Back in the 1980's, I dreamed about owning an Alfa/BMW/Honda dealership. I was going to call it "Axis Motorsports"
Had to laugh at this joke. Funny how the world can change in 60 years, huh?
When I bought my first Japanese car, some 35 years after V-J day, my stepfather was absolutely furious at me. And to this day I won't buy a German car. I realize this policy makes no sense, but my dad lost an eye and a couple fingers fighting the Germans, so I just can't do it. My dad's been gone for 50 years, and I still feel this way.
The emotions of car buying can be a subtle thing, hmm?
As a former Southerner, but now Californicated (SF Bay) for 11 years (west coast for 16 years) I am still a bit amazed how few domestics cars are on the roads here. Almost domestics I see all rentals, no one under age 75 has a bought new off-lot domestic...Cali old folks now buy Avalons & Lexi, not so many Buicks & Caddies.
Some dinged-up domestic Tauri etc driven by those on lower end off income scales, BHPH places etc...very very few new ones here..
The Chevy dealer facility became Honda, smaller old Honda store is now Porshe I think, huge Benz dealer, one smallish Caddie-Chevy-Jeep-Chrysler combo store...really only has Jeeps, a few minivans, M300, Vettes, and a few Caddies on from lots...*NO* Impalas, very Malibus are featured on the small from lot
Zillions of hybrids with HOV lane stickers on them now
I mean like you see virtually **NO new domestics** that do not have rental company "bar codes" on the rear side window.
Plenty of truckss and SUV are domestic.
Kind of amazing considering how strong the Unions are here that more sedans are not domestic...
More car diversity elswere in US when I travel...funny for a state with a lot of pride on its tolerance & divesity...
You must have seen Ms Sharapova, our current US Open Tennis champion, having that sung to her as she sashayed to an appointment on the tennis court. She is 6'3 of russian splendor. Unlike Kournikova, who has the AK poker hand named after her ("nice to look at, never wins"), Sharapova knows how to bring home the hardware.
Yep...great when they have to screw the front frame into the nice new bumper to add on the dealer front plate. Not only do they not compensate you for the advertising they damage your new vehicle...
In a state that doesn't require front plates - they unnecessarily put holes in the front bumper to put on a dealer plate, and frame. - I think that is what the previous posters mean by damaging the front unnecessarily.
IMO I think 2 plates are dumb... I know I'll get flamed but I do.
No, I feel the same. The rear of most vehicles is invariably designed to incorporate a standard sized plate, complete with illumination. In other words it looks right.
The front end however, especially on todays rounded 'aero' designs, is rarely shaped to accomodate one. Even when a moulded plate holder is available, it almost always looks like an afterthought (to me anyway).
I've never lived in a state that required front plates - those states being: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida and Tennessee.
My G35 had a bracket that didn't require holes in the bumper, but the dealer put on a dealer tag with screws that were too long and left nice black 1/4 holes from the flat end of the screws. That isn't the first time that has happened to me either, but I have never had the marbles to cancel an entire deal over it.
Wow. Replying to this like two months later... Cheers Dub-G. I miss Pasadena dearly as I also worked at Caltech (I.T. staff 1998-2004) and EarthLink when it was on New York Drive (1996-1998). Lived in South Pas for years, used to eat at Ernies Jr. on Colorado before Colorado was gentrified.
Los Angeles is so spread out in demographics. I think a lot of sales success in that market comes down to location. Pasadena would be a wonderful market to have worked in. My first Dodge gig was in Van Nuys and it was tough to qualify people there. I followed the money out to Simi Valley and closed like crazy in an area where people had income, homes, savings...
Dub was your dealership west of downtown by the Rolls/Ferrari/Jag shop? Or was it on the east by Rosemead? Can't picture it at all.
in my two month absence, I sold about 20 Dodge Grand Caravans, gave notice, and start a new position at the local Toyota dealer in the morning! The only Toyota dealership for 50 miles around. In L.A. we had like 85 of them. Looking forward to actually seeing some dealership traffic. My first choice was Honda but they just hired. Oh well. Toyota. Enuff said.
Should be a whole different world. Really excited about the move.
Of all the stores in our autogroup I think the dodge store is doing the worst. I don't blame you for leaving. Our only other domestic store is Chrysler and they are doing ok but not great.
hey, WB, and congrats on your new position. Hopefully you'll be able to give us loads of new Toy info... c'mon, you know you want to
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Tomorrow morning is my first sales meeting (8:45).
"O brave new world that has such people in it."
Two weeks of salary and training, then they take away the net.
We have two important car models that will be all new this fall, the Sentra, and the Altima. (We also have the Versa, which is just a few months old). Is this the hottest point of a car sales cycle (when it is just introduced)? Or is it after word of mouth and the reviews start hitting papers? I'm encouraging myself with the idea that these will be "great" sellers and this is a great time to get in the game. If you can't reinforce that theory, please be encouraging anyway.
Years ago Mazda was running a TV ad for their trucks where you got A/C, sliding rear window and bedliner at no charge plus like $1500 cash back. I was in the market, so I went down to the local dealership. Everyone up to the finance guy (owner wasn't there) denied up and down Mazda was running such a deal and besides, those items were only in packages and Mazda certainly wasn't going to give a package at no charge. Thanked them for their time and left. Waited patiently to see the ad again, when I finally saw it around 2 a.m. a week or so later. Taped it and took it to the dealership. After asking if they had that deal and being told no, asked them to borrow their VCR. Showed them the ad, and they couldn't believe it. I guess it's possible they didn't know or that it was a relatively new offer, but it didn't leave me feeling to confident about them as a whole. Needless to say, I didn't buy from there.
The Sentra and Altima are both critical launches for Nissan, and they're occurring at the same time when they are trying to move their North American headquarters halfway across the country, a move which cost them many talented staff members. Plus, the Armada, Quest, and Titan have had enormous teething problems (I'm not sure how the new Pathfinder, Xterra, and Frontier have fared). I hope their newest products don't suffer the same problems.
I don't think that these recent blips on the quality radar will hurt their sales numbers immediately, but if it becomes a pattern, Ghosn will undo all of the good he has done for Nissan.
If I were selling the Altima or Sentra, I would continue to emphasize the quality of the product--traditionally, both of these nameplates have had great reliability. I would also emphasize the driving experience, which is more connected than many of Nissan's Asian competitors.
I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on your progress and any interesting characters you encounter.
I checked and he's right. My bad. They stopped requiring Tabs on the front plate about 2-3 years back. And I've always had the front plate on without really thinking about it. So I got mixed up. Sorry about that. Fortunatly none of my customers ever asked me about that. THanks for the correction, I'll try and be more careful!!
2 Weeks!? Wow. Ford is putting me through 3 months. I take no lot customers and no calls, but get a fair salary. (I *CAN* sell. but only to personal prospects.) In this time I have to become certified for Ford and Mercury products, customer service training, a MASSIVE online sales training and follow up program, and preferably Master certified. I also have to do a walk around presentation to my peers for review 1-2 times a week on the model of my manager's choice. I'm through 2 months now and I'm MUCH better off then I was when I started. I already released my first newsletter, sold my first customer that I prospected from day 1, and build a reletivly strong base of contacts.
When I was in the car business 7 years ago it sounded a lot like your situation, only instead of 2 weeks, I go about 2 hours. But I'm sure you guys have already dealt with THOSE kinds of dealerships.
Anyway, please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying you're at a bad dealership because the training is shorter, They could be great! I'm sure it's an ongoing program, and sometimes the best way to learn is to get out there and do it. I was just suprised is all. But like I said, it's still a lot better then some other places I know of that shove you onto a line and tell you to yell "Up!" when you see a person or car come on the lot.
Good luck in starting your new career denver-nissan. I would certainly be interested in a day to day account of some of your experiences, and the information you receive during your training (on selling and negotiation)... if you are so inclined.
Paid training is 4 weeks (my bad). I just finished my first day. I am tired. I will update this later or tomorrow if I have the strength. One of the dealerships that I interviewed at has one sixth the sales that we have so far this month. I hope to make their percentage look even smaller Took a "test drive" in a new Pathfinder today. It is a very nice vehicle. I went through some of the sales procedures with one of the salespeople. Am trying to wrap my head around the specs of the product line.
I lasted 2 weeks as a salesman (Chevy-VW dealer) I watched a vcr of a master salesman who could sell condoms to the pope ;thrown on floor with no desk.. just 1 drawer for my personal belongings...an owner that when a call or person wanted him..you never knocked on his office door..his holiness only wanted the salesmanager to contact him instead of a "green pea".. the 10 step procedure is a bunch of crap..when I bought my recent Prius..if the saleswoman went through that stuff I would have walked out...IMHO your success is with your manager..if he or she is the equal of Chopper from the King of Cars..start packing and look for a new job Good Luck !
One local dealership allows sales staff to wear sunglasses. I seen staff with them perched on top of their head or dandling on a sports cord in the showroom. IMO, that's a major turn off. I would not want to be greeted by anyone with such a casual attitude. IMO, it's not a cardinal sin but a sloppy approach. It's almost as bad as Marlboro breath.
I don't react well to the "stuffed shirt" approach of selling, so wearing sunglasses or not wouldn't matter to me. If the salesman isn't comfortable, I'm not going to be comfortable. And if I feel like he's trying to gain some kind of position of authority, I'm going to react poorly to it.
That, and there's no sin as great as smelling of cigarette smoke, whether it's your clothes or your breath or what.
Wearing them indoors to look cool is just silly, but here in Florida the transition from indoors to outdoors can be positively painful without some eye protection. I think sunglasses are more professional than squinting..
I think sunglasses are more professional than squinting..
Yes, but as a customer I'd want to look directly into the salesperson's eyes at some point! And, as a salesperson I'd want to see the customer's eyes as well. :shades:
At a mile high, wear shades or watch the cataracts form as you look. For every thousand feet of altitude, there is 4% less UV protection. 20% less UV protection here than in Florida. Match that to our 300 days of sunshine a year, and sunglasses are just a way of life.
I certainly believe that I will doff them when dealing with a guest at the dealership. Though when I jump in the car for the test drive, on they go again. :shades:
Thanks for your encouragement King. Sorry for your rough experience. This dealership is markedly different from the "King of Cars" store.
Test drove an '06 Altima 2.5, Xterra with the 6 speed manual, a totally decked out Quest, and an '07 Maxima SL today.
The Maxima is fantastic. I loved the power telescoping and tilt wheel (I am ergonomically challenged in most cars, short legs and arms, really long torso). The seating position was great.
The car has so much smooth power. The CVT is great, as is the engine. The car handles great and strikes a great balance at being tight enough through the curves, without being punishing on every pebble and expansion joint.
Am looking forward to the new Altima with the same engine/tranny combo, as well as a 6 spd manual.
The Quest had a very ez to use Nav system, and a great rear view camera that makes backing child's play. The seating/cargo space is flexible, with the third row of seats disappearing as well as the 2nd row ducking out pretty completely as well. The dual sliding doors are totally automatic (as is the rear hatch). The Quest has the same great V6 as the Maxima, and displays great road manners. It really feels very capable in hard corners. The sticker on this was just North of $40k. Some very lucky, well-heeled soccer mom will have some serious bragging rights. All the creature features were very posh in the Quest as well, with adjustable pedals, tele/tilt wheel, memory seating positions. Very sweet.
The Xterra drives very nicely on the road, with great visibility. I've been reading alot of Car & Driver reviews, as well as the comparison here on Edmunds, pitting the Xterra against it's most likely competitors. If it doesn't rank first, it is a very strong second every time. For it's strong capacity off-road, it really drives nice around town. It's quick, steers great, nice brakes. I am glad I will be selling such great cars.
