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
The newspaper is sometimes the worst to get your news from. The Prius first came to the US (late 1999 as a 2000 model) my then General Manager asked me up to his office since the local rag wanted to do an interview to talk about the new (back then) Prius and back then only myself and our top salesperson were allowed to sell them. We were the only ones that attended the "ride and drive" in Maryland and had all the info on it.
This was when you had to actually commit to buying the car and then the dealership would call or fax the distributor and they would send one to the dealership.
So I tell him how the regenerative braking system works and recharges the batteries and also how long the warranty is, and just about everything I can think of. He tells me to stay there in case he has a question he can't answer. The phone rings and he picks up and it's the guy from the newspaper. What happened next is right out of a movie. Since I could only hear one side of the conversation I could pretty much guess what the reporter was asking. "Yes, we have a huge waiting list for this vehicle. We have sold 20 alone this month and are waiting on a factory shipment." I recall him saying. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse: Huh?? We were only getting what we were selling which weren't many. In the first place we only had one to show and test drive and it belonged to our rental department so it was basically on loan to the sales department. As I said, we would only get one with a firm committment that the customer was going to buy. If the customer backed out then we had to send the car back to the port. Even the distributor was skeptical about the first Prius. So by the time the story came out in the paper all it said was how high of a demand car it was, what a long waiting list we had, and how they were flying off the lot. Small mention was made about the operation of the car.
Back in 2004 when the Scion vehicles started arriving at Scion dealerships, a "reporter" from the Detroit Free press published an article on line about the Scion tC. He didn't bother to check his sources and I called him to the mat on it. I e-mailed him and gave him all the correct information and he never bothered to retract the article or make corrections.
:shades:
So Honda's batteries will probably last longer.
:shades:
I'm from So. Calif where it is a ruined, cutthroat market where stores turn over half theri staff every month. I'm sure there are good stores in California but I know I never found one. They are tough liner-closer stores that know if their customer leaves, they won't be back.
It's better here in WA but I still hear the stories from salespeople who have worked other places. I am VERY fortunate that I walked into this store 13 years ago.
It is a tough business. No doubt about it.
Of course, they are "true" hybrids. They just work differently.
Are you kidding??!!! With most new car sales being mini deals nowadays, there is no money left after taxes, specially when the dealership taxes you at the 30-40% tax bracket. Then if you are unfortunate to get a bad survey, it's even worse. As I said before, selling cars is not what it used to be. Circuit city has infiltrated car dealerships.
:sick:
Power assist hybrid
Power assist hybrids use the engine for primary power, with a torque-boosting electric motor also connected to a largely conventional powertrain. The electric motor, mounted between the engine and transmission, is essentially a very large starter motor, which operates not only when the engine needs to be turned over, but also when the driver "steps on the gas" and requires extra power. The electric motor may also be used to re-start the combustion engine, deriving the same benefits from shutting down the main engine at idle, while the enhanced battery system is used to power accessories.
Honda's hybrids including the Insight use this design, leveraging their reputation for design of small, efficient gasoline engines; their system is dubbed Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Assist hybrids differ fundamentally from full hybrids in that they cannot run on electric power alone. However, since the amount of electrical power needed is much smaller, the size of the battery systems is reduced. Starting with the 2006 Civic Hybrid, the IMA system now can propel the vehicle solely on electric power during medium speed cruising.
A variation on this type of hybrid is the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid system that uses a smaller electric motor (mounted to the side of the engine), and battery pack than the Honda IMA, but functions similarly.
Another variation on this type is Mazda's e-4WD system, offered on the Mazda Demio sold in Japan. This front-wheel drive vehicle has an electric motor which can drive the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. The system is entirely disengaged in all other driving conditions, so it does not enhance performance or economy.
Ford has dubbed Honda's hybrids "mild" in their advertising for the Escape Hybrid, arguing that the Escape's full hybrid design is more efficient. However, assist hybrids should not be confused with actual mild hybrids like the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid. The term mild hybrid is not standardized, and its use is often more inspired by marketing than by technical considerations.
