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I said that in some forum long ago and got a host complaint about it. Someone complained that I said that many people get cheated the most on the value of their trade.
Used cars are hard for someone not in the business to value. Unless they are checking craigslist and Edmunds and KBB for values, they have no idea of a resale value for their used let along a trade-in value.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I don't care how much I pay for "online real estate search sites" I'm not getting everything an agent can get. Total Black hole that market is. Everything is kept guarded under lock and key.
I've ran a business within a company, since construction projects are run under their own job number, and athough you get main office assistance, you are basically on your own and your own mini-business entity.
Exactly, so why do car dealers think it's okay to tack on the cost when we already know it's rolled-into the price?
I'm a happy positive person.
The only things I'm negative about are:
1) GM and Chrysler
2) Shady Auto Shops (body shops too)
3) Real Estate Agents
4) Insurance industry
5) Banking industry
6) Traffic Enforcement Officers
7) Bad Drivers and LLC's
8) A few companies that have been allowed to go bankrupt already and good riddens to them (Circuit City)
9) Rite Aid
Otherwise, I'm pretty positive.
Honda, Audi, Crutchfield, Oakley, Maui Jim, J&R, Harmon Kardon, Onkyo, Polk Audio, Oppo, Toyota, Sony, Denon, Kenwood, Cheesecake Factory, Target, and Round Table Pizza are all excellent companies that have made and sold me a fantastic product(s), along with great customer service (and also stood behind a product a time or two without fuss if ever necessary on a warranty claim).
Other companies could learn from these guys.
Car dealers generally don't "tack on the cost" for advertising. It is included in the MSRP.
The only time this becomes an issue is when folks look at the invoice which comes from the manufacturer. And most manufacturers split it out on the invoice because the charge varies from market to market.
And you're not seeing the invoice for other products.
And I'm not sure what you mean about real estate. You can see all the info about the property, and the price. What else is it you are looking for? Do you want to know what the seller paid when they bought it? If so, it's not really any of your business. Either the property is worth it to you or not.
You are obviously not from California. You can't look at the state of the housing industry in California and say that REAL ESTATE AGENTS worked to make profits that were sustainable and encouraged competition?
The industry was not sustainable, look at the market now!!! It crashed, in large part thanks to greedy agents. What they were doing was NOT sustainable. Competiton, hardly anyone exists now that CAN buy a house, so there is no competition, which is why properties are upside down.
RIGGED!
And on that note, do we really need car salesman or real estate agents anymore? The internet does a better job if you ask me. Cut out all the middle men. Why so much paperwork? Why so many hoops to jump through to buy or sell property?
LOL...I would say the real estate agents are the last ones you should be blaming for the housing mess.
I would start with the Federal agencies that lowered requirements and then guaranteed substandard loans, or greedy people who massively overextended themselves to buy beyond their means. And of course the banks and financeers who bundled these substandard mortgages into packages that were sold to unsuspecting investors.
Realtors would be the last ones on my list.
And to your "RIGGED" comment, do you mean to say that every business that sells any product is at fault for trying to sell the most profitable items? Those few people who negotiate the RE commision down usually get what they pay for.
Actually, that's transparent. I can go to the county's website for auditor and treasurer and look up the past prices and the past taxes for the property. That's what the realtors used to do by going to the courthouse and doing it on the computer terminals there. But now in many states, at least, it's available to the public online because it's PUBLIC INFORMATION.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
So I know how much negotiation room there is to get a good fair price.
For instance, having known someone that worked in a Jewelery store, I knew the stores "cost," which was about 12.5% of the "retail price." Therefore, when they were having that 50% off sale, they are still making 38.5%. When they slashed prices with a 75% off limited time sale, now your talking 12.5% profit margin (that's where you want to buy). Paying their normal asking price is ludicrous.
Flowers, I don't have a problem with the price of flowers most of the year, But why do flowers suddenly cost 400% more in mid-February! LOL! Surely, flower producers/growers can make enough supply to meet demand at a reasonable price. Sounds like collusion with controlled supplies (diamonds, oil, gas).
Also, the diner might have higher quality eggs and bacon than I can get at Costco or the local grocery store. Furthermore, it's perishable.
Car parts can be identical, and are always the same for a like-model number part #, and don't degrade quickly when not used.
If I can buy something for dealer A for less than dealer B is selling it for, and have dealer B install it for less than dealer A, why not buy it from dealer A and have dealer B install it?
So who is going to handle a warranty claim for a bad part down the road?
It's called supply and demand. Again, the price is what the guy standing in line behind you is willing to pay. At that time of year there are a lot of guys standing behind you. Capitalism is the worst economic ever invented but it works better than any of the others.
