Stories from the Sales Frontlines

14854864884904912003

Comments

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,160
    j....sorry about the rant. I guess I'll never change. I'll assume we all can afford to buy our teens a car. That doesn't mean that we should.

    No, I didn't come back here to rant. I just missed you guys....in a platonic sort of way...... :P

    What I want to know is what isellhondas has been doing while I've been gone? He and I, more or less joined Edmunds at the same time. Yet, he's got 3 times the postings I do.

    He must have really doled out the critiques in my absence. ;)
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,160
    mack....INAGODDADAVIDA? The whole 17 minute version? OMG.....I haven't heard that...well....since I wore bell bottoms.

    Sorry about your Giants. Not a Pats fan. But, NE by two TDs today.

    Since I'm already off topic (sorry kirstie & tidester...I'm taking some "long time member license"), I'm looking for there to be a bunch of sales on TVs after the SB. I'm finishing my long treck into building a home theater in my rec room. I'm thinking big honking plasma TV. Anyone have any first hand experience?

    It's a toss up between a Panasonic or Samsung 58" 1080P plasma. Suggestions? Thoughts? Recommendations? Costco will order me the Panasonic, and they'll double the manufacturers warranty, at no charge.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,353
    "...Do you guys ever take a breack?..."

    Didn't you know? Most of the posters on this board are prison inmates doing long terms. It's either keep posting or take a shower with "Bubba". Which would you choose? :cry:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well the Admiral was a line officer not an MO.

    Also I wasn't Navy so don't insult me by thinking I was Navy.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    My dad said that for two years he worried about some poor guy who bought that car with a beer can in it.

    I would be more worried by all the people that bought all those cars off an assembly line that was run by people as the were drinking beer. :sick:

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I guess the question I'd want to know the answer to was why anyone who has a "friend/relative in the car biz" would go to another dealer to begin with?

    Personally I will never do any business with a friend or a relative, its a good way to lose both.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Now that was good!!!!!!!!! :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Truer words were never spoken. Besides, I don't want my relatives or friends to know my business. Reason? They have a better way for you to do it, or they tell you how you could have saved money if you had listened to them. :mad:

    Richard
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,353
    After reading hundreds of post from the many professionals on these boards I felt that I had finally achieved the level of skill necessary to enter the lion's den of the new car dealership. I test drove the cars I was considering and then sat down to do the tough haggling.

    We went back and forth for a while and ended up about $200 apart. I was just about to "Bobst" them and walk out when the image of joel's and greanpea's and mack's little children starving flashed into my mind. To my everlasting shame I did a laydown and gave away $178. I swear the salesman was licking his lips as he guided me into F&I "To see Debbie" no doubt thinking he has a real whale in the making.

    Fortunately, my head had cleared by the time I sat down in F&I and I was able to resist the Mop&Glo for only $999 and the extended warranty ($1500 deductible, yikes). Please forgive me but I used the "My wife won't let me" excuse and I think I heard Debbie mutter something negative about my manhood as I left.

    So now a week later, I'm having buyer's remorse. I feel terrible that I gave up that extra money. All the expert negotiators who post here are no doubt laughing at me. I can't sleep at night for fear that my neighbor might have paid $50 less.

    The only thing that will make this situation better is if all you salespeople chip in and forward me the $178 that you cost me. I supose I could be satisfied that I got close to invoice and 0% for 5 years but then that would go against so much that I've learned here. I mean, I didn't even make the salesman cry (although he did ask at one point if I intended to let him make and money).

    So anyway, no rush on sending me the money as I am sure today you are all running around your yards with your faces painted team colors. First thing Monday will be fine. ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,160
    snake....If I get an offer from a friend (mostly principals at the dealerships), I'm all over it. I've yet to be let down. Now, their sales people may not like that I'm going over their head. But, they're always cordial.

    That said, I qualify for Ford's Z plan and GM's GMS plan via my sister and bro-in-law, respectively. Through work, I qualify for the VP pricing on Nissan/Infinit products.

    I've got a friend who owns a Toyota/Honda dealership (at least her Father does). She hooks me up with their wares.

    The local BMW dealer goes to my church. I've been known to corner him after services to get something more favorable at his stores than just walking in off the street. Yes, I've shamelessly asked for a big discount on a car in the church parking lot from him (looking for lightening to strike me :surprise: )

    That doesn't leave a whole lot of other brands out there that I can't get a "deal" on.

    Maybe I can use "moo" if I'm ever in the market for a Porsche..... :P

    Now, if I were in the market for a Chrysler product, I have to do the negotiation "thing". But, I can't see any time in the future that I'd consider their products.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    First, I don't think that you ranted. I think that you gave good advice on buying a car for a young teen.

    Secondly, we bought the big Samsung for our new room addition. It is absolutely the best one that we have ever owned. The sound and picture quality is great. You won't believe where I bought it. After researching them at Best Buy, Circuit City, Rex, etc., I ended up getting it at Wal-Mart. As the assistant manager explained, the other guys work on commission. Wal-Mart employees do not. They can afford to lower the price quite a bit on the large models. I saved $500 over the cost at other places. Hope you find what you want. It is a fairly large investment, so you need to be happy about it.

    BTW, it is nice to see you back here. :)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Send YOU money? These tight asses will be sending you a bill for their advice. :shades:

    What did you buy? With 0% and close to invoice, you should be throwing a party. Don't worry about Debbie. She probably beats her husband with a tire tool if he opens his mouth. :D

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, I'm still here.

    Actually, we both lost most of our "seniority" when they redid the forums. I think I started sometime in 1997 and you may have too but all of us got moved up to April, 2001.

    We may have lost a weeks vacation when that happened and we might not get our gold watches when the time comes.

    A lot of changes and a LOT of people who have disappeared over the years.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    What is a "breack"

    Oh...nevermind...he's the guy running for President! :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    What I want to know is what isellhondas has been doing while I've been gone?

    Oh, he’s still around. He got mad at me awhile back and said something to the effect that he’s, “done talking to me”. :surprise: I think he should follow his oft used line “life’s too short” and make up with me. He still talks to Jip and you know how they go at it.

    He and I, more or less joined Edmunds at the same time. Yet, he's got 3 times the postings I do.

    He must have really doled out the critiques in my absence.



    Yeah, when he wants to, he’ll converse; just not at me. :cry:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Actually, it's..." Life is short"

    And it is too short to hold grudges and I don't.
  • deskmandeskman Member Posts: 485
    The way Taco Bell does it is the entire assembly line can pull the string to stop the line at anytime there is a problem. There is no such thing as having to wait until a certain number of defects appear. Pretty impressive.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Actually, it's..." Life is short"

    OK, alright, I said, “life’s too short”. Don't tell me you want to go at it over this. :surprise:

    Anytime you're ready. :D

    Hey 'graph' this must be why you came back; you're a real peace maker.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,353
    "...What did you buy?..."

    One of those "girl" cars. That's why Debbie's comments hurt. Well, I can always go down to the corner bar again and start a fight with some big dude. :sick:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • deskmandeskman Member Posts: 485
    "...What did you buy?..."

    One of those "girl" cars. That's why Debbie's comments hurt. :surprise:

    Did you buy a Toyoda ? :lemon:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Well, I guess we need to send the domestics through Taco Bell training because it's obvious they ain't doing it.
    ;)
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Yep, the whole 17 minute version. I have it on my computer so I can listen to it whenever I want. It's kind of a spooky or freaky tune. I now associate it with the movie manhunter which now gives me the creeps.

    Go with the Panasonic, better picture quality, and double the warranty?

    I'm not a Giants fan either, on the contrary I root for the Cowboys but I am an NFC man. So I'm backing the NFC team. Plus I really think they have a chance of pulling the greatest upset in NFL history. I don't like the Patsies at all, they are a bunch of cheaters, starting from the top on down.
    Tom (The Robot) Brady is not one of my favorite persons either. He may look like the nicest guy in the world after the games when he's all smiles but he's moral character leaves something to be desired.
    :" :shades:
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,714
    > a LOT of people who have disappeared over the years.

    Whatever happened to bowke28 and dbauer?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    That's right, I forgot you never worked for DOD
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,353
    "...Did you buy a Toyoda..."

    LOL Nope, I may be a girly man but stupid I'm not.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The jury still out on that one! Toyoda Rules!
    image
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Look at the user name

    Good catch Mack... I didn't even see it... I just thought it was a dumb question that he asked and scrolled down.

    GP
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    All the expert negotiators who post here are no doubt laughing at me

    Yup... haha. I would have gotten invoice at 0% for 7 years.

    We went back and forth for a while and ended up about $200 apart

    Has mac taught you nothing? ;)
    How about a little more he said she said? There has to be some more drama and detail in the story than you're letting on. Any expletives, violence or nudity?
    Did you check under the hood to see if any parts had been cannibalized?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    image of joel's and greanpea's and mack's little children starving flashed into my mind. To my everlasting shame I did a laydown and gave away $178. I swear the salesman was licking his lips as he guided me into F&I "To see Debbie" no doubt thinking he has a real whale in the making.

    Holy crap you bought a car :surprise:

    You have been researching for sometime... Congratulations... :shades:

    What did you get?

    I feel one salesperson made a mini this weekend in New York :lemon:

    GP
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,353
    "...Toyoda rules!..."

    Sorry mack, that may have been overly harsh. Last new vehicle I bought was a Toyoda and it was pretty bad. I'm sure they build them better now but I'm a little gun shy.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,625
    "My real talent lies in the "correction of others" arena."

    You're not alone. Particularly at work, but also at home, I've noticed that only a few can create but everyone fancies themselves good at editing. When a task needs to be done, there's a long silence, but once someone does it, many are willing to offer up "helpful" suggestions.

    After a few decades, I'm reasonably good at not taking it personally.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Nope but we had the exact same rules and regs.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,625
    ". . .sound and picture quality is great."

    are
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Mack, I need you to help settle an argument. There is a guy on another forum claiming that the new Landcruiser/LX 570 is built on the same chassis as the old Sequoia, circa 2001.

    While I don't doubt that some technology may be shared I certainly don't think they would build the new Landcruiser on a 7 year old platform. What say you?

    If anyone else has any info on this please feel free to chime in.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Not true. The Sequoia is a US market only vehicle. Designed and built here for American drivers. The Landcruiser and Lexus are all built in Japan at Toyota City. The Landcruiser has more than one variation, BJ, 40 series, Prado (which is our 4runner and Lexus GX470) Sorry but he is completely wrong.
    :shades:
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Thanks Mack, just what I thought. Feel free to check out the LX 570 forum and educate this guy.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Normally, you would be correct. In this case, there is an exception. If the compound subject expresses one idea or concept, (in my case "quality") then you use the singular verb, not the plural. Thanks for staying alert. :)

    To keep this post honest: Car buying, like writing, is also creative. There are many car experts who give advice, but how creative are they when they sit in the negotiation chair? This was also a topic at church today. Few people will chair a committee, but many people will serve on the committee and tell you how to do the job. :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...he's the guy running for president."

    I am so proud of you for using that humor. :blush: That comment was so choice. :D
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Anytime you're ready."

    There you go again---getting on the defensive. It's obvious that you missed chatting with him. :blush: This is no way to rekindle a friendship. :P

    Be nice or I will move you from the corner to the closet. :lemon:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Are you ever going to tell us the "girl" car that you purchased? If it was a Dodge Nitro, please don't tell my wife. :cry: I think that I have solved the Nitro problem. I told her that we would trade in the Explorer, pay $10,000 for the Nitro balance, and cancel our Easter trip this year. The part about the trip caused her to wander off in deep thought. ;)
  • jeepboy08jeepboy08 Member Posts: 49
    Well, after all the advice that you guys have given me on here, my wife and I finally went out and bought my son his first car! It was a long and grueling process, but we got done.

    We thought it over, and after that we decided to get him the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It is an absolutly phenomenal truck.

    Here are the details:

    4X4, leather, upgraded sound system, power windows/seats. It is Fire Red, and it has a Black hard top. 3.8L V6 Manual.

    He loves it, and it drives like a dream. We told him everything that I have told you all. "If he flips/wrecks it, he is on him own."

    I am giving him a chance in it, and if worse comes to worse. Well, you get the point. I wanted to thank everyone who helped, and THANK YOU FOR ADVICE! Really. It helped a lot.

    I will be back!
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,221
    Manning out Brady'd Brady and the Giants defense was spectacular. No ankle or Giselle excuses, the Giants took that game. Every break the Pats got, the Giants D took away. Ouch. First time a record of 18-1 will be looked at as just another season. And ouch for Greenpea, when he sobers up he is going to be so sad!!!

    How does this relate to car purchases? Well I was going to take all my game-related winnings (which now total $0), march right on down to my local Jag or Porsche dealer, hold the greenbacks aloft and cry, "Who wants to sell me a car today!"

    Time to buy lottery tickets...

    Congrats, NY/NJ Giants and Fans.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Well, I called it a few days or a week ago don't remember what day it was. I'm sure GP will love typing after each post: Toyota is the superior Import ;)
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    One word:

    DEPRESSION :sick: :cry: :mad: :blush:

    GP

    " New York Teams are Superior "

    " Toyota is the superior import "
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    The G-Men really did a great job picking apart the Pats front line. At least it was game that kept me on the edge of my seat.

    I can tell you guys this much... Morale is down in New England today. Hopefully people will want to put a end to their misery by buying a new or used vehicle.

    GP

    " New York teams are Superior "

    " Toyota is the superior import"

    There must be a way I can save this so I don't have to type it every time.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Highlight it and copy/paste it. That should save you some time. :P

    -moo
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Highlight it and copy/paste it. That should save you some time.


    Thanks this will be as long week...

    " New York teams are Superior "

    " Toyota is the superior import"

    That was easy

    GP
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,160
    WOW....I lost $50 on that game. Still, it was worth watching...probably the best SB game I've seen since 1989 (when my beloved Bengals were playing).

    Richard....thanks for the welcome back. I appreciate it. When I dropped out of here for awhile, I was getting a lot of flack about some of my views.

    oldfarmer...I too want to know what "girly" car you bought. As far as that $179 you threw into the deal, look at it this way. You could have used it for about 1/5th the cost of a ticket to the SB, one night out with your beloved to Morton's Steak House, 4 tanks of gas, a really cheap suit, 45 minutes with your lawyer....

    Watched the SB at a friend's house. He's got one of those gargantuan 60" Pioneer plasmas. I'm in TV lust (something my girlfriend believes I need therapy for).

    I've budgeted $3K for a TV.

    Like my car purchases, looks like I'm going to have to rethink what I've budgeted vs what I want.

    I loathe shopping at Wal-Mart/Sam's Club, but if they can "cut me a deal", looks like I'm going to have to grace their aisles.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    When I dropped out of here for awhile, I was getting a lot of flack about some of my views.

    You were getting hit as hard as I normally did. It was obviously annoying for you, but I had to smile. :blush:

    I'm glad your back. I already used your line on one of my test drivers from Saturday.

    A younger man and his wife pulled up in an Acura CL late model. I greet them and he acts very nervous and talks very fast. He immediately starts explaining to me that he can afford our vehicles, he just doesn't understand why someone would pay $46k for a Cayenne. I assure him that noone is paying that amount and the lowest he would find one for would be around $52k (with options and destination added to base price). He acts a little stunned.

    I try to talk slow and relax the way I look so that he'll calm down as well. He's talking so fast! I guess he must have been put through the ringer at another dealer. When I told the couple about the pricing on the cars, the wife didn't look too enthused. I asked her about that and she said that she wasn't going to spend $50k on a vehicle. Hubby insisted on test driving anyhow.

    So we went out and I gave them a nice hood/trunk. He kept calling me "Mike" during the test drive though. I guess a previous salesman he had talked to on Saturday had that name.

    When we got back, I looked at him and said...

    "Sir, let's pretend my name really is 'Mike" and you've known me all your life. You could tell me anything. Sir, do you have any intention of purchasing this vehicle from me in the future?"

    Him. "Scott, I just don't know."

    "Sir, do I need to follow up with you then?"

    Him. "I'll call you."

    :P

    Thanks, GG. You've got some great stuff that I don't mind using at all.

    -moo
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Morale is down in New England today.

    Although I'm not a Pats fan, I’m not gloating because I know what it feels like to go that far and not close the biggest deal.

    The local franchise here in the ‘Burgh’ failed to close the deal in 95’ and didn’t get another shot at it until 2005 and I know that if they had to deal with your franchise that year they wouldn’t have made it. They never could close a deal against your franchise when the incentive program was the highest.

    I also know that a lot of franchises and buyers too, think it is their birth-right to close all sales during the incentive program but it doesn’t always happen. It will be a cold day in the tropics when we see another franchise make the first 18 sales and not get the 19th. But you have to admit, as the regular sales event was nearing its end the deals were getting much harder to close and there were signs of a sale that was about to get away. I’m sure the realists in your franchise area could see the possibility of the last sale going to someone else although, right now, it’s still hard to accept it.

    As the SM of the local franchise used to say after any sale got away, “in 48 hours we’ll be able to deal with this. Right now it’s just hard to take” and he was right.

    Like you said, that negotiating session for the final sale kept you on the edge of your seat. I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a better one.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

This discussion has been closed.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.