This is a person that I would trust with the economy? Not!
Yeh, even our Bichon Frise is smarter than that guy, and she isn't too bright. She failed kindergarten at dog training school and they wouldn't allow her into Grade 1.
boom, I wouldn't be looking for any Fiats or Alfas to show up at your dealership anytime soon.
Nothing they make is ready for the US market (I know you're in Canada - how different are the laws up there?), so figure it will take 18-24 months before the pipeline gets filled.
Switching over the Chrysler assembly plants to build Fiats and/or Alfas domestically may not take quite so long, but there is a huge cost associated with that - hundreds of millions of dollars per plant, I should think.
I posted this is the "Auto News & Views" forum, but it may make for interesting reading here.
In looking at the Fiat UK website, I found the following models:
500 - Halo car; would compete well with the Mini.
Bravo - The "large" small car that Chrysler can't seem to get right. Spicy alternative to the Golf or Mazda 3.
Grande Punto - Seems to slot between the Panda and the Bravo in size, but marketed as more of a sporty alternative to either.
Panda - A worthy competitor to the Fit or Yaris - and it comes available with AWD!
Sedici - Twin to the Suzuki SX4 crossover - makes me wonder if the partnership with Suzuki will continue.
Multipla - Segment buster when it was first introduced, but now would compete with the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo. Ugly as sin, but I believe that the small minivan market could use something like this.
Doblo - A slightly larger people carrier; if Chrysler decided to drop the GC, this might serve well.
Qubo - A small van, used as both a commercial vehicle and a Honda Element-like funky people carrier. If Ford is federalizing the Transit for the US, it makes sense for Fiat/Chrysler to offer this as well.
things might have changed since i bought my tires almost 4 years ago. my explorer has 16 inch rims and i don't see the tire size i think i have on the tirerack site. i will check the size when it gets back home. the current driver plays field hockey once a week about 25 miles away, so she won't be back until later.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Good move. Of my limited career in stock investing everything I picked doubled or tripled. Everything the broker recommended dropped 60-70% (although they recovered to about a 40-50% loss when I sold them).
Worst stock pick, the one my wife suggested (because I saw a show about them and they look good). Down 95%. Ended up about even considering all the winners and losers.
The 2009 Prius looks like a good investment. Tons in stock and my local dealer is offering $500 off.
Now is the time to buy one of these if you are ever going to.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I had a dog like that once. I took him to a talent agent and told him that I had a talking dog. The guy didn't believe me so I asked the dog whats on top of a house? The dog replied "Woof", I then asked what is the texture of sandpaper? The dog replied "Ruff". I then asked the dog who was the greatest baseball player of all time? The dog said "Ruff". The talent agent then trow us out the door.
After we landed in the street my dog came up to me and said "Maybe I should have said DiMaggio?"
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
i think this tire has been replaced by another model 'latitude tour'. anyone reaseaching should take a look at the weight of the tires. not sure if it an oem on new vehicles.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I drove an H3 and found it really uncomfortable. To me a Wrangler is more pleasant to drive.
The Viper is indeed a track car. No amenities inside other than a CD player and HVAC controls from the old generation Caravans. But who cares when it has a mosnter V10. I agree with the article writer though, for the money I'd consider a GT-R or a Vette.
S2000, yeah a very neat car indeed. They should save the platform and create a RWD sedan for Acura to sell to compete with the BMW 3 series, and the Lexus IS. Just don't let Acura hit it with an ugly stick to match the rest of their lineup.
I never like the styling of the Sky. I thought the Pontiac Solstice looked more pure, with more fluid and uninterrupted lines where as the Saturn Sky looked "busy".
As for the rest of the lineup, well when you wonder away from your original mission statement because you can't make any money, and have all your loyalists leave you, and you attract no new customers, then what else can you do?
I had a neat idea for Saturn... to be GM's sole importer of their foreign cars. Stuff like Holdens, and Opels that otherwsaie you can't buy here. Instead it's all same rebadged stuff.
What was their original mission statement? "To build plastic paneled cars in America and offer no haggle shopping, and in case an employee breaks a retainer clip on the assembly line, they have the right to halt the whole line to fix that plastic retainer clip." :confuse:
How much of that Saturn's (well mostly my) mission statement still holds true today?
