Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,201
    Can't hardly blame that dealer.

    I didn't know that dealers hated warranty work. I can see the dealer's point of view on the water leak, however, being the owner I wasn't happy at all.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    It's a tough call. A dealer needs both profit and volume.

    Any dealer can give away cars and make no money but if they stand firm on pricing then they won't sell many cars.

    It's a tough, competitive market and the dealers have to be smart to survive and prosper.

    When they don't make much money then the salespeople and managers don't make much money. When this happens, they lose their quality people and have constant turnover.

    Then as they panic, thye pull the tricks that customers despise.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I didn't say that.

    I know a lot of the domestics used to hate warranty work but I don't know if this is the case anymore.

    Trying to find an elusive water leak can often be tough, tedious work where a shop can spend all day trying to find the leak. They often don't get paid nearly enough for this.

    They are going to hate this no matter where the car was purchased.
  • gapvendorgapvendor Member Posts: 5
    I posted here a few months back (see messages 2906 through 2909) and would again like to share some info regarding the service contract business. Most folks, justifiably, have a very negative image of our industry. Those of us who represent ethical, legitimate companies fight to overcome this image every day. The good news is that several companies that were underfunded, under insured and unethical have been weeded out in the current economy. Most of the twenty-five or so companies that became insolvent in the past five years were members of Risk Retention Groups (RRG) while a few were "bonded" or "re-insured" by insurance companies. They utilized the Ponzi schemes business model. When fewer auto sales resulted in fewer contract sales the money to pay claims and salaries dried up, these companies then closed leaving the consumer and dealer in the lurch.
    Unbelievably, in many instances the officers of these shyster operations resurfaced within a few months and started all over running new companies!
    If you are considering investing in a service contract on your next vehicle, ask the dealer to show you the comprehensive contractual liability insurance policy that backs the company. All of our dealers have a hard copy or access to our policy online. RRG, bonded and re-insured are not the same thing. Ask to look at the contract, not the sales brochure, the CONTRACT. If it is a "named coverage" contract, items not specifically named will not be covered. Period. If it is an "exclusionary" contract everything not named is covered. The exclusionary is more expensive and is often referred to as factory type coverage. There is no such thing as "bumper to bumper" coverage all though you will hear that term frequently. If you purchase drivetrain only coverage do not expect your brakes or AC compressor to be repaired.
    Check www.ripoffreport.com and pissedconsumer.com to read personal accounts of folks who have been treated unfairly by service contract companies. The company I represent has been in business for twenty-four years and has never been mentioned on either site.
    I hope this helps some of you but I'm sure it won't silence the "loud confident and wrong" types who think we are all crooks. Do a little research and make your own decision.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    Sooooo, how does your item you sell compare to GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan Major Guard)? That looks pretty much bumper to bumper like the original 3/36 and 4/48 plans.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Whatever you say ,but 3rd part aftermarket warr are all of them pretty much rip offs and if they cover anything they specify non OEM parts at some discounted repair shop. And these policies are absurdly much more expensive than OEM ext warr. So wj=hy should anyone buy these especially if genuine factory OEM warr are much cheaper and you get factory OEM parts and service. The price differences are like 1k vs almost 3k. And that's of the least concern here. They are so exclusionary that ,, well never mind.. And no one has the time to search for 1 maybe reputable company among 100000 companies and which can go under any day!! :sick:
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    Sooooo, how does your item you sell compare to GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan Major Guard)? That looks pretty much bumper to bumper like the original 3/36 and 4/48 plans.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,756
    the Si was an oddball. THe Si crowd in general did not represent normal mainstream buyers. They wanted the old civic back, and that version of the Si was kind of frumpy, but very expensive. and had little wheels!

    pretty much turned off the "ricers" crowd, and did not fit the needs of normal (cheap) honda buyers. Especially since it ONLY came with a stick. And as Craig knows, this eliminates most buyers.

    Who knows what would happen if they had come out with a normal hatch version of the recent Civic. Actually, it is the only way I would look at one. The JDM 5 door was a sweet looking unit.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    Sooooo, how does your item you sell compare to GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan Major Guard)? That looks pretty much bumper to bumper like the original 3/36 and 4/48 plans.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,201
    I didn't say that.

    I re-read what you wrote. It makes sense to me now.

    Trying to find an elusive water leak can often be tough,

    After at least 75 days in the shop (in about 9 months) they never did. I ended up trading it in, I couldn't take it anymore.

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

  • canadiantoyotacanadiantoyota Member Posts: 148
    Congratulations Jayrider. I hope that you have many years of enjoyable and safe driving. Thank you for the sales story.