Full hybrid
A full hybrid, sometimes also called a strong hybrid, is a vehicle that can run on just the engine, just the batteries, or a combination of both. The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, and Mercury Mariner Hybrids are examples of this, as these cars can be moved forward on battery power alone. A large, high-capacity battery pack is needed for battery-only operation. These vehicles have a split power path that allows more flexibility in the drivetrain by interconverting mechanical and electrical power, at some cost in complexity. To balance the forces from each portion, the vehicles use a differential-style linkage between the engine and motor connected to the head end of the transmission.
The Toyota brand name for this technology is Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is being used in the Prius, Highlander sport-utility vehicle (SUV), and Camry. A computer oversees operation of the entire system, determining which half should be running, or if both should be in use, shutting off the internal combustion engine when the electric motor is sufficient to provide the power. The operation of the Prius can be divided into five distinct regimes.
Electric vehicle mode: The engine is off, and the battery provides electrical energy to power the motor (or the reverse when regenerative braking is engaged). Used for idling as well when the battery state-of-charge (SOC) is high.
Cruise mode: The vehicle is cruising (i.e. not accelerating), and the engine can meet the road load demand. The power from the engine is split between the mechanical path and the generator. The latter provides electrical energy to power the motor, whose power is summed mechanically with the engine. If the battery state-of-charge is low, part of the power from the generator is directed towards charging the battery.
Battery charge mode: Also used for idling, except that in this case the battery state-of-charge is low and requires charging, which is provided by the engine and generator.
Power boost mode: Employed in situations where the engine cannot meet the road load demand. The battery is then used to power the motor to provide a boost to the engine power.
Negative split mode: The vehicle is cruising and the battery state-of-charge is high. The battery provides power to both the motor (to provide mechanical power) and to the generator. The generator converts this to mechanical energy that it directs towards the engine shaft, slowing it down (although not altering its torque output). The purpose of this engine "lugging" is to increase the fuel economy of the vehicle.
The hybrid drivetrain of the Prius, in combination with aerodynamics and optimizations in the engine itself to reduce drag, results in 80%–100% gains in fuel economy compared to four-door conventional cars of similar weight and size.
:shades:
Before we get carried away and start another story, just a friendly reminder that this story was TO BE CONTINUED........
I never thought I'd see the day when their would be a battle of the hybrids. In the spirit of the just completed Olympics....
-let the games begin.....
RULES.....
-best MPG logged on the brand's hybrid
-worst 0-60 time tests
-worst skidpad numbers tests
-worst 1/4 mile times tests
Numbers must be quoted from a recognized and reliable source.
GOLD MEDAL awarded for the winner in each category.
I only knew it was a Prius because it says so on the trunk; otherwise it looked like an Echo crossed with a Corolla in body style. But it is a 2001-2003. That would be 7-5 years old. I wonder how they've done with batteries. It appears to be driven little and garage-kept because it's always clean and well-taken care of.
I keep watching for its "home" to see who owns it as I go through neighborhoods in the area. I'm also trying to locate the residence of a gold 300D Mercedes with the small bumpers that is very old.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Mack and I quit our battles years ago and it's going stay that way!
A Prius battery pack has an expected life of 60 or 70,000 miles, then it's replacement cost is $6,000! The environmentalists worry about us putting AA batteries into land fills. Where are the hundreds of pound auto battery packs going to go? And, aren't these 'new tech' batteries even more nasty to get rid of than the alkyline????
Where did you come up with these "facts"? Prius batteries are still going at 150k miles -15years in the first generation Prius sold in Japan since 1997. That same vehicle is the one the US got in 2000, and those are still going. 6K for a battery pack? Not according to my parts department, $3200.00 and we've still to install one yet.
As for your 49% reference, I see that in Wikipedia which is not one of your most reliable sources to begin with.
Then, long term, our only hope is that the little silver colored aliens will stop with their anal probing and show us what powers their flying crafts.
I always thought they were green.
:shades:
How long have you had this obsession or compulsion? :surprise:
This is the "first generation" Prius. As I said before we got it in 1999 as a 2000 model and it went to 2003 before the current iteration came out. This is the one that the Japanese have had since 1997 and they are still on the road with the original batteries. Some have upwards of 150k miles on them with the original battery packs. It did come in Electric Green as did the Echo. Also black, white, dark blue (might have been called Stratosphere blue or Indigo Ink. The one in the picture is the Opalescent ice I believe.
:shades:
I do like that commercial for the fuel cell you have coming. When is that getting here?
:shades:
:shades:
Mack,
Did you type all of that out? Or just copy and paste
As you may know the Altima Hybrid is the same as the Camry since Toyota was nice enough to share/sell their technology with Nissan.
I did enjoy the refresher course by the way
Everything you stated is how it works here in the NAH...
GP
Macva
2018 430i Gran Coupe
But, here's your answers....
MPG-Insight....121.7 MPG. They got that mileage by rigging a box to the back of a pickup, and driving the Insight within the confines of the box. Thus, virtually eliminating wind resistence.
0-60 winner
Insight 11.2 seconds
For the life of me, I can't find any skidpad numbers.
But there 'ya go.....Insight takes the gold.
Ever since I started liking cars. A doctor near us when I was growing up had one of the original Corvettes. He kept telling me to come by their farm home sometime and we could take a spin in it.
The Mercedes I have noticed because I'd see the petite, elderly, short lady driving it in Kmart. She is always dressed to the nines complete with a hat that looks like 1950s style. She was the archexample of a retired librarian or college teacher. She'd get into the elderly Mercedes with large amber foglights that looked like it was from the 70s.
The Prius could be as old as 9 years. Eventually I might see the car at a local store or somewhere so I can ask the driver how they like it and if they've had any trouble.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
she told me she is thinking of swapping it out due to high mileage. :confuse:
i told her to hang on to it for a while longer since a new gen Prius is coming out.
Mac, do you know when?
she thought it was worth about 15k, but i told i thought more.
also told her honda was going to start selling a similar car soon.
same question for ISell, giving equal opportunity.
It's called the Prius Killer
It's called the Prius Killer
Oh, good one!
Here's the only facts I know about it: It will have a larger gas engine. 1.8L vs the 1.5L. The car will be about the same size as it is now. A little wider but wheelbase the same. New type of batteries, lithium ion. Solar panels on the roof (not totally confirmed although there are some spy pictures around with them on the roof). Instead of the current package configuration, a letter/number designation such as Prius LE 1.8L, Prius XLE 1.8L, Prius Touring, etc. And last but not least, a special edition Nascar 18 inch alloy wheel/tire package to commemorate the addition of Prius as an Official Nascar Pace car!
Exploder, I would tell your sister to hold on to her Prius. 60K miles, the car is still a baby! Plus I don't expect gas to go any lower than $3 bucks a gallon even with Obama Mama in as President. Them hybrids are here to stay!
that should go over with her like G.W. for a third term.
Oh no. Now the rubber band tires are on the Hybrids?!!!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
George Bush cannot run for a third term. I hope this discussion is not going to become politics #2.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Chill pill not available. :shades: How 'bout flavored coffee?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Oh no. Now the rubber band tires are on the Hybrids?!!!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
i don't go for those screamer ads telling me i better buy a new car now, either.
i don't go for those screamer ads telling me i better buy a new car now, either.
What? You mean that guy telling me I will get at least $5K for my trade in no matter what condition and sell me a new car at below invoice rolling over any negative equity and lower my payments was lying?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
" I think that now would be a good time to tell a story about a nice car salesman...like the salesmen on this forum.
The local Chrysler place takes care of my convertible and my Explorer, so I am over there pretty often. The service department is very skilled and the employees are super nice. Each time that I go, I run into a salesman whose desk is at the end of the show room just before you enter the service department. He remembers my name from the first time that we met. He always takes a couple of minutes to speak and to ask how I am doing. He has nothing to gain because I have one new car and will be keeping my Explorer until the cows come home. He knows this. I'll call him Jim.
Last week, the CD changer on the convertible wasn't working properly. I rode over to the service department without an appointment. They were really super busy. I was waiting to see my regular service guy when Jim walked up to greet me. He asked if I was having trouble with my convertible. I explained about the CD changer. He offered to take a look at it. In five minutes, he had it fixed. I apologized for taking him away from his customers. He said that he was just waiting on an appointment, and didn't mind a bit.
Wasn't that a nice gesture on his part? Don't you know that when and if I do trade cars, I'll give him the first opportunity to sell me one? If he is building for the future, he certainly knows how to do it. He came here two years ago after selling cars in Florida for twenty years. He is rebuilding his life after a nasty divorce and a rehab experience from using drugs. His only son is speaking to him again. He is so excited about that, and had to show me pictures.
Though I correct your spelling and grammar at times, I have much respect for the guys here. Though it was unethical car salesmen that brought me here a year ago, I have come to realize that the bad ones are in a minority. It has been a good lesson to learn. "
What a truly nice story. Customer loyalty at it's finest . While six degrees of separation premise is that everyone knows someone who knows someone else there may exist a similar phenomenon in referrals. Though Richard may not be shopping for a new vehicle in the near future, if someone asks his opinion, guess who he will recommend ? And rather that just be reactive, he will be proactive and volunteer in any car buying discussion you should go see xyz. And perhaps someone who had heard it secondhand will volunteer it in a subsequent conversation that I heard xyz was a good person to see, and so on. A very smart and good salesman. How little it cost him to be kind. I predict a good future for him.
Day by day, night after night
Blinded by the neon light
Hurry here, hustling there
No one's got the time to spare
Money's tight, nothing free
Won't somebody come and rescue me ?
A Texas under appreciated legend . If not the re-incarnation of the great Jimi himself. Damn close.
One is good... Two must be better
GP
All day :surprise:
They are really that good.
Unfortunatley I am a little more agressive with them. I need to sell cars
I have taken $2000 off a fully loaded one which still leaves a pretty good commision. But most people see the value in them and don't mind. I have said it before and have had some discussions on the 09 Maxima forum.... The 09 Max is the best car I have seen Nissan put out in 6 years. The car is really unbelievable!
GP
imidazol97 correction.
Mack has some. Maybe he will share with the rest of the class
GP
GP
It won't.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Edmunds seems to think so too. They did frown on the sport package. I hope Nissan hits a big one cause $37K for a maxie is a whole bunch of benjis.
BTW, when was it that you sold your last Titan? Just curious, The monthly sales nationwide on those Titans are taking a huge dump. And yes I own one of them...
Mack
The pictures I've seen on Nissan's website show a pretty impressive vehicle. Mack Jr. was looking to lease an Infiniti G35 and now he's considering the Max.
We contacted the Infiniti dealer here in Va Beach and they seem to think they have museum pieces in stock since they are the only Infiniti dealer in town. They also have the only Lexus dealer in town. It was not until I showed one of my cards and told them I had a way better deal in Md. that they decided to "match the deal". Heck, if I'm going to have my boy drive down three plus hours just to match the deal I might as well have him do the deal in Md. I looked into leasing a BMW since I would get the employee deal through our Bimmer store and it came out way better than the Infiniti deal. But someone has other plans as we found out.
I'm going to be a grand daddy for the second time so the near luxo lease will have to go on the back burner until the little one comes home and they decide what to get with the new and lower budget.
My grandson is so happy he's getting a little companion that when they showed him the ultrasound image of the newcomer he remarked; "She's pretty mommy!."
And every morning he asks my daughter in law if his baby sister is coming home that day.
We are all hoping it will be a girl this time. However, boy or girl what matters is that it be a healthy baby and make mom and dad and big brother, and papa and mama happy! Baby is due in March of 09!
Perhaps the lady didn't have any money left after she purchased the car, but she gave you a box of pastries.
Richard