The Altima's 2.5 liter engine sounded like it was working alot harder than any of the other vehicles I was driving. Here at altitude, horsepower suffers. I drove a '92 Accord for 12 years here. It made 140 ponies. My '97 Avalon, with 210 hp and 218 torque was such an amazing upgrade, even with the automatic tranny. It will be hard ever going back below 200 hp again. The altima had a telescoping wheel (manually adjusted) as well.
I will drive the trucks tomorrow, the Titan, the Frontier, and the Armada tomorrow. I understand the Titan is very unique in its class for its great handling. I will see. I haven't driven a large, modern, PU truck in ?? (ever?)
The lot techs had the keys to all the Muranos today. I will try them tomorrow too. We have two Z's. One in the showroom, one displayed in the front in a hard to access area. I will see if I can try that out as well. I guess the demand for the Z will be pretty soft until next spring. Is there a new one coming out? Can't way to take a Z around the block.
That will leave only the Versa (not even sure if we have one). It is a pretty extensive product line. The only real gaps I see is a small, car-based ute, and an inexpensive roadster. The small ute may be coming before long I've heard rumored. They have one now in the Europe market I think.
I finished the open-book state sales licensing test. Got one wrong, had to go back and change an A to a D on the MC test.
The only real gaps I see is a small, car-based ute, and an inexpensive roadster
Doesn't nissan have the Murano as their car-based sport-ute? Also, the 350Z convertible might not be "inexpensive" but it's definitely a worthy roadster.
I've noticed over the years that sales staffs have become more casual. No ties, but collared shirts and dress pants. That doesn't bother me at all. Sunglasses really don't matter to me, but I do want to look the salesperson in the eye. Stare at them long enough, right in the eye, and they will indeed remove the sunglasses.
I don't even need to be addressed as "MR". Just be polite and respectful and we'll get along fine.
What does turn me off is sloppily dressed, sometimes bad breath and "smelly" sales people.
Trying to take me through all the "sales steps" will also cause me to walk.
That said, I usually know what all the features the car possesses before I walk in the door (why else would I be in the dealership if I wasn't interested in the model to begine with?). I don't think many cars today are built poorly, regardless of brand or model. I expect that they'll be more reliable than anything I've owned in the past 10 years, so I don't need to see those statistics, either.
Don't make me wait while you get a dealer tag, approval from your boss, etc. Act enthused that I'm your customer and we'll be fine. I may or may not buy a car from any particular salesperson or dealership, but you've got a chance since I walked in the door to begin with. Don't blow it before you even start.
Comments
Hey! Me, too!! :surprise:
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Had to laugh at this joke. Funny how the world can change in 60 years, huh?
When I bought my first Japanese car, some 35 years after V-J day, my stepfather was absolutely furious at me. And to this day I won't buy a German car. I realize this policy makes no sense, but my dad lost an eye and a couple fingers fighting the Germans, so I just can't do it. My dad's been gone for 50 years, and I still feel this way.
The emotions of car buying can be a subtle thing, hmm?
They've got me wondering too!
tidester, host
What I would love to see is you doing that in a crowded elevator.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Some dinged-up domestic Tauri etc driven by those on lower end off income scales, BHPH places etc...very very few new ones here..
The Chevy dealer facility became Honda, smaller old Honda store is now Porshe I think, huge Benz dealer, one smallish Caddie-Chevy-Jeep-Chrysler combo store...really only has Jeeps, a few minivans, M300, Vettes, and a few Caddies on from lots...*NO* Impalas, very Malibus are featured on the small from lot
Zillions of hybrids with HOV lane stickers on them now
I mean like you see virtually **NO new domestics** that do not have rental company "bar codes" on the rear side window.
Plenty of truckss and SUV are domestic.
Kind of amazing considering how strong the Unions are here that more sedans are not domestic...
More car diversity elswere in US when I travel...funny for a state with a lot of pride on its tolerance & divesity...
Nope rather have a root canal done without novicane at a circus sideshow than follow tennis.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Florida and Mass that I deal with on a regular basis.
Whenever I do a FL reg I only get one plate.
Nope - Mass went back to 2 plates about 8 years ago. The old green single plates should be turned in.
No, I feel the same. The rear of most vehicles is invariably designed to incorporate a standard sized plate, complete with illumination. In other words it looks right.
The front end however, especially on todays rounded 'aero' designs, is rarely shaped to accomodate one. Even when a moulded plate holder is available, it almost always looks like an afterthought (to me anyway).
Pennsylvania.
However, in my opinion all states should have both front and rear plates, given all the car related crimes that are committed.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
My G35 had a bracket that didn't require holes in the bumper, but the dealer put on a dealer tag with screws that were too long and left nice black 1/4 holes from the flat end of the screws. That isn't the first time that has happened to me either, but I have never had the marbles to cancel an entire deal over it.
May I ask why?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Thinner and longer so they fit better on pointy nosed vehicles.
The newest car in the collection is a 1976, so I think the owner of the dealership collected these for himself. Not for resale.
IMO I think 2 plates are dumb... I know I'll get flamed but I do.
I agree 2 plates are dumb. In Ohio we have the 2 plate law, but every state that borders us are 1 plate states.
Cheers Dub-G. I miss Pasadena dearly as I also worked at Caltech (I.T. staff 1998-2004) and EarthLink when it was on New York Drive (1996-1998). Lived in South Pas for years, used to eat at Ernies Jr. on Colorado before Colorado was gentrified.
Los Angeles is so spread out in demographics. I think a lot of sales success in that market comes down to location. Pasadena would be a wonderful market to have worked in.
My first Dodge gig was in Van Nuys and it was tough to qualify people there. I followed the money out to Simi Valley and closed like crazy in an area where people had income, homes, savings...
Dub was your dealership west of downtown by the Rolls/Ferrari/Jag shop? Or was it on the east by Rosemead? Can't picture it at all.
in my two month absence, I sold about 20 Dodge Grand Caravans, gave notice, and start a new position at the local Toyota dealer in the morning! The only Toyota dealership for 50 miles around. In L.A. we had like 85 of them. Looking forward to actually seeing some dealership traffic. My first choice was Honda but they just hired. Oh well. Toyota. Enuff said.
Should be a whole different world. Really excited about the move.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
"O brave new world that has such people in it."
Two weeks of salary and training, then they take away the net.
We have two important car models that will be all new this fall, the Sentra, and the Altima. (We also have the Versa, which is just a few months old). Is this the hottest point of a car sales cycle (when it is just introduced)? Or is it after word of mouth and the reviews start hitting papers? I'm encouraging myself with the idea that these will be "great" sellers and this is a great time to get in the game. If you can't reinforce that theory, please be encouraging anyway.
Mark
I don't think that these recent blips on the quality radar will hurt their sales numbers immediately, but if it becomes a pattern, Ghosn will undo all of the good he has done for Nissan.
If I were selling the Altima or Sentra, I would continue to emphasize the quality of the product--traditionally, both of these nameplates have had great reliability. I would also emphasize the driving experience, which is more connected than many of Nissan's Asian competitors.
I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on your progress and any interesting characters you encounter.
When I was in the car business 7 years ago it sounded a lot like your situation, only instead of 2 weeks, I go about 2 hours. But I'm sure you guys have already dealt with THOSE kinds of dealerships.
Anyway, please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying you're at a bad dealership because the training is shorter, They could be great! I'm sure it's an ongoing program, and sometimes the best way to learn is to get out there and do it. I was just suprised is all. But like I said, it's still a lot better then some other places I know of that shove you onto a line and tell you to yell "Up!" when you see a person or car come on the lot.
Good luck in starting your new career denver-nissan. I would certainly be interested in a day to day account of some of your experiences, and the information you receive during your training (on selling and negotiation)... if you are so inclined.
"To sleep, perchance to dream..."
I don't react well to the "stuffed shirt" approach of selling, so wearing sunglasses or not wouldn't matter to me. If the salesman isn't comfortable, I'm not going to be comfortable. And if I feel like he's trying to gain some kind of position of authority, I'm going to react poorly to it.
That, and there's no sin as great as smelling of cigarette smoke, whether it's your clothes or your breath or what.
Yes, but as a customer I'd want to look directly into the salesperson's eyes at some point! And, as a salesperson I'd want to see the customer's eyes as well. :shades:
tidester, host
I certainly believe that I will doff them when dealing with a guest at the dealership. Though when I jump in the car for the test drive, on they go again. :shades:
Test drove an '06 Altima 2.5, Xterra with the 6 speed manual, a totally decked out Quest, and an '07 Maxima SL today.
The Maxima is fantastic. I loved the power telescoping and tilt wheel (I am ergonomically challenged in most cars, short legs and arms, really long torso). The seating position was great.
The car has so much smooth power. The CVT is great, as is the engine. The car handles great and strikes a great balance at being tight enough through the curves, without being punishing on every pebble and expansion joint.
Am looking forward to the new Altima with the same engine/tranny combo, as well as a 6 spd manual.
The Quest had a very ez to use Nav system, and a great rear view camera that makes backing child's play. The seating/cargo space is flexible, with the third row of seats disappearing as well as the 2nd row ducking out pretty completely as well. The dual sliding doors are totally automatic (as is the rear hatch). The Quest has the same great V6 as the Maxima, and displays great road manners. It really feels very capable in hard corners. The sticker on this was just North of $40k. Some very lucky, well-heeled soccer mom will have some serious bragging rights. All the creature features were very posh in the Quest as well, with adjustable pedals, tele/tilt wheel, memory seating positions. Very sweet.
The Xterra drives very nicely on the road, with great visibility. I've been reading alot of Car & Driver reviews, as well as the comparison here on Edmunds, pitting the Xterra against it's most likely competitors. If it doesn't rank first, it is a very strong second every time. For it's strong capacity off-road, it really drives nice around town. It's quick, steers great, nice brakes. I am glad I will be selling such great cars.
The Altima's 2.5 liter engine sounded like it was working alot harder than any of the other vehicles I was driving. Here at altitude, horsepower suffers. I drove a '92 Accord for 12 years here. It made 140 ponies. My '97 Avalon, with 210 hp and 218 torque was such an amazing upgrade, even with the automatic tranny. It will be hard ever going back below 200 hp again. The altima had a telescoping wheel (manually adjusted) as well.
I will drive the trucks tomorrow, the Titan, the Frontier, and the Armada tomorrow. I understand the Titan is very unique in its class for its great handling. I will see. I haven't driven a large, modern, PU truck in ?? (ever?)
The lot techs had the keys to all the Muranos today. I will try them tomorrow too. We have two Z's. One in the showroom, one displayed in the front in a hard to access area. I will see if I can try that out as well. I guess the demand for the Z will be pretty soft until next spring. Is there a new one coming out? Can't way to take a Z around the block.
That will leave only the Versa (not even sure if we have one). It is a pretty extensive product line. The only real gaps I see is a small, car-based ute, and an inexpensive roadster. The small ute may be coming before long I've heard rumored. They have one now in the Europe market I think.
I finished the open-book state sales licensing test. Got one wrong, had to go back and change an A to a D on the MC test.
Doesn't nissan have the Murano as their car-based sport-ute? Also, the 350Z convertible might not be "inexpensive" but it's definitely a worthy roadster.
I don't even need to be addressed as "MR". Just be polite and respectful and we'll get along fine.
What does turn me off is sloppily dressed, sometimes bad breath and "smelly" sales people.
Trying to take me through all the "sales steps" will also cause me to walk.
That said, I usually know what all the features the car possesses before I walk in the door (why else would I be in the dealership if I wasn't interested in the model to begine with?). I don't think many cars today are built poorly, regardless of brand or model. I expect that they'll be more reliable than anything I've owned in the past 10 years, so I don't need to see those statistics, either.
Don't make me wait while you get a dealer tag, approval from your boss, etc. Act enthused that I'm your customer and we'll be fine. I may or may not buy a car from any particular salesperson or dealership, but you've got a chance since I walked in the door to begin with. Don't blow it before you even start.