    Well done.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,186
    jay...congrats on the new wheels. 25 miles is what? A 30 minute drive. I certainly would make that trip....even for less than $2,500.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,466
    Before and after pictures of my 2002- A cheap 'n dirty detail job...

    Before:

    image

    After:

    image

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    To canadiantoyota and gg -- you're welcome , I enjoyed sharing the experience. If I decide to contact the local dealer president on his personal phone to chat -- will let you know. Probably won't, what's done is done but it would be interesting.
    As i said, the prius is torquey and feels quick but if anyone knows where I can buy some of this sudden acceleration everyone was talking about, send the link my way. :shades:
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited September 2010
    I'm afraid you are "whistling in the dark" here.

    So many Johnny Come Lately warranty and gap companies have come and gone nobody trusts them anymore. If you go with Universal Underwriters of the manufacter you will have no worries.

    I don't think I'm "loud, confident and wrong". Just experienced and very distrustful.

    I'm afraid the bad apples have spoiled your barrel.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yep, all true!

    Just a basic hatchback may have sold a whole lot better.
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Craig, Liked your"Johny Come Lately Warranty " line. Can I borrow it?? ;)

    Guess, we are all loud,arrogant,obnoxious and wrong and these Johnny Companies are the best thing since sliced bread. Will do anything to hoodwink customers. Why buy these 3rd party when you can buy OEM factory ext warr that;s much cheaper and better-- No comparison really- unless you want to fund those warr company owners' extravagant mansions. Beats me !! :confuse:
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Burner, pull those tacky looking bumpers off, paint it fire engine red and you'll have a brand new (looking) car.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    The Service Depts don't care where you bought your car but warranty work isn't a gravy sort of thing that they enjoy doing.

    Awhile back a service manager I used to know told me that the manufacturer might refuse to pay for warranty work done if the dealership is doing more warranty work than the sales level would indicate needs to be done.

    In other words they would expect so many dollars in warranty work per one vehicle sold so if you start going over that rate they start questioning the warranty work.

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Why not cut to the chase and let your wife try the GLK or Q5?

    Grrrr, it never stops. :sick:

    Rhodes Italy, was amazing

    I hear the "real" Rhodes in Greece is much better.

    I was really impressed with a Skoda taxi. It looked like a Jetta.

    VW owns Skoda. I have a VW Passat and my brother has a Skoda Oktavia. They are pretty similar cars, but my VW has nicer materials, features.

    Of course, since he lives in Norway, he paid much more for his Skoda than I did for my VW.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,922
    edited September 2010
    There are 2 reasons that car did not sell well.
    #1 -Honda did not make a lot of them
    #2 - The original SI was a very sporty car and the '02 didn't live up to that.
    It was designed for a broader audience.
    The hatchback people didn't buy it because they assumed it was too sporty and the sporty people didn't buy it because it was not sporty enough.
    Before 'you know who' jumps all over me, I remember the reviews and and can post some links to some of them, if needed (probably).
    After catching up on some posts, I see 'stickguy' pretty much nailed it in post 58751.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, the reason for # 1 is because they didn't sell well.

    Why would they make a bunch of them if they didn't take off?
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If you can honestly say you wouldn't drive 25 miles to save $2500, I'd be very impressed with your sense of fiscal acumen.

    Congrats on your purchase and if you can save that kind of money going just 25 miles, I was totally robbed by driving from the Burgh to Streetsboro Ohio (approx 120 miles) to get my Genny to save just a tad less than what you saved. :mad: (if the Emotorcon took another day off that's a "MAD" face).

    Let us know how you like the Hybrid thingy after you've had a chance to put on a few miles.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I left work early today and while driving home on the PA Turnpike around 1 PM a Gold Mist SRX passed me. Nice color, a lot like Mrs. jmonroe’s XG 350 Golden Beige (with leather seats). I couldn’t see the interior color because of the window tinting but the rims looked pretty nice spinning around at 70 MPH. ;) (winky)

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    For a retired guy you sure do work a lot.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I haven't posted in a couple of days because we had a sudden death in my small family. My first cousin passed away. That only leaves my sister, my niece, and my nephew with his two boys.. Upon arriving home this afternoon, I learned that my nephew's oldest son broke his leg in three places during an athletic competition. We had to check on his surgery which is tomorrow. When it rains, it pours at times.

