Stories from the Sales Frontlines

michaellno

I'll probably end up with a new V8 Mustang in the early spring. 400 HP and a 3 year warranty. Burn the tires off and let Ford fix what I break.

Not to scare you off or anything, but I've been reading about a lot of Mustang owners who have had problems with the 6-speed manual transmission and Ford not wanting to cover the repairs.

Not sure if this is isolated or what, but wanted you to know.....

mako1a

you sounded like you would be interested in a 2006 F-250 Turbo Diesel

Chic-truck? I have no interest in anything older than 2010. Just thought it was a fun to watch video in the ad. That guy burned half a tank of gas making the video.

mako1a

6-speed manual transmission

Thanks for the info Michaell, but my stick shift days are over.

If it's not A/T, I'm not driving it.

driver100

For now, just taking
shots at the moon hoping for some salesman ready to throw in the towel.

60 miles is a long way to go. I am not sure I would go that far for a new car.
It would be interesting for you, if you were in the area, just to try one out. It will satisfy your curiosity one way or the other.

I had bought American cars for about 30 years. When I was ready to trade in my 2nd Jeep for a new one, I just decided to try out a BMW X3. I really thought, I liked the Jeep, why pay more for a car, and the BMW was probably priced a lot higher than it was worth.

But one small test drive and I didn't want to get out of it. It was such a different experience.

The problem with testing it is you might actually want one.

mako1a

When you go to dealer lots you have to be a salesmans dreaded customer. I hope you don't go on Saturdays

I hardly ever go on a dealers lot. And why are you sounding like Isell all of a sudden?

dino001

Friends, my 328i wagon German trip is almost over. Returning the car on Monday. Still some 250 miles on the Autobahn. Boy, is that different or what. Cruising speed is around 95-105, you can't really go much slower, because you'd be blocking middle lane (three lanes one way are common) and right lane is occupied by semis going 55 mph or so. I tried 125 a few times, could not get faster due to traffic and road conditions. I don't recommend it to anyone as a cruising speed. Simply too difficult to keep attention on the road for longer than a few minutes (for an untrained person, anyway). It is quite surreal experience when you drive 95 and you are passed by a minivan or Ford Focus like compact car. Saw a few Porsches and Audi R8's moving with speed of light.

Our authorities are definitely too restrictive on the speed. I think our roads could support something around 90 mph. It also takes years of training to move towards society when you don't occupy left lane going 65-70 mph, just because you think you can. I was flashed couple of times when stayed on left lane too long, but they were quite patient as long as I was passing somebody else.

Finally, those great speeds are often interrupted by road construction. I was also caught by jams (Stau) couple of time. Overall, US roads are more comfortable and less tiring, but German roads are more fun, but you get tired sooner.

oldfarmer50

"...I'll probably end up with a V8 Mustang in the spring..."

Oh be still my heart.

I too have decided that if I trade in the Eclipse it will be for the V8 rather than the V6. You have to go for the gusto sometimes.

I just have to get past my wife's "over my dead body" routine. :sick:

Spring sounds like a smart time to buy. Hopefully, the shortages will be gone and good deals will be possible again. The used car market is even worse. My son's old Caddy that I bought for $1200 a year ago now lists for twice that amount even with 50k more miles.

New or old it's a tough time to find a bargain.

oldfarmer50

"...I told him to give me $700 because he drove 80 miles..."

Ha ha, you'd never make in the car biz with that attitude. You're to darn nice.

Felt the same way about the guy who bought my trailer. He took it on a Saturday with no way of registering it until Monday which was illegal. I felt bad that he might get in trouble and offered to hold up the deal until he could take it legally.

He refused, saying he needed it right away but I worried all that night that he would call from jail asking for bail money.

driver100

Ha ha, you'd never make in the car biz with that attitude.

When we sell something we put a price on it, but then we know what the bottom line price is going to be.

I would have taken $700, but not any less. I thought the guy who is decent, and didn't try to dicker, should really be given a break. If he had said $700 I would have stayed firm at $750. He drove 80 miles, and he didn't want to leave empty handed either.

I think we both came out winners, and a nice young guy got a good deal..no hassle, all done in 10 minutes. And, I took my ad off of Craigslist and Kijiji and I feel good about that.

mako1a

Spring sounds like a smart time to buy.V8 rather than the V6

I have given this much thought and when trading in a 4WD, early spring

when there is still a chance of snow, would be the best time. Also pondered

the V6, but after looking at the resale values, V8 wins every time. V6s sit.

I keep waiting for cars to go the way of housing, but with pushy dealers on

every corner, it may take a long time.

oldfarmer50

Talk about mixed feelings.

Today I had to take the wife's PT Cruiser into the deal for what sounded like a bad wheel bearing. I figured it had to be something else because the car only has 13K miles on it. Sure enough, it turned out to be a wheel bearing which for some reason they didn't have and had to order. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse: So I have to go back later. I've never heard of a wheel bearing going so soon, have you?

The good news is it will be covered under warranty.

Also when I came to get it they had washed it and for some reason they had parked it in the prime viewing area in their used car lot. Even though snow was threatening several people were looking it over as if planning to buy. They looked almost angry when I got in and drove off. :shades:

jmonroe

I hardly ever go on a dealers lot. And why are you sounding like Isell all of a sudden?

Hearing your interests in cars I think you'd be the type that would want to do a lot of test driving and I realize that my comment sounds a lot like 'isell' but I didn't know how else to say it. I'm the type that calls a spade a spade.

Anyway, since 'isell' is off selling Kia's, he asked that I play the part of the salesman till he builds up enough seniority so that he can post from the dealership. I wonder how those Kia buyers are to deal with. Probably not much different than Honda buyers.

Speaking of 'isell'...I get this vision of him as the newbie chasing ups. :surprise:

jmonroe

imidazol97

>since 'isell' is off selling Kia's

What! Did I miss something on here and isell is working again in a Kia store?

driver100

What! Did I miss something on here and isell is working again in a Kia store?

I must have missed that too! What will he say if a customer asks him about the trade in value of a Kia in a few years?

oldfarmer50

"...did I miss something?..."

No, mr. Jmonroe is pulling your leg.

Everybody knows that Isell is at a Fiat dealer now. :P

imidazol97

> trade in value of a Kia in a few years?

Or how does he tell them their Honda isn't worth what they wanted to believe it was worth as a trade in for a great Kia.

driver100

Or how does he tell them their Honda isn't worth what they wanted to believe it was worth as a trade in for a great Kia.

lol....especially if it was a Honda he talked them into buying because of it's high resale value.

mako1a

I guess if your power was out you wouldn't be telling us on here.

That is unless you had an android phone with a handy dandy solar charger.

Cell towers would probably be out as well. Gov Christie's power is out too.

750,000 w/o power in CT, 600,000 w/o power in NJ. That's a lot of people

in the dark...many without heat. Brrrr. Hope it comes back soon for y'all.

tjc78

Must be Northern NJ. I'm right outside Philly and never lost power. New England got hit pretty hard from this storm.

driver100

I guess if your power was out you wouldn't be telling us on here.

Hope nobody in the Northeast has a Chevy Volt plugged in.

ray80

Not a pretty picture here in Northern Ct. Power lines down and ones still up have trees on them. Quite few roads closed on many others are like an obstacle course.

Mid 20's last night but house stayed at balmy 49.

Could be a week before power is restored for us, no heat , water, telephone, and cell service is iffy at best.

jmonroe

....especially if it was a Honda he talked them into buying because of it's high resale value.

Yesterday while watching a few football games I got to thinking about what Hyundai is now saying about guaranteeing your trade in value. There has to be a boat load of disclaimers about this. The most obvious to me is that you have to bring your car to a Hyundai dealer (indy garages are out) for ALL service like oil changes, tranny fluid changes, scheduled incidental checks, etc. and you better not be one mile late either.

Maybe because their take back Assurance program for job loss, that they started a few years ago that is now kaput was a success, they are now playing this game. If anyone has read and understands the fine print, it would be interesting to hear how this new gimmick works. Aside from the qualifiers, this program sounds too good to be true unless the buy back is way low.

jmonroe

jmonroe

New England got hit pretty hard from this storm.

And they got hit pretty hard by the Steelers yesterday too but until they get hit that hard in the playoffs, by the Steelers, I’m not convinced. :confuse:

I hope our poster buddies up there are OK and warm.

jmonroe

fezo

Again, Southern NJ is fine. Never so much as a power flicker and all rain except a few flakes to go "ooooh! Ahhhhh!" at at the end. The shovel is still in the garage.

I think Wednesday I may go visit brentwood...

jmonroe

Again, Southern NJ is fine. Never so much as a power flicker and all rain except a few flakes to go "ooooh! Ahhhhh!" at at the end.

Nice to know you’re OK. No problem here in the Burgh area either. Only snow on the grass and since I make it a habit not to drive in people’s yards I knew I wouldn’t have a problem. I was the first one out of bed on Saturday morning and I saw the snow on the grassy areas. I knew what I was going to hear when Mrs. j got up and sure enough I heard it, “did you see it out there? I hope this early SNOW is not a sign of what we’re in for this Winter. :mad: She has less tolerance for the white stuff as she has gotten older and would be a perfect “snowbird”.

I think Wednesday I may go visit brentwood...

Well, at least he can’t say you didn’t warn him. :P

jmonroe

tjc78

And they got hit pretty hard by the Steelers yesterday

I'm no Steeler's fan, but that was GREAT! The two teams I hate the most went down yesterday. The Cowgirls and the Patriots.

oldfarmer50

Nah, power is fine. 3.8" of snow is hardly noticed around here. Mostly gone now. Wish it did that in January.

Some places not to far away got 2 feet.

October 4th of 1987 we got about 6" and it knocked out power for almost a day. Now THAT was noticed.

robr2

From Hyundai.com - bold is from me:

How the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee works:

At the time of purchase, customers will be provided with an assessment of the vehicle’s future value for months 24 through 48, based on an independent source. This is the guaranteed value.

When customers return to purchase a new Hyundai during months 24 through 48 of ownership, they can trade-in their qualifying vehicle towards the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle.

At the time of trade-in, the customer’s vehicle will be assessed to determine the current market value. This current market value will then be compared to the guaranteed value.

- If the vehicle is worth less than what we guaranteed, the customer will receive the higher guaranteed trade-in value amount, less any applicable mileage charges or damage costs.

- If the vehicle is worth more than what we guaranteed, the customer will receive the higher amount. Win-Win.

The higher of either the guaranteed value or the current market value can be applied to the purchase of a new Hyundai. The guaranteed value must be applied towards the purchase of a new Hyundai financed through Hyundai Motor Finance (HMF) and only when a customer shows proof of all required vehicle maintenance at authorized Hyundai dealerships.

robr2

We received about 6" of the proverbial heat attack snow. We lost power on Saturday evening about 9 PM and it came back on at 3:15 this morning.

About 75% of my town lost power. As of this AM, about 50% was still out. Lots of offices and retail in town - bet they got power back.

jmonroe

From Hyundai.com - bold is from me:

How the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee works:

Did you leave something out? What you posted is word for word from the Hyundai site, even what you have shown in bold.

Not arguing here but those are the BIG words. Usually there are little words that have to be adhered to. Those words might be in the contract that you sign at delivery. Then again maybe it’s as plain and simple as their site says.

I’m usually pretty sinister about these things because it just seems too easy. As the old saying goes...”The big words give it to you and the little words take it away”.

jmonroe

robr2

I didn't leave anything out - I cut and pasted from Hyundai.com and credited them. I just bolded those lines to show what the caveats are. I wasn't arguing anything - just answering a question.

What did I do incorrectly??

jmonroe

I'm no Steeler's fan, but that was GREAT! The two teams I hate the most went down yesterday. The Cowgirls and the Patriots.

I AM a Steelers fan but I don’t hate the Patriots. I respect them for being a very good team and so far when it counts they have the Steelers number. Until the Steelers can beat them when it counts, like in the playoffs, what the Steelers did yesterday is all talk as far as I’m concerned. IIRC, the Steelers beat the Patriots during Halloween week a few years ago then proceeded to have it put to them, squarely in the chops, during the playoffs in Pittsburgh and that wasn’t the first time the Patriots did this to them in the playoffs in Pittsburgh (pretty sure they did it first in 2001). So much for home field advantage.

FWIW, they are not the “Cowgirls” in the Burgh. They are the “Cryboys”. This goes back to the 70s when the Steelers owned them and we heard all their whining after their every loss. Their two Super Bowl loses were the loudest. That “Americas Team” thingy don’t mean squat outside of Crytown.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I just bolded those lines to show what the caveats are.

In post 74311 you said “From Hyundai.com - bold is from me:”

When the bold words were from the Hyundai site I thought you might have left something out. Now I see that you were talking about the “caveats” by using the bold words.

What did I do incorrectly??

Geez...I didn’t say you did anything “incorrectly”. I just thought you left something out (see above). Since you’re from the Boston area I can understand your mood today. I’ve been there.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

I saw this 2008 CPO BMW 328xi in the mall yesterday. Looks like a 328xi with Metallic Paint & Sport Package (seats/wheels w/ AWD) & a 6-Speed manual transmission.

driver100

The guaranteed value must be applied towards the purchase of a new Hyundai financed through Hyundai Motor Finance (HMF) and only when a customer shows proof of all required vehicle maintenance at authorized Hyundai dealerships.

Seems the warranty is pretty good if someone is really worried their Hyundai could lose value. It's just extra reasssurance. I guess if Hyundai thought they could lose on the deal they could make the Finance charges extra high for the new car.....that will get rid of a trouble maker.

The rest seems all in order. They are really building in a better resale value, which helps them, and they are making you go to them for service, which also helps them. It also makes it more likely you will buy another Hyundai when it is time to trade.

Very smart on their part! It's a win for the consumer, but it is a triple win for Hyundai.

driver100

Looks like a 328xi with Metallic Paint & Sport Package (seats/wheels w/ AWD)

Looks good to me. The price of the one Mako was after was $33k if I remember right, for a 2010. This one looks very nice, but it is 4 years old soon. Seems slightly high in price to me...4 years should be a little less than half of the original price 4 years ago (IMHO).

tjc78

Very smart on their part! It's a win for the consumer, but it is a triple win for Hyundai.

Hyundai must have a top-notch marketing team/firm. The 100K warranty, the assurance plan (job-loss thing), the value guarantee, etc. It all has seemingly worked, coupled of course with some cars the public actually wants.

Say what you will, but competition is a good thing and IMHO Hyundai is keeping the Japanese 3 and the Domestic 2 1/2 (sorry Chrysler) on their toes.

The end result is better cars for everyone.

tjc78

Until the Steelers can beat them when it counts, like in the playoffs

True, the Patriots find a way to win under pressure.

FWIW, they are not the “Cowgirls” in the Burgh. They are the “Cryboys”.

I like that one too. My favorite team is who-ever happens to be playing them. I'm a die-hard Eagles fan so it kinda comes with the territory.

fezo

I root for the Eagles twice a year - home and away vs. Dallas.

Go, Giants!

tjc78

The NFC east certainly has great rivalries, doesn't it?

fezo

Oh, absolutely. And we all get to hate the Cowboys..... Heck, I generally even root for the Redskins to beat the Cowboys. That's saying something...

houdini1

How did you guys in the NE enjoy the World Series this year? Or did you even bother to watch since all the NE teams choked in the last week?

fezo

Was there a World Series this year?

It was a pretty decent series if you exclude the error fest in game 6 but couldn't have been more yawners in terms of teams unless Milwaukee had beaten teh Cards.

Good baseball. Hard to root either way.

Kirstie_H

Yawners for most of the country, great for those of us who are Cards fans!

However, I don't think there could have been a much worse match-up in terms of TV ratings/ad sales, unless it could've been Milwaukee-Detroit.

fezo

My only problem with the Cards (other than the entirety of the 80s and 2006) is that it's almost as bad as rooting for the Yankees - 11 championships and 18 trips to the Series. Give somebody else a chance....

Funny thing though -in the Tony LaRussa era several Cardinals teams should have been in the Series and weren't and the two that won the whole thing barely made it into the playoffs. Funny game baseball.

robr2

However, I don't think there could have been a much worse match-up in terms of TV ratings/ad sales, unless it could've been Milwaukee-Detroit.

Which is the match up I wanted to see.

I did watch a few of the games but not start to finish like it was the Sox. I was hoping for Texas to win it. Ron Washington is a great manager.

fezo

If Milwaukee goes back to the American League where they belong then they can think about a World Series. May they be condemned to endless failure for being such an exception to a basic rule of baseball.

robr2

Why the hate?? Do you really believe Selig moved the Brewers to the National League to save on the paying a DH? After all, Milwaukee was always a National League city.

Talk is of the Astros moving the AL West to smooth out travel and to create a real rivalry with the Rangers.

fezo

Whether it was to save paying a DH it stands that Selig made the move for his own family's profit.

Bull on Milwaukee being a National League city. I know that's what Selig cited but the Braves were there twelve years while the Brewers were in the AL for 23 years before Bud pulled his caper. Bud is as slimy as they come (of course he made his fortune selling used cars....). A pox on him. The Brewers have no right to be in the league where actual baseball is played.

And no, they shouldn't allow the Astros to move to the AL. Are they going to say that Houston has always been an American League town?

kyfdx

Unless you want interleague play every weekend, you have to have an even number of teams in a league... To have the same number in each league, the number of teams should be divisible by four... 30 teams is just asinine.

Besides, it's the whole NL Central that gets screwed... the only six team division..

They need to either expand by two more teams, or drop two teams.. (a vote for the Marlins and the Rays to go away, here.. No one supports them, anyway).