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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1…978979981983984…2003

Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nothing is free.

    Had ford not done that they probably would have had an incentive instead or zero percent financing or something else.

    Every customer has a "hot button" and for some shoppers the thought of getting "free" service for two years will be enough to push them over.

    And, when you stop to think about it, just how much "service" is needed in 2/24?

    Maybe three oil changes and a tire rotation?

    Sounds good though!
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,128
    I could not have touched a new BMW with the same options for under $40.000.

    Great! Buy my miserable MS3 for $14K and I'll buy a nice used M car and we'll both be even happier! :D:D:D

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    One person's experience is not enought to condemn a brand.

    Good point TC. I usually don't come to a conclusion after hearing one review. If I hear about 4 or 5, I know there is a problem.
    The last review I read for the Mazda 3, had lots of praise for the car, The only negative was that big gaping wide grill...but that's subjective.
    Well, now it's 50, 50, so I' will be open minded, and need about 3 more opinions either way.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    Not always, for example right now Ford is running free service for the first 24/24 on cars. When the cars were built and priced they were not running this

    But Joel, they will have to advertise this great new program and you know what that means................higher advertising fees :cry:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    Whatever became of three-on-the-tree? It obviously lost out to three, four, five and now six-on-the-floor.

    I think 3 on the tree went to car heaven where it belongs. It's extremely awkward, compared to being on the floor. I sure wouldn't want to be driving my 6 speed manual....with a column shifter. I'll be grinding away all day.

    Have you ever seen a Nissan Quest shifter? The automatics have a tiny shifter coming out of the dash. Very weird. Not one of Nissan's better ideas.

    Talk about weird Nissan's. What's up with the Cube. Haven't seen a real one, then today I saw 2 on Hwy 75.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    The nice thing about driving a hooptie is

    I thought I could figure out what a "hooptie" was, but I looked it up, just to make sure.

    Web definitions for Hooptie
    Jalopy (also clunker or hooptie) is an old, decrepit, unreliable and often unfunctional car which has limited mechanical abilities. A jalopy is not a well kept antique car, but a car which is mostly rundown or beaten up. ...

    Some people want 24000 miles warranty, some 48,000 miles, Hyundai 100,000,
    but you will be happy to get 2000 miles before another repair. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,590
    It ranks with "all credit apps accepted"

    To be honest not everyone that accepts Visa and Mastercard accepts Amex or Discover.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,590
    Whenever I took a car in to trade my experience was a bit different. Didn't get anything but" Wow! what a cream puff you have there.

    I usually get "We just had someone here a few days ago looking for that exact car".

    Either that guy went to the same dealerships I did or there was a big market for 10 year old Elantra station wagons.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,590
    I had a Coronet with that Mopar slant six, you couldn't kill that engine. The car would fall apart around the engine that would run great.

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,286
    It ranks with "all credit apps accepted"

    To be honest not everyone that accepts Visa and Mastercard accepts Amex or Discover.

    I think you forgot the :P and the drumroll.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I know exactly how you feel. We lost our 12 year old Lab to bladder cancer in October. It still hurts.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Joel, I'm curious. Would Carmax give me more for my Explorer than a Ford dealer? Let's assume that I'm buying a new Explorer. Thanks.

    Isell---same question to you except that I would be buying a Honda.

    Richard
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Normally I would agree but there have been a few times over the past few months that I think you did get stuff for free if you bought certain cars.

    When Volvo was clearing out the 2009 S60s they tacked on $7,500 dollars back for regular S60s and 5,000 dollars back for the cheaper S60 SEs that they created just to use up the stock of rather nice but rarely ordered 17 inch wheels.

    We had been selling 2008 S60s with the certified warranty for 20k-22k depending on miles and equipment.

    Now you could buy a 2009 with the nicer sport seats standard, plus as much or time warranty then a CPO 2008, plus two more years and 24,000 miles more factory scheduled maintenance, plus wear and tear coverage that wasn't even available on a 2000 for only 3k-5k more then a 2008 CPO.

    Now sure you could say that Volvo could have thrown another couple thousand of trunk money at the car instead of the maintenance package but I think having the best warranty/maintenance package in the country looked better to buyers then more money.
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    LOL -

    I had a Mazda 3s Sedan, loved it, drove it for 4 years, then traded up for a C350 for my 40th birthday - Happy birthday from me to me I guess.

    In terms of the 3, it was great fun to drive, only knock was the AC was a bit weak. Here in Seattle that was no big deal.
  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    isell is right. VW offers free service for 36 months/36,000 miles. But that means you get three free oil changes: one every 10K miles. They won't replace wear items like brakes or wiper blades.

    So the free service covers a little, but it's not as great as it sounds. Granted, those are oil changes with synthetic, but still ;-)
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Given that your Explorer has more than 100K miles on the clock, would any dealer give you more than the truck's auction value? I doubt, although I'm not certain, that a dealer would want to keep it on his lot.

    Again, this seems to be an ideal private sale vehicle. Spend a couple of hundred on a good detail & spread the word. Head over to the "Real-World Trade-In Values" thread & ask for an estimate of your truck's trade & private sale values.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    In terms of the 3, it was great fun to drive, only knock was the AC was a bit weak. Here in Seattle that was no big deal.

    That makes it 2 to 1 for the Mazda, which is good. Any one else?

    Congratulations on a very nice birthday present. How do you like the C350?

    Why did you choose the C350? I really like Mercedes but we went with BMWs because my wife couldn't get a 6 speed manual with AWD in a MB. I went with a BMW because the hardtop convertible with a rear seat would cost about double.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    So many variables there it is hard to say. But if you were there and trading for a new car chances are yes. The reason being is you have the power of negotiation when you have a trade. As we all know here all that matters is the trade difference. If you are doing a straight sale at the dealership ten they only have one source to pull from and thats the unit you are buying. If you have a trade and say I want $1000 more for it they may cut the profit $500 and put $500 more in your trade. Also depending on the state you live in there is always the tax savings. so if you live in a state that the tax is 7% and have a $5000 trade you automatically just picked up another $350 in savings.

    Drive down here and I will show you :D
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    isell is right. VW offers free service for 36 months/36,000 miles. But that means you get three free oil changes: one every 10K miles. They won't replace wear items like brakes or wiper blades.

    The length of ours have varied over the past couple of years from 24/24 to 36/36. It covers all scheduled maintanance that is listed in your service guide plus it covers the 6 major wear items.

    Brake pads and Rotors
    Belts
    Hoses
    Windshield Wipers Blades
    Spark Plugs
    Clutch Plate.

    Now granted the chance of having a problem with most of those in the first 24/24 is slim, but I always tell customers to make sure they get the wiper blades once a year and on the 36/36 plan to always mention a possible brake issue at the last service. Worst case scenario they will say no problem found but maybe they will go ahead and replace the brakes under the plan. It never hurts to ask :D
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    No need, I have my Mazda already. ;)
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    The Nissan dealer where I leased my murano gave me a dealer paid oil change package that provides them every 3750 miles. Tire rotations are about $25 and not covered. They have a bunch of extra cost suggested service items that I decline of course. I guess they figure with a complete service record the murano gets certified and put on the lot at top dollar when it gets returned.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...all that matters is the trade difference."

    You hit the nail on the head. That's it.

    Perhaps a little trip west is in order. :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Your point is well taken. I'm sure that a private sale is the best way to go. Still, I don't want to do it. I tried it once and the "look-a-loos" drove me crazy. The telephone calls and the sudden knocks on the door grew tiresome. Also, serious prospects wanted to negotiate on the price. I had a really good price on it from the beginning. I finally did the sale, but promised myself that it wouldn't happen again. I'm just not that desperate at this point in my life to save a couple of hundred dollars on an old car. I'll leave this tactic to the younger guys. :)

    Richard
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Private sales happen all the time with few problems. Your aged explorer wouldn't net enough of a difference vs trade in to chance meeting creeps and crooks up close and personal. Happy to pay the dealer to eliminate that scenario.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    Your aged explorer wouldn't net enough of a difference vs trade in to chance meeting creeps and crooks up close and personal.

    Yeh, leave meeting those guys up to the sales professionals here.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,527
    I was thinking the new ads for Toyota are really well done. Makes it sound like Toyota is doing everything possible to make things better, and they probably are. Great nostalgic pictures of the early days.

    Then I see State Farm tried to warn the government about rapid acceleration in 2007, and some reports were filed in 2003! I think the rest of the car is very reliable, and I wouldn't hesitate about buying one because of the recall. I would hesitate after driving on Hwy 75 for 4 hours to Port Charlotte and back. The speed limit is 70, but most people are going 80mph. I would say 40 to 50% are going 85 or more.
    That RAV4 doesn't feel great at 80. Very bouncy, and you have to allow for that sloppy steering.
    Warnings Toyoata 2007

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Exactly, driver, they serve and protect.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,059
    Well, was supposed to fly to Orlando this a.m. Like most on the east coast last week, it's snowing like crazy in my 'burg...about 6 inches on the ground and it's still coming down. Reloading to see if I can get out tomorrow.

    Today would be the day to go out and buy a car, though. Nobody on the roads. I'm sure few, if anyone in the showrooms. I'm not even sure if showrooms are open.

    Or, maybe it's because there have been no plows on my street that has me feeling like my world has come to a standstill.

    Maybe a good day to do some phone only car shopping.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Your aged explorer wouldn't net enough of a difference vs trade in to chance meeting creeps and crooks up close and personal. Happy to pay the dealer to eliminate that scenario.

    Remember that the vast majority of used cars (something like 80%, as I recall) are sold privately. When did you last read about a used car sale that turned nasty in your local paper?

    Not only do you wind up with more money in your pocket (I've come out ahead by more than $1K by selling instead of trading), you make your new car purchase much more manageable & transparent. Because you're no longer concerned with the trade value of your old car, you can focus exclusively on the purchase price of your new car. The entire negotiation process becomes vastly simpler & less fraught with anxiety.

    I'd suggest trying the private sale approach for a week or two. The trade-in option will always be there.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,128
    No need, I have my Mazda already.

    You have my most heartfelt sympathy...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,286
    Not only do you wind up with more money in your pocket (I've come out ahead by more than $1K by selling instead of trading), you make your new car purchase much more manageable & transparent.

    That's why Carmax is the best of both worlds. I sell to them. I get more than trade in, less than private. However, the time saved is worth it to me. As you pointed out, the new car shopping is easier.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I agree about private selling. The last couple of cars I sold on my own went quickly.... two of them went to the first person who looked. Of course, they were manuals so maybe that weeded out all the looky loos. :)
  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    If VW offered wiper blades and brake pads and rotors as part of its 36/36 plan, it'd be a great deal. VW wiper blades are pricey, and I know that in 2003, you could ONLY get the whole blade and arm from VW. Maybe they've changed that. And I know that a brake job on a VW is expensive.

    I'm not complaining about 3 free oil changes, but when VW hypes it up, I want to have them put it into perspective. But most of the buying public probably doesn't research any further after seeing the ad. *sigh* :P
  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    I've sold three cars by private sale, but I'll only do that when I liked the car and can truly recommend it. I used CarMax when I had a Taurus that ate brakes and tires no matter how many alignment and suspension adjustments we did. I knew I couldn't look someone in the eye and tell them to buy the car, so we took it to CarMax and sold it to them. Got about $800 more than the dealer was offering me for trade at the time.

    But otherwise, if I liked the car, I'll sell it on my own.
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    No sympathy necessary. My car runs great and still makes me happy to drive it. I'm sure most Mazdas run more like mine than yours. I'm sure there are individuals that have had bad experiences with BMW just as you have had with your Mazda. My point is that one person's bad experience does not mean that every vehicle owner will have a similar experience, especially as vehicles have never been more reliable.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    That seems like a sensible approach. Unfortunately, Carmax has no stores near me.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    None here either. Must be a back east thing?
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    No carmax in st. louis either but there are offices in indianapolis, memphis, chicago and kansas city -- totally surrounded.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,286
    Must be a back east thing?

    I don't remember any back in Stamford, CT. Since I moved they've opened stores in New Haven and Hartford. CT seems to be the only state in New England with a Carmax. :shades:

    I live now in Sacramento, CA, and there are many in California. LA has 3!

    http://www.carmax.com/enUS/carmax-locations/
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Must be fairly new to CA. They weren't around when we lived there as far as I know.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    There aren't any here in Jersey - or probably even near here.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    You guys in Jersey are never content even though you have it all. The shore, low taxes and the friendliest state police patrolling the turnpikes. No Carmax for you. :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Low taxes? Hahahahahahahahahahaha....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,286
    Must be fairly new to CA. They weren't around when we lived there as far as I know.

    We've been here a bit over 4 years. When I arrived a friend had a Camry he had bought locally at Carmax at least 3 years before.

    On topic: He just bought another car from CarMax, a Nissan Rogue with 25k miles. It was shipped from Georgia I think. He handled all the negotiations via email, and it was cheaper than anything he could find locally.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    He meant all credit apps (as in applications), not credit cards. :P

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Stopped in at my local Toy store today for minor work on the 4Runner. My service advisor used to work at our place and he is a friend. He said they have been getting parts and about 90% of the lot cars were ok to sell. No publicity on the good news.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    They better get used to it. The media will accept them back quicker then they did Ford. It took us 3 years to get any positive press back after Explorergate.

    The best thing Toyota has going for them is they can afford to buy there way out of this mess and not be hurt to bad.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 23,964
    "...definitions for Hooptie..."

    I forgot, another good thing about driving a hooptie is that it makes driving all my other cars feel like I'm driving a BMW. ;)

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 23,964
    "...this seems to be an ideal private sale vehicle..."

    I agree. I just saw an 02 Explorer on Craigslist for $6995. I bet richard64 could clean up if he had complete service records. :shades:

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 23,964
    "...The last couple of cars I sold on my own went quickly..."

    But you always get the knuckleheads. When I sold my junker Toyota truck years ago I asked $200 (basicly scrap value). I had people ask if I could guarantee it for X number of months, asked if I could come down on the price and other crazy stuff.

    Looking back it was kind of funny but I didn't think so at the time. :lemon:

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

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