Stories from the Sales Frontlines

oldfarmer50

"...Anyone else...as bored today as I am?..."

Yes, all of us are. But if you share some sales stories we won't be bored any more.

sterlingdog

Well, I guess now is the time to reveal my sad story with our '06 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. I had postponed telling it because I figured that some of you guys would think that I was crazy. I have now decided to get rid of the Chrysler instead of the Explorer. My wife is in full agreement. We have had several problems with it during the past year.

Here are the things that have happened in chronological order:

1. The radio'cd player died first. A new one was installed.
2. Then the top would not recline. We had to have a new motor.
3. The driver side power seat malfunctioned and needed repair.
4. The car then threw two tire rods and replacements were done.
5. The car will often jump forward when you are sitting at stop signals.

This past Saturday, the warranty ran out at 36,000 miles. We don't know what will happen next that will have to come out of our pockets. The car has spent more time at the dealer's than at our house. Since the Explorer is in such good shape, we want to keep it for another 50k miles or even more.

Snake, do be careful and check it out thoroughly. I would hate for your wife to have similar experiences. Perhaps my car was made on a Monday or a Friday (the 13th!). The one that you are considering may be fine. I do know that some owners have had trouble with the tops. Also, see the Chrysler thread here on Edmunds.

They are beautiful cars. Best of luck to you.

PS: Now I don't want to hear any remarks about why I shouldn't have bought a Chrysler!

Richard

explorerx4

sorry to hear about the sebring troubles. being a convertible, at least we are headed into spring plus you have a low miles, not too old car.
better at least get a car with a moonroof.
this is going to be your wife's vehicle?

explorerx4

mine is about 800 miles behind you.
i will be taking a 1700 mile or so trip in may bringing back all my daughter's stuff from ohio after school is done.
not sure what we are doing for summer vacation this year, but that is usually a 2000 trip or so. last 3 years was down to hatteras area.

jipster

Bout time you come out of the closet over owning that lemon of a Sebring. I bet you've got all kinds of good horror stories, that you can now tell, about it's required repairs.

Sorry to hear of your bad luck with it though.

Turns out all that fence sitting you were doing worked out for the best. You still have your Explorer, and can trade in the Sebring instead... must have that good karma thing going for you.

They are beautiful cars.

Yep. One of the best looking cars I can think of. Chrysler always had that going for them, until the new generation of Caravans came out that is.

fezo

Dang! Sorry to hear about the Sebring.

I had a 98 Sebring convertible that had been a rental in Florida. I had it maybe three summers and only let it go because I needed a van as the family got bigger. It stayed in the family (my dad bought it from me and then my brother bought it from my dad) to somewhere around 90K and did pretty well for itself.

I realize that the newer Sebrings aren't the same car and that I might have gotten one made on a Wednesday or whatever.

driver100

PS: Now I don't want to hear any remarks about why I shouldn't have bought a Chrysler!

That is a sad story, but I once heard that the good thing about a bad experience is that it makes a good story - and it is an good story.

Maybe you can get your wife more excited about the GM (Grand Mercury de Sade) and then trade in the Sebring for a GM for her birthday gift. It will be win/win

(if you live to tell us about it)

explorerx4

driver, don't you pay any attention? richard wanted the GM, not his wife.

for many years, i never kept a vehicle long enough to do anything like getting new tires or replacing the brakes. maybe i would have a major service done.
anyways, i decided to put $20 cash in an envelope every paycheck to cover future maintenace for the fusion.
i have had my fusion for a year and since i have only paid for 2 tire rotations, $25 each, and a pair of windshield wipers, $20, and didn't take the money out of my fund, i now have over $500 to cover future car expenses.

snakeweasel

I don't plan on crashing it and if past history is any indication I won't.

jimbres

everything i hear from owners and read about long term tests points to it being expensive

But that hasn't been our experience during our 10+ years of Lexus ownership. Our old Ford Taurus was more expensive. (That's one reason why we'll buy another Lexus before we buy another Ford.)