Lexus SC.. still one of my favourite convertibles. I think styling wise they were ahead of it's time, and how do you top (no pun intended) and redesign a car like that?
I had a neat idea for Saturn... to be GM's sole importer of their foreign cars. Stuff like Holdens, and Opels that otherwsaie you can't buy here. Instead it's all same rebadged stuff.
What was their original mission statement? "To build plastic paneled cars in America and offer no haggle shopping, and in case an employee breaks a retainer clip on the assembly line, they have the right to halt the whole line to fix that plastic retainer clip."
Pretty much none of the original Saturn mission exists today. As the owner of 3 Saturns in my immediate family, we went to the brand because of the buying experience and service after the sale. The plastic panels on my '03 L300 and my daughter's '06 ION are definitely a plus, as I used to park downtown and my daughter parks on a college campus.
I do agree with your idea that Saturn could be the "import" brand - federalize and import Holdens and Opels (wait, they do that already, with the Astra). I still think that GM makes some pretty neat vehicles overseas that might work here in the US - a strategy much like Ford is embracing.
verdugo - you are most welcome. The Fiat UK website can be found here.
I do agree with your idea that Saturn could be the "import" brand - federalize and import Holdens and Opels (wait, they do that already, with the Astra).
Seems to me that doing that is exactly what's gotten them in trouble. I don't remember there being anything at all wrong with the ION (heck, I drive one myself), and I have yet to see a single Astra on the road. Why on earth would they bother switching to something that noone would ever purchase in this country?
A coworker has an Ion. Has owned it for a year and a half. Nothing but problems and wants something else. From minor squeeks and rattles to it occasionally not starting. Early Saturns were something different, but they've become typical GM products.
I have to admit that I am a little concerned as to what has happened to all our sales heroes. Are things that bad? Posts have been very scarce here lately.
Surely some of you have been able to club a few in the past week ! Let's hear some success stories. Now please !! :mad:
Last night around 7pm I hit a Ford and a Honda Dealership (Both close at 9pm). They were both ghost towns. I walked into the Ford place and the 3 sales guys looked like they were playing cards. The funny part was when I walked in, they had this lets look busy look. In fact, one guy walked past me and said he would be with me soon. (Side note - was impressed with the Flex, but it just does not have enough room behind the 3rd row).
The Honda place is unique in that it is large building that sells Honda/Infiniti/Porsche/mercedes. There was only 1 sales guy in there handling both the infiniti and Honda lines. Which was odd, because the salesman I was emailing with told me he would be there from 12pm - 9pm. Now, I did not tell him I was coming in that night - only because it was a last minute decision. But he must have checked out early.
Even so, it was a much better experience than Ford in that the guy came right up to me and asked if I had questions and we chatted for awhile about the Pilot and our lives. I think he enjoyed the conversation.
Let me ask you this question. They have a "sales manager" Pilot in there with 2,267 miles, they say its new as its never been "titled". The car has been sitting in the showroom for at least a month.
What are your guys thoughts on these type of cars? Stay away from? Or aggressively pursue?
Yes, I don't know how to value it and my only concern is the guy who drove it was 25 and drove it how I would have drown a "free" car back at that age.
It is a 2009 Pilot EX-L (AWD) with RES that they have listed for $32,239. Edmunds TMV is $33,279 - $1,500 dealer cash = $31,779. Which is about what people are reporting on the prices paid board.
My guess is they are listing it for what they are selling the new models for. (Isell, you would know better than me). I am not that particular about the miles, If there is $1,500 - $2,000 in there, it might be worth it.
I was not going to get a vehicle with RES. It is just not make economical sense or cents for that matter. But then if I can get this vehicle for the same price as what I would pay for without RES. It might be a decent trade-off???
Nobody is going to abuse a new car so I wouldn't worry about that.
You must have powers beyond our comprehension to know the driving habits of every salesmanager/salesperson in the country. :surprise:
Nobody is going to drain half the oil out of a new Pilot, and sell it on e-bay, if that is the abuse you are speaking of. But, a 25 year old dude? Come on. A very good chance of a lot of fast starts and stops, a few hairpin turns... maybe a demolition derby or two. Surely nothing to damage the car though. :shades:
That wouldn't surprise me actually. We had a guy in here who I'd met in actual life who at 26 had run a couple of dealerships. If you've got the gift and don't mind putting in the hours it's a good life. I have neither the gift nor the ability to put in that kind of time but I admire it.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
We have a 22 year old manager, and he does take very good care of anything he drives
I'm sure he does drive responsibly and take good care of the dealerships vehicles, when he is around you/his employees... it would be pretty stupid of him not to. Difficult to know if he does the same out on the open road, all by his lonesome.
I would say having a "little bit of fun" in a company car is fairly common for someone in their early 20's... doesn't have anything to do with being careless or immature.
But that doesn't mean that a Honda Pilot driven by a 25 year old is going to be abused or driven hard.
If anything, I'd be weary of a S2000 or an Accord V6 coupe driven harder than usual but not a Pilot. I think the original concern was about buying a demo Pilot.
And I just noticed on my last few posts that my grammar and english in general is so bad I should double check my posts.
Yes it would. Even if you drove it one mile you'd take a hit on it. Even if I as an employee buy a car from me (our dealership) and trade it in after one mile I'd take a hit. It's not the miles, it's more the fact that we can't resell it as a new car after it's been reigstered.
But since most people are not into reselling or trading in a car after 10 miles of driving, then it's not something we should worry about, right?
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While furniture shopping I was pondering about why the car biz takes such a beating sometimes and has to explain and justify every dollar of markup, when furniture is marked up a few hundred percent generally.
I mean what is a leather couch set for $1299 really cost to make?
$100 worth of wholesale leather $50 worth of lumber $10 of glue and stitching $10 of other material $50 of low paid labor $100 shipping to a retail outlet
Total cost: $320 MSRP: $1299 Markup $979 or about 300%
Now try trading in that couch after 1 year of use. Oh, oh, I'm sorry, the furniture industry doesn't take used couches in on trade, now do they?
Maybe there should be book written about how to outsmart the furniture salesman :P
Anyways, have a good weekend everyone. :shades: Sold 5 rides in the last few days. Things are picking up.
Total cost: $320 MSRP: $1299 Markup $979 or about 300%
Boom, at least try to compare apples to apples. Now the cost of making a plant to manufacture furniture, getting the materials there, paying a sales staff etc., paying taxes, cost to borrow money, and the cost might be more like $600. Then the retailer has a store to operate, cost of advertising, cost of delivery including trucks, oh, and let's not leave out the salesman. Then they don't sell at full retail any more and some will be damaged or will have to be clearance priced. Retailer will be lucky to clear a 10% actual net profit!
richard64 wrote : "You have a smart cat, but I have a smart dog. He answers current issues questions: How were the Bush years? Answer: "Ruff" What is the state of the economy? Answer: "Ruff. Ruff." How would you deal with crooked used car salesmen? Answer: "Ruff. Ruff. Ruff."
Sadly he is as dumb as a box of rocks. Pleasant enough is he, but you just can't make up for that lack of cranial volume . Lucy ! You have some s'plaining ! Apologies to the late Mssr. Leakey . But to beat the dead horse further and on the same vein, recently I received a classic oldie from a salesman who used to post on this forum. And many a good sales story was enjoyed by all. ...... continued.................... Credit to : rhymes with Barack . When are you coming back ?
When I was in High School I was a talented individual. Not only did I play drums in the school band but also acted in school plays and sang in the choir. But, the most talented was my dog Sparky. He could talk. As word got around that I had a talking dog, the talent scouts began calling. We were in the waiting room of the talent agency and the agent's secretary told us Mr. Goldstein would see us now. "Ok, kid. Show me what this dog can do." he said. I looked at Sparky and said. "Ok Sparky, what's on top of a house?". "Woof" he replied. "Good. What's the texture of sand paper?" I asked, "Ruff" he replied. And then I went for the killer; "Sparky, who's the greatest baseball player that ever lived?" "Ruff, ruff." he responded. The talent agent looked at both of us and said "Get out of here you bums! This dog can't talk.". So we left his office and as we hit the street Sparky comes over to me and says "Should I've said Joe DiMaggio?"
But back to topic, as to car sales, How's the weather?
boomchek wrote : " While furniture shopping I was pondering about why the car biz takes such a beating sometimes and has to explain and justify every dollar of markup, when furniture is marked up a few hundred percent generally.
