Stories from the Sales Frontlines

19109119139159162003

Comments

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I also remember you. You are the nice law enforcement officer who took up for me when I was getting slapped around by a poster regarding my speeding tickets. Well, it has now been three months since I got that ticket. I have not exceeded the speed limit even once since then. Your words of encouragement helped.

    Congratulations on your recent purchase. I hope that you have many wonderful miles of travel in your new vehicle.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I also remember you. You are the nice law enforcement officer who took up for me when I was getting slapped around by a poster regarding my speeding tickets. Well, it has now been three months since I got that ticket. I have not exceeded the speed limit even once since then. Your words of encouragement helped.

    Congratulations on your recent purchase. I hope that you have many wonderful miles of travel in your new vehicle.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "What has happened to this forum?"

    It's your fault because you don't come on here to keep us straight. When the cat is away, the mice will play. :D

    You will be pleased to know that my wife and I have decided to buy a Honda Pilot about a year from now. We're going to finish getting the best out of our "03 Explorer this coming year. Since we are going to Alaska next June, I just may drive the Explorer out your way and trade with you. I want top dollar for the Explorer and below invoice on the Pilot. I also expect manufacturer rebates and local bonus cash incentives. I would demand free maintenance for three years, but it is a bit far to go for an oil change. :P

    Glad you're still around.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I agree with you. I am also one of the "few others". :mad: Here I am, a charter member of the Jipster Club and the purchaser of a new vehicle. On top of that, I offered to buy one of his first edition books. I even offered to proof read his first draft at no charge. Now I think that I will charge him my standard consulting fee of $100 per hour.

    What is it that they say? No good deed goes unpunished. :cry:

    Richard
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,756
    I know a friend of a friend who pays for a car with a check, no financing, @ full MSRP. His "old car" is a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i loaded. I mean loaded, he checked every single option box and has an X5 that stickered for somewhere a little north of $80,000. 2 years and 35,000 miles later he's ready for something new and picked up an X5M. Paid MSRP & took the $38K they offered him on the trade, no bickering, no questions asked.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD, 2025 Integra

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Talk about your baby seals!

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    And, why not? It sounds like he's happy doing business this way and he can obviously afford it.

    Anyone in the business, WITHOUT EXCEPTION wil tell you that the people who don't grind for the last penny are always the happiest. The make the transaction fun! They refer people and they stop by my desk to say hello when they are in for service. These people just seem happy with life in general.

    On the other hand, the people who grind us to death, play games, pit dealer against dealer never seem to be happy. They always want more and even when the deal is done, they will ask for something to get "thrown in".

    I'll see these people later in service, griping over some charge or demanding we accept a long expired coupon. I'll watch the relationship between these people and their family members and they just seem tense and unhappy.

    Tough way to go through life...
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    C'mon Isell, You are the largest Honda volume store in 9 states and you have no Honda stories. Any Prius cross shopping stories? Any Civic tire kicker stories? Any Honda MSRP only stories? ;) The guy who owes 7k more on his trade and wants a new shiny V6 Accord coupe to get buried in debt and gets agitated when you cant finance him.. Should be so many stories for a busy dealership like yours. Please post them .We appreciate it. :shades:
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    You are so right.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Sucking up to a policeman is ok, but twice?
  • hp6130hp6130 Member Posts: 49
    I have never bought an extended warranty on anything. However, when you buy an extended warranty on a new car and within 2 or 3 months that car was totalled. Is anything built into the contract that any of that money is refunded back to you?
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I believe in wearing a belt AND suspenders. :P

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, I have a lot of stories but I pretty much keep them to myself.

    The worst call is from the person who wants to "downsize". We cringe when we get these calls. They are usually 5000.00 upside down in some tough to sell car.

    They want to buy something new, put nothing down (of course) and LOWER their payments in the process.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    2 or 3 months that car was totalled. Is anything built into the contract that any of that money is refunded back to you?

    It will vary from warranty to warranty and is an important question when purchasing. Some would refund 100%, others would prorate upon cancellation and others will have no cancellation. Stay away from the last kind.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Tough way to go through life...

    Nah...that ain't tough at all. Having your wallet emptied every time you buy a car, now that's what I call TOUGH and an expensive way to go through life. ;)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,237
    Ummmmm....WOW! Full boat on a BMW SUV? I'm all for a quick and easy deal, but not at full boat.

    Another friend of mine is looking to get his wife a new car. She's all over the place on her "wants" though. Here's her target list....

    -Honda Accord (based on riding in mine)
    -BMW 335i
    -Lexus IS350 'vert
    -Infiniti G37 'vert
    -Ford Taurus SHO

    I wished him well. That's a bunch that couldn't be any more dissimilar (except for the convertibles). Plus, they're looking at prices that range from the mid $20s for a loaded up Accord, to the ~$40K range for a loaded Taurus SHO, to the $50K-$60K range for a loaded up BMW, Lexus/Infiniti convertibles.

    He called last night asking me if I wanted to tag along to help with the deal.

    My reply? NO!