As I tried to explain earlier, you are not required to go back to your dealer for routine maintenance. Any competent mechanic can do this stuff & will probably charge you less money for it, no matter what the make of your car is. My mechanic's bill for a Lexus oil change is pretty much the same as his bill for a Honda Accord or Chevy Impala oil change. That's why we don't pay any more money to maintain our Lexus than we would for any other car that we've owned.

jimbres

I don't plan on crashing it and if past history is any indication I won't.

The drunk who hits you might have other plans.

explorerx4

hopefully anyone interested will have considered our posts and go from there, when looking to purchase a new vehicle.

explorerx4

look at the stats, it's the wrong way to go through life.

isellhondas

Typical Chrysler product...sorry.

What is a "tire rod" and how does a car "throw" one?

Are you talking about a tie rod end? These wear out but they don't get "thrown"/

I had a Le Baron convertable too whaich are similar and it too had lots of troubles.

sterlingdog

Interesting that we both own the same cars. Is your chrysler an '06? You are right about spring. Another 30 days may be a good time to trade a convertible. I hate that we have had the misfortune, but I have enjoyed many nice days with the top down. Too bad that I can't have my '68 GTO convertible again. I drove it for six years and never had a single problem. It was navy blue with a white top and white interior. What a beautiful car it was. It was my first brand new car, and I felt so special---especially after it was paid for in 36 months. That was the norm back then.

Richard

driver100

I don't plan on crashing it and if past history is any indication I won't.

Nobody plans on crashing, but unfortunately it happens and quite often it won't be your fault. My rule is, buy the nicest best car you wish to own....... that you like and can afford.......and with as many safety features as you can get.

When I was in Florida a young kid stole an SUV, was driving down the highway on the wrong side of the road, hit a cop driving a GM or Crown Vic. The kid lived and the officer with 2 small children was killed. Happens every day!

sterlingdog

Well Mr. Captain, the horror stories could have been worse. At least the warranty covered everything. The pain was also eased by a super service department. The guys were so nice. They either gave me a loaner or drove me home each time. The girls always brought me refreshments to the waiting lounge. They have really tried hard to make things right. It's not their fault that I got a bad one. :lemon: I'm still not against Chryslers. They used to make great cars. Many, many years ago, my father brought me home as a new born in a big, black Chrysler sedan. In those days, you could have put a crib, a bassinet, and a baby carriage in the back seat and had room left over for six more passengers.

Richard

jipster

Crash scores smash scores. If it were marginal, a close call with buying another car, yeah go with something else. But with air bags, and all the other counter measures on cars nowadays, I find it difficult to imagine one would be that much safer than another. Now I wouldn't get into one of those Smart cars if you paid me, but the Sebring is a fairly good sized car. If it is a car his wife really likes/loves, then I would vote for getting it. I say slither on down to your Chrysler dealership and buy that sucka snakie.

sterlingdog

Unfortunately, my wife's idea of a birthday gift to her would not be a GM. I had enough trouble just getting her to become tolerant of my wish to purchase one. Since her birthday is coming up in May, I think that I had better stick with some previously successful gift. If I gave her a car, it would have to be a Honda CRV. She still misses her old one.

Richard

explorerx4

i don't have a chrysler, but i do have a convertible. i guess i was vague about the 'we'.

sterlingdog

You know me well enough by now that you understand that I am technically challenged. I keep my cars detailed and I keep them serviced. When it comes to lifting the hood, I am lost. Here is what happened. One day the car began making a terrible noise. Being in town, I drove straight to the dealer. After checking it out, I understood him to say that I had thrown two tire rods. Perhaps they WERE tie rod ends. I'm sorry to admit that I really don't know.

I only do light bulbs---IF you hold the ladder and make sure that I don't screw it in bulb first. :P Be patient with me. I'm an old man.

Richard

sterlingdog

"I say slither on down to your Chrysler dealership and buy that sucka snakie."

