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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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And we like it!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Anyway, the thought crossed my mind to sell the Elantra myself. After pondering that thought a bit, with all that it was going to need, I played out how the private sale would go.
buyer....it has a little rust
GG...it's 9 years old
buyer....it has a squeak coming from the rear
GG....it's 9 years old
buyer....the carpet has some stains
GG....it's 9 years old
....and on and on....
Decided not to go that route. However, I now had a number in mind of what I could possibly sell it to a dealer for. I was willing to ask $3K for it, and take anything between $2.5K-$3K. It ran. It doesn't leak. It doesn't smoke. For that kind of money, that's a good deal in my humble estimation.
Took it to one of the BHPH lots (for those local folks, it's a bigger BHPH lot, Alford). They did indeed like it.....to the tune of $1,800. We're going in the right direction. Could probably post a whole other story to the trip to the BHPH lot, but I'll save that for another time.
Just north of where I live is a mega car mall complex. There are stores for everything from Fiat to Porsche, and everything in between. Headed to that area, figuring I could get buy bids from at least 2-3 more stores. One in particular I was interested in was a Toyota store, supposedly, the largest in the state. Surely they would want the Elantra since they do so much business.
Surprisingly, they weren't interested, unless I was trading for something else. Thinking "what's the harm", I actually test drove a Yaris.....blech!!!!!! No deal.
Infiniti store? Didn't bother. This isn't the kind of car they'd want.
Fiat? Stopped there. Again, they weren't interested in a straight buy, but would do a trade. For grins, I drove a 500. Pretty tiny, but those are nice cars for what they cost. I actually test drove a base model that they said they had on sale for $14K. Now, it was a bit light on equipment for my tastes, but for the money, pretty darn good. And, I don't know why anyone would buy a Smart over a Fiat 500 for about the same money. Absolutely no comparison. Unfortunately, they went backwards on the trade.....$1,200. No thanks.
To be continued.......
GG....it's only a little rust
GG....it's not a loud squeak
GG....the stains are minor and nothing pathological
GG....it's only 9 years old
Dealer - what the heck do I want a 9 YO rusted Elantra with a something going in the rear and dirty carpets for?
IMHO, a dealer will take it on a trade and wholesale it out. If it were pristine, they might keep in on the lot but from your description it's off the the auction.
GG, I think this is one time when a private sale might be the way to go. The dealers can't do much with it, they have to auction it off or sell it to a Grade B or C dealership.
But, some student or for someone needing basic transportation that can take them a few miles each day might be willing to part with $2500...you can't get much that runs for that much money.
It is a gamble. I got about 5 losers asking about my snow tires then the real deal came in. Then I got about 15 more after they were sold, I'd say 1/3 were realistic and the other 2/3rds were the "What's your rock bottom lowest price" type.....or "I'll come up today and take them off your hands for $500" types.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
lol...you always come through with a good one!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Got some weird calls on it. Some typical....
-I have a '99 Cavalier....would you trade?
-I can put $50 down, can I work out a payment plan with you?
-I can't drive a manual transmission, can you knock some money off? (I loved this one.....what difference does it make if I discount the car if you can't even drive it, anyway?)
Anyway, there is an end to this story. I'll post it later.
And the maximum too.
I suggest that Richard stays with eggnog for the remainder of this season. Otherwise, next year he’ll be able to spit lead solders.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I recall selling my condominium near Cincy long ago and the sales agent about doubled over with her hands over her ears when I explained the crack in the foundation under the basement window and the French drain put in. She didn't want to know and have to disclose to buyers, especially since this was all hidden by the fiberglass insulation blanket on the foundation walls.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I always knew they were going to find out that water was bad for you one day.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I believe that if you know something is hazardous when you are selling your home you have to disclose it. I am not sure about lead content in water as that could be a little different.
What the agent doesn't know she would not have to disclose. But, I believe, if the new buyers find a major problem that you knew about but did not tell I think they can come after you.
There was a house near us that sold, and the new buyers found out after the sale that the previous owner was murdered. They don't know if she was murdered in the house or not, but there was a lot of blood near the front door that was all cleaned up. The new owners were going to sue the real estate company.
Most people commenting said the real estate company did not break any laws, but they did have a moral and ethical obligation to tell the new owners. They did buy back the property just to maintain their reputation, and probably sold it at a loss.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We have been in 4 different houses over the last 18 years and every time we went out and bought a new garburator. Every time when I read the manual it says use with lots of "cold" water. My question is, "Why cold water?'
It seems to me, hot water breaks food up more and would carry it through the pipes better.
I have always been curious about that and now I may find out the answer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Cold water keeps the motor, bearings and shredder assembly from overheating. It also lets the waste go down easier because the water is pushing it down. Don't use hot water, because it can melt fat and allow it to re-solidify as a blockage further down in the drain.
The cold water is for cooling purposes. The motor and blades will generate heat, so cold water helps dissipate the buildup.
Fats are a problem all around. Just avoid them going down the drain as much as possible.
Thanks dad23 (hope that's not for 23 kids). I didn't think overheating would be a problem and I thought if any fat did go down the drain hot water would keep it from congealing....but, what do I know? That's why I don't attempt repairs myself.
I think you have electric kettles now in the USA - at one time you didn't. I remember in my single days a friend told me to keep it on a burner on the stove, that way it wouldn't burn the counter if you used it and then put the kettle down on the counter.
The first time I put the kettle on a burner to store it I forgot it was there, and I turned on the wrong burner to prewarm the stove...I clicked on the one where the kettle was. Turned the bottom of my new kettle into a molten piece of plastic sculpture and burned a hole right through the bottom of that sucker.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So far we plan on leaving early Sunday morning, Christmas day. About an 88% chance of going...unfortunately my mother went into the hospital a week ago last Monday, but she is slowly progressing. If that stays the same, the plan is to go. Came to that conclusion after a little discussion....you just have to plan the best you can but you can't wait around either.
There was a big storm in Atlanta and up to the Ohio valley which is right on I-75 which is the route we will take. Hopefully it will all be gone by Sunday.
One set of children and grandchildren will be here for dinner on Saturday, then we leave on Sunday when the highways are fairly clear of traffic. No cross border shopping that day and not too many trucks travelling. If all goes well we will go through Buffalo or Detroit depending on the weather, and head South on I-75 and make it to Kentucky the first day. It's nice watching the thermometer in the car edging upward and it's nice to see that green Kentucky grass.
I am getting used to the 535 too....it's got lighter steering and softer ride than I am used to, but the seats are amazingly comfortable. Good navi system and I am really enjoying Sirius radio.
Mileage is good too, 24 mpg in mixed driving and not broken in. I think the 8 speed transmission and the motor shutting off when stopped really help.
Thanks for asking.
And thanks for the info about cold water. I try not to put grease down the drain but it seems cold water just makes it coagulate more. One friend puts Draino down his sink every month for preventative maintenance. I guess that's hard on the old city water system?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Boy, what a Scrooge...... :P
Oh no, :shades: it used to be dad23n2003 as we were blessed with three back in 2003, but it got tiring typing it in all the time, so I shortened it!
I see your point....smart move!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Boy, what a Scrooge......
These days things get complicated. Usually we see them Christmas morning but this year they have other commitments from the other side of the family, thus the Christmas Eve dinner.
It gets more complicated because my wife and I are from different religions, but are basically agnostics, so that all works fine for me and if I can comment for her, works fine for her I am sure.
So, we like the ambiance of the season and we get to celebrate two great holidays, Chanuka and Christmas....so there are actually some nice advantages.
While on the topic, it's not too early to wish the respective people a Happy Chanuka and a little early but fitting since we are on the topic to wish those who celebrate...A Very Merry Christmas and to all of you....all the very best for a happy successful 2012!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We have green grass in Ohio!
It's been a very warm fall. Today is the first day of winter.
I'll give a weather report from near I-75 in Ohio on Sunday for you. We're leaving for Plymouth, MI area Sunday afternoon. Your BMW will be far south of here by the time we leave or I'd watch and wave to you as we pass on I-75!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
All you need to know about Ohio, this year? It's wet...
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AFAIK, there is no legal requirement for a homeowner to disclose anything. If asked about anything, they must answer truthfully.
A realtor or real estate agent on the other hand has to disclose everything they know about the house.
