts guy saying."That's your problem." It's rude and insulting... and it was their screw up, and their problem,

    In all fairness, I took his comment to mean, "THAT'S your problem." rather than "That's YOUR problem."

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    So I decided to call Oxmoor Ford(yes, I'm desperate) about the synthetic transmission oil. I went to their web site and called the local number they listed- and I get the following recorded reply: "You have reached Oxmoor Ford's internet sales office. If you wish to reach the parts department press 1 now"
    So I press one and get: "I'm sorry that is an invalid number".
    I finally Google the dealership and get a number that connects me to a live receptionist. The guy in parts claims that he has eight quarts.
    We'll see; if you see a news bulletin in the next two hours concerning a crazed gunman shooting up a Louisville Ford dealership you will know the parts guy was lying...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    If your main goal is 75w90 100% synthetic, then drop by any heavy truck servicing area. They should have it in bulk and will cost you less too. Take your old containers with you.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    I'm not stuck on leasing a car. I prefer to own. My '01 Honda Prelude Type SH has over 124,000 miles on the odometer. My wife's 2010 Acura TSX won't be a year old until the end of August. She's already got almost 17,000 miles on it.

    Part of why my wife and I decided to not get another car is to try and save money. I figured out the total cost of the lease & it comes out to over $16,500 over 3 years.

    I also understand leasing and it's benefits/limitations.

    The $460 per month is a good deal, but not the phenomenal deal our '07 BMW X3 was - $471.67 per month. 3 years/15K per year. $0 down w/ taxes rolled into the payment for an almost $41K BMW. I know times are drastically different now.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    edited August 2010
    If your main goal is 75w90 100% synthetic, then drop by any heavy truck servicing area. They should have it in bulk and will cost you less too. Take your old containers with you.

    I wish it was that simple; I have a couple of quarts of Mobil 1 75W-90 GL-5 in the garage.. The oil I need is a proprietary Ford product:
    Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

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