That's what we love about you---the eternal optimist. :shades:

Richard

morin2

Unfortunately, my wife's idea of a birthday gift to her would not be a GM. I had enough trouble just getting her to become tolerant of my wish to purchase one. Since her birthday is coming up in May, I think that I had better stick with some previously successful gift. If I gave her a car, it would have to be a Honda CRV. She still misses her old one

But then she could never call that CR-V a "tuna boat"... Getting the wifey a car for her birthday pays dividends - when its exactly what she wants. I bought mine a Buick Rendezvous when they came out - not only was it exactly what she wanted in the right color, it was the one she test drove, without me along to try to convince her otherwise (she knew I preferred the Tahoe...) I went alone & drove the Buick after she told me it was "exactly" what she wanted. I thought it was a real dog, but bought it anyway because it was what she wanted. Tried to surprise her with it by parking it at her office, but she caught me. I never did warm up to that Buick, but she has fond memories of it because it was a surprise birthday gift. If its for her, get her what she wants, otherwise prepare to cringe every time you hear "tuna boat". Good Luck! (you could do far worse than a CR-V)

nyccarguy

Just to add to your knock on Chrysler Minivans, I can't tell you how many customers I have with Chrysler Minivans that aren't all that old and the damn struts that hold up the rear door ALWAYS go bad! You'd think Chrysler would get some brains and get some heavier duty ones.

sterlingdog

It would score tons of bonus points, wouldn't it? :P

Richard

graphicguy

Many years ago I knew someone that bought a blue Toyota Seleca GTS

snake.....I'm ashamed of you......it was a Celica (seleca?)

As ashamed as I am for falling for the "free tank of gas for a test drive" routine, that's exactly what I did at the local Hyundai dealership last night. Thought it would be a simple walk in, ask for someone to sign the voucher, and walk out with the gas card. They insisted I actually take the test drive to get the voucher.

Got time on my hands. Why not? I choose the Genesis.

They weren't very busy (one other customer looking at the Hyundai SUV.....can't think of the name).

Have to admit, the more I see this car, the more I like it.

Drove a V6 with tech package. Lots more power than I expected. Engine makes nice sounds. I agree with most reviews I've read....don't see the need for the V8 (still would like to drive one, though). Handled much better than I expected, too.

Loaded up.....DVD, Lexicon surround sound, leather dash....every "touch area" felt nice....great build. Some aftermarket wheels and logos (some "wing" looking thing).

$40K and change MSRP. They had 4 demos, ranging from a nice platinum color, burgandy, some gold color, which I have an inexplicable distaste for, regardless of the car. They ranged from 2K-4K miles.

Ranged from $36K-$37K depending on the aftermarket additions.

OK....I'll bite. Had them appraise the Tahoe. They ask for first volley. I offer the Tahoe and a $10K check (knowing this won't get the deal done). Sales Manager comes over and introduces himself. Asks what he can do to close a sale, as we're about $6,500 apart. I explain that unless he can make $6,500 delta between what I want for the Tahoe and what they're offering, that there's nothing he can do.

Honest guy. He says they don't have enough dollars on the Genesis to make up that difference. We talk a little bit about a "stripped" model that might get close. These don't come stripped, but I didn't like the color. I thank him for his time. He says he'll keep in touch.

jmonroe....if you're remotely still thinking of the Genesis, for low-mid $30s, it's impressive.

snakeweasel

I have been reading some of the reviews of the 08's here on Edmunds, Edmunds seems to think the car is ok and a step up from previous years models. While the reader reviews are mixed the positive ones do out number the negative ones.

Plus its the one the wife wants.

jmonroe

LA was fun as a kid. What the hell am I doing in Minnesota????

Talk about someone who's messed up!! You fit in very well here. :confuse:

jmonroe

snakeweasel

And the likelihood of that happening is what? near zero?

snakeweasel

Nobody plans on crashing, but unfortunately it happens and quite often it won't be your fault.

First off the term is accident simply because thats what it is. Secondly While it does happen and happens often the odds of it happening to any one particular driver are very low.

snakeweasel

snake.....I'm ashamed of you......it was a Celica (seleca?)

Dam it Jim I'm an accountant not a script writer (he says in his best Bones McCoy voice). I will just blame that one on Edmunds because their spell check didn't catch it.

jmonroe

I say slither on down to your Chrysler dealership and buy that sucka snakie.

I've said this before to the old timers here so this is for the newbies so they'll understand this name thing.

You see, 'jip' and 'snake' played together as kids on the playground but neither one will admit to it.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I only do light bulbs---IF you hold the ladder and make sure that I don't screw it in bulb first. I'm an old man.

