Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

I buy stated value track collision coverage through Lockton Affinity for around $70 per event.

Interesting, I was wondering how that would work. Some people don't claim there car as business use for insurance reasons, when they use their car for business. That could be risky.

Glad you are covered.

driver100

I think it's time we introduce driver to the concept of TMI.

Had to look up TMI to know what it means (Too much information, for the technically challenged like me).

But I am glad you brought up the topic again (how do you like that seguay).

I realized the brand with the bears has two kinds to choose from, you can get extra strong or extra soft. You can't get both. It's like a car, either you can have a soft ride, or you can have great handling....you can't have both. See, I even made it car related, though it is TMI.

imidazol97

This topic has gone in the toilet! Now we're talking about toilet paper. Juicers, TV's, cruises, trips, houses, remodeling, and far on. It's a great discussion. Just information to be learned from others, sometimes about things I've actually had experiences with.

Gotta love it.

fezo

Feel of the......oh never mind.....

stickguy

for cars even.

Saw a used Mazda online. Called the used car place that had it listed, and turns out it was at their main store (further from my house). so sales dude says he will he it transferred, and I tell him I will be there after 5. So, I arrive at 6:30, and he can't find the car. Calls the other location, and well, they neglected to actually bring it over.

so after discussing options, I tell him I will just go to the other location tuesday. But on the way home (with my daughter, who has skin in this game) decide to go tonight. Get there about 7:15. After some asking about, next salesguy finds in in the bullpen. Not even been through the shop yet. Missing the driver's side mirror. and filthy. Some clear coat peeling off the hood. In general, filthy and showed no sign of care. Basically ratty. My daughter would not come within 10' of it, and I don't blame her!

so we leave. on way home, pass another large indy used car place that tends to have nice cars (BMW, Volvo, Audi, etc.). Just to browse. And in our browsing, spot a Volvo that we both liked (that I did not even know they had).

so a test drive and scope out later, there is money changing hands.

funny how it works out. Endless research, long drives to see stuff that disappoints, and I find a winner just stopping in since we were driving by! And if the dope at the 1st place had not botched getting the mazda to his store, I never would have been driving by.

driver100

Feel of the......oh never mind.....

FOMCLSH

(Fell out of my chair laughing so hard)

driver100

And in our browsing, spot a Volvo that we both liked

That's how life is. When you try hard to find it you never will. It shows up when you least expect it. That's why, if it looks good, if it's what you need, if the price is right, then go with it and don't mess around.

Sounds like a nice car....congratulations!

jipster

just enjoy the fact that my GIANTS just won the SUPER BOWL! YEAH Baby!

Actually the Giants are probably the worse team to ever win a Super Bowl. They backed into being division champions when the Dallas Cowboys had a rash of late season injuries. They backed into the Super Bowl when the Packers choked in their playoff game, and won it when the Patriots choked in the Super Bowl.

That a team that went 9-7 during the regular season got into the Super Bowl is noteworthy. It tells me this team does not give 100% in all games. Teams like this usually lose. So they got lucky.

I'll give the Giants credit in that they took advantage of the opportunites they had in the big game. Catching passes with outstretched fingernails takes a lot of talent.

Next year it will be all Dallas Crybabies... I mean Cowboys. Hopefully they'll meet the Steelers in the Super Bowl. That is if "Tebow Time" doesn't beat the Steelers in the playoffs again. :P

tjc78

That is if "Tebow Time" doesn't beat the Steelers in the playoffs again

It is rumoured that Tebow may be doing Dancing With the Stars. How and why did this guy become so popular. I don't get it.

stickguy

Hey, sour grapes much?

the Giant resurgence probably had more to do with overcoming a rash of injuries, particularly on defense.

And hey, when 3 teams in a row "choke", you need to start looking on the other side of the ball!

Good teams make their own luck.

michaellno

For all you Giants and Eagles fans, I would recommend that you watch the movie "Big Fan", starring Patton Oswalt.

Interesting character study of a man who calls into the local sports talk radio show to rant and rave about his beloved Giants and the (fill in your own negative stereotype) Eagles fans, then gets into an incident with the star Giants player at a nightclub and how it turns his life upside down.

fezo

You'll be pleased to know that the Cryboys are already listed at 125-1 to win teh Super Bowl next year. Hey, at least they are ahead of the Jaguars. Probably the Redskins as well....

jipster

You'll be pleased to know that the Cryboys are already listed at 125-1 to win teh Super Bowl next year

Who's giving those odds... jmonroe? :sick:

I'd put 10 big ones down with those odds. But most people I've talked to have them down for even money.

fezo

Head to Vegas. That's where they posted the odds.

roadburner

Congrats!

mako1a

I'd put 10 big ones down with those odds

Are you still trying to spend those big Confederate one dollar bills?

[Deleted User]

I talked with the reporter this morning for about 15 minutes, and I got the feeling I'm the atypical buyer in that I had the cash available for a full purchase, but was lured by the low interest rate into financing the purchase. He seemed pretty intrigued in that aspect and asked probing questions about our financial past, so who knows, perhaps my story will make it into the article and maybe it won't. Either way, it was a pleasant conversation and it was interesting to gain a little insight into the research aspect of the news. Thanks for the opportunity!

-Ty

[Deleted User]

That was fun! A hat or shirt would certainly be appreciated, but the opportunity to participate in the research was reward enough. He may be calling back today for additional info, but we were fairly thorough this morning.

michaellno

Either way, it was a pleasant conversation and it was interesting to gain a little insight into the research aspect of the news. Thanks for the opportunity!

I've been referenced twice in the media (Parade and Business Week) and, if they decide to use any of the interview, you'll get a call back from a fact checker to confirm everything that was said before printing.

I also got a complimentary copy of the issue of the magazine upon publishing. Not that I can find it anywhere, however.

[Deleted User]

Spot on, Driver. We had the cash set aside and walked into the dealership ready to write a check, but that 0.9% was too enticing to pass up. We spent the majority of our time talking about that aspect and how I came to be a saver versus someone who regularly uses financing. Whether or not my story is included, I'm looking forward to reading the article given the recent uptick in car purchases and car loans. He indicated it's a positive move for the economy and a sign of healing. They'll contact me if/when the article publishes, so I'll be sure to notify the group here of that event.

stickguy

I liked it so much, i boutght another.

Got some inside dope on that particular unit, so decided to look some more. found a 2007 in blue that I liked more, and struck a deal (had to decide quick because someone else drove it right after us, and actually wnated to buy it but was jussssst a little late).

So once I start, i can't stop!

[Deleted User]

I also got a complimentary copy of the issue of the magazine upon publishing. Not that I can find it anywhere, however.

Oh, dang! That stinks. My co-workers are asking for signed copies if it publishes, so this little interview could COST me money :mad:

mako1a

That was fun! A hat or shirt would certainly be appreciated

Mine was done via email (buying Toyota after years of the big three).

Shirt offered, shirt accepted, shirt traded to Richard for Orient shirt.

Kirstie_H

Neato! Thanks for doing it. You know, sometimes we get these requests, and then based on the experience(s) of the people responding, the angle of the story changes somewhat from what the reporter was expecting. My *guess* is this person thought that they'd get stories about higher interest rates than before, or having more difficulty getting financed, so your experience was possibly different than what they'd anticipated. Then again, you never know... we don't tend to have insight on what they're thinking, only on which consumer experiences they seek.

ray80

'You know, sometimes we get these requests, and then based on the experience(s) of the people responding, the angle of the story changes somewhat from what the reporter was expecting.'

Very true, One of the times I was interviewed for a story I got the definite impression the answers I was giving were not what the reporter was expecting (and I wasn't alone in my thoughts) ( I think part of the story is listed somewhere here at edmunds)

driver100

We had the cash set aside and walked into the dealership ready to write a check, but that 0.9% was too enticing to pass up.

I am surprised when I look through the car ads in Florida. Many of them will tell you how much the discount will be, how much your monthly, bi-monthly or even weekly payment will be, but few of them will tell you how much the cost of the car actually is. I know even the salesman who were once around said so many people only care about what their monthly payment will be.

I am glad there are still sensible people who actually save or buy a car based on the actual cost. And getting 0.9% financing is just a smart way to buy since you will be even further ahead using their money to buy.

There is still hope in the world.................

driver100

That was fun! A hat or shirt would certainly be appreciated
Mine was done via email (buying Toyota after years of the big three).

They sent you a shirt via email....those computers are getting more and more amazing! :P

fezo

You think a tshirt bt E-mail is cool? Transplant jaw made by 3D printer claimed as first.

verdugo

I'll give the Giants credit in that they took advantage of the opportunites they had in the big game.

Isn't that the sign of a good team?

verdugo

We had the cash set aside and walked into the dealership ready to write a check, but that 0.9% was too enticing to pass up.

Same here when we bought our Wrangler. Was ready to pay it in cash, but the 0% for 36 months just made sense.

driver100

Transplant jaw made by 3D printer claimed as first.

Unbelievable! The world is changing so fast, who knows what they'll do next.

driver100

but the 0% for 36 months just made sense.

Why would you not take 0% financing for 36 months if offered?

You would think it would be worth their while to knock a few points off the cost of the car if you paid cash. But, I suppose if they can get money for 1% or so this sounds more attraqctive to most people.

tjc78

It depends on if there is a large rebate or not. Many times it's 0% or X dollars rebate. If you are paying cash many times the rebate is more attractive.

[Deleted User]

Why would you not take 0% financing for 36 months if offered?

When we bought our 2006 Sonata in October 2005, Hyundai offered a $2,000 rebate to finance through them, so we did...for one day. We signed the papers one day, and then the next paid it off. We were thorough in our review of the contract prior to signing and knew there were no minimum term requirements. I'm sure Hyundai didn't appreciate that move, and now they have minimum term requirements, but after what they pulled on jmonroe I don't feel nearly as bad as I used to

driver100

It depends on if there is a large rebate or not. Many times it's 0% or X dollars rebate.

But, in the 2 recent stories, Suburu and Jeep gave special incentives on financing deals, but no incentive for cash. You would think they would offer something for cash, but maybe they are sitting on cash anyway, and since you can't make anything on interest, might as well finance the sale of a car to move some metal.

I suppose special financing attracts people who want the lowest possible payments, but it also attracts people who have cash any way. If you get .09% financing, but can make 5 or 6% on your investments, you are still better off taking the low financing rate.

driver100

We were thorough in our review of the contract prior to signing and knew there were no minimum term requirements.

Love it! That's the way to do it. They didn't waste time closing that loop hole. Doesn't it make you feel good to get the upper hand on a giant car company?

nyccarguy

They backed into the division championship? How'd they do that again? Oh yeah, they beat the cowboys. TWICE in 4 weeks. Yes the Giants were 9-7. They had tons of injuries from the get go, early in the season. Justin Tuck was hurt so badly during the season that he considered benching himself because he felt he was a detriment to the team.

They went toe to toe with the Packers (lost by 3) & San Francisco during the regular season. They had some awful games (Washington, Seattle), but won when it counted against The Jets & Dallas.

Atlanta sports teams are a joke, so there was NO DOUBT in my mind they were going to beat the Falcons.

Green Bay was the defending Super Bowl champs with only 1 loss for the entire season with the league MVP running their offense. They went into Green Bay's sanctuary and sent them on their merry way.

They fought hard and got a very lucky break durin the San Fran (13-3 on the year) game. They WON.

They beat NE during the regular season & it wasn't an accident thru did it again.

Who did the Giants beat on the way to the Super Bowl last time around? Tampa Bay, Dallas (in Dallas), Green Bay (in the 20 degree weather where Farve never lost), & the (then) undefeated New England Patriots.

Big Ben is probably the toughest QB in football right now. Eli Manning is right up there with him. He's the guy I want running my offense in the 4th quarter. You cannot look me in the eye with a straight face and tell me you'll take "Laces Out" Romo.

Who won the 1st game in your $100 million dollar Jerry Jones Stadium? The New York Giants!

How many cowboy Super Bowl victories came against the "ultimate choking machine" Buffalo Bills (boy I love loosing super bowls)? The last time the cowboys were relevant, Vanilla Ice was popular.

The Giants might not be "America's Team," but they are Super Bowl Champions and nobody can take that away from them.

fezo

Romo is the anti-Eli. You can always count on him to choke at the exact moment you need him not to!

[Deleted User]

Absolutely! Had Subaru offered a cash rebate option we would have opted for it instead, but we'll gladly take the financing. Typically we budget a certain monthly payment to a savings account for car purchases. Given the new scenario we'll invest the lump sum saved, plus a little more because we opted for a lesser expensive car, and keep it stashed for the three-year loan period. That investment will become our next vehicle to replace the van that is now my daily driver. Well, unless that new 328 tempts me.....

-Ty

driver100

we'll invest the lump sum saved, plus a little more because we opted for a lesser expensive car

If every one would think that way our countries would be in much better shape. One philosophy I believe in is you shouldn't buy things you may not be able to pay for....but, I am in the minority I think.

jmonroe

Who's giving those odds... jmonroe?

No, it ain’t me, I don’t bet on games of any kind. Bad for the family budget.

I'd put 10 big ones down with those odds. But most people I've talked to have them down for even money.

A little tale about this:

Back in the 70’s when the Steelers were on top of their game (beat the Cryboys like a drum every time they faced them including twice in the Super Bowl ) a guy and his wife and some of their friends who had season tickets (like I did) sat in the row in front of me. The Steelers were destroying some team and at half time I said to his wife, “why is he so upset, the Steelers are winning and it looks like they will win this game unless something crazy happens”? She said, “he’s been looking at the scoreboard all day and the teams he has money on aren’t doing well at all”. I said, “the way he’s acting you’d think he’s down $1K”. She said, “I WISH that’s all it was. So far it’s around twice that”. It’s pretty bad when you can’t enjoy your teams success because you're constantly looking at the scoreboard to see if you’re going to be able to pay the mortgage at the end of the month. If I ever need a reminder not to bet on games I just reminisce back to that day at Three Rivers Stadium.

Still wanna put the mortgage money for your new place on the Cryboys now? :sick:

jmonroe

jmonroe

I am surprised when I look through the car ads in Florida.

I was very surprised when I looked at last Sunday’s paper here in the Burgh. I saw something I never saw before. It was a Toyota add for a Camry (I think) and it said, in the fine print, something like, “it’s nice to see that you’re looking at the fine print. Smart buyers always do…”. This was an add by a mega dealer that was on the same page as other cars being advertised and none of the other cars said this so I think this is a Toyota thing. To satisfy myself, I looked for other Toyota adds but I couldn’t find any. However, the car adds were not as numerous on Sunday as they usually are. Maybe it was because it was Super Bowl Sunday or maybe I was missing a section.

Has anyone else noticed this in Toyota adds?

jmonroe

jmonroe

Same here when we bought our Wrangler. Was ready to pay it in cash, but the 0% for 36 months just made sense.

Damnit, that does it. When you got your Wrangler you got 0% and when ‘tyguy’ bought his Subie he got 0.9% in January 2012. Like I said before, “we were going to write a check for the Legacy but Subaru was offering 1.9% in November of 2011 so we bit on that offer for 3 years”. Now I find out you did better than I did and Subaru picked my pocket last year. Subaru is off my list now. :mad:

jmonroe

driver100

it’s nice to see that you’re looking at the fine print. Smart buyers always do…”.

I have a feeling that is just a dealer taking a new approach. It is so competitive out there dealers are trying different things to show they are open and honest.

Talking about car ads, there was a local one here that was cute...a cat driving a car and there is a parking space that becomes available. A dog driving a car scoops the parking spot from the cat. Something about top dogs go to ......dealer.

It was really cute and 1000 times better than those obnoxious Super Bowl ads. Seemed to me they were all trying so hard to be clever or funny they were just a mess....embarassing. The Clint Eastwood ad was good and was tasteful. Most of the rest were too over the top I think for most people.

driver100

Now I find out you did better than I did and Subaru picked my pocket last year.

Not necessarily. It depends on what you actually paid. I have a feeling you got a pretty good discount to begin with on a 2011 in November. Probably didn't have room to give up an extra point in financing.

jipster

beat the Cryboys like a drum every time they faced them including twice in the Super Bowl

hmmm, I recall that last time the Steelers and Cowboys met in the Super Bowl... the Cowboys came out on top. Up so much Steelers had to resort to onside kicks in the middle of the game. :shades:

But, I'm not here to take the Giants Super Bowl win from them. I've yet to be granted that power. But, their win reminds me a lot of the Saints playoff victory surge and Super Bowl win from a few years ago. The Saints played good, like the Giants, but all the breaks and some choking by the opposing teams helped them win. It was almost like the outcome had already been determined. :surprise:

Still wanna put the mortgage money for your new place on the Cryboys

Just refinanced at 3.25% a few weeks ago. So, yeah... put me down for just 10 BIG ones.

jipster

beat the Cryboys like a drum every time they faced them including twice in the Super Bowl

hmmm, I recall that last time the Steelers and Cowboys met in the Super Bowl... the Cowboys came out on top. Up so much Steelers had to resort to onside kicks in the middle of the game. :shades:

But, I'm not here to take the Giants Super Bowl win from them. I've yet to be granted that power. But, their win reminds me a lot of the Saints playoff victory surge and Super Bowl win from a few years ago. The Saints played good, like the Giants, but all the breaks and some choking by the opposing teams helped them win. It was almost like the outcome had already been determined. :surprise:

Still wanna put the mortgage money for your new place on the Cryboys

Just refinanced at 3.25% a few weeks ago. So, yeah... put me down for 10 BIG ones.

jmonroe

hmmm, I recall that last time the Steelers and Cowboys met in the Super Bowl... the Cowboys came out on top. Up so much Steelers had to resort to onside kicks in the middle of the game.

Go back and read post 76987. I was talking about the Steelers of the 70's not the 90's.

And BTW, the onside kick (for the 95 season) was EXACTLY in the middle of the game. IIRC, the Steelers did that onside kick to start the second half.

jmonroe

jmonroe

But, in the 2 recent stories, Suburu and Jeep gave special incentives on financing deals, but no incentive for cash. You would think they would offer something for cash…

That’s what I thought too. So when I bought the Legacy I asked my salesman, “why is Subaru offering 1.9% interest but not offering the choice of low interest or a rebate. All the other manufactures seem to do it that way so why not Subaru”? His response was, “Subaru’s business model has been to offer low interest rates but they don’t like to discount their cars by giving rebates because that cheapens the product by lowering the trade value down the road. It seems to be working for them so far. You’ll appreciate this in a few years when you trade”. That’s what he said, so we’ll have to wait to see if that pans out.

jmonroe

jmonroe

The Giants might not be "America's Team,"…

And neither are the Cryboys. I’m pretty sure the Cryboys anointed themselves with that tag. What’s that saying…’perception is everything’ and the other one…’possession is 9/10 of the law’. :confuse:

but they are Super Bowl Champions and nobody can take that away from them.

Can't argue with that. Hold onto that trophy. They're hard to come by, just ask the Cryboys.

jmonroe