Did you grow up in Cuba or the old USSR? :confuse:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One of the computer models I saw last night has Irene going right over you. That same track would take it right over me two days later. I hope it passes west of both of us.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They aren't last on the list with me, they are all equally culpable in my eyes. I know my agent asked general questions about my finances to figure out what price range I should be looking at. The agents are the one's who helped hook many of these people up with these shady financers! They were all working hand-in-hand patting each other on the back. To me, the housing crash was somewhat predictable, especially towards the end, perhaps they shouldn't of been pushing so many sales so fast.
Isn't an agent supposed to represent their client? They could have advised people it was not in their interest to take these "loser" loans. Or advised against overpaying and starting bidding wars. Anyone knows that if a guy is working at McDonald's as the cashier he should not be buying a $300,000 home. Yet the agents cashed in anyway. No skin off their back.
Prices going too high too fast, don't worry, San Francisco is higher than San Diego, there's always room to go up! Multiple counter-offers, re-pricing after accepting multiple offers, no problem. Oops, we got too many offers, we didn't really MEAN it when we listed it at 289, let's relist it for 309,000. So much unethical behaviour went on that it's too numerous to list.
The PT cruiser is a loser as it is simply a NEON with a name change. 27 MPG doesn't surprise me, my Neon always underperformed.
I'm hardly a pro,but I'll be the first to admit that BMW doesn't have the market cornered on high performance track toys. It all depends on what you want. The M3 is probably a bit more comfortable for a daily driver but the Mustang is hardly a penalty box. As for me, if I was going to drop and extra $50k into my garage I'd probably buy a Porsche Certified Cayman S for my track toy and pick up a 2003-2005 330i w/ the Performance Package for my daily driver.
Another thing you need to remember is that on a track the disparity in driving ability is usually huge- even within a given classification. Case in point, my last student was diminutive young lady driving a 2004 325i with only a few engine and suspension tweaks. In almost every session she passed several M3s(including a 2009), a couple of 911s, and a newer Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The point I'm trying to make is that any track comparo is great for internet bragging rights, but once you actually get out there and start mixing it up you will quickly find that the driver almost always determines who gets a point-by- especially when the cars are essentially equivalent in performance.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Richard
I'd agree it does help your case when you can point out that "YOU chose that part, rather than I making the choice." Still, I had a furniture vendor tell me it was my problem dealing with transportation and shipping on a warranty claim for a quality problem from a vendor HE recommended, he selected in a manner, and he sold.
No. That would be "they are making 300%."
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Richard
Richard
I thought you'd be busy putting plywood on your windows, etc.
Are you posting from your storm bunker?
Are you going to be impacted by the current hurricane and its path?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The sweet lease has 15 K per year. I'm probably not going to do it. I don't like driving with restrictions.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Cost to store $100.
Retail Normal Price: $800
50% off $400
75% off $200
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Also, unlike the TL, I believe most TSX's are still made in Japan?
I was going to post the exact same thing. I bought mine new at the end of the season. I had always wanted one. I was absolutely thrilled, to the point that I could hardly sign the papers. I had negotiated for about five hours---the longest ever on a car. I went to school early on Monday morning and parked on the very front row. I didn't say a word all day. The staff kept wondering who was driving that "beautiful Town Car". It was a cinnamon color with a chocolate brown top, and had cinnamon interior---beautiful color combo. It didn't take long for the "detectives" to discover the owner. I've never been prouder of a car in my life, except for the Tahoe. I got really excited about that purchase, too.
Richard
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I did everything I could to assist him. :P
Richard
You are so right. You really need to research all of the sites in order to negotiate properly when you get to the lot.
Richard
With just about everything in life there are good people and bad people. Also, being human, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. My point is- let’s not stereotype. There are good and bad jewelers like everything else. Not everyone puts a $100 cost piece in the showcase for $800. Anyway, nobody really needs jewelry. Most of us need a car in this modern world.
44 posts to read since this morning! We did an overflow posting place.
JM, It is a floatier ride but is better in a different way. I don't think it is as nimble, it is still pretty firm and won't roll on corners, at any speed I am pretty sure. Allways stays flat on curves, takes bumps with a solid bump, you know you hit a bump but you don't actually feel it.
I aged but there are lots of reasons for buying now. Tax implications, the depreciation on the 328 will probably be $6000 in year 5, prices will probably go up $2000 on the 2013s and I will need some work, so I don't think I would save by not trading right now.
Also, this car is bigger, heavier and much safer for the drive to Florida in the winter. The 535 is much more refined than a 3 Series...I am glad I got it now. Plus my wife doesn't like me having the vert, she says she doesn't like the sun, I think she thinks it is a chick magnet....ha ha.
I'm off to see if this goes through...still wonder. Have to catch up, I left off at 72175 and now we are at 72200....25 more posts to go...and more by the time I get back.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In that case, just ask to see it. That's what I do. They are happy to show you.
As for what the other person paid, just go to the courthouse---it's called public information.
You're negative about GM and Chrysler? That's too bad. I drive a Caddy and a Sebring convertible. I'm pleased with both.
Why is it all the real estate agent's fault? From what I've gathered since 2008, the greedy banks and the greedy customers played a much bigger part.
I have a friend who is an agent. She earns her commission. By the time that you factor in her gas and car expenses for driving clients around to see houses, all of her telephone calls to banks, inspectors, repair men, etc., filling out a ton of government required documents, attending closings, etc., I would say that she earns her 5% or 6%.
I don't think that my lengthy post to you had much impact on your views. Your problem may be viewing the big picture as far as business is concerned. It's a hard world making a buck. Since you are in business, you surely realize that fact. I won't persist any longer. You're entitled to your opinions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Richard
Nah, they stole my tax payer money after selling me a lemon where I swore I'd never give them another cent. Only way they could get it was by theft of the tax payer. I'm anti-bailouts.
I just want to add:
I would say that she earns her 5% or 6%.
Maybe I could agree with you on a $100,000 home. However, does a typical $400,000 home in CA really require 4 times more work for the agent than does a typical $100,000 home in Nowhere, USA? What is with the 5 or 6% instead of a flat fee? Want to incentive a sale price over the asking price? Why not use a flat fee and offer 15% of excess price beyond asking price to the agent? Of course, then the agent will probably make you low ball your asking price.
I hope that you miss the direct impact and will be safe. It may be bad in the New York area. Let's both try to post on Sunday to make sure that we're in one piece....if we have power. :sick: Good luck.
Richard
Richard
I was thinking that when watching the video. Although the pro driver liked the Mustang he kept calling it a "wild Mustang". I would imagine in the hands of an average driver like me the Mustang would be tougher to control. Still, that $25K price difference is attractive.
You'll have to educate me some day about "shock return rates" or whatever the driver was referring to on the Mustang. It made me wonder if that might be the first mod a buyer might do if he wanted to track his pony.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You said it all much better than I ever could. Thanks for your very wise comments.
Poor Andre, I understand some of his frustration with the system and with certain business practices. BUt, he is misdirecting a lot of his energy.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm not too worried. I actually enjoy some rough weather from time to time.
Here's a video my wife took of me during a recent storm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_03zn8Vq6iw&feature=related
:P
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We drove there in 40 minutes. Got there 15 minutes early. We sat down, got out the licence, ownership, and credit card. They made it out for $2500, remember Dealer A wanted $5000 just to look at an offer. We went over the details...he will line up a spot on the line, it will be made sometime in September, and it won't be here until late November.
Salesman said to sell my snow tires on Craigslist but if there is any problem he would sell them for me.
The interior picture did show it nicely, I will try to show you a better picture of the outside. ITo show my car I'll have to improve my technical skills.
It's a long wait, but I become attached to my cars, so I am enjoying driving the Cabriolet for now.
If this is white it should look like this.......
Oyster interior.....
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I wish you guys the best of luck. We had a big storm Wednesday evening here. It's not nice seeing the trees bent over and the wind blowing everything around. 1000 lightening strikes a minute...the sky was all lit up for over an hour.
Good luck with this one, I hope it takes a sharp right turn into the ocean..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That was hilarious..............
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hopefully, she gets her energy back, as she has a pretty full schedule with school work, sports and working on the ice hockey support staff.
It felt weird last week not getting off I-80 and heading south through Akron to Oxford.
Right now she is working a pretty sweet temp job in GA.
Hopefully, it will lead to a more permanent position.
Zillow.com has that information as long as the house was bought in the last 10 years or so.
We're five miles inland. We'll be fine.
They are closing the Parkway below exit 98 tonight. I don't remember that ever happening.
Hope he's right.
We'll know in 48 hours, more or less.
Doncha just love the 24 hour news cycle? Plus which, nothing's really important until it happens on the East Coast.
I believe the realtor lobbies are some of the biggest around in Washington DC. Excusing them from being a part of the housing crisis is like excusing UAW for the Big 3's shortcomings.
I'm driving the '02 every day now.
I was going to sell it, which made Egghead very unhappy, but I changed my mind.
Hopefully it will get through the next year without any big expenses.