I mean what is a leather couch set for $1299 really cost to make?
$100 worth of wholesale leather $50 worth of lumber $10 of glue and stitching $10 of other material $50 of low paid labor $100 shipping to a retail outlet
Total cost: $320 MSRP: $1299 Markup $979 or about 300%
Now try trading in that couch after 1 year of use. Oh, oh, I'm sorry, the furniture industry doesn't take used couches in on trade, now do they?
Maybe there should be book written about how to outsmart the furniture salesman
Anyways, have a good weekend everyone. Sold 5 rides in the last few days. Things are picking up. "
And in the worst of times, you just can't beat an honest car salesman . Good for you ! Some rationalize as if cars should be sold by material cost . So if steel is sold at sold at $2,354 per 1,000 lbs ( fictional pricing) than that Porsche should go for $11,000 . The value added is ignored. Best of luck and best wishes for a prosperous '09.
I used to be really particular when it came to buying a new car. If I wanted a new car, I didn't want a demo. I didn't want a "program car". I wanted it brand spanking new.
These days, if I were in the market, I'd jump all over a "dealer car", regardless of who drove it....ESPECIALLY if it's a Honda. But, I'd also expect $$$ off for the miles. Whether it's titled or not really doesn't matter, at least not to me. Miles are miles, whether they were driven while the car was titled or not.
My issue with "demos" these days....they load them up with dealership options I really don't care for to boost the margin. After market wheels, grills, DVD in the headrest, etc....not stuff I care about.
We went on a 90 mile in my son in laws new Lexus R Hybrid. What a great car...smooth riding, solid, silent when in electric mode. Great navigation system once he figures out how to use it. This car is centuries ahead of his 4 year old Suburban. Another very pro D3 buyer buys a foreign car. His lease is for 4 years so it is a lost customer for the D3. As much as the Lexus is a great car to be in, I still prefer my old X3 to it, more nimble, more comfortable seats, more fun to drive, more feel of the road.
"...when furniture is marked up a few hundred percent generally..."
I think it's because furniture is a much less emotional purchase than a car (a least it is for men). Just think, do guys sitting around a bar brag about how nice it is to sit in their Lazy-Boy recliner sipping tea? For most men a car purchase involves all the primal hunting, stalking, attack and conquer behaviors that our hunter ancestors used. Car marketing plays to that as well. Ever hear a furniture commercial suggest that if you buy a particular sofa all the girls will be dying to come over and sit on it?
Congrats on your 5 sales. I hope things are starting to turn around. In my travels I am seeing more car carriers on the interstates even though the car transport trains are still sitting empty on the sidings.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
For most men a car purchase involves all the primal hunting, stalking, attack and conquer behaviors that our hunter ancestors used.
I think you are onto something OF! Maybe the car buying experience should be even more of a hunting experience to create more interest, and to play on our natural instincts. First, they should give you a painball rifle as you drive into the dealership lot. You should come into the dealership with a camaflouge outfit. You should move up on your stomach and hide behind the plants in the showroom. Then you should have a target to aim for and get 10, 20% off depending on which balloon you burst. The salesmen have to defend the targets and try to hit you first. If they do you get a reduction on your trade in. I think this plays into our hunting instincts and makes the car buying experience seem more natural and at the same time it is a challenge. I think you are onto something OF!
>I think it's because furniture is a much less emotional purchase than a car (a least it is for men).
Furniture is much more of an impulse item than a car is. And women can always find a 70% off price at furniture stores they like to shop. And it's somewhat more difficult to comparison price the exact item unless you're willing to shop online. Many furniture manufacturers market the same item without names to different stores so that they can't be compared. Women don't bragg about how much they got off on a particular item of furniture; they talk about how they found the exact shape, fabric, or whatever it is they like in a piece of furniture that they wanted. It's the conquest rush that shoppers get at finding something they love or finding a bargain (in their own mind at least).
Cars I can always find a dealer to compare the same car price on to order (at least us Brands will order--foreign makes try to discourage that and want to sell what they've got now or can get from a dealer nearby).
Long ago won some amount of dollars to spend at a furniture store sponsoring a contest but it was all based on list price (ridiculous) but was shopping a name brand wood furniture item catalog and inside the front cover the instructions were to the store to take their wholesale price double it, then take 40% of that and add that on. That meant a $100 table became a $280 table list price. So a 30% off sale still had the store at 100% markup.
But that doesn't mean that a Honda Pilot driven by a 25 year old is going to be abused or driven hard.
Oh, I agree with that... that's why I wrote most. Pretty amazing your salesmanager got to where he is at such a young age. Agree also a Pilot less likely to be "driven hard".
Any you guys care to fess up? You're 22-25 years old and a salesmanager at a dealership. Do you hot rod (drive hard) some demo cars a bit... or am I the only "immature" person here?
Comments
Yeh, even our Bichon Frise is smarter than that guy, and she isn't too bright. She failed kindergarten at dog training school and they wouldn't allow her into Grade 1.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Nothing they make is ready for the US market (I know you're in Canada - how different are the laws up there?), so figure it will take 18-24 months before the pipeline gets filled.
Switching over the Chrysler assembly plants to build Fiats and/or Alfas domestically may not take quite so long, but there is a huge cost associated with that - hundreds of millions of dollars per plant, I should think.
I posted this is the "Auto News & Views" forum, but it may make for interesting reading here.
In looking at the Fiat UK website, I found the following models:
500 - Halo car; would compete well with the Mini.
Bravo - The "large" small car that Chrysler can't seem to get right. Spicy alternative to the Golf or Mazda 3.
Grande Punto - Seems to slot between the Panda and the Bravo in size, but marketed as more of a sporty alternative to either.
Panda - A worthy competitor to the Fit or Yaris - and it comes available with AWD!
Sedici - Twin to the Suzuki SX4 crossover - makes me wonder if the partnership with Suzuki will continue.
Multipla - Segment buster when it was first introduced, but now would compete with the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo. Ugly as sin, but I believe that the small minivan market could use something like this.
Doblo - A slightly larger people carrier; if Chrysler decided to drop the GC, this might serve well.
Qubo - A small van, used as both a commercial vehicle and a Honda Element-like funky people carrier. If Ford is federalizing the Transit for the US, it makes sense for Fiat/Chrysler to offer this as well.
On this list, the only one I feel sad about is the S2000.
my explorer has 16 inch rims and i don't see the tire size i think i have on the tirerack site.
i will check the size when it gets back home.
the current driver plays field hockey once a week about 25 miles away,
so she won't be back until later.
You should be able to look up the tires by vehicle on tirerack and it will tell you the original tire size that came on it.
not tirerack's fault but sometimes the tire sizes change during the same model year.
Good move. Of my limited career in stock investing everything I picked doubled or tripled. Everything the broker recommended dropped 60-70% (although they recovered to about a 40-50% loss when I sold them).
Worst stock pick, the one my wife suggested (because I saw a show about them and they look good). Down 95%. Ended up about even considering all the winners and losers.
The 2009 Prius looks like a good investment. Tons in stock and my local dealer is offering $500 off.
Now is the time to buy one of these if you are ever going to.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
After we landed in the street my dog came up to me and said "Maybe I should have said DiMaggio?"
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Fiat built some pretty lousy cars. Remember?
Fix
It
Again
Tony
Found
In
A
Trashcan
anyone reaseaching should take a look at the weight of the tires.
not sure if it an oem on new vehicles.
I drove an H3 and found it really uncomfortable. To me a Wrangler is more pleasant to drive.
The Viper is indeed a track car. No amenities inside other than a CD player and HVAC controls from the old generation Caravans. But who cares when it has a mosnter V10. I agree with the article writer though, for the money I'd consider a GT-R or a Vette.
S2000, yeah a very neat car indeed. They should save the platform and create a RWD sedan for Acura to sell to compete with the BMW 3 series, and the Lexus IS. Just don't let Acura hit it with an ugly stick to match the rest of their lineup.
I never like the styling of the Sky. I thought the Pontiac Solstice looked more pure, with more fluid and uninterrupted lines where as the Saturn Sky looked "busy".
As for the rest of the lineup, well when you wonder away from your original mission statement because you can't make any money, and have all your loyalists leave you, and you attract no new customers, then what else can you do?
I had a neat idea for Saturn... to be GM's sole importer of their foreign cars. Stuff like Holdens, and Opels that otherwsaie you can't buy here. Instead it's all same rebadged stuff.
What was their original mission statement? "To build plastic paneled cars in America and offer no haggle shopping, and in case an employee breaks a retainer clip on the assembly line, they have the right to halt the whole line to fix that plastic retainer clip." :confuse:
How much of that Saturn's (well mostly my) mission statement still holds true today?
Lexus SC.. still one of my favourite convertibles. I think styling wise they were ahead of it's time, and how do you top (no pun intended) and redesign a car like that?
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Nice list. Thanks for posting that.
I hope they don't get rid of the GC. I love mine. We actually take ours off road.
Richard
I had a neat idea for Saturn... to be GM's sole importer of their foreign cars. Stuff like Holdens, and Opels that otherwsaie you can't buy here. Instead it's all same rebadged stuff.
What was their original mission statement? "To build plastic paneled cars in America and offer no haggle shopping, and in case an employee breaks a retainer clip on the assembly line, they have the right to halt the whole line to fix that plastic retainer clip."
Pretty much none of the original Saturn mission exists today. As the owner of 3 Saturns in my immediate family, we went to the brand because of the buying experience and service after the sale. The plastic panels on my '03 L300 and my daughter's '06 ION are definitely a plus, as I used to park downtown and my daughter parks on a college campus.
I do agree with your idea that Saturn could be the "import" brand - federalize and import Holdens and Opels (wait, they do that already, with the Astra). I still think that GM makes some pretty neat vehicles overseas that might work here in the US - a strategy much like Ford is embracing.
verdugo - you are most welcome. The Fiat UK website can be found here.
Ferraris for the masses would be nice! :P
Seems to me that doing that is exactly what's gotten them in trouble. I don't remember there being anything at all wrong with the ION (heck, I drive one myself), and I have yet to see a single Astra on the road. Why on earth would they bother switching to something that noone would ever purchase in this country?
I recall the Ion received very poor reviews when it came out. The overall theme that it was a "disappointment" compared to any Japanese makes.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Surely some of you have been able to club a few in the past week ! Let's hear some success stories. Now please !! :mad:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The Honda place is unique in that it is large building that sells Honda/Infiniti/Porsche/mercedes. There was only 1 sales guy in there handling both the infiniti and Honda lines. Which was odd, because the salesman I was emailing with told me he would be there from 12pm - 9pm. Now, I did not tell him I was coming in that night - only because it was a last minute decision. But he must have checked out early.
Even so, it was a much better experience than Ford in that the guy came right up to me and asked if I had questions and we chatted for awhile about the Pilot and our lives. I think he enjoyed the conversation.
Let me ask you this question. They have a "sales manager" Pilot in there with 2,267 miles, they say its new as its never been "titled". The car has been sitting in the showroom for at least a month.
What are your guys thoughts on these type of cars? Stay away from? Or aggressively pursue?
And don't expect them to give it away. Those miles don't devalue it that much.
If you really like it, go ahead and buy. I'd check it closely for any chips or scratches since it's been driven a bit, should be fine though.
How much to deduct for the mileage is the big question. I would think it would need to be at least 1 grand, maybe 2 ... otherwise I buy new "new".
It is a 2009 Pilot EX-L (AWD) with RES that they have listed for $32,239. Edmunds TMV is $33,279 - $1,500 dealer cash = $31,779. Which is about what people are reporting on the prices paid board.
My guess is they are listing it for what they are selling the new models for. (Isell, you would know better than me). I am not that particular about the miles, If there is $1,500 - $2,000 in there, it might be worth it.
I was not going to get a vehicle with RES. It is just not make economical sense or cents for that matter. But then if I can get this vehicle for the same price as what I would pay for without RES. It might be a decent trade-off???
It's a good deal but, seriously, you do sound like a person who should just buy a new Pilot and not a demo otherwise you wouldn't these questions.
You must have powers beyond our comprehension to know the driving habits of every salesmanager/salesperson in the country. :surprise:
Nobody is going to drain half the oil out of a new Pilot, and sell it on e-bay, if that is the abuse you are speaking of. But, a 25 year old dude? Come on. A very good chance of a lot of fast starts and stops, a few hairpin turns... maybe a demolition derby or two. Surely nothing to damage the car though. :shades:
He got promoted because he's young and intelligent, not because he's careless and immature.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
(sorry. it was just sitting there....)
The boss is new actually and not related and didn't know anyone before he came to run the show.
The young manager is very intelligent. He has no realtives in the car biz. I can see him running his own dealership by the time he turns 30.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I'm sure he does drive responsibly and take good care of the dealerships vehicles, when he is around you/his employees... it would be pretty stupid of him not to. Difficult to know if he does the same out on the open road, all by his lonesome.
I would say having a "little bit of fun" in a company car is fairly common for someone in their early 20's... doesn't have anything to do with being careless or immature.
If anything, I'd be weary of a S2000 or an Accord V6 coupe driven harder than usual but not a Pilot. I think the original concern was about buying a demo Pilot.
And I just noticed on my last few posts that my grammar and english in general is so bad
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Oh yeah, I bet if I bought one new from you drove it for 2,267 miles and came back to trade it in I would take a hugh hit.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
But since most people are not into reselling or trading in a car after 10 miles of driving, then it's not something we should worry about, right?
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While furniture shopping I was pondering about why the car biz takes such a beating sometimes and has to explain and justify every dollar of markup, when furniture is marked up a few hundred percent generally.
I mean what is a leather couch set for $1299 really cost to make?
$100 worth of wholesale leather
$50 worth of lumber
$10 of glue and stitching
$10 of other material
$50 of low paid labor
$100 shipping to a retail outlet
Total cost: $320
MSRP: $1299
Markup $979 or about 300%
Now try trading in that couch after 1 year of use. Oh, oh, I'm sorry, the furniture industry doesn't take used couches in on trade, now do they?
Maybe there should be book written about how to outsmart the furniture salesman :P
Anyways, have a good weekend everyone. :shades: Sold 5 rides in the last few days. Things are picking up.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
MSRP: $1299
Markup $979 or about 300%
Boom, at least try to compare apples to apples. Now the cost of making a plant to manufacture furniture, getting the materials there, paying a sales staff etc., paying taxes, cost to borrow money, and the cost might be more like $600. Then the retailer has a store to operate, cost of advertising, cost of delivery including trucks, oh, and let's not leave out the salesman. Then they don't sell at full retail any more and some will be damaged or will have to be clearance priced. Retailer will be lucky to clear a 10% actual net profit!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"You have a smart cat, but I have a smart dog. He answers current issues questions: How were the Bush years? Answer: "Ruff" What is the state of the economy? Answer: "Ruff. Ruff." How would you deal with crooked used car salesmen? Answer: "Ruff. Ruff. Ruff."
Sadly he is as dumb as a box of rocks. Pleasant enough is he, but you just can't make up for that lack of cranial volume . Lucy ! You have some s'plaining ! Apologies to the late Mssr. Leakey . But to beat the dead horse further and on the same vein, recently I received a classic oldie from a salesman who used to post on this forum. And many a good sales story was enjoyed by all.
...... continued....................
Credit to : rhymes with Barack . When are you coming back ?
When I was in High School I was a talented individual. Not only did I play drums in the school band but also acted in school plays and sang in the choir. But, the most talented was my dog Sparky. He could talk. As word got around that I had a talking dog, the talent scouts began calling. We were in the waiting room of the talent agency and the agent's secretary told us Mr. Goldstein would see us now. "Ok, kid. Show me what this dog can do." he said. I looked at Sparky and said. "Ok Sparky, what's on top of a house?". "Woof" he replied. "Good. What's the texture of sand paper?" I asked, "Ruff" he replied. And then I went for the killer; "Sparky, who's the greatest baseball player that ever lived?" "Ruff, ruff." he responded. The talent agent looked at both of us and said "Get out of here you bums! This dog can't talk.". So we left his office and as we hit the street Sparky comes over to me and says "Should I've said Joe DiMaggio?"
But back to topic, as to car sales, How's the weather?
" While furniture shopping I was pondering about why the car biz takes such a beating sometimes and has to explain and justify every dollar of markup, when furniture is marked up a few hundred percent generally.
I mean what is a leather couch set for $1299 really cost to make?
