Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Absolutely right...when done correctly, roundabouts work very well.
    If you want to see something pretty funny, watch the tourists driving in the UK (already driving on the "wrong" side of the road), and the look of absolute panic when they hit a roundabout for the first time in their life.
    The first time I did this, it took a lot of concentration to avoid sudden lane changes and sometimes I went around again if I missed my turnoff.
    Great fun!

    Doug
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    Everyone I have seen has a stop sign at each entrance

    A good traffic circle should not have stop signs. In Spain You better not stop to move in, or you'll get blasted with horns for miles. Just keep moving. I think they do lose their value if there are too many intersections and too much traffic....St Armands Circle in Sarasota works well if not overly congested.

    an article by some engineers stating how they figured out how a bumble bee was able to maintain stable flight.

    It is explained very nicely if you google "why bumblebees can fly" and check wikipedia under flight. Has to do with the way they move their wings, not just that they have wings.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,724
    edited November 2010
    >Yet, Ohio State is regularly (and presumptuously as the Ohio State University. Gimme just a slight break.

    May I respectfully point out that it is The Ohio State University. ;) wink The word "The" is part of the name and is capitalized. This was explained during our $150 orientation session. Maybe that major university in Columbus is confused with Ohio University in the bucolic hills in southeast Ohio and therefore the push for the distinctive name is being made? Bet you don't know the original colors for The Ohio State University?

    Miami University, Cradle of Coaches, will always be the Miami Redskins for me.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I actually have plenty of personal experience with them (growing up in Mexico, having lived in Germany, and driven all over Europe, Israel, New Zealand, etc.). Is that enough for you?

    At least I got my facts right. Bumblebees can fly.


    So actually those facts are just your opinion, based on your personal experience. My experience is that traffic circles don't work for me so I don't care for them. I am sure a lot of people like soccer, socialized medicine, the metric system, and tiny little cars, but I don't care for them either.

    As far as bumblebees are concerned, maybe snake is right.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    I agree. I've driven around traffic circles all over the world, but I can't remember one with stop signs. Seems like it would defeat the purpose. But I have seen bumblebees fly.
  • m6vxm6vx Member Posts: 142
    edited November 2010
    JD Powers

    Nothing new - the same things I've been seeing here for years.
  • kubus_gtkubus_gt Member Posts: 31
    So I bought '11 Fusion last night. First offer dealer makes was 22705, about 1600 under sticker and 4500 for trade. Not bad, but I countered with 20705 and 5000 for trade and wrote it down on the work sheet. I based it on what truecar.com has and couple prices paid forums. I saw all the glass box guys go outside to look at my trade again as if they were looking for change. GM comes over, intro/shake, pulls out iphone and says wholesale for my car is 2600 to 5200. So I said, OK 4500 for the trade and 20705 for the car, he said that's the deal and we shook hands.
    I don't know what I was thinking other then being tired, I completely missed the purchase price that was put on the bill - 22705 - not what I agreed on at all. I called this am and left VM for the sales guy, but he doesn't come in until 2P.
    What else can I do, and is there really anything I can do since unfortunatly i signed off on this deal. I'm in PA so no 3 day cool off period either.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I don't think they will take you to court to make you buy. Just ask for the correction and do the deal as agreed upon. If not, you can walk. I've had deposits returned for a number of reasons --- the dealer has no interest in forcing you to buy the Fusion. If you don't buy someone else will. Now if you had the car customized with wheels and special add-ons then that would be a different story.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,157
    Look at the paperwork again, did they also bump up the value on the trade by 2K? Was there a 2000 rebate that comes off at the end. We need more info.

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

  • kubus_gtkubus_gt Member Posts: 31
    Nope, no rebates and the trade is listed as 4500.
    I drove the car off the lot yesterday with all the paperwork finalized.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,625
    I drove the car off the lot . . .

    My guess is that you are well and truly screwed.

    There for awhile I thought the dealer might still be in possession of the car, but the instant you drove it off the store property, you finalized the deal. More than once I've had dealers insist I drive the car "around the block" after I've done the paperwork but still needed to go home to get my wife to drive one of the cars back. There's a reason they do that, but state laws may vary.

    Good luck.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,157
    How did you not catch this? This is a decent chuck of money. Did you finance it? The monthly payment difference is probably $40 or more. I would talk with the person who shook your hand and hope he is honest and remembers and fixes the deal. If not you may be stuck with it.

    Best case scenario is you cause a big fuss and they unwind the entire thing, although this is highly unlikely.

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    edited November 2010
    So actually those facts are just your opinion, based on your personal experience.

    Last post on this so we don't get shut down. The are plenty of studies about roundabouts being better (disclaimer: when done correctly). I hope you don't dispute that (google that if you want).

    The comment about my experience with roundabouts wasn't to show evidence that they work. It was to address your comment that I had no personal experience with them.

    Anyway, I'm moving on and you should too.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I drove the car off the lot yesterday with all the paperwork finalized

    Ouch. I would try to go into the dealership asap and talk to the GM. You'll find out how honest that dealership is fairly quickly by explaining your situation.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Avoiding trades is always best, but if there is a trade involved, the only number is the difference. What is put on paper about the trade/sale price is not important.
    When I was young and sharp I had no money, but now I'm old and not as sharp so I make it a point to simplify numbers. Difference in price and out the door number.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    edited November 2010
    I completely missed the purchase price that was put on the bill - 22705 - not what I agreed on at all.

    Unfortunately, I don't think you can undo the deal. The only option is if the GM is a nice guy and admits he made a mistake. The contract is what stands up in court, and being tired and signing won't be a good enough excuse.

    It does sound like a pretty good price for the Fusin, especially with $2000 less. I wonder if the GM did this by mistake or on purpose. Maybe, he thought the only way he could sell the car was to try to get it through at the higher price.

    I would talk to him....at this point you would have nothing to lose, and maybe it was an honest mistake. You can tell him if he refunds the money you would certainly be impressed and would tell all your friends about what a good dealership they have.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    If you want to watch something really amazing, about the future, watch this 4 minute video:
    Sony - A Look at the FUTURE

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • m6vxm6vx Member Posts: 142
    edited November 2010
    That's from 2008.

    Here's the 2010 Version
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,360
    "...The safest city...was seen as Colonie, NY..."

    Actually we are a town, not a city.

    You forgot to mention that was for two years in a row. :) That's because our police spend more time fighting crime than writing tickets.

    Now that you know where I live I don't want to catch any of you guys hanging around looking to get a ride in my van. :P

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,360
    "...The chief has resigned..."

    In Schenectady, a few towns over, the police chief went to jail for selling coke and in Albany, which we are a suburb of, the city gang "expert" was caught working a second job while on sick leave and for claiming he had a gang data base which never existed.

    Makes you wonder who the REAL crooks are.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    edited November 2010
    wow! yet...idiocy and ignorance, dominating basic common-sense, runs rampant..

    maybe I'm just jealous? I don't facebook, tweet, iPod, mp3 or almost any fraction of the techno-world racing before me...yet I still survive. Amazing indeed..
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,360
    I was wondering how dealers go about ordering their cars.

    Lets say they order 100 of a particular model each year. Do they receive the majority of them all at once or are the deliveries spread out over the entire year?

    Also do deliveries come on a regular basis, say once a month or does it vary with seasonal demand?

    And one final question. Does the manufacturer ever refuse to sell the dealer more of a particular model for any reason other than lack of available units?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    edited November 2010
    Lets say they order 100 of a particular model each year. Do they receive the majority of them all at once or are the deliveries spread out over the entire year?

    They are received throughout the year. The plants are in production all year, so deliveries are spread out. Not all at once.

    Also do deliveries come on a regular basis, say once a month or does it vary with seasonal demand?

    They arrive sporadically. Most are delivered by truck, and on an irregular basis. Sometimes a trailer or more, and sometimes 1 or 2 units at a time. Usually a steady flow.

    Does the manufacturer ever refuse to sell the dealer more of a particular model for any reason other than lack of available units?

    Not sure about all brands, but generally most models are allocated and must be qualified for. So a dealer usually can't get enough of the hot models, and may have his arm twisted to take more of the slow movers.

    That is how it worked for the brand I sold. Perhaps someone else can chime in for some others.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    That's from 2008.
    Here's the 2010 Version

    Interesting, but I like the original more...it covered a lot more topics like jobs of the future etc.....however the additional information was fascinating.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    Now that you know where I live I don't want to catch any of you guys hanging around looking to get a ride in my van

    We'll just steal it....the police won't be expecting that in your town.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    My wife took her BMW in for some service work. They wanted to keep it overnight so they gave her a rental car to use, a 2010 Volvo S40.

    She said she didn't like the Volvo and couldn't wait to get her bimmer back. The Volvo has sloppy steering, spongy soft ride and the car lacks the "feel of the road" - her words not mine.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I heard today that Kia will start to sell new cars directly to consumers...on ebay. isell, got out just in time. As he grows old gracefully he can look back on the good old days and say, "That's not the way we used to do it....dag nabbit !! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Now you've done it. Now I have images of Grampa Simpson in my head. Now every time I think of Isell I will have this image in my mind:

    image

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    My mental image is more of grandpa Amos McCoy from "The Real McCoy's".

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,703
    colonie, huh? I went to college in Schenectady, and have been to the greater colonie area many times. And will be in Amsterdam over X-mas (family there)

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 268,454
    "Luke! Luke!.. Get away from there, Luke!

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,703
    a few years ago I almost got a 5 series BMW. Since I wanted a stick, and specific color, it had to be a special order.

    Not a big deal to them. Salesguy pulled out their allocation allotment, which went out at least a few months. Each unit was slotted into a production window, and had a defined order cut off date.

    so ordering was simply a matter of scrolling down to the first unclaimed 5 series slot (they were allocated a certain number of each model), then picking the options. and then just wait for it to show up.

    when the cut off hit, someone at the dealer would spec out any remaining slots with what they could sell the easiest.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Just after dark this evening, we stopped at the grocery store to pick up one item. My wife said that she would run in and get it. As I waited, I noticed a Cadillac CTS pull into a parking space across the lane from me. The lady exited and locked her car---interior and exterior lights remained on for a moment. After about five minutes, the owner of the car next to the Caddy appeared. She unlocked her car---interior and exterior lights came on before she opened her door. She didn't realize it, but the Caddy's interior and exterior lights came on at the same time. She had actually unlocked the Caddy without knowing it. Later, the Caddy owner appeared and unlocked her car---or she thought that she did. Do any of you tech people know how this happened? I would hate to lock my car in a mall parking lot, only to discover that it doesn't stay locked.

    Richard
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,703
    must somehow have the same code. Must be beating the odds with that. I always wondered if there were a finite number of code sets, or if new cars somehow were unique. I guess you answered that question.

    I do know that many years ago my sister had a mid-60's Chevy Malibu and discovered that her keys would work in other similar vintage ones.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Wow! That was a costly oversight. Did the F&I person not go over the sales sheet with you? They usually go down the line showing you the exact figures for sales price, trade-in amount, taxes, etc. I would definitely see the GM TODAY. Here is where you find out just how ethical the dealership really is. If the GM refuses to correct the error, here are some options that need to be shared with him:

    1. You want an immediate appointment with the owner of the dealership.
    2. You WILL be calling the state automobile dealers association.
    3. You WILL be calling the better business bureau in your area.
    4. You WILL be calling the local area chamber of commerce.
    5. You WILL be posting a negative report on all car forums such as Edmunds.
    6. You WILL be writing to Ford's Customer Service Division.
    7. You WILL be making an appointment with Ford's regional manager.
    8. You WILL be doing a physical protest just beyond the dealership property line.
    9. You WILL notify all of your friends and neighbors.
    10. You WILL place a magnetic sign on your Fusion that the dealrship is unethical. (Check with attorney before implementing #10.)

    Type your ten options and place the sheet in an envelope. If the GM balks, hand him the envelope. Type a second sheet for the dealership owner of options 2-10. If he also balks, hand him the second sheet. Whether you proceed with any or all of the options, they will know that you have a plan. Your plan will show fore thought, preparation, and purpose.

    One of four things will happen:
    1. They will correct the error.
    2. They will take back the Fusion.
    3. They will refuse to correct the error.
    4. They will split the error with you.

    I wish you well. Let us know how it goes.

    Richard
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,168
    imid....nothing against those who have graduated from The Ohio State University. It seems using "The" is a fairly recent phenomena. I know for most of my adult life, when asking someone where they went to school...."Ohio State" was the answer.