Not too bad. The main ingredient in Drano is sodium hydroxide, a caustic acid, which will alter the pH, but become diluted before it comes close to reaching the plant. If lots of people did the same in a small community, and happened to do so the same day, then the unbalanced pH could become a problem, but that's obviously never going to happen.
Safe travels, Driver, and my strongest hopes for your mom's quick recovery.
Actually, a weather report for the I 75 late Saturday afternoon would be much appreciated.
If we cross at Detroit we might see you. If we cross at Buffalo we go west to Pittsburg and meet up with I 75 and we will miss you.
Watch for a 2012 very dirty white 535.
Have a good time in Plymouth.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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About the same up here near Toronto, no snow expected until at least New Years since the temperature will be above 0 every day.
The year we go to Florida for 2 months it will be a mild winter...... :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I suppose that could be true. Have you ever seen an ex grow op home. They had a program about how people bought homes and then found they were grow ops. Lots of mould and big holes cut out of closets etc for the heating equipment.
If the owner has to be asked directly about major faults then it seems to be a very good idea to have a home inspection before making one of the largest purchases you can make. Although, here Home Inspectors do not need a license. Any one can claim to be a home inspector, so you have to choose one of those very carefully too.
In Florida it is really good to have a home inspection, because mould grows easily, and there is a fair amount of dry wall that was made in China.
Interesting that the realtor has to disclose information if they know about it but the seller doesn't. I am prettysure in our case the seller filled out a questionaire that covered a lot of issues....and signed it. I think an ethical realtor would insist on that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sounds like Drano once a month could be a smart move then. A lot less expensive than having some guy come to snake out the pipes.
Probably really a good idea a few days before a trip. I think our pipe got jammed up when we were away for a few weeks last time.
The guy who fixed it said not to let the dishwasher do too much of the food disolving too. It doesn't break up food as well as the garburator so that food could solidify more easily.
There's a million things to do before going on a trip like this. I am glad my wife is a good organizer or I would forget half the things that have to be done....stop newspapers, what to pack, what to take, making sure bills will be paid, who to notify, getting vet papers for the dog etc etc.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I see you posted on Craigslist too:
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/2761679036.html
I thought you said it was a 2002? :confuse:
Seriously, The CL Elantras are asking low $3000 around here for a 2002 which is more than I would have thought but used car prices (even on the low end) are still crazy. A beater that would have brought $500 a year ago is now asking $2000.
Thanks Cash 4 Clunkers. :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
After the Fiat store visit, there was a Ford store just down the street. In passing it, I noticed they had a pretty big used dept, filled with cars that one might find on a BHPH lot.
This was going to be my last stop given it was raining. Cheery guy comes up to greet me. I explain I was looking for a straight buy offer on the Elantra. He peaks over my shoulder to spy the Elantra through the rain.
"That one parked in front?"
GG-yep, it's the only Hyundai out there (joking with him).
He mentions that the used car manager was evaluating a trade, but would be done shortly to look at my car. He fetches me a bottled water and chats, asking me what I do, how I used the car, why I was selling, if I was interested in trading.....etc.
I explain that the Elantra was bought by me new for my son to use while going to school. And, that it was now used as an airport commuter, a grocery getter, and generally, a spare car. I told him it needed "stuff", but that it ran well.
10 minutes goes by...15 minutes goes by...finally, I tell the sales person that it's busy in the store and that getting a buy bid was not critical.
He asked me if I had other errands to run. I told him I needed to do some Christmas shopping. He asks me to hold on for another minute while he looks out front. He goes to his office and is back in a minute. He gives me the keys to a new Fiesta sitting out front, slaps a dealer tag on it. He tells me to go ahead and go shopping and that he'd have a buy offer when I return (and that they close at 8 p.m.).
I take him up on his offer.
I run to some shopping areas, Costco and Best Buy (a total of 10 miles) to buy gifts. I'm back to the dealership in 90 minutes, or so.
These are small cars. But, it rode well, steered well and looked to be built well, with surprisingly high(er) quality materials that what I expected. It was relatively quiet and handled well. It's a hatch only had Synch and the dual clutch automatic trans. It is slooow....however.
I do check Edmunds, Trucar and a couple of other WEB sites on my iPhone while I'm gone.."Just in case" to see where pricing, rebates, etc fall.