    I did want to mention something to you about your Genny. Leaving the funeral home visitation yesterday, we walked by a beautiful black car with black interior. My wife asked me what kind of car it was. I told her that it was a Genesis by Hyundai. She said that she thought that they made cheap cars. I told her that times had changed. I also told her that I had a friend on Edmunds who owned one. She said to tell you that the Genesis is a beautiful car. To tell you the truth, I rarely see one. It really is pretty.

    As for our purchase, we're on hold. Four different people, including the Internet Manager, from the Cadillac dealer 100 miles away have called us. Each one wants to assure us that they will work hard to find what my wife wants. The calls don't bother me. They're extremely nice people and I'm impressed with their professionalism. I think that I can safely put Driver's posts to rest. My wife has made up her mind that she wants an SRX. There's no need at this point to even consider other possibilities. She even said on the way home today that she is willing to be more flexible in her color choices---Gold Mist, White Diamond, or Black Raven. She said that any interior color will do except for black. It's all fine with me. Though I had that terrible experience with the DeVille, I'm hopeful that this will not happen again. The '09 SRX is just the right size and I do like the style much better than the newly designed 2010's. They have nice options on them and the ride is comfortable but not too floaty. I should be able to land one for around $30K to $33K depending on the packages installed. I'll keep all of you posted on our progress.

    To Jayrider: Congratulations on your new car. I enjoyed your story and the way you handled the transaction. I hope that you enjoy the purchase for many miles to come. I envy you. I look forward to doing our thing and moving on down the road.

    To all posters: Stay well; be happy; appreciate life; and tell a family member that you love them.

    Richard
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,756
    well, very sorry to hear about your loss. Being as my side of the family (even the ones I have not seen in 20 years) can all fit around the dining room table, I can relate.

    for the car, have lemkorun over to faulkner to check out the SRX with the cashmere guts. Probably 10-15 minutes from his house, and his local dealer he buys from!

    hey, shoot them an offer. never no.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    My condolences on the loss of your cousin. Regardless of the family size it’s always rough.

    She even said on the way home today that she is willing to be more flexible in her color choices---Gold Mist, White Diamond, or Black Raven. She said that any interior color will do except for black.

    Man, Mrs. Richard is all over the lot with color choices now. With this turn of events why can’t you go back to get the SRX with the Camel interior? Or is it gone now? You’re going to hear from our retired salesman poster about this, for sure. :(

    She said to tell you that the Genesis is a beautiful car. To tell you the truth, I rarely see one.

    I know you’re telling me the truth because I haven’t seen very many either. Maybe 5, tops and one of those, I think, I saw twice. :confuse:

    Please thank Mrs. Richard for me about complementing my beauty.

    jmonroe

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,186
    richard....sincerely sorry for your loss. Regarding the SRX, if that's what she wants, then that's what she should get. I've never had any issues with a dealership calling me when they know I'm in the market, and I tell them they don't have what I want. I always leave them with (as I leave)..."give me a jingle when you find the car/color/options/etc I'm looking for."

    Now, if they keep calling me after I leave the dealership because they wanted to grind me on price, to come back in so they can grind some more....that does irritate me. My offer is the same as it was yesterday, same as it is today, the same it will be tomorrow. I explain that up front. Don't know why they think I'm lying to them.

    Stay well; be happy; appreciate life; and tell a family member that you love them.

    Best advice I've ever seen given here on Edmunds......EVER!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Wagons and hatchbacks don't sell in volume in the states. Just a fact. Hot in europe but there a number of them in the pipeline.
    Your welcome to jmonroe and richard. Enjoyed the process. Remember, after you decide on the car -- leave the showroom and deal from home. You'll always pay more surrounded by flags and balloons.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,201
    Richard, I'll add in my condolences as well. My girlfriend recently lost her father, and I know how hard it is.

    Good luck on finding the car. You hvae the right approach, just be patient until the perfect specimen shows up. That can be hard on used cars, but keep checking out the various websites and you will find it.

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

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,627
    edited September 2010
    Sorry for your loss -- I'll also second the notion that the last line of your post is among the best ever.

    Good luck with the SRX search. Being in the market for a car can be a relatively nice time -- different and somewhat more intense than actually having and enjoying it, in my opinion.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    edited September 2010
    My sympathy on the death and broken leg.

    If I may add my 10 cents worth, I'd look for a car that's warratied by the dealer with the CPO but I'd also look into just a long term GM extended warranty. The dealer CPO addon that they charge for can be deleted instead of paid for as long as the car is within the original warranty period. The GMProtectionPlan can be purchased at a strong discount from Black Cadillac in PA, and maybe others. It takes over when the GMPP is purchased instead of the original car in service date. So you can add on 4 more years and 60K miles from the end of the 4 year/50,000 original warranty. That should ease fears of costly problems, just as it would for any vehicle--they all have problems.

    If a GM salesperson knows more about the GMPP setup and I have interpreted wrong, please correct me (as if our friends on here would let anything get by without doing that! grin).

    As for a black car..., they're terrible to keep clean. I had to have on in the 80s. I currently have a Cobalt black.

    Are you wanting a 6-cyl or 8-cylinder Northstar SRX?

    I'm still intrigued by the Faulkner Cadillac at 9000 miles if there's nothing unsightly in its past for a 2009. Maybe Lemko would check it out. But I doubt if it's 15 minutes from his house. When we visited Philly for a few days when the kid was in junior high, nothing was 15 minutes in that traffic!!!

    The here's the carfax, for what it's worth:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Richard - sorry to hear your news. I was hoping for a much happier reason for your absence.

    I agree with the advice of you know what you want so give it the time it needs to happen.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    That can be hard on used cars, but keep checking out the various websites and you will find it.

    Hey, you’re post got me to thinking. What do you guys think of this?

    We all know that when more than 2 eyes look for something the odds go way up that it will be found. Like when looking for your keys, wallet, glasses etc. right? So this is what I came up with:

    (1) We all start looking for the car Richard wants. His first choice, Gold Mist exterior with Cashmere interior.

    (2) When the first guy finds it he buys it and comes back here and posts that info so that the rest of us can call off the dogs.

    (3) Then he tells Richard how much he wants for it and the profit that is made from this sale goes towards paying next months dues for the rest of us. With me getting the extra penny if there is an uneven amount after all the bookkeeping is done (‘snake’ can do this stuff for us).

    I think this will work out to everyone’s benefit (except one) and we’ll even have a sales tale. (smile) :)

    jmonroe

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,756
    what, are youkidding? They sell fantastically in the US.

    You just have to jack it up a little, and call it an SUV or a CUV.

    Volvo XC70, Sube outback, etc. All just station wagons. even an Explorer is just a modern version of a country squire!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I'm sorry about your loss Richard.

    Your last sentence is a good reminder to all of us. Life is uncertain.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I don't understand wagon phobia. I love the things.

    I've said it before - if they made nothing but wagons and convertibles it wouldn't bother me a bit. I do note, however, that the current fleet has two sedans in it along with a van and a convertible.

    Probably my favorite amongst the cars I've had was an 87 Maxima wagon. I loved that thing.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,466
    Sorry about your cousin, Richard. I have a small family as well.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,621
    My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your cousin

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

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    edited September 2010
    My condolences on the loss of your cousin, and also hope your nephew's son mends quickly.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited September 2010
    "...why can't you go back to get the SRX with the Camel interior?"

    To jmonroe, fezo, stickguy, roadburner, isellhondas,imidazol, graphicguy, tic, jayrider, and others:

    Something came up about two weeks ago that I have hesitated to share because I didn't want to offend my poster friends up North. I do want your opinion, and I hope that you'll understand this Southern perspective which may be incorrect. I had explained to my favorite salesman at the local Chrysler place that my wife wanted the 2009 SRX. He understood, but gave me a word of caution. He said that he had lived in the North and in Florida. He advised me not to purchase a CPO from a snow state because of the salt, snow, and ice that would be hard on a vehicle. He also advised that I should not purchase from a coastal city in Florida due to the ocean spray and salt. I keep remembering this when I check out cars.

    The White Diamond SRX with Camel interior is from Ohio. The Gold Mist with the same interior is from Michigan. I have told three dealers to try to find one from our region below the Mason-Dixon Line. Five salesmen from one Cadillac dealership have called me. They seem to understand the request and two of them even agreed with me. You guys buy your cars in the North, so perhaps I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. In previous years, I never gave a thought to this. What are your opinions?

    In relation to this, and to address imidazol's post, one salesman mentioned something. He said that for $1,500 I could purchase a CPO extended warranty for 6 years or 100,000 miles which would cover bumper to bumper. He felt that this would address my fear regarding the salt, snow, ice, etc. I'm a bit unsure as to what is the best advice. I know that you guys will have possible answers. My sincere thanks to all of you for your condolences.

    Thanks in advance---Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for your kind words. Since you live in Connecticut, please join the others in my post just below yours. Your advice is appreciated.

    Richard
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "As for a black car..., they're terrible to keep clean. I had to have on in the 80s. I currently have a Cobalt black."

    Richard, I concur with imidazol that black is a real pain. I do have a black car with a black interior and my only justification is that I drive it less than 300 miles a year so it stays clean--and cool--covered in my garage. If it was a daily-driver, my OCD bent would probably keep me in detailing purgatory. Of course, if you can live with a car that shows every hairline scratch, "polishing" swirl and angstrom thickness of dust you may be okay. Our other, more frequently used, cars are both light colors.

    Please accept my heartfelt condolence for your loss.

    Gogiboy
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    " He said that he had lived in the North and in Florida. He advised me not to purchase a CPO from a snow state because of the salt, snow, and ice that would be hard on a vehicle. He also advised that I should not purchase from a coastal city in Florida due to the ocean spray and salt. I keep remembering this when I check out cars."

    Richard--

    I have lived 20+ years of my life in MI and WI and have now lived for 20+ years in the south. There was a time when I would have had the same (justifiable) concern expressed by your Chrysler dealer. I inherited two cars from my father back in the 70s and 80s. Each was garaged and 4-5 years old when I took over ownership. The bodies were already showing rust and only got worse--much worse-- to the point where one had more rust than solid metal. Doors and lower panels were especially vulnerable. Even my 94 Civic had a small amount of rust above the rear wheel well and it spent its entire life in OK except for Holiday trips to MD and MI.

    For contrast, My folk's 98 Honda Accord and 00 Toyota Corolla (both bought new) don't have any rust--or at least visible surface rust and my folks barely even wash their cars and they never wax them. Both have some scratches and surface blemishes--door dings and the like, but no rust showing.

    My example is singular and not backed by any data, but I would be extremely surprised if a one-year old CPO car purchased from OH would have a shorter body lifespan, others here may disagree.

    Gogiboy
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I agree, gogoboy. Any car that is cpo'd should also have a $99 3rd party inspection paid by the buyer. Well worth the expense. A written appraisal of everything visible on the car. Mechanicals are warrantied -- so if it runs right wouldn't be too concerned. In case you haven't heard, they do have storm and flooding issues in the south which would be far more likely than rust issues on an 09.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    edited September 2010
    Gosh Richard, sorry to hear about your cousin. Now I feel bad for thinking you were out having a lot of fun driving everything you could get your hands on.

    I think that is very good advice about buying a car from the rust belt. Personally I don't believe I would buy one. It is not too difficult to look underneath a car to check out the underside. If you get real serious, have them put it up on a rack. That is where the salt, etc. will do the most damage. If there is a lot of rust, run. If it looks brand new, run...because the rust has been painted over.

    I think you will enjoy the SRX and I would seriously consider the 100,000 mile warranty for $1500. Best wishes and good luck.

    PS Remember to make them show you the CARFAX !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,756
    Philly area isn't the "north" for those purposes. Upstate NY, now that is the rust belt!

    Most years, we hardly get enough snow to worry about. And you hardly ever see rust buckets here, and if you do, they are older. Upper NY is full of 80's vintage detroit iron (ferris oxide?) that I don't know how stay together with so much panel rust.

    besides, you are looking at a 2009. Unless the sucker was in a flood, not enough time for a Caddy with 9K to be impacted. It probably never even saw any salt, and if so, it has been washed off.

    DOn't look at the body anyway. Just peek underneath to look for excessive chassis rust. That would be more of a sign from around here.

    anyway, I would be more worried about southern cars, since traditionally it is way easier to wash titles, and there was a ton of flooding in the south recently (Georgia for sure).

    I would be way more concerned about getting a "floater" car than one that drove in the snow once or twice!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I'm with gogi here. Rust used to be an issue but I don't think it is anymore.

    Comparing my 80 Accord to my 00 Accord. The 80 had significant rust issues by the time it was 6 or 7. To be fair, I did live in a barrier island almost the whole time I owned it so salt was its constant companion but I think that all Accords of that vintage sooner or later had that issue. Rust is what did it in at 167K. Mechanically it had no problems and while the interior was pretty worn it was plenty good.

    Forward to the 00. It has just about 200K on it after almost 11 years and not a bit of rust. It hasn't seen the best of care but other than a few dings and scratches the paint is fine, the interior is holding up well and, well, it is finally starting to show some mechanical aging - some of which I attribute to my 21 yo daughter driving it (I put the clutch in that category).

    I wouldn't worry much where it came from but agree with paying to have it checked out.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    DOn't look at the body anyway. Just peek underneath to look for excessive chassis rust. That would be more of a sign from around here.

    Good advice. The chassis is where that 80 Accord had its issues. More specifically those parts that connect the body to the chassis. You don't want those separating on you while you are driving down the road.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
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