    You are correct.....that's not to be confused with Ohio University, which is entirely different.

    And yes, Miami University is the cradle of coaches....having been home at one time or another to....the legendary Paul Brown, Ara Parseghian, Walter Alston, Woody Hayes, and many, many other very successful and famous coaches.

    I actually was on campus a few weeks ago to meet up with some of my (thinning) former class mates. The campus was beautiful with the trees changing. Love the university. Love the campus.......STILL!

    Like you, I'm proud of all of my affiliations with my school.

    I'll quit....too off-topic!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,168
    kubus....oooohhhh....wow!

    You're in a tough spot. Just curious, did the F&I and/or sales guy go through the contract with you? Usually, they review the deal.....

    "Mr Kubus, you agree to this amount for your trade-in, and that the Fusion is this amount." Or, something to that affect.

    I have no idea whether you misunderstood the GM or the GM misunderstood you.

    I'm thinking you should go back to the GM and talk to them to get the miscommunication reviewed and hopefully, rectified.

    But, once you drive away after signing, normally the deal is final.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Sorry, I still have all of my hair and the stamina of a 30 year old...well....almost.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,890
    Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
    It could be something like this
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    3. You WILL be calling the better business bureau in your area

    Good points, but this one is almost useless. Lots of reports these days about how the BBB gives good marks, like As to companies who pay their $300 annual dues, but companies that don't pay get Ds and Fs.

    If a company has bad reports they overlook it if they pay up.

    Hope kubus lets us know what eventually happened. Usually these posters tell us their problem, than never come back. And, we are just left with each other. :cry:
    (cry)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
    It could be something like this


    Don't know if I want to buy something recommended by "coketillyouchoke2"

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Personally I don't think that anything past #1 will do anything but make you frustrated. Unfortunately what you verbally agree on in this case is meaningless, what matters is whats on the sales contract. The cantract should have been read and errors corrected before signing.

    At best the dealership will accept the lower cost and redo the paperwork, but if they don't I don't think that all that other stuff will do much other than make you more miserable about what happened.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American Friends......I think I'll take the day off in honor of your great holiday!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I still have all of my hair

    Big deal, so do I.

    It's just in different places.

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    edited November 2010
    Most local TV station news depts.have a segment called "Call for Action", or something similar to that, where they will investigate and drag crooks into the light of day for all their viewers to see.

    The crooks hate this bad publicity and will usually cave under the pressure. They hate to see those cameras and microphones come walking through the door. If you don't get relief by just having a friendly discussion, I would definitely look into this route.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    Most local TV station news depts.have a segment called "Call for Action", or something similar to that

    The problem in this case is the contract was signed. So, if he takes it to a newspaper or TV reporter it is a he said and the salesman said situation. Who do you believe? The only thing you can believe is what is in writing. Watching Judge Judy has given me this wisdom.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Another annoying car alarm!

    When we took in trades that had alarms, if they went off by themselves more than once, the wire cutters came out!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I still have all of my hair

    Big deal, so do I.

    It's just in different places.


    Exactly. I'm not losing my hair - it's migrating.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,601
    When we took in trades that had alarms, if they went off by themselves more than once, the wire cutters came out!

    And why do manufacturers make cars so they make a loud chirping noise when you use the remote? I had that removed from my 2000 Cherokee as soon as possible.

    Just the lights flashing and the sound of the locks getting in place is more than enough. I have seen people actually jump when cars make that noise...it could cause serious injury.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    I agree..

    "if they went off by themselves more than once, the wire cutters came out!"

    lol

    I still get disgusted when the alarm is going off and the owner has the OM open on the hood of the new car. Wouldn't the time to become familiar with its operation, be in the comfort of a lonely forest somewhere?

    My mother had a heart condition and a stupid alarm going off with no one in sight closer than 200 feet, gave her a friggin' heart attack! :mad: :mad: :mad:

    She was 2 months out from recovering from a triple by-pass :(

    After she recovered, naturally she was on edge anytime she was near some car parked beside hers with no one in it or near it. Why people have to unlock their doors, a football field's distance away from it, I'll never understand. These stupid alarms that 'show' you were you parked, by disrupting everyone else's life, should be banned. If you can't remember where you parked, should you even be driving??
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