As I started to read that sentence I thought you were going to say, “IF you hold the ladder and turn it”. Now, that thing about doing it bulb end first…well, there just ain’t no hope for you old man. :P

jmonroe

isellhondas

Well, now I'm really wondering what went wrong with your car.

No such thing as a "tire rod" but cars do have tie rod ends. These don't get "thrown" and when they wear out they don't make noise.

Now, engines have connecting rods. These can get "thrown" and when they do, they make a horrible noise as they distroy the car's engine.

hp6130

I have a question about doc. fees. Where does this money go (doc fees) is it pure profit for the dealer? Does the salesman see any of it? How did this come about? In Pa. where I live it is never more than $50. In the late 80's and early 90's whenever I bought a car I would flat out refuse to pay it and the dealer would drop it. Many dealers didn't even have it and the salesman would always say how they don't charge doc. fees. But on my last 3 new cars I had to pay it. I read on this website where some dealers charge as much as $600. Can I get some feedback about the history of this fee. Thanks

graphicguy

Well, there is a cost involved in preparing paperwork when buying/leasing a car. You've got the person who's preparing the paperwork, submitting it to your locale, etc.

You'll get a lot of debate here about what that cost actually is, and if the dealer or customer should bear the cost.

Some locales limit what the fee should be. In my area, the cap is $250. However, whenever possible, I make an offer out the door....all taxes, license and doc fees included. I let the dealership divy up the money, and how much, if any, goes in each pot.

I don't believe the sales person, sales manager, or any other sales agent makes anything on doc fees.

lmp180psu

I live in PA, I recently bought a used TL at an Acura dealer, and I noticed the doc fee was $120. I questioned the salesman about this, as the last time I bought a car (2006), the max doc fee in PA was $55. He explained that there have been 2 increases to the doc fee in the past year or so. Based on his professionalism throughout the buying process I really didn't doubt his explanation (hope I wasn't naive though...lol)

jmonroe

jmonroe....if you're remotely still thinking of the Genesis, for low-mid $30s, it's impressive.

Drove a V6 with tech package. Lots more power than I expected. Engine makes nice sounds. I agree with most reviews I've read....don't see the need for the V8 (still would like to drive one, though). Handled much better than I expected, too.

Loaded up.....DVD, Lexicon surround sound, leather dash....every "touch area" felt nice....great build. Some aftermarket wheels and logos (some "wing" looking thing).

$40K and change MSRP.

I’ve heard the same thing about the V6. Since I’ve only read about them, never driven one nor do I know anyone who has driven one, I’m sure I can trust you opinion about them so that’s good enough for me. Like I’ve said before, “I think I’m afraid to take a test drive in one, V6 or V8, because I’d probably really want one after that”.

While the V6 would probably suit me fine, before I’d pay for the V6 with the options that would take it to the near $40K price, I’d just jump in whole hog and go for the loaded up V8 that goes for $42K plus $100 for the cargo tray. As I understand it, the cargo tray is the only option on that car other than the wheel locks and for FWIW, I like that rubber cargo tray. I have it on my 05’ XG350 and things don’t slide around back there with it like they do on a carpet. Plus when I had a couple plants fall over it vacuums up perfectly. I’ve even taken it out and hosed it off, nice option I feel.

I’m convinced I have clearance on the home front about getting one but I’ve still not convinced myself yet. However, with the way you’re going about this and with sun starting to shine, I’m not so sure I can hold out much longer. :confuse:

don't see the need for the V8 (still would like to drive one, though).

