Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Stories from the Sales Frontlines
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Mike.... I saw the XTS when I was lining up to get the $100 Visa card at my local Caddy dealer was soliciting me to come get. Good looking car.
speaking of which, my card came. Just need to go out and spend it. wonder if I can include it with first semester tuition, along with a jar full of pennies, and a subway coupon?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
stick...how long ago did you go to the dealer?
"Mike.... I saw the XTS when I was lining up to get the $100 Visa card at my local Caddy dealer was soliciting me to come get. Good looking car."
Yes - that's what attracted me to it. I had previously driven the CTS, but it was way too small for me. Very tight in the driver's seat so getting in and out was a chore.
But not so in the XTS. Even more comfortable than my CLS.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
>
Yes, I read evry word carefully in your post but I had a big tiring day, including a big family dinner (excrutiatingly tiring), a meeting with our financial people, and 2 hours of tennis, so I switched the letters...I think I am also becoming mildly dyslexic at times.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Personally, I don't think it is a big deal....I don't mind hearing various points of view. I have learned a lot in the last few weeks and I give MrShift credit for voicing his opinions and joining in.
I hope we don't get stuck on politics, but, once in awhile being able to share ideas and viewpoints is just part of having a conversation.
When we go for coffee after playing tennis we could have left wingers and right wingers at the table.......we listen and have a friendly conversation and maybe we understand each other a little better - though I doubt it will change me. But, I think it makes me a better person because at least I am willing to listen and to understand where they are coming from.
But, I will agree, that when it comes to politics, we should try to get back to other topics quickly....or we could get into trouble.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Generally, most cars will cost 20% more in Canada. Our Florida Passat was $23K US and would be $28K here. Right now our money is worth 10% less just to begin calculating. Then, our salaries are higher, cost of building is much higher, shipping costs (sparse population over a large area) are much higher, and on it goes. Even cars that are made here, many GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota models cost more here.
Mike, sorry, I apologize for thinking your car was coming up to the 8 month mark when it is at the 5 month mark. If it was 8 months it would have been gone by now.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"But, I will agree, that when it comes to politics, we should try to get back to other topics quickly....or we could get into trouble."
I don't agree, driver. Every time we post political points of view, tempers always seem to flair. This is supposed to be a thread where people new to Edmunds can read posts about buying cars and negotiating the best deals. But as I read through the entire April array of posts, a majority of the posts dealt with politics, the news media, Benghazi, the economy, etc.
And then we wonder why no new posters ask questions about buying cars. Isn't that the purpose of this thread?
I am just as guilty as anyone else for going off on political tangents - BUT NOT ANY MORE.
Richard was 100% correct in his post. When hosts start posting long, grueling threads about their own political slants, it's time to get back to what this forum thread was intended to do - provide feedback to posters trying to buy cars and how to get a good deal.
It is also a site where people who either sold cars or who have been successful at buying cars can relate accounts of buying and selling cars.
I stand with Richard on putting an end to political junk. There are many other sites where you can go to read and post about your political views.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
This would probably be a deal breaker for me, unless I got the AWD version:
"If you want your big cruiser to be engaging when the road twists, a more performance-oriented car like the rear-drive BMW 5-Series can scratch that itch. We must also mention the CUE infotainment system. Its complexity and lack of intuitiveness could be a deal-breaker, so we advise giving it a full test-drive, too." -- Kelley Blue Book
What a difference in price between bare bones and well equipped model:
Avg. Paid:$44,163 - $67,274
MSRP: $44,600 - $69,095
Invoice: $42,147 - $64,604
And, those average prices paid don't look like they have been deep discounted.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I mentioned last night that I was going to try to remember "untold stories from the new car showroom" from when I was in the business. Well, I succeeded and took notes do when it seems appropriate, I can post an experience. I have 14 such stories at present and will add to that list as I remember them. Hopefully if several of us can relate stories about buying and selling cars, we can get back to the purpose of this site.
Going off on a non-political tangent every so often (like the best toilet plungers made) is great - but just not politics!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"And, those average prices paid don't look like they have been deep discounted."
According to Edmunds, there is not a lot of "up-front" profit in these cars. But there are dealer incentives which will reduce the price quite a bit. USAA has a $4250 incentive for its members which is substantial. American Express and Costco also have buying plans and incentives.
So, anyone looking to get great pricing on cars has to investigate all possibilities. If not USAA, there's BJ's and Costco and American Express and probably many more avenues.
True-Car does not give "GREAT" pricing for new cars - just discounted pricing which the average car buyer can get on his own. Start at invoice on a car, subtract any incentives, and then work the deal from that price - usually below invoice.
There are no secrets about car-buying. Why pay $750 over invoice if the dealer has a $2000 incentive? Pay $1750 under invoice!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike....while it depends on the car and the model, the geographic region tends to affect Truecar pricing more than anything is what I've noticed.
You were in the business. And, the more savy buyers around here can usually do better.
Around my 'burg Truecar pricing is pretty good, again depending on the car. On a BMW for example, I can do better using my own pricing. On an Acura, Truecar really nails it. Cadillac, Audi, and Mercedes, I can use my own personal "formula" to better Truecar prices.
But, the way they market Truecar, I think they do exactly what they say they do. That is, they give a buyer a vehicle to buy a car and get a pretty decent price...maybe not the very best price, but a good price.
I totally agree. This is a VEHICLE forum. It should not be a political or anything-goes discussion. God knows there are enough of those places on the net. I can go to them if I want. I do not want to see that here. I want to see car discussions.
I get it, that lots of people love to talk politics. Just don't fill up this place with that. It isn't the right place.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
True, but politics, business and economics are intertwined. Sometimes it's hard to talk about one without the other, especially consumer protection and legislation benefiting electric and hybrid vehicles. It is just a matter of degree. As educated people we should be able to talk about issues in a less polarizing way.
With that said, I am debating whether I should update my GPS NAV system. The DVD sells for $199 but GM is letting it go for $159. How many new roads have they built in the last few years? And besides, does the updated map improve on its direction and guidance capability or does it take you along the same (sometimes) inefficient route?
Only some MSM weenie would pay that much for a navigation disc.
Politics is fine. Vitriol is not.
I have no problem with Shifty supporting his views but would agree that a host should be calming waters rather than stirring them up.
Whoever said the MSM is ruling this board isn't paying attention.
We're a big tent. I disagree strongly with some of the folks in here who I consider very good friends. One has been so for 17 years though I haven't met him (or anyone in here except Michaelll) in person. (The extra l on Micheal's name is a long standing inside joke.)
I would like to get out of the politics for a while. It's not like we don't have other things to talk about and I need to get a refrigerator....
I think you are correct, GG. For the average "Joe", TruCar gives a discounted price that is a fair price for both the buyer and the seller - no question about it. It is a no hassle price - you call the dealer, they honor the TrueCar pricing - you go the dealership and sign the paperwork and you are off and running with your new car.
For those of us who want the "best" pricing, we are willing to invest more time and research into the process. For some, they don't want the hassle.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Usually, all it does is update streets, roads, gas stations, supermarkets, etc., assuming you have POI on the GPS system that shows those places. An overhaul as to "how" the destination is computed and shown usually is not included in an "update". It's just an update of map data.
It's best to check it out with your GM dealership's Parts Manager. They usually know what is included in the update. Your "processing" for GPS is a permanent entry on your hard drive. The only time I've seen changes is when they change model years and include something new.
With Mercedes, they just included this year 3D views as well as showing actual building structures in medium to large sized cities. Interesting feature, but I use my GPS so infrequently that it really doesn't matter.
I would not buy the update from GM unless you use your GPS several times a week for business, etc. Why spend $150 to update maps and streets if you don't use the GPS frequently?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Fezo, we have begun looking at a new refrigerator as well as a new stove/oven (electric). Both are working fine so far, but they are 24 years old and I don't trust the oven temps anymore.
We've looked at Sears and Brandsmart so far. For some reason, I just trust Sears when it comes to appliances. Their pricing is "fair", but certainly not the lowest. Brandsmart has very, very low pricing, but then try to get them to service the appliances - not like Sears that responds immediately.
The brands we've looked at are GE, LG, Kenmore, Panasonic, and several others. We've had GE products for years and they last, and last, and last. I don't know much about what Consumer Reports has to say about the brands and their quality yet as I haven't gone on their site yet. I would think Consumer Reports would be the first place to start, fez!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike....I've read about a lot of people in different forums here at Edmunds who go through extraordinary lenghts to buy a car....bouncing around from dealership(s). Trying to get a good price over the phone. emailing dealers ad infinitum.
Simplest way I've found (and something I notice you do, too) is to find a car you like. Decide what the price is you're willing to pay (it confounds me that someone can walk into a dealership with no idea what their final out of pocket will be). Make the offer. Go home with your new car.
I have no desire to be a grinder, nor to have someone "grind" me at the negotiation table.
If you know the market for the car...and you do a bit of research as to manufacturer programs avaiable to the consumer, the money the dealership may have available from the manufacturer, and the fee/taxes (both real and dealer add-ons) associated with the car, a great deal should be simple and quick.
That old way of buying cars, of grinding, calling, traveling to every dealer you can seems to be a hard, unneccessary habit to break.
Don't upgrade it. If you live in an area with a lot of new construction, just use your phone when going to those areas.
Rough Thursday: Passat is making some funny noise, 5 stitches above my upper lip from a falling doorbell chime, squamous cell carcinoma on my left check - Mohs procedure coming up, Mom admitted to hospital.
Excellent Friday: got a new line to represent, Mom just has the flu, son went off to prom last night looking dashing with his beautiful girlfriend.
Rough Friday: tradition that prom goers visit the town common for pictures in the gazebo. Realized I am now an old man because I couldn't believe how beautiful and grown up the girls I've known since they were babies looked. Even my wife said "Wow" a few times.
UNTOLD STORY FROM THE NEW CAR SHOWROOM
During the first 2 weeks I worked at Lexus, I was in training. We spent time being mentored by old professional salesmen - we would "shadow" their every move - from greeting to paperwork, etc. After 2 weeks, we were "on our own", so to speak. If we had questions, we would ask the training specialist or a helpful salesman.
I'll never forget my very first customer. I arrived at work at 8:00 AM so I could "sign-in" to the "up system software" so I could get at least one customer that day. The greeter paged me at 9:30 AM (from recollection) and introduced me to a retired couple well into their 70's or low 80's. They drove an Infiniti Q45 which was 3 years old and wanted to try out an LS430. I remember their words, "...we're only looking, not buying today!" As a new salesman, I was somewhat disappointed that my first customer was a "looker" and not a "buyer", but I remember our trainer saying that it was our job to turn "lookers into buyers!" So I still had hope.
I gave the couple a 20 minute walk-around of the LS430 we had on the showroom floor. It was a nicely loaded one (MSRP was about $59,000 which was a higher priced LS) and was white with beige leather interior. I opened the hood, the trunk, had them sit in the back seat, the driver's seat, etc. I explained the safety features, structure of the car, etc.
I then said to them, "...follow me please..." which was a line we were trained to use to maintain control of the selling process. I took them out to the front new car lot where we kept 8-10 examples of colors and options for each model we sold. The wife walked over to a silver LS430 with light gray interior. I could tell from her face and body language that she fell in love with the car's looks and color. Taking that as a cue, I said, "...I'll be back in a minute, please wait!" I got the stock number of the car, pulled the key, and went back outside and opened the doors. The husband said he didn't need to sit in the car or drive it since they were just looking. I then turned to the wife and asked if she would like to be the first person to take this car out for a nice leisurely drive? She literally grabbed the key, sat in the driver's seat, closed her door, opened the windy, and yelled, "...Sol, get in here now - I want to drive this car!" So Sol sat in the front passenger seat and I sat in the back. She asked where she should go and I told her to exit to her left and drive down toward the Turnpike. She made a right turn out of the dealership and literally "floored" the accelerator.
We returned wit Sol driving and parked the car in front of the showroom. I gave them some literature and the first thing the wife said was, "...how much can you give us for our trade?" I said I don't know since I haven't looked at the car and the used car manager had not seen the car, but that I would be more than happy to give them a number. Sol gave me the keys to his car and I wrote out an appraisal sheet like I was trained to do. I gave the keys to the Used Car Manager. A minute later, one of the sales managers came out with another veteran salesman and said that this new salesman was taking over while I was to go to the General Manager's Office because he wanted to see me. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted. It was obvious they were taking me out of the loop because they wanted the sale and were not about to let me handle the sale.
I apologized to the couple and went into the GM's office who told me to stay there until the couple bought or left. I was so upset - but I bit my tongue.
About 20 minutes later, the other manager comes into the GM's office and said to the GM that the couple might buy a car, but they did not want the other salesman, they wanted me, Michael, to work with them. The GM reluctantly told me to go out and finish working with the old couple.
I again apologized for having to leave, but that I was available to help them. The other salesman was hovering over us, so the wife said to the other salesman, "...if you don't leave, we will!" So he left. I worked on a 4-square (which is how they told us to work figures) and I was given the trade value for their car, which was $38,000. It sounded about right since it had 45,000 miles on it. They said if the pricing was right, they would buy the car today. They gave me an offer of $17,000 plus title to their car. I took the offer into the sales desk and was told that I needed to get them to $19,000 out of pocket. I went back to the couple, and told them that for an almost $60,000 new car I could probably get management to agree to $19,500 plus their car plus taxes, fees, title and tags. The wife said to me that it sounded a little high and if I had another car like that one in stock but a little less equipment. I checked inventory and we had no other silver/black cars with the minimal equipment they wanted. She looked at her husband then looked at me. She said, "...we'll take the deal!"
I went back to the sales desk and the sales manager asked if I was able to get a "bump" of some sort, but that if I didn't, they would sell it for $17,000 plus the car. I said to the sales manager, "...I did get a bump, to $19,500!" He said to me, "...you are the guy, Mike, you are the guy!" I finished the paperwork and delivered the new car to the couple. When they left, I was called into the GM's office again. In the office sat the original sales manager, the salesman they had sent in to take over the deal, and the training manager. I was informed by the GM that I would be splitting my commission 50-50 with the other salesman since he had spent some time with the sale. I asked how much was the commission on the deal - and they told me it was $6500 since they had held back a little on the trade and sold the car for $4500 over invoice.
I was fuming! I told them if that was how it was going to work here at their dealership and that I was going to be taken advantage of even though I had done 99% of the work to sell the car, then they could keep their money. I took off my name tag, dropped it on the desk and walked out.
When I got home, my Dad told me that the General Manager of the dealership had called and wanted me to call him back. I told my Dad what had happened and that I didn't want to work at that dealership. So I did not call him back.
At 5:30 PM that afternoon, the front gate called and asked if I wanted them to admit a gentleman who said he was from the Lexus dealership. I said to admit him. I walked outside and saw the original sales manager who wanted to put the other salesman in to take over my deal getting out of his car. He walked up the stairs to my apartment and I let him in. We sat in the living room and he was profusely apologetic. He said it was his fault that things went awry, not the GM. He was the one who told the GM that I could not handle the sale well enough and that it needed a more seasoned professional to sell these people a car. He handed me an envelope and asked me not to quit. They were all impressed with the way I handled the sale with all the adversity they put in my way and that they wanted me back to work the next morning.
He then asked me to open the envelope. When I did, there was a company check enclosed with a letter from the GM. The letter requested that I not quit and that they promised not to treat me like that ever again. The check was for $4000 after taxes, social security, etc., had been deducted.
Needless to say, I went back to work for the dealership, but believe me, I was treated as badly, if not worse, many times after that - after all, it's the car business - and it's a tough place to work and earn a good living. You need to have nerves of steel and be able to take it on the chin whenever a manager felt like he wanted to make things difficult for you.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Nice long story but you threw me for a loop. For a minute there I thought you were going to tell the couple that they could have the Lexus for $17K plus their trade. That would have been a nice gesture and a wonderful way to start your sales career...but that's the car biz I guess. Get the most you can, the customer?...well as long as they were happy. Any remorse on taking advantage of the elderly couple?
"Nice long story but you threw me for a loop. For a minute there I thought you were going to tell the couple that they could have the Lexus for $17K plus their trade. That would have been a nice gesture and a wonderful way to start your sales career...but that's the car biz I guess. Get the most you can, the customer be dammed."
You forgot it was first sale - what did I know - just wanted to make a living especially after going 4 months with nothing coming in.
I make no apologies for trying to make a living!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Oops! I edited my post but it was too late. Sorry Mike, I didn't mean to be that insensitive. And yes, I understand one has to make a living.
Not going to touch that one. No need to get into a "how much profit" argument and in the end everyone was happy. It's not like they were going to buy that car on their Social Security check.
>
I enjoyed your story. What percentage of people who are just looking can be persuaded to buy?
I know it is just an estimate....I am thinking it is pretty bad that we have to say we are just looking because we feel we need protection.
Another thing I noted was how awful the car business can be...pretty cruel and heartless. There was a time when I wanted to give it a try, but, I guess I am lucky I never got the chance.
Thank goodness my own business worked!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That is a defensive posture that many car buyers use so as not be hassled by the sales personnel or the managers. I have used it and still use it when I go shopping. It puts space between you and the enemy. If things get close, you can always say, "...but I told you, I was just looking today and I am no where near ready to buy anything!"
As for the percentage of buyers who would enter a new car showroom and claim they are just "looking, not buying," probably 50% really mean they are not buyers. The other 50% are those who will buy if they are given a "deal they can't refuse!" The problem is determining what that deal has to be to move them from looking mode to buying mode.
If the customer has done research on the vehicle, then he knows what he is willing to pay. If there is a trade involved, he knows about what he is willing to accept as an offer for his trade. Usually, the customer is many thousands of dollars away from a real wholesale number. If his trade is truly "clean", then the dealership may be willing to put more than wholesale into the car since he is going to put it on the lot for sale as a used car.
In my own experience, when a customer comes in to the showroom and says he is just looking, I would say that you can convert a looker into a buyer 20% of the time. So, of the 50% who say they are looking but "could" buy if they wanted to, 20% of those can be converted, assuming they are offered a real great deal. Those are the ones you are always willing to work a tight deal for - even at invoice if necessary. Why? Because they will end up at another competing dealership and buy the car there if you aren't sharp enough to work the deal before they leave.
I've know many salesmen who, once they hear the customer is just looking, give up right then and there. Some even turn over their customer to another salesman, usually a novice. Many times I have worked deals for salesmen who thought they had lookers, not buyers.
The old story - know when to fold 'em, know when to hold 'em definitely applies.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I just priced a new Mitsu Outlander sport here on Edmunds and got a TMV $52 OVER MSRP. How'd that happen? Is it a hot car? Never had that happen before.
The one time I priced a car on TrueCar their price was a bit less than Edmunds.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My sister is in the market now. She's found a 2010 Infiniti G37 coupe with 41.000 miles on it. Dealer is asking almost $25k for it. Using the expertise of my friends here at edmunds, she is going in tomorrow prepared to offer $22k plus tax tags and license.
We will see how it goes.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I just got back from a Mustang Car Show at the dealership where I bought the Mustang(s). Good show. Roanoke has some really nice people.
Who but me would take a dirty car to a show even though I was parked outside the show area. But it worked well. Just happened to be right place right time. They were looking for a car to demo some new cleaning/buffing items for free. I said I have a dirty car. Guy says what color. I say white. He says bring it under the tent. An hour later it looks like a shiny penny. WooHoo.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Michaell, I looked at the link to the car. It looks good, but seems like a lot of money for a car that is getting close to 5 model years old.
They were kind of overselling things like the cargo net.
Is she starting out @22 or lower?
I was at the Cadillac dealership as I posted yesterday but had a question for the salesman. So I called him and asked if I need to special order AWD here in Florida since there isn't much demand for it. He said that it would take about 3-4 weeks, maybe longer, to order one with AWD. He asked me why I wanted AWD instead of FWD. I told him that with 420 hp to the front wheels only, there would be too much torque to the front wheels. He agreed.
So that's what I would order if and when I make my decision in 18+ months. I'm surprised they put that powerful engine in a FWD rather than a RWD. The CTS is RWD, why not in the XTS?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@abacomike. I did a quick pricing on the XTS last night. The twin turbo is only available with AWD.
"@abacomike. I did a quick pricing on the XTS last night. The twin turbo is only available with AWD."
Good grief. This salesman knowa absolutely nothing! And this is the guy the owner called his best salesman! Doesn't say much for the dealership, that's for sure.
My guess is that they don't sell many of those V XTS's at that dealership. It's in an area loaded with retirees which would answer that issue.
I looked it up just now, and you are right, as always. The V Sport only comes in AWD. My guess is that they don't stock any.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
LOL! That is funny about this salesman. But you drove a V-model, correct? So they must stock at least one. Someone should put it on a hoist for the salesguy.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"LOL! That is funny about this salesman. But you drove a V-model, correct? So they must stock at least one. Someone should put it on a hoist for the salesguy. "
Yes, I did, but he told me it was a FWD car. Funny, I would have felt the torque on the steering wheel when I punched it. What an idiot. He looked like he was about 55-60 years old so maybe he's a star salesman for the CTS and ATS, but knows nothing about the XTS. The standard XTS is FWD, but as explorer alerted me to, the VSport is AWD.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Not to beat a dead horse, but according to cadillac.com the car you drove did have the Driver Awareness Package as standard equipment. That includes lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert and safety alert seat. Optional is the Driver Assist Package, with adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and automatic collision preparation.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"Not to beat a dead horse, but according to cadillac.com the car you drove did have the Driver Awareness Package as standard equipment. That includes lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert and safety alert seat. Optional is the Driver Assist Package, with adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and automatic collision preparation."
Maybe I test drove a Buick LaCrosse
I am certainly not going back to that idiot!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The consensus is that the dealer is into it for $20-21K, so $22K seems a fair offer.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
hey, the owner said he was the best salesman. not that he knew all the details on the rare models they normally don't sell. But he probably moves a ton of vinyl roofs to the retiree set.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Chuck Bennett(the founder of Zymol) personally cleaned and waxed my 535is at O'fest 1990. He used his $100/can Concours wax- the car looked stunning:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Interesting. So you are saying that you should say you are looking when you are actually ready to buy in hopes they will cut you a skinny deal? What if you just want to sit in the car to test out the ergonomics before you even test drive. That's what I did with my Eclipse to see if there was enough headroom with a sunroof. Turned out there wasn't so I did all my price research on a base model (sunroof was only available as part of a package).
But without that visit I would have had to juggle multiple figures in my head and I'm not that smart.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"Interesting. So you are saying that you should say you are looking when you are actually ready to buy in hopes they will cut you a skinny deal?"
That's one approach that seems to work for me when I am out looking to find a car on the new car lot that I am attracted to.
The CLS 550 I bought last November 30th was one of those times. I had my E350 in for a car wash. So I went out to look at their inventory of CLS 550's. They had 7 lined up. I went back to the showroom and mentioned I was just out looking at their CLS's. That's when they said if they made me a deal I couldn't refuse, would I buy a new CLS. I responded that I am always looking for a great deal. 2 hours later, I drove the CLS home.
Yes, it works if you play your cars right!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I like the big palace dealerships. they tend to have a lot of cars on the floor, and I will often just wander in (even when busy) and just go sit in things. Tell the receptionist I am just looking and don't need a salesguy, and I usually get left alone.
Or tell them you are waiting on your car in service. that gives you an excuse to be there.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
One old guy who worked at our store used to call service customers "whistlepissers"
They would wander in from the service waiting room with a cup of coffee in their hand.
Then walk right up to the window sticker look at the price and let out a whistle.
Then they would ask..." Where's the bathroom?"
>
So, would you say that saying "I am just looking" could lead to a better deal? If you go in saying you are going to buy you may have to start negotiating - but, if you have all your facts, but, aren't too anxious, maybe that puts the buyer in a better situation.
I am not sure what I'll buy next time, which will probably be about a year from now, but let me refresh briefly, and then tell you what I was thinking of doing....you tell me what you think.
When I bought the 535 I quickly negotiated what I think was a satisfactory deal. I got 4% off the new one, and I got about $1500 more than I calculated for my trade in.
Then when we checked on a 335 for my wife they gave me 4% off on the new one...then raised it to 4.5% because the trade-in guy said the trade-in was only worth $20K, and I found it should be worth $24K. We walked over to the Audi dealer and got the A4.
When I go in this time I was thinking I would look up the value of my 535 trade in. Find the price of the new car. Tell the salesman he has one chance to come up with a satisfactory price, or I go somewhere else. I feel the trust has gone because of the low price on the trade-in. I think this could ensure I would know right away if they want to keep me as a customer.
What do you think?
One more thing...I don't think the cars I am interested in will change enough to interest me in 2015...I think Audi A6, 535, and E Class will have major changes in 2016.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"I am not sure what I'll buy next time, which will probably be about a year from now, but let me refresh briefly, and then tell you what I was thinking of doing....you tell me what you think."
It all depends on whether the numbers you go into the dealership with are realistic. What you want for your trade might be too high and what you want to pay for the car might be too low.
In your case where you feel you've lost trust in the way they do business, I would go in with a $500 over dead invoice deal and a realistic wholesale value for your trade. Talk with the sales manager only. Remind him of the last time you were in and they lost the deal because they were way too low on the trade value. Tell them you bought a VW besides the Audi and did not even give them a chance because of that bad experience.
Go in and ask them if they want you back as a customer, they have to prove it. That sets the tone for your position - I'll buy, but only if you make me a deal I can't refuse! If I buy this time, remember I buy lots of cars!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
On a Mitsu? WOW....not that they're bad cars (as you can attest). But, I keep hearing how Mitsu is seriousy thinking of pulling out of NA. Is it possible that's the reason prices are propped up? Their vehicles are getting scarce?
In my area there are only two Mitsu dealers but I see a lot of them considering that nationwide they sell less than a half percent of new cars. Maybe they are that popular. I've been happy with mine, they just don't have anything now that meets my need for horsepower as senility sets in.
That company has been rumored to be pulling out of North America for 20 years.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible