Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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Well, the plot thickens; the same dealer just took a 71K 2004 M3 in on trade. It has every option but NAV. It's equipped with the SMG which means my wife could drive it and I do like the Cold Weather Package. The color combination(Black/Black) isn't my favorite and it isn't a CPO, but the asking price($28,668) IS $9300 less than the 2005 I mentioned earlier:
Decisions, decisions...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
However because I do my own 6 page newsletter, I will be focusing more online than before.
Since I am running our internet department, I made sure my name is on every ad and listing that we have, including my number (dealership number is on main page).
This way I get a slight edge, as I'm good at getting people in who call us about vehicles.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Clunk......Clunk.....Plump....
-mooo
Would you say the same for stick shift models?
Or, is there a unique "special" bugaboo regarding BMW's SMG tranny?? I think I've read some complaints along the lines that it is not easy to make smooth shifts, but I'm admittingly ignorant and embarrassed that I don't know more on this topic!
"Clunk......Clunk.....Plump.... "
Wow -- you entwined yesterday's humor into a seemingly unrelated new topic -- just like one of the better Seinfeld episodes! (One of my favorite examples is how Kramer's Titleist golf ball played a big role in George's marine biology story.)
I would tell you how impressed I am with your creativity, except I first need to complain to boomchek about a car I purchased 14 years ago.
lol, bring it on, I heard almost everything. :surprise:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Purchasing that M3 might negatively impact your pending AARP membership!
Yet, I've never heard anyone who owned an SMG that liked it. It's kind of BMW's Achilles heal....along with i-Drive.
wow......
I've driven a 645 and a 545 with SMG and I didn't like the transmission in either car. It wasn't a good automatic and it wasn't a good manual. The main problem is that the non-M SMGs lack the Drivelogic shift modes that the M3, M5, and M6 SMGs have. The the non M SMGs shift slowly and with a noticeable jerk. In contrast, the E46 M3 has five automatic modes and six manual modes. The higher the number, the quicker the shift(as little as 0.08 seconds in S6 mode). The SMG transmission is essentially the same six speed Getrag as the manual M3, the main difference being that hydraulic cylinders operate the clutch and shift forks. I've also discussed SMG reliability with my service advisor and he said that the only problem that he has seen with the SMG is driver-inflicted. When a driver tries to hold an SMG car on a hill using the throttle rather than the brake the result is-as he put it-"Not pretty."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do with all that horsepower. I have enough difficulty keeping my little 325 under 80mph. If I was driving an M3, I suspect my insurance company would drop me in a matter of a few months!
Wait til Richard sees that one!
No, I wouldn't say the same for the manual transmissions. It's exclusive to the horrible clunking around that the SMG has. Hardcore owners don't seem to care. Anyone else? They complain incessantly about the sound of something dropping in the transmission.
The manual transmissions are a blast to drive. I'm a BMW fan even though I'm selling Porsches. We just traded in a 335i with 800 miles on it. I took that out for a drive. Handles beautifully and the twin turbos are sick. Nice coupe!
-moo
Have you considered getting arrested or making a sex tape? Look what that did for Martha Stewart and Paris Hilton. I'm sure you are more talented and prettier than either of them.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Although I'm still on payroll, for all intents and purposes, I'm unemployed. I wouldn't mind doing a trade for a 135i. The one I drove had the sticker in the glove box. It was knocking on the $40K door, just like a 335i. Don't know if I want to make that kind of a commitment at this very moment....particularly for a car.
Of course, there's probably nothing in your showroom that comes anywhere close to $40K.
While I don't expect my situation to be in this state of limbo very long, and my expenses are declining, I'm in a state right now that I'm close to being free and clear of debt across the board (mortgage has about 1 more year) the economic news isn't very encouraging. Plus, I'm nowhere near ready to pack it in and retire (although that thought has crossed my mind more than once, recently). I'd like to pad my nest egg for a few more years.
I'm in the mode where I want to trim expenses a bit more. I'm looking at gas expenses, and quite frankly, feeding a Tahoe that I no longer need, has elevated to $600/mo...same as the BMW (feeding it premium). Selling the Tahoe, in today's market, I just can't swallow the numbers that I'm hearing. May as well hold onto it and run it 'till the wheels fall off.
I may sell the BMW outright and use the Tahoe as my primary transportation. That can change at any time depending on my next career move. That would make me sad, though. I'm too much of a car hound.
Quick story about an M3 test drive one time. Riding down the road at about 30mph on a busy street. The guy has it in 6th gear and the RPM's are so low it feels like it's about to die. Then, he hammers down on it still in 6th gear. Well of course it's not going to accelerate that much, but he says "I thought this car would have a little more punch than this...." I finally convinced him to get out on the interstate and accelerate. Then he'll see "the punch" it has.
From everything I've read, the 1 series is a great vehicle. I'm sure you won't go wrong with a purchase on that.
Good luck, GG with all your fun decisions. Btw, retirement is for suckers. You MUST keep working! :P
Hey, I've still got the original runflats. You can drive one of these a long way with a 4-inch sidewall gash in it. I've seen pictures of one that did just that.
And, the car is still under warranty. All GM cars have Roadside Assistance while under warranty. Fuel delivery, lock out service, tow to nearest dealership for warranty work, jump start, and if you do have a spare tire, changing a flat service. GMMP Extended Service contracts also cover roadside assistance.
I wonder how much money is paid to tow services, AAA memebership, insurance policy, credit card, etc, etc emergency policys because people won't read their owner's manual and understand what it says?
How many of you readers didn't know that, and have cars under warranty, or extended warranty, but you also pay someone else for roadside assistance?
Yeah if I did that, it's just might suggest to your average Joe Carbuyer that car salesman are sleazeballs.
If you're rich and famous and do that, it's accepted and it's just extra publicity to launch your career in a: clothing line, or b: reality show.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
It's just built into the price of the cars they sell.
sounds good though...
Martha Stewart made a sex tape? Where can I find it?
:P
Yikes. Good point. I think oldfarmer was joking, though. He wouldn't want you to tarnish the fine reputation of all your fellow salesmen. Such actions would likely create quite an uproar among all your fans. To put it in proper perspective, it would be similar to Amy Winehouse receiving a parking ticket, or maybe Wesley Snipes forgetting to pay this month's HOA dues. I dread to think of such things...
ducking and running...
Ok I just checked, I don't have enough booze in my house to erase that out of my mind. :sick:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Shopping around for a completely different car and stumbled upon a 2008 CX-9 tricked to the teeth for under 30K. New is around 40+K MSRP.
This one is listed as "used" and has less than 10K miles on it. The catch? Carfax says it was sold as a "manufacturer's car". I keep hearing how abused those cars are and I'd have to buy it sight unseen or fly in to see it and drive it back. It already has the extended warranty for that price. I've bought new and I've bought used. This is different.
So...anyone have any experience with these types of cars?
Thanks
They just don't sell very well, hence the steep depreciation.
I wouldn't let the "manufacture's car" part bother me at all.
"Martha Stewart made a sex tape?
Ok I just checked, I don't have enough booze in my house to erase that out of my mind. "
The entire stock of the liquor store may not be enough to erase that image, I was just getting over Barely Man- Enough whilst in fuzzy slippers drinking wine and now it's been compounded.
Obyone, Ha! Sheeeeee woooooooore bluuuuue
It would not surprise me if the medium two adopted Chrysler's abandonment of the lease and passed it on to third parties for a while. In their wildest dreams they couldn't have anticipated residuals like this on SUV's.
I think they have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad press".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Salesman approaches and I do believe it is the same one who "snubbed" me last Friday. Asks what I think of the car. I give him the general, "mid-life crisis, just looking, rather have an '06 with dark wood in the interior" speech. He smiles, mentions the black '06 (that appeared to have the top trouble last week), but I shan't own a black car. He congenially said I'm welcome back anytime to shop, window or otherwise. Nice.
I mention, as we're parting, that the left front quarter panel is separating from the frame. He looks stunned, said no, he actually sold this car three years ago and it has been meticulously maintained by this dealer... He walks around to the driver's side and looks down. Looks up at me and smiles, "Thanks for alerting me to this." De nada, amigo.
Ok, two XLRs within a week. One with a recalcitrant top, the second has the body separating from the frame (looked to me like the glue holding it on had simply dried up). Again, are the Car Gods trying to tell me something? Isn't GM quality Job 1? Or is GM quality an oxymoron...
'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...)
" I think they have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad press".
But spell my name right? MM? Actually we quite like going off the deep end . But carry on.
Think we may have passed the bottom of the market, last Monday. Not that future quarters don't have write off's, but they will be lesser, Hard to top the last. Probably up then sideways back and forth until after the election then up. Because the economy is so good? Nah because all the other 3 asset classes have been blown up.Who the president is has never made a tinker's darn, just alot of anxiety before.Come back medium two minus one.
YOI...I'm with 'snake' and the 'duke' on this one. Even with all that refreshment, I wouldn't watch that with your eyes.
Now how do you expect me to get to sleep after that thought? :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Looking for quality from GM in all the wrong places. Try here:
So, if the salesman or F&I guy doesn’t start adding on a bunch of BS, I might drive it home. I’ll let you know.
Isell, is there a way to negotiate the cost of these out of my next Honda and GM purchases?
And - about Martha. You all do know that she was a model in her younger days?????????
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I know you're in the Pacific Northwest, but I'll assume there are national incentives?
Tanks....GG!
That's pretty lame, even Kia and Hyundai offer roadside assistance. Oh, I forgot... it's a Honda. They never break down! :P
You'll hate the car within 6 months.
and I don't say this because they are bad, but I say it because they are not what you are accustomed to.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm weighing the "pros/cons" right now. Currently, my thought process is based on a promise I made to my son. 4 years ago, I told him when he graduates from college, I'd buy him a car to replace his well used Hyundai Elantra. Pretty damn generous on my part, I think. Well, he's a few months away from that.
So, if I pull the trigger on selling or trading my BMW, drive something more "senseable" for a few months, and then give it to him, by then, I'll be firmly entrenched with a new company. Then maybe, just maybe, the sting of Tahoe resale will have subsided (gas prices have dropped to nearly 3.50 around here, and look to be going lower). And, the expense of not having to keep my son in the never ending pizza diet, I'll take every vehicle left in the personal GG stable and trade them all in on something really "cool".
There is a cost for everything and guess who pays?
10 year warranties, roadside assistance etc...all built into the price of the cars.
I guess Honda in its infinite confidence thinks they can get away without it, which so far they could. The question is will they in the future. I don't know the answer. All I know domestics used to offer 1 year, then 2 years of warranty and were absolutely convinced about superiority of their product over those tiny funny imports.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
The cost for roadside assistance on a new car has to be minimal... say $100 for 5 years. If it helps sells cars, sounds like a good marketing idea to me.
If you as a Honda salesman had the roadside assistance with your line-up of vehicles, and the competition didn't... what would you say to your customers? I think I know the answer, but you know.
What does Honda think they can get away with? I don't understand?
They have a basic 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty and a five year 60,000 powertrain warranty?
Is not including roadside assistance or a mega-warranty getting away with something?
I can't remember the last time I have needed "Roadside Assistance" yet I carry a AAA card that I have had since high school. A couple of years ago, I used it for the first time in, I think 15 years when I foolishly locked my keys in my CRV at Home Depot.
So, yeah, even Hondas can use help I suppose.
I remember having my RX-7 towed wen a water pump failed without warning probably 20 years ago. I guess the money I keep paying AAA every year has been foolishly spent?
Still, for a few, that could be a hot button.
Same with Certified Used Cars. The majority of our customers simply don't see any value in a long warranty they know they will probably never use.
Pre-Owned means somebody owned it before now.
Used means somebody used it before now. :P
It's easy to certify either of these - just get a copy of the previous title and they are CERTIFIED by the DMV (meaning there is undeniable proof of previous ownership/use). :shades: