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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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Way to go Fezo....did you surprise us with a BOSS Mustang!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You will hardly get a normal car buying story out of this as Bill and I go back a ways and a good chunk of the time was catching up on how we're doing (both of us have certainly interesting health issues) and happy to see each other (it's been more than a year and a half since he
took me to the cleanerscut me an amazing deal on my wife's Camry.So, silly me I start the day by filling the van and running it through the car wash, vacuumed and all. For what he looks at I could have come in on fumes and have just driven in in the rodeo. Oh, well. He immediately pointed out where paintwork had been on the Ody which I wouldn't have noticed in a hundred years.
He already had the price on the Solara which was quite reasonable and a good deal for both of us since it was hanging out on the lot a long time and unlikely to sell in November. He was happy to actually sell it and I was happy because the price was nicely below I could reasonably expect.
Who was it said offer him $10K? That's what I did and it worked! Oh, plus the van.
I did make him raise the offer on the van when I saw they were charging for Etch-a-Sketch which I really have no use for....
Yes, I did get to drive the 54 Ford around and once again for the people who say "they don't make cars like they used to" I say THANK GOD! But, damn it was fun. I'm waiting on a couple of weeks when he has the 60 Lincoln ready to go!
Bill's dealership is in about the worst possible place to take a car out of - just east of where NJ 4 intersects with NJ 17. I managed to survive that and the Solara rode just great on it and can get out of its own way really well.
Driving home I had the top up (it was in the 50s - I could have done the put the windows up and the top down trick and crank the heat - I have done that in the past - and this one even has heated seats!) and I have never driven a convertible with less noise at high speed.
More later. Been a long day.....
I’ll combine the two VW options into one review, and we drove both back-to-back, twice. For the class of vehicle I feel the VW interior quality and driving dynamics are unmatched. The Golf is a poor-man’s VW or BMW. In fact, I’m curious how the Golf TDI made it through the government NOT-FOR-AMERICANS department approval process. Decent looks, compact package, great fuel economy, amazing handling? Someone in the NOT-FOR-AMERICANS department must have been asleep when that paperwork went through.
Competitors to the Golf are getting close to the Golf TDI/GTI handling, while VW is shunning their strengths in their newer vehicles (Jetta, Passat). If you want a decent driving VW, well, time is apparently running out as they simplify and “cheapify” their offering for the US market.
For the time being the Golf TDI maintains its Euro roots, with a taught and inspiring transmission, high quality materials, one of the best 6-speed manual transmissions in the compact market, and a torque-rich TDI motor. Even when in a gear too high for accelerating, you can punch the pedal and get a satisfying result. The interior is isolated from noise, vibration, harshness and the little hatch corners like a sports car.
Fortunately we had an understanding sales rep for our test drives. I warned him that I don’t speed, but I do drive quick, and after a long test drive he thoroughly understood my comment.
The Golf seats are amazing. They hug my body in tight and hold on during aggressive cornering with total confidence and no slippage. One weakness is the fabric, and owners are reporting some early fraying issues with little support from VW. The Sportwagen uses vinyl, so while it won’t fray, hot summers may be painful and I have more tendency to slide in them. The Sportwagen seats also aren’t as contoured as the Golf, so the Golf wins in the seat department in a big way.
I noticed a small change in cargo length between the latest Golf iteration and the previous generation. In my Euro travels I could place two of my large suitcase lengthwise, side-by-side, on the floor of the cargo area with the back seats up. I actually took one of those suitcases with me on the test drive and tried but failed to make it fit. Apparently VW moved the seats backward an inch to give more legroom at the sacrifice of cargo floor length.
I didn’t like the dual-clutch auto manual tranny. It feels clunky at low speeds and downshifts can be abrupt. Plus maintenance is pricey. For my preferences the manual is the only real option, and it’s superb. The best, actually, that I’ve tested in this class. For the money BMW is the most intuitive manual I’ve ever driven, but in this class VW takes the cake with one caveat: first gear can be tricky for drivers new to manuals. I wouldn’t want to teach someone to drive with this manual, but for the experienced driver it’s a pleasure to pilot.
Where the Sportwagen crushes the Golf is in cargo volume. The wagon has similar volume to many SUVs. For SUV-like cargo practicality you give up handling and refinement compared to the Golf, so that’s a tough call to make. My wife and I went back and forth on which we’d prefer.
On the negative side, as I’ve mentioned here before, VW is really struggling with durability on these new TDIs. You take your chances. Rumor is that a new fuel pump manufacturer has worked around the problems, and the water logged intercoolers have a TSB, but the current vehicles on the lots will still be equipped with the problem-prone parts. Hopefully VW will step up and replace all the pumps with the improved design (if the rumors are correct). Also, pricing is significantly higher than the other makes and models we looked at.
Any guesses?
Hint: it's a trick question
Don't let this one go as it should serve you well for years to come.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Thanks!
Glad ya got home safe and that the car has a good home. Now.. pics of it with the top down by the beach!
Good to see you again, radiator shop and muffler shop willing the Lincoln will be on the road this coming week. As a side note, got the Lincoln sorted, got it running, radiator started leaking... removing the radiator on my 740iL takes 20 minutes, on the Lincoln? Start by removing the hood.....
Boy, if tomorrow is nice enough I could go over to the beach. Only 5 miles as the crow flies...
I was hoping to go away this coming week since the girls are off but I may not be able to because of health/insurance issue. I'll know tomorrow. Worst case scenario is do some local things and maybe get away with a few days away. Grrrrr.
Our friend's is bright red.
When I was trading in my 328 Cabriolet...I washed it before taking it to one dealer, and for the 2nd dealer I didn't, and it was pretty dirty - esp interior, and both offered the same trade in value! :confuse:
I know you are going to enjoy that car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Any guesses?
Hint: it's a trick question Now that really throws me off....ah, could it be a Patriot?
All the reviews I have read say the Golf is a masterpiece of fine engineering. I think, once you try it, it would be hard to choose one of the others. Dependability is an issue, but I understand the warranty is for 4 years now.
I particularly enjoyed your review of the Golf and the Wagen. I like the looks of the Wagen, but it sounds like the Golf is superior in the driving and handling department. So, I think it is the Golf.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm not sure but I believe 17 and 4 is still the busiest intersection in NJ. I spent the night up there before leaving for our cruise in September. I passed the dealer you bought from.
Enjoy the car.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The super powered electric limo will hold up 23 passengers and measures a massive 15 metres in length, it will have gull wing doors and will be used for the more luxurious transport between the two cities. The super limo will have a top speed of 155mph and it is thought that a road will just be made between the two cities for the super limo to go through; with such speed and luxury it will be perfect for business people.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Ah, come on, where's your sense of adventure?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
It wouldn't fit my current needs, but in about 3 years... yeah, I'll be back to wanting one. Have fun!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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)
Review your vehicle
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
We decided to go with the new Granite Blue exterior color and mixed black/gray interior, which offers a two-tone option in the dash, doors, and seats. It’s a beautiful color. We talked to our sales guy about locating one, and he wasn’t successful, so we started considering a custom order.
And then something timely happened. Consumer Reports released their December issue and panned the Cruze for poor reliability. WHAT???? Oh, no. The 1.8 placed last and the 1.4 turbo (like in the ECO) was just above it. I can’t believe it.
So, we changed our mind. Ha, ha, ha. After all that work. We changed our mind.
I’ve owned a Subaru Legacy GT Limited in the past and loved the handling and class-leading AWD technology. I also put a few thousand miles on a rental Outback last year with the CVT, and was surprised at how much I liked the tranny. Having no shift points took a day to get used to, but by the time I picked up my then-new Journey, I was disappointed to see the Outback returned to Hertz.
The new Impreza has yet to hit the lots, so a test drive was out of the question and we’ve had to rely on all the reviews.
About an hour before trick-or-treating with our daughter Monday we made the final decision to go with the Subaru, and we called up the sales rep we dealt with when first looking for a tow/family vehicle. There was a $500 pre-order incentive expiring that night, so I decided to negotiate over the phone since we wouldn’t have time to visit the dealership. The incentive allows for $500 in free accessories, an extended warranty worth $500, a free Trek bike worth $500, or $500 in Subaru merchandise.
Our sales rep has been GREAT to work with. He was the only sales rep during our midsize SUV shopping to truly listen to our towing and family needs, research the details on the possible match, and give us honest feedback on need/capability alignment. He’s also followed up without being overbearing.
On the phone with him, I provided the exact Subaru codes for the model and colors we wanted, which included the 5-door Limited with CVT in marine blue paint and black leather. He pulled up the order form and calculated invoice and MSRP numbers, which he readily provided me. I noted a discrepancy between his calculations and mine, so we recalculated and figured out my numbers were correct.
He asked me to hold a minute, and I heard him talk with the sales manager about the potential deal on the phone. He came back and said they could do $750 over invoice. I told him I appreciated the price break, but since it’s a brand new model and I felt I was taking a risk, I wanted invoice pricing. I told him if he could provide invoice pricing I’d provide a credit card right then and there. He asked if he could call back.
Five minutes later he returned my call and said the deal was done at invoice plus TTL. We went over the fees and TTL, I provided him my credit card, and he entered the order with me on the phone. Total time was 20 minutes start to finish. Yesterday Subaru sent me a “welcome” email with my order details, and asked which $500 incentive option I wanted, which was the accessories option. Now I wait for delivery
Which were???
A large doc. fee or advertising fee can negate a good price on the car itself.
Was I ever wrong....but how was I to know there was an Imprza lurking in the background. You did your research and you got the car that probably suits your needs the best. Did you get a sedan or the hatchback model? The all wheel drive and the solid feel as well as lots of room make it a competitor in that market.
I watched videos of the 2012 Cruz and 2012 Impreza on Consumers Report and the Suburu seems to be a little more sophisticated and well thought out. There seemed to be a few negatives to the Cruz (lack of room in the rear and not great mileage unless you get the ECO model) but lots of positives for the Impreza (classy interior, good handling, AWD).
A difficult, but good choice.......
Amazing you saw that magazine just at the last minute. I'd like to know the details about what the problem is with the Cruze engines, and are people complaining.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We went with the 5-door hatch in Limited trim, so similar to that dark red picture but with different wheels, no roof rails, and in marine blue paint.
Looking over the Cruze forums the problems seem to be random. The auto tranny is universally disliked, but I haven't seen anything common with the motors. An occassional problem like a seal leak, but certainly nothing that would indicate such a bad rating with CR. I honestly don't know. Hopefully they work out the bugs soon.
In the end I'm glad it worked out as it did. Having the exceptional Subie AWD system will be comforting in our winters and I have fond feelings for the brand in general. The new Limited interior looks great, too.
Here's a pic of the outside in our trim/color:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1106_2012_subaru_impreza_look/photo_0- - 7.html#photo
Rear three-quarter view:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1106_2012_subaru_impreza_look/photo_0- 9.html#photo
Here's a pic of the inside:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1106_2012_subaru_impreza_look/photo_2- - 1.html#photo
And of course the Subie boxer (love the location of the oil filter):
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1106_2012_subaru_impreza_look/photo_2- - 2.html#photo
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Screwed up again, huh? Just kidding. I drove and rode in my brothers '05 Solara several times when I visited him in Florida back in '05, very nice car and he would have bought another one but he had one before the '05 so he wanted a change and got a Sebring HT.
If your weather is anything like what we are supposed to get tomorrow in the Burgh you'll be able to take it out before waiting till Spring.
Congrats, enjoy and don't let your hair-do get messed up.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Aged based fee? I guess that's something like the older you are the less you have to pay. Which means somebody as prehistoric old as jmonroe, would probably be getting money back. :P
Anyhow sounds like a really good deal. Congrats on your car, and thanks for the "REAL Sales Story". :shades:
I did have the top down yesterday before it was mine. What is stunning to me is that this is the quietest car I've ever owned when you have the top up. Now I've had a bunch of Hondas which will make for a little noise but this is one quiet vehicle. For a convertible it's really amazing.
It has factory nav. This means a second owners manual just for that and it's almost as big as the one for the car.
jmonroe - I could still be in on the Genny as long as the Mrs. holds you up for a couple of years. By then the Camry will be getting old.... Of course I could get an Imprezza... nice!
BTW - I had a lot of hang out time in the Hyundai showroom where they had a Genny coupe, a Sonata, an Accent and two Equuses (Equui?). Just amazing. You have a $16K car sitting nest to a $65K car. Don't see that anywhere else. The Equus is really nicely done. If I won one I'd certainly keep it! It was my first sit down in the current Sonata which is pretty amazing on its own. Way ahead of the wife's Camry which is only 4 years old.