Like I’ve said the V6 is more than likely good enough for me but for the price difference, the V8 is probably the way to go. I still keep hearing Son #1 saying, “don’t go half way get the V8”. Since if I get one, I’m going to blame you and you’d like to drive a V8, the next time you come to the Burgh I’ll let you take it out for an un-escorted test drive. I think I can trust you to bring it back safely. I’m sure by then my son will have taken it out for a few spins so I won’t have to watch the two of you fighting over it. After all, what good are poster buddies if they can’t do something like that for each other?

jmonroe

imidazol97

Why not put a for sale sign on it while driving around and see if you get any bites. You might find someone quickly and get more for it than the real amound a dealer store would be able to give you for it. That's what I had recommended for friends to do with a Subaru they had.

imidazol97

In another forum here, the UAW gets blamed continually for problematic cars such as described here--the car brand unimportant to my point:
.
1. The radio'cd player died first. A new one was installed.
2. Then the top would not recline. We had to have a new motor.
3. The driver side power seat malfunctioned and needed repair.
4. The car then threw two tire rods and replacements were done.
5. The car will often jump forward when you are sitting at stop signals

Are any of these due to improper assembly at the factory?
Or are they related to design/engineering of the car. Or to the quality of the parts bought from suppliers.
Some of you might want to check the about the UAW.

isellhondas

Nothing is ever "pure" profit. It takes massive amounts of money for a store to open it's doors every month.

We charge 50.00 and that helps pay some of our admin costs.

600.00 is nuts.

We don't see any of this money and everyone pays it, even me.

jmonroe

I live in PA, I recently bought a used TL at an Acura dealer, and I noticed the doc fee was $120. I questioned the salesman about this, as the last time I bought a car (2006), the max doc fee in PA was $55. He explained that there have been 2 increases to the doc fee in the past year or so.

I also live in PA, (Burgh area) and I also bought my last car in 2006. You’re right, the doc fee was $55 then and that was the cap imposed by the state.

If you’ve been reading the posts here, you know I’m thinking about buying again so if your salesman is on the level with you (when I get some time I’m going to check this out) I’ll have to take anything over $55 into account when I make my offer. I’m spoiled with the $55 charge because I thought that was fair for what they were doing but $120, I’m not so sure about that. Then again, compared to what I hear going on in Florida, $120 is a bargain. I just don’t want any surprises in the F&I office.

If it’s true, I’m thinking this could have something to do with poor car sales. That and its been $55 for a while but that’s just a guess on my part.

jmonroe

wlbrown9

"At least the warranty covered everything"

Sounds like this would be a good one as poster child for the dreaded extended warranty. Some vehicles are almost a must for those... Would not be able to afford to keep one without the extended warranty. Our old '00 Jeep Grand Chreokee was that way...enough problems that I bought an extension to 75K miles and made sure I dumped it before that ran out.

qbrozen

agree $600 would be crazy.
I typically see about $150 here in NJ.
Personally, I know it will be on there, so it never bothers me. That's why I negotiate hard on the front end, so I don't sweat an extra $150 on the back end. I consider it exactly what it is, a fee for the documentation. I mean, someone has to pay for the paper, the ink, the secretary's time for filing it, the lot boy's time for going to get my registration, etc.

sterlingdog

I have found the answer. Though technically challenged, I do have sense enough to keep a folder on each car's maintenance and repairs. I pulled the ticket this morning on that repair. Here is what it says:

"Outer tie rod ends, worn and very noisy. Replaced outer tie rod ends, did complete realigment." (They didn't spell realignment correctly. )

"Job #1 and Job #2 completed---Warranty"

And that is the rest of the story---in memory of Paul Harvey.

Richard

mikefm58

I consider it exactly what it is, a fee for the documentation. I mean, someone has to pay for the paper, the ink, the secretary's time for filing it, the lot boy's time for going to get my registration, etc.

I consider it an insult to my intelligence. Why not break out the utilities, paper clips, rubber bands, etc etc? It is what it is and I do like a previous poster has stated, simply deduct it from your offer, knowing it will be added on the back end.

sterlingdog

I'm glad that the positive reports out weigh the negative ones. I hope that you get a great deal. Leave your baby seal suit at home. Wear that Polo shirt with the accountant logo on it. That will send a nice grinder message to the salesman. :P

Richard

sterlingdog

I appreciate the suggestion, but I have done this once before. The dead end telephone calls and knocks on the door drove me crazy.

Richard

verdugo

However, with the way you’re going about this and with sun starting to shine, I’m not so sure I can hold out much longer.

Ask Richard how he manages :P

isellhondas

Wow...in order for tie rod ends to be "very noisy" they would have to be REALLY worn out. Very unusual in a low mileage car for these to wear out. They usually last a car's lifetime.