$100 worth of wholesale leather
$50 worth of lumber
$10 of glue and stitching
$10 of other material
$50 of low paid labor
$100 shipping to a retail outlet
Total cost: $320
MSRP: $1299
Markup $979 or about 300%
Now try trading in that couch after 1 year of use. Oh, oh, I'm sorry, the furniture industry doesn't take used couches in on trade, now do they?
Maybe there should be book written about how to outsmart the furniture salesman
Anyways, have a good weekend everyone. Sold 5 rides in the last few days. Things are picking up. "
And in the worst of times, you just can't beat an honest car salesman . Good for you ! Some rationalize as if cars should be sold by material cost . So if steel is sold at sold at $2,354 per 1,000 lbs ( fictional pricing) than that Porsche
should go for $11,000 . The value added is ignored. Best of luck and best wishes for a prosperous '09.
These days, if I were in the market, I'd jump all over a "dealer car", regardless of who drove it....ESPECIALLY if it's a Honda. But, I'd also expect $$$ off for the miles. Whether it's titled or not really doesn't matter, at least not to me. Miles are miles, whether they were driven while the car was titled or not.
My issue with "demos" these days....they load them up with dealership options I really don't care for to boost the margin. After market wheels, grills, DVD in the headrest, etc....not stuff I care about.
Another very pro D3 buyer buys a foreign car. His lease is for 4 years so it is a lost customer for the D3.
As much as the Lexus is a great car to be in, I still prefer my old X3 to it, more nimble, more comfortable seats, more fun to drive, more feel of the road.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think it's because furniture is a much less emotional purchase than a car (a least it is for men). Just think, do guys sitting around a bar brag about how nice it is to sit in their Lazy-Boy recliner sipping tea? For most men a car purchase involves all the primal hunting, stalking, attack and conquer behaviors that our hunter ancestors used. Car marketing plays to that as well. Ever hear a furniture commercial suggest that if you buy a particular sofa all the girls will be dying to come over and sit on it?
Congrats on your 5 sales. I hope things are starting to turn around. In my travels I am seeing more car carriers on the interstates even though the car transport trains are still sitting empty on the sidings.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think you are onto something OF! Maybe the car buying experience should be even more of a hunting experience to create more interest, and to play on our natural instincts. First, they should give you a painball rifle as you drive into the dealership lot. You should come into the dealership with a camaflouge outfit. You should move up on your stomach and hide behind the plants in the showroom. Then you should have a target to aim for and get 10, 20% off depending on which balloon you burst. The salesmen have to defend the targets and try to hit you first. If they do you get a reduction on your trade in. I think this plays into our hunting instincts and makes the car buying experience seem more natural and at the same time it is a challenge. I think you are onto something OF!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Way to go Boom...You can't keep a good man down !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
" Fast starts and stops" ? Oh, those really hurt a car, don't they?
Furniture is much more of an impulse item than a car is. And women can always find a 70% off price at furniture stores they like to shop. And it's somewhat more difficult to comparison price the exact item unless you're willing to shop online. Many furniture manufacturers market the same item without names to different stores so that they can't be compared. Women don't bragg about how much they got off on a particular item of furniture; they talk about how they found the exact shape, fabric, or whatever it is they like in a piece of furniture that they wanted. It's the conquest rush that shoppers get at finding something they love or finding a bargain (in their own mind at least).
Cars I can always find a dealer to compare the same car price on to order (at least us Brands will order--foreign makes try to discourage that and want to sell what they've got now or can get from a dealer nearby).
Long ago won some amount of dollars to spend at a furniture store sponsoring a contest but it was all based on list price (ridiculous) but was shopping a name brand wood furniture item catalog and inside the front cover the instructions were to the store to take their wholesale price double it, then take 40% of that and add that on. That meant a $100 table became a $280 table list price. So a 30% off sale still had the store at 100% markup.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Weather here is clear, but it must be foggy where you are because I posted that same old joke several posts back. :P
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Oh, I agree with that... that's why I wrote most. Pretty amazing your salesmanager got to where he is at such a young age. Agree also a Pilot less likely to be "driven hard".
Any you guys care to fess up? You're 22-25 years old and a salesmanager at a dealership. Do you hot rod (drive hard) some demo cars a bit... or am I the only "immature" person here?
No, but change "sipping tea" to "drinking beer" and the answer becomes yes.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D