I had a rental Accent back a couple of years ago - real stripper but well made enough. The new Accent is quite the upgrade. These people really ahve their stuff together.
I don't believe I didn't have Bill hand me keys for an Elantra and Sonata just to check out while I was cooling my heels for paperwork and such.
Oh, speaking of Bill - hey! I have the second headphone for teh DVD player on the Ody! Should I mail it?
I wish he would come back too! He'd love to know you got a Solara.
About the headphones,....it always seems you find something from your old car once you hand it in...usually another set of keys. Or you leave something in your car that you wish you would take. I am going to try to remember to remove the garage door opener when I trade cars this month.
They told me my 535 is on a train from Halifax which is about 1000 miles away I guess. I said UPS can ship a parcel to Halifax for delivery in 2 days, why can't you get a car here in 2 days? And why not give me a tracking number so I can see where it is...like when it is on a ship latitude 50, longtitude 32 or something.
I said we are away from November 17 to the 25th and I don't want it until we come back. I might as well get an extra week of guaranty and interest on my money.
Nice comments about the Sonatas...they look like a much more expensive car.
Someone, (Houdini) write to Richard and tell him about Fezo's new Solara.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
When the leasing company came to pick up my 06 Avalon, the driver looked over the car and reaches to the windshield and hands me my EZPass tag. He said "everyone forgets these", I was no exception.
For those not in the northeast, EZpass is a prepaid toll account that uses a transponder you mount on your windshield. It saves a lot of time, and is great for someone who never has cash.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
You'd be suprised to find out that UPS is probably the one handling the shipment of your car through their logistics division. IIRC, UPS is the largest carrier of cars in the industry.
Congrats! It won't be long now.
If my Impreza is transported via train I'll probably clay bar the paint before applying the first coat of wax. I've seen many examples of the iron rail dust embed in the paint and then start oxidizing within the first year. Might was get the surface clean from the get-go.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Being a true gentleman, I think he is a little bit embarrassed because he forgot the old saying about "Never mud wrestle with a pig". It's very nasty work, plus the darn pig enjoys it.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Happy motoring.
Randy
Thanks for reminding me....we have one toll road here and I have a transponder attached to my windshield behind the mirror....glad you reminded me!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Randy
You are right! I am very surprised, I had no idea they shipped cars. I wonder if they'll bring it to my home in a big brown truck and ask me to sign on their electronic tablet?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think what you said makes sense. Also, they probably use really protective waxes on new cars these days, might not be good to rub them off.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not nice I think, whatever you are saying. I did write to Richard by the way and apologized if I upset him, even though I don't believe I said anything that should have done that. He wrote back a nice reply......but, if he wants to take a break I can understand that. I am sorry if what I said upset him, and I really do hope he comes back, I miss him a lot.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Fezo, I forget, did we ever find out what color your new car is? And the interior?
Important information we need to know.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Little late to the party, but I do know someone who has been successful. I bought a house from a guy who was doing the "For Sale by Owner."
This was in 2002, so a different market. And it was in Connecticut where you always have a real estate lawyer involved, so the risk was lower for the seller and for me.
I didn't read my December issue until yesterday morning while I was at the hospital waiting for Son # 2 to have a ruptured disc repaired. All fixed now. They do this stuff as "outpatient" today, pretty amazing. Anyway, when I read about the Cruze I was thinking of you and would have mentioned it here just in case you’d have been interested. By the time I got home and got in here I saw that you changed your mind and got a Subaru. That Cruze sure did take a pretty bad turn for the worse. Not only did it slip from its previous ranking, it went well into the negative range. In fact, it had the worst ranking in its class
Congats on the Subie, they are supposed to be top notch especially in the snow. I work with a guy that has made it one of their cars for years now because of that. I know you said you are familiar with them but let us know how you like this one.
BTW, I liked the bit about the Subie being so new that you were sticking your neck out so you had to have invoice. I should have said that about the Genny when it was a new model in ’09 but Mrs. jmonroe fell in love with it and just had to have it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
At least I'm good for something around here...
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
well, even though I ended up taking a bath (IMO at least!), the buyer (private sale) noticed the magazine was missing. so of course, I search all over. not in the van. Can't find it in the garage, or house. So I ended up having to go to a stereo shop and buying a replacement (not cheap, maybe $65?)
Did end up finding it later on, mixed in with my home stereo. Ticked me off too!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.