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You had a lot of good points in your post. You are right, a house is a one of a kind item. And, it shouldn't matter whether I start at Dealer A or B. What you said about a rare car is true too, not much bargaining power.
I think it would make sense to go to Dealer A, with a price in mind, about 4% off. Then, decide on the price of a comparable trade in - do they have that on the internet...I'd need a Canadian Guide.
If they won't do it I'll say I will think about it....then think about it at Dealer B. Like I said, there would have to be at least a $600 savings to even start considering buying from Dealer B, and I don't know if that is even enough difference....especially if work has to be done and with shuttle service etc.
I
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm not talking about frugal shoppers, 'm talking about downright cheapskates.
So, they would get lowballed and come to me.
" I can buy that Pilot for XXX dollars"
" Really? Same model and equipment?"
" Yup"
" You really ought to go buy it then, we pay more than that. It sounds like a mistake has been made"
Now, this is when I had to be really careful. If I didn't treat them with kid gloves, I knew I would never see them again. They wouldn't give me the satisfaction of coming back with their hat in their hand.
Sometimes, it wouldn't be a lowball, it would be a downright lie on their part.
" I can buy it for XXX"
" Really, we pay more than that. You relly ought to run back there before they change their mind"
" Uh....well....what would YOU sell it to me for"
" More than that!"
Knowing they had been caught in a lie they would stutter and stammer.
I really don't miss the business!
I really don't miss the business!
Unfortunately, we remember the bad customers much better than the nice ones. Only because they make a much bigger impression on us.
Probably 80 to 90% of customers are very nice if people are treated fairly, but there is always the one's that are a pain.
If sales was easy and always pleasant, then your boss wouldn't have to pay you as much. You are being paid extra because you have the skills to deal with the problems, otherwise you would be paid minimum wages.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I did well when new models were introduced that were allocated. They all went for MSRP, which made up for the mini's.
I remember when the ML, CLK Cab, and new SL came out for example. People paid sticker, and waited up to a year for delivery.
now,if they proceeded to backpedal and try to weasel out, I would be out the door not to return.
If the price was on paper to me, it would be harder to do that. But I thought they usually carefully worded it ("IF I could do X, would you buy?) with the IF being a "darn, boss said no" if you agreed!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I think jmonroe has dibs on any dining room suite.
I asked for a quick 3/36 lease quote on the Avalon before leaving. The car had a 34K MSRP. The salesman came back in about 5 minutes with the figures, $375/month no money down/taxes included. I knew right away that it couldn't haven't been correct.
The next day after ruling out the Lucerne, I called the dealer up and said I would take his offer and when could I pick up the car.....
Needless to say "oh there was a mistake with that number, why don't you come on in so we can work something out" NOT... moved on to another dealer and got a fair deal on a car I loved.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
He was working for a well known huge software company in our area and I'll leave it at that.
At first he was on a Civic but he switched to an Accord. I had given him Civic numbers and he shopped them to death. He showed up one night with a couple of his buddies. His goal was to beat me up on the Civic numbers I had given him for the Accord!
Yes, he was THAT bad!
When I looked at my notes n the computer, I realized what had happened and I let him know that I had, indeed, made a mistake.
I apologized and I was sincere about it. I didn't make many mistakes and I never lowballed anyone. He went wild and made a scene on the showroom floor.
The three guys conversed loudly in their native tongue and then he turned on me again. It was so funny! He started to stutter and shake!
Finally, they left!
Sent someone to that site to price a Camry -- the best price was in Alton near them and they were surprised the deal was that good. They had been buying toyotas from another dealer not in the system and went there after visiting Alton. They were told the price was a lowball offer and couldn't come close. The creeps then whipped out the price quote and they reluctantly beat it by $50. They bought there and left the Alton sales guy pissed. Sorry I helped them -- been better if they got fleeced by the O'Fallon dealer.
Richard
You might want to consider "The Homer". Designed by Homer Simpson himself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWn0R68yFKQ&NR=1
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You are so right about this. I complain about it all of the time. I see it every where I go these days. If one more person reaches across in front of me at the produce counter, I'm going to have to say something. I always wait my turn and I would expect others to be as considerate. It's especially bad while driving a car. People take a parking space that you've waited to get, cut you off at exits, blow their horns at stop signs while you're waiting to move forward carefully, etc. The other day, a woman parked her SUV in front of a department store rather than parking in the lot. At first, I thought that she was just picking up a passenger, but I saw her lock the vehicle and proceed into the store. Her SUV was still there when I came out of the store 30 minutes later. Talk about nerve!
Richard
LOL! Now I know where my former students are gathering.
Richard
I have to agree with you. Besides, it isn't really a lie. The mechanic did find some issues of concern. In addition, some people would call those issues major. It would save Isell possible trouble with his friends later.
Driver also gave some good advice. If Isell has to sell it to his friends, he needs to write a "sold as is" statement and have it signed.
I also agree with Explorer. Sell it to the mechanic---good deal and future good will on other repairs. This is a much better avenue to follow.
Richard
Richard
Absolutely! We nearly did it last summer. My '03 Explorer was in great shape because of years of good maintenance. It would have made the trip easily. I will say that I expect the SRX will be more comfortable but, as for ability and reliability, the Explorer would have been fine. In fact, its condition is why I think that I got so much for it as a trade.
"Is Jackson Hole, WY one of the 100 places you have to see in your lifetime?"
Not really. I think that I have see my 100 places by now. The nice thing about this trip is that there is so much to see and do in one general area---Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, rodeo, etc. We do plan to see Mt. Rushmore on the way out there. I love it because of the engineering, the creativity, and the sheer vision of its conception.
During my life, I have been very fortunate to have seen many places---Pyramids of Egypt, Mosques in Turkey, India, and Pakistan, Crown Jewels in England, the Louvre in Paris, Nova Scotia, and many other favorites. Still, there is one place that will forever stand out in my memory as the best---Pacific Highway #1 in California. That drive is the most beautiful and serene experience that I will ever have.
Richard
We had to make a quick trip this weekend across the state to look at some property we were interested in, and as a passenger, I had the entire 3-hour trip to watch out the window and, as we passed other cars, observe drivers who were trying their darndest to do ANYTHING but drive - talking on the phone, reading, texting, eating (I kid you not) pasta.
Unless I'm home alone, I'm usually a passenger when we go somewhere. I mentioned to my S.O. on the drive home yesterday afternoon that I am seriously considering starting to take a camera and photograph as many as I can and put them up on a blog or other website. No, it wouldn't do anything to deter the behavior, but it sure would make me feel better. I really feel like drivers who have little intention of paying attention on the road are on the increase.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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A park waiter is the person who ties up an aisle of traffic waiting for someone to back out of a parking space instead of simply driving a few more feet where there are empty stalls waiting.
Our local Costco store is the WORST! People will spot someone getting into their car and just sit there usually with their dumb turn signal blinking.
Of course, the people leaving have a trunk to fill up, child seats to fasten etc.
Meanwhile I do a slow burn as I watch the cars pile up behind me!
Since a shop owner is buyiing it, he knows EXACTLY what he is getting and I don't see Small Claims Court in my future.
Richard
No, no! I didn't mean that way. I meant that when I see a car with its backup lights on about to come out of the space. Then a person facing you whips into the space right in front of you. Like you, I hate it when a driver ties up traffic for ten minutes waiting for a possible move from a car.
Richard
Richard
When I was working in District Court I would have to review applications for court appointed attorneys. Defendants had to list their income and assets. You would not believe how many people would apply and list a 2-3 year old vehicle as an asset. They would actually get upset when their application was rejected- saying things like, "If I have to hire a lawyer I can't afford to make the payments on my car." I'd tell them that I wasn't going to use state funds to subsidize their car buying habits...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It seems to happen more and more. It's like people are too lazy to walk another 50 feet.
The bad news part is that in order to get there you have to drive through maybe 300 miles of prairie which is as monotonous as it gets unless you want to drive across West Texas which may nose it out on that front. What you get to break the monotony are signs for Wall Drug (the South Dakota equivalent of South of the Border) and you can stop in in Mitchell and see the Corn Palace. This is an auditorium where every year they redo the outside in murals made from dried corn that depict scenes from South Dakota history. These people have way too much time on their hands.
If you stop in Mitchell you can say hi to George McGovern. He lives there. Overall I never felt more like I'd landed on another planet than I did in eastern south Dakota - until I hit West Texas....
Sort of like the pictures of odd or oddly dressed Walmart shoppers' photos that went around a few months ago?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I am surprised I've never seen myself on that site. I know I've shown up there in some baaaaad outfits. If I get there, i've earned it.
but yes, my site would be like that one, just with photos of drivers not really driving.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Thanks for the advice. I am going to do that. I'll let you know.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There is a light that flashes the error code, 3 blinks followed by 7 blinks.
Something to do with the passenger side airbag.
Taking it in next week to get it fixed.
This wasn't you then you then?
People of Walmart
Don't use the link and scroll down if you're drinking a coffee and have a keyboard in front of you...you'll ruin it!
Her 2003 Malibu is too big and needs some work.
Yesterday, we looked at some Chevy Cruze's at a couple of dealers (they were closed) and also she was able to sit in a new Focus. She actually liked the Focus, although I thought the seat was going to be too sporty for her.
No test drive, as of yet.
Btw, used up just over 1/4 of a tank on my Explorer, mostly short highway trips, and the mpg is showing 21.6.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
That....and so much more! :P
Sounds like good advice. My old school friend bought his car at Dealer B. He said they only make a few $100s on his car, but they sell it really cheap because it is a sale they wouldn't have made since he is out of the area. He saved $15000 on a special 7 Series discount, plus $5000 dealer discount, plus $5000 more for his trade in.
I met him today for a coffee and I spoke to his salesman on his cell phone. They located a BMW 335ii hardtop convertible which has 330 hp,
it has a lot of extras (it is a special limited model) and it is white with a red interior just what I am looking for. It is in another province so would be shipped aclose to 1000 miles. I'm not too motivated to buy right now, but if they make me a deal I can't refuse, I might do it.
My friend also knows of a guy who does this:
You find the lowest price you can on any car you want. This guy will find the exact same car for you for significantly less....$100s to $1000s less, and you pay him $129 for the service. They send the car right to your door, from a dealer he works with.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Wonder why you pay the guy such an odd figure like $129 for the service? I've heard of such services, but wondered if you could really trust them.
Richard
Richard
Also, the incentives for the 2011 are about half of what they were a few months ago, although the new model has basically no incentives.
Fezo's comment abouut monotonous driving gave me a brain zap.
Does your SRX have SAT radio?
It might be worth activating it if for your trip, even if you have to pay for a year.
My wife's Escape came with a 6 month subscription, but I extended it for 2 years as a gift.
We love being able to listen to the same game while driving for several hours, plus there are many other listening choices.
No, it isn't the larger one...it is the same as I have now. Although I think you would love driving it it is a little hard getting in and out...very low to the ground and low roof. Comfortable once you are inside.
I'll try to find out more....a busy day today. I got this picture so far, but the one the dealer has has an M appearance package which adds some cladding to the bottom. Not sure I want that, more to get stuck in the snow.
My friend knows someone who ordered a car for $129 and they were satisfied. It sounds a little suspicious, but then again it makes sense. They look for dealers that have to move a car and dealers get incentives that we don't know about.
Here is a similar model, just missing the M package, only steering wheel will be on the left..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Cyclists may not pay gas taxes to ride, but a lot of cyclists also own cars, and pay taxes and fees that go into the DOT coffers whether they're driving their car or not.
Something else to remember is bicycles don't tear up the road at anywhere near the rate cars (and especially trucks) do. And that's one reason I am against any initiative to scrap fuel taxes in favor of a per-mile use tax on our cars... vehicles that use the most fuel are the ones doing the most damage to the roads!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Glad to see the "Cast of Characters" are still around.
So, I come back with a possible car buying story.
This all started a couple of weeks ago over Memorial Day. Girlfriend and I were driving to a friend's house for a cookout. We were driving in town on a four lane road.....two lanes east, and two west. To the right of me is a concrete barrier. To the left, a lane.
I was in the right lane. driving....oh, I don't know....45-ish (speed limit was 40 MPH). A Jeep Grand Cherokee was coming up on my left side, doing what I estimate at about 50-55MPH. He came up beside me, obviously distracted as I could see out of the corner of my eye he was on his cell phone.
He swerved into my lane.....BOOM he hit my left side.....BOOM I hit the concrete barrier as I swerved.
Cops called. He was cited for a couple of different infractions. He has insurance.
Damage to my car is about $18K and some change.....mostly cosmetic.
Still, there's damage to each panel on both sides of my Acura. Tried to get his insurance to total it out, but "no dice".
The work to fix it was good. I've had to take it back a couple of times for some minor fixes, but considering the amount of damage, they did a good job. Maybe psychosomatic, but I feel there are now rattles where there never were rattles before, steering feels loser, and all sorts of other maladies that may, or may not be real.
So......that being said.....I now have this mental "grumpiness" about my. Girlfriend says it drives fine and that it's all in my head (very possible). But, that hasn't stopped me from looking at other cars and at different dealerships. Go ahead...whale away at me.
Anyway, driver...roadburner.....kyfdx....I stopped at the BMW Store Saturday. Drove a 335i Coupe......"OH YEAH". Obviously liked it a lot. I know you guys hate Sweeney. but I've had good luck with them. Stopped by to see my old BMW salesman at Sweeney last night. While they had a few coupes, they were either non-titled demonstrators with 9K-12K miles (and looked to be just turned in since they had not been cleaned up and had service lights come on during the test drive), or they were 328s.
I drove the 328. Not bad, but I feel the 335i is so much better.
They said I could order a car, exactly to my liking and have it either delivered to the dealership or to their performance proving grounds in SC where I'd drive it back after a day on the track (a freebie).
Salesperson said it would take 4 weeks to build and have the car delivered. Sounds like that's way optimistic, but you guys are the experts. What say you?
Thanks!!!!!!
Well, that's like saying that since I have three cars in our garage that it's OK if I don't license one of them since I do license the other two isn't it?
And I don't see how my cars "tear up the road". Granted I suppose a bicycle will abrade a bit less of the pavement that a car will but I don't think it would amount to much.
Trucks used to have signs on the back saying that this truck paid $4000 or $6000 or so in road use taxes each year. I always said they needed to say it did $20,000 in damage to the roads and caused $40,000 in damage to cars with stone chips and accidents.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
But, bottom line, the only way to know if it is too low is to dust off the old Bobst method. Write it down, in full OTD detail, and walk into dealer. Hand it to salesperson, and tell them it is a 1 time, non-negotiable, yes or no offer.
I they say no, you walk out the door. If they chase you down at your car, it wasn't really too low. If they let you leave, it was!
Of course, you can try it at a few other dealers, and if they all let you leave, you need to reevaluate.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.