    PS....isell....glad to see you're at least lurking! :)
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,680
    my wife and I have decided to buy a Honda Pilot about a year from now.

    Curious to know your reasoning. You had good service from your Explorer, I think you favor U.S. made vehicles, so what is your thinking process?

    Not that there is anything wrong with a Pilot, but I am sure we would all like to know.....

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,680
    , WITHOUT EXCEPTION wil tell you that the people who don't grind for the last penny are always the happiest.

    Some people love being miserable....it makes them happy.

    I am with you on this one isell. Once Richard Lewis (where is he these days) said his family was always so miserable. He had an Uncle who would make videos of all the family events.....and he would edit out all the joyous moments!

    If this guy buys a new X5 every 2 years and pays $40,000 to trade, and he writes it off at 50% that really makes it $20k, and that is like $10k a year....a little more than most people pay for a year of driving a 5 year old Kia. Oldfarmer is almost up to $2000 and he's had his van for 2 weeks! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,680
    -Honda Accord (based on riding in mine)
    -BMW 335i
    -Lexus IS350 'vert
    -Infiniti G37 'vert
    -Ford Taurus SHO


    Tell him to go for the BMW 335i - he won't be sorry! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,237
    "On the other hand, the people who grind us to death, play games...

    isell, I think you have to admit, that this is a two way street. I try to make the deal simple and easy. It's when the dealership insists on grinding to death, play games, etc that makes the deal so difficult, too.

    I attempt to take away any sort of sticking point, or areas of misunderstanding when I make an OTD offer (TTL and doc fees included), making it either a "yes" or "no" answer when it comes to shaking hands and making a deal. But, even there, dealerships seem to look for some sort of "wiggle room" to grind another $50-$100-$250 out of the deal.

    Not saying buyers don't do the same. I just think there's plenty of "grinding" done by the dealerships, also.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Thanks a lot. So now I'm just "a few others" eh? I recant my dedication to your book. :mad:

    That's the spirit oldfarmer!!! You keep throwing out anger and threats like that, you'll make first team pot stirrer in no time. ;)

    Those hoopies are hit or miss. You may get lucky and have no problems for 4 or 5 years, or you may buy one that is on life support and the plug is getting ready to be pulled. :sick:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Now I think that I will charge him my standard consulting fee of $100 per hour.

    Yes! Looks like all you guys needed was a little motivation. With isell retiring you are in prime position to make first team pot stirrer. Congrats richard, and keep up the "bad" work. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • wesleygwesleyg Member Posts: 164
    you've got my "plan" exactly right, now that I have generously "allowed" her to get her vehicle, I can use that to get mine, which right now is heading toward an 09 Geni, good plan I think. My 06 SS is black over black, so I would go for that combo again if possible.

    Yeah, the old profession definitely helps in my ability to successfully lurk around, and when dealing with my wife that is a sure asset. Will let you guys know how this works out. And thanks Richard for your support.

    Jipster: nothing more frustrating than to lose that 1800 on the GM card, nothing I can do about it unfortunately.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Who said anything about retiring?

    Someone has to yank on your choke chain when it's needed!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    And, why not? It sounds like...

    Sounds like a nut job to me. Anyone paying full boat on a overpriced BMW X5M should have his head examined. This sterotype that all people who pay full boat are "happier" sounds like a bunch of bull as well. I grind the dealer to the bare bone,and I'm the happiest guy you'd ever want to meet. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Someone has to yank on your choke chain when it's needed!

    Waahh, you old meanie... I'm gonna report you to the proper authroities. :cry:

    Seriously, though, you need to get off the pot and tell some stories. You're not James Bond or any 007 secret agent. If you change the facts or circumstances a bit in a story, no one will know who you are... can't imagine anyone really caring.

    Glad to see we are still friends though... and the "choke chain" comment was a nice touch. Glad to see you still "got it" and aren't ready for the retirement home yet.. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Jipster,

    I know it's hard for you to believe but not everyone go's through life trying to squeeze every penny out of a deal.

    Not a sterotype but the truth.

    But, I know you would never understand.

    Since all of the other car people have been run off, gotten tired of the same old thing or died, there probably isn't any one left to support this.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...or you may buy one that is on life support and the plug is getting ready to be pulled.

    Don't worry about the plug being pulled on the 'farners' beast. From what I've heard him say so far, I feel confident that it will FALL out on its own. :cry:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I know that you know our business much better than we do - or yours for that matter. However, what isell says is an industry standard. If you look at CSI scores the people that produce the highest profits give the best scores.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,625
    And, why not? It sounds like he's happy doing business this way and he can obviously afford it.

    Most people who can afford it can afford it simply because they don't do business that way.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,625
    I grind the dealer to the bare bone,and I'm the happiest guy you'd ever want to meet.

    I'm with you. Many times I will grind right down to the bare bone and come away with the salesmans first born to boot and I have always been happy with my car purchases. FWIW the one I grinded the most I have sent plenty of business to.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,053
    driving to Alaska would be a fitting 'last ride' for your explorer.
    i overheard my wife saying to egghead, 'that explorer needs to last us another 4 years, until you are out of college'.
    i almost fell out of my chair, in another room.
    4 more years? i was thinking 1 or 2 max, basically until it needs tires again. time will tell.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,554
    "...Those hoopies are hit or miss..."

    Mine must be a miss. Today the exhaust pipe cracked and I found a very worn tie rod.

    But I'm sure that will be the LAST thing I ever have to fix. :cry: :lemon:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,554
    "...These people just seem happy with life in general..."

    Boy, they must be on some heavy-duty medication. Happy that they paid more than they had to? Maybe they were just too dumb to know they were getting clubbed.

    Either that or they are so rich they can afford to be generous. I know I would be happy with life if I had a big pile of money. :)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Oldfarmer, I have a lot of respect for you but just because someone pays more than someone else does not mean:
    A. They were clubbed
    b. They are stupid.

    Many people are happy to find the product that they want at a reasonable fair market price. They do not chose to try and club the sales person for every last ounce of flesh.

    By the way, what is the dollar figure now on the old van?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    There are people who frequent these forums that I would love to have as customers or friends. People I would welcome into our home as friends.

    Others that I wouldn't want.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,053
    they are just new yorkers glad they didn't put their money in with Bernie M. :P
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Many people are happy to find the product that they want at a reasonable fair market price.

    That is true but what started this thread was that someone paid full MSRP for a BMW. Then that was defended by a couple of the biz guys. Reasonable is not MSRP in the car world. MSRP in the car world is stupidity on the part of the buyers.

    Please don't site us the very few "hot" cars that go for MSRP because there are very few of them and the BMW that started this thread is not a hot car.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    There are people who frequent these forums that I would love to have as customers or friends. People I would welcome into our home as friends.

    Others that I wouldn't want.


    Would you allow the jipster to sit on your rear porch swing? Out of site of the ones inside. :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,625
    Not sure about how he feels about jipster but I feel I was given a backhanded insult.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Let's just say that if Edmunds were to host a event for some of the "regulars" here, there would be groups of people I would rather sit with.

    I would introduce myself to everybody and maybe change my opinion of them based on face to face contact. A lot gets lost throught the interchange we have here.

    Heck, some of you may think I'm not such a bad guy after all!
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Please don't site us the very few "hot" cars that go for MSRP because there are very few of them and the BMW that started this thread is not a hot car.

    I think that you meant to write "cite" here.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Out of site of the ones inside.

    And I think that you meant to write "sight" here.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Curious to know your reasoning."

    If you recall, the next car was to be selected by my wife. She had a 2000 CRV and loved it. She has been wanting another Honda. When I bought the convertible, the agreement was a Honda the next time around. I have finally convinced her that the CRV is a little small for me. She has agreed to the Pilot.

    Yes, I do favor American auto models. The Explorer has been a great car and, if I had my choice, it would probably be traded for a Flex. This time, I have to yield the floor to my wife. My sister has two Pilots. I have enjoyed riding in both of them.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "With isell retiring you are in prime position to make first team pot stirrer."

    Replace the infamous Isell ?! I may be good, but I'm not THAT good! :P Still, I shall make every effort to do my part. :D

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Explorers are so hit and miss.

    People either have great luck with them or they are nothing but trouble.

    Our semi-retired 1993 Eddie Bauer sits in our side yerd with 163,000 miles. It got our son through a tough winter last year until his lease ended on his S-2000 which was undrivable in the snow or ice. The 2000.00 Explorer never missed a beat. IT doesn't leak or use oil, the A/C work great and the engine and trans have never been opened up. It sits with a set of studded snows on it, ready to go! I do need to have a new thermostat installed and the lic. plate lights fixed.

    Even the leather is in good shape.

    It is, however, one major "event" from being totalled but it serves well as an extra car if needed.

    It is NOT a freeway car! Like all Explorers of it's vintage, it is squirrley as can be at anything over 60 MPH. It's no wonder so many of these flipped.

    This one did too, when it was a month old on an icy curvy road. 14,000 later it was restored to health with no apparant lasting effects.

    Would I drive it to Alaska? Not on your life!
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I agree. I think that if I drive it across country next June, the trip will be a fitting farewell. Let's hope that I don't have to push it onto Isell's lot. :P Four more years on your Explorer? I thought that yours was older than my '03. When it comes to wives and cars, they don't always think things through to the end. :D

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Heck, some of you may think I'm not such a bad guy after all!

    I could never think like that. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    And I think that you meant to write "sight" here.

    Enough already. One more correction and you won't be "seeing" so well this week end. :mad:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...if Edmunds were to host an event for some of the 'regulars' here..."

    I have thought about this very thing before. There IS a great deal lost in the interchange here. If I attended such an event with you guys, I can assure you that you would place me at a table by myself.

    "Heck, some of you may think that I'm not such a bad guy after all!"

    It took me the first year to get used to you. I thought that some of your responses were curt and sharp. There were a few times that you said nice things. The more that I read your posts, the more that I realized that you were honest, up front, and professional. You never attack the person; you attack the idea. There is a major difference there. You're pretty much a no nonsense person. I can respect and listen to those people.

    Richard
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