I go back into the dealership, presents in tow.
Salesman (SM)-"What do you think?"
GG-About?
SM-"The Fiesta?"
GG-it's a nice little car, how about the buy offer?
SM-"Well, we'll give you $2,000 for it if you have the title with you right now (I do). However, we'll do better if you're interested in making a trade."
GG-"How much better?"
SM-"you like the Fiesta? I think it would be a great replacement for the duties your trade was shouldering."
Understand what's going through my mind right now.....I came to sell, not to buy. But, I had been using the Elantra quite a bit for airport commuting duty, and for general around town use. In short, I'm beginning to justify in my own mind why I want the Fiesta. :P
GG-"What numbers are you thinking about?"
SM-"MSRP minus $500 (about $17K), you keep a $500 Ford rebate and $2,200 on your trade."
GG-"Probably not interested. I will sell my Hyundai to you for $3K, however."
SM-"Can't do $3K, even on a trade."
GG-"sure you don't want to go back to your used manager?"
SM-"We're all-in at $2K on a straight buy on your car."
GG-"OK...appreciate your time, thanks!".
SM-"Are you interested at all in the Fiesta?"
GG-"I am, but we're nowhere close on dollars for me to get excited about buying your car. So, thank you for your time once again."
SM-"What dollars are you thinking?"
GG-"Invoice on yours, less the $500 rebate ($500 under invoice...or about $16K) and $2,750 for my trade."
SM-"You buying today?"
GG-"only if we agree to those numbers"
SM-"Let me go to the GM and see what he can do."
I'm really getting ready to put a stop to this whole thing, since I really only need one car, and I've got a nice one. But, I do hate leaving it at the airport, and the Fiesta is perfect for what I'd use it for.
SM-"Well, he said he'd do invoice on the Fiesta, you keep the rebate. And, $2,600 on your trade."
GG-"Thanks for your time, but I really have spent way too much time away from doing my Christmas shopping."
SM-"Wait, you're going to walk over $150 we're at on this deal?"
GG-"Yes"
SM-"Wait just a couple more minutes."
GG-"Do you guys want to buy my car straight out still?"
SM-"Let me find out"
GG-"Just call me and let me know. I have got to run."
Shake his hand and wish him a Happy Holiday.
I go out, begin to unlock the car when the SM comes out with the GM. SM introduces us. GM thanks me for coming in, says he'll buy my car, but would really like to sell the Fiesta, but said there's no more "meat on the bone".
GG-"I understand. I may just see if I can sell my Elantra straight out."
GM-"You're really stuck on your numbers, aren't you."
GG-"I am"
GM-(holds out his hand)"OK, we have a deal on the Fiesta"
They wrote it up, and used my numbers.
Now, we can go back and talk about potable water.
They wrote it up, and used my numbers.
Now, we can go back and talk about potable water.
Well written, GG. Congrats on the new ride! You got a steal of a deal and it sounded like a rather pleasant transaction. It certainly helps negotiations when you're not in dire need to purchase.
Hmmmm....potable water comment. Okay, today's friendly advice is to flush out your house cold/hot water lines after a long trip away (a couple of weeks or longer). Chlorine oxidizes quickly, and will continue to do so in your home's plumbing, so after a long trip those stagnant lines may have no residual chlorine left. Just turn on each of the taps for several minutes to introduce freshly chlorinated water from the city line.
The first time I put the kettle on a burner to store it I forgot it was there, and I turned on the wrong burner to prewarm the stove...I clicked on the one where the kettle was. Turned the bottom of my new kettle into a molten piece of plastic sculpture and burned a hole right through the bottom of that sucker.
And that’s why you can’t listen to everything you hear. Especially from friends who are dopes. :sick:
Enjoy your trip. I gotta keep Mrs. jmonroe away from this forum. If she sees that you could be swinging by the Burgh on your way to Florida, she’ll have here thumb out for sure. She’s already talking about going to visit my brother who retired to southern Florida a few years ago. She could easily be turned into a Snowbird.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I guess you guys in Utah never heard of unions, huh?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'm wondering how the BMW 335ix is doing. Did your employer factor in the fact that you have a nicer car than he has when determining your workload?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
As I said in post 75489 I accepted $2800 dollars for Mrs. jmonroe’s ’05 XG350, from the local Hyundai dealer as it sat, without an engine. I figured I’d have a hard time getting $5800 to $6000 for it after I paid $3K plus tax to have a new engine put in it so that’s why I dumped it for $2800. Before I did this I told Mrs. j there was NO WAY they were going to take that car to the auction because once they fixed it they were putting it on their lot for a hefty price. I wasn’t sure what that price would be but I guessed it would be somewhere around $8K. I was a little off. Yesterday I saw on their web site that they are asking just $12 shy of $10K for it. Obviously, they aren’t going to get that for it but I’m sure it will be well north of $5800. What they have in their favor that I didn’t is that they can sell it with a 100K mile warranty on the engine (that’s what they told me I’d get if I had them drop in a new Hyundai engine) along with the remaining 55K plus mile warranty remaining on the tranny. If I sold that car myself after I fixed it I couldn’t/wouldn’t be able to give the new owner ANY warranty.
FWIW, I have seen for the last 2 weeks in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Sunday paper where a Ford dealer has an ’02 XG350 with 69K miles on it for $7900. Given the asking price for that car, the price the local Hyundai dealer is asking for her car isn’t so crazy. I’ll probably never know what her car actually sold for but it would be interesting.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
They wrote it up, and used my numbers.
Congrtas on the easy purchase. I’ve heard good things about the Fiesta from a woman at work that got one a couple months ago. She’s in love with the car and the gas mileage too.
Thanks for not buying a Hyundai.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
jmonroe - what a deal! I always wanted an XG350...... :sick:
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
She had a 2000 Loaded VR6 Jetta with 60,000 miles on it. She got an excellent deal on the Accord & a not so wonderful offer on her Jetta, $4750. Dealer said that was "all the money" & came up from his original $4200 offer.
Now of course I was told this after the fact & was given a week to try and sell the car to make her some more cash. I knew what I had to get for her car to make more than the dealer offer plus the tax credit on her new Accord. I think I put the car up on Craig's list for $6900 & told myself I could get $6K for it & net her a couple extra bucks.
Long story short, I couldn't sell the car on Craig's list. Traded into the dealer for $4750 with VW center cap missing. I took my car to that dealer the next week for service. It was on the lot with the centercap still missing for $9800. People are always willing to pay more from a dealer & are always looking for a bargain from a private seller.
You are better off getting rid of that car & not replacing the engine.
Now what's it going to take to get you out of your Genesis TODAY?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Wow GG! That's better than the Jipst Method of buying a car.
I get it. First, make sure you have no intention of going in to buy a car.
2nd, make sure it is a car that you haven't been craving for for years.
3rd, just keep saying no until they meet your ridiculous price.
GG, congrats and hope you enjoy the new car. The Fiesta gets great reviews and it will make an excellent little runabout.
Give us some details.2 or 4 door, color, options, or was that another one of your bargaining tools....just give me whatever you have on the lot, just make it $500 under invoice and give me $3000 for my trade in.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are better off getting rid of that car & not replacing the engine.
Now what's it going to take to get you out of your Genesis TODAY?
Honest, it doesn’t bother me anymore. I know I did the right thing by not fixing it and I also absolutely knew the dealer was going to make a bundle on that car because it was in as perfect shape as you could ask for; being it was an ’05. There were only a couple minor scratches on it that their shop would have no trouble buffing out. Now with a new engine, I’m sure there will be plenty of people interested. While not at $10K but somewhere a little south of that and a lot more than they had into it.
I don’t plan on getting rid of the Genny anytime soon because one new 2012 in the garage and a new bathroom redo is all my wallet can take in the span of a couple months; probably one year.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
A friend took his little power mower to the shop to get fixed.
Guy at the shop said there is no way they could fix his mower.
They offered him $25 as a credit if he bought a new one for $200.
He bought the new one for $175, and went back to the shop to ask about an extension cord.
He saw his old mower for sale for $70 with a 3 month warranty! :sick:
You are wondering if he asked about it. He did. They said they thought it couldn't be repaired but decided to try fixing it and they got it going...ha ha...
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My mom bought one last August.
I fit in it and it's really good on gas.
Didn't happen to buy it at Northgate?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Damn, you are slick. :shades: Congrats.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible