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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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I've noticed that they don't have any problem understanding the difference between a $10 and a $20. :P
Richard
Richard
This doesn't mean I would not do business at a one price dealership. I'm just not going to pay top dollar just to not have to haggle. I don't like to haggle but I like overpaying by thousands even less.
Oh man, he trusts the nice church ladies and even they won't pay what they owe. That would make me give up selling privately right there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks verdugo and fushigi . I'll keep that in mind if it gets unbearable. but I have a feeling I am better off with what I have then what they will give me. I guess it's a 50/50 chance, but they might stick me with a Yugo if I complain. On the other hand, they might only have a Jaguar on the lot. MMMMMmmmmmm
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If that case is against overpriced one price stores... then yes.
:P
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
And our wonderful hosts don't hassle us very often
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am just glad isell was kind to Toyota when they had their recall.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
However, as you and I know, most used cars have at least $2k wiggle room. So if non-negotiable store A merely priced their cars $3k over wholesale, they would probably pull in alot of traffic over negotiable store B at $4k over wholesale. Although store B would work out cheaper after negotiations, most buyers don't know that and would never bother finding out.
Heck, talking about this AutoLenders joint, I've often seen their cars priced even HIGHER than other stores' asking prices. I'm really shocked they stay in business. There is obviously something I'm missing.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
But, I see plenty of their tags, and they stay in business, so must move a lot of cars.
In their favor (and probably why), they are very friendly (might be non-commissioned sales, but not sure), the units show well, the supply is huge, and it is pretyt low pressure. basically, 95% of buyers feel comfortable, and they are the same 95% that have no clue about real world pricing.
But, it is a great place to browse, and they will throw a tag on anything and let you take it by yourself for as long as you want.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My guess is a lot of folks buy into Auto Lenders marketing and don't bother to comparison shop.
We have a guy in town who is always charging too much for his vehicles but seems to sell a lot of them. He will haggle so I don't know what the difference is between his asking prices and what they actually sell for. His askingprices make it appear he is on some first class medication.
I do agree.....no used car sales to friends or family. No matter how well intentioned. odds are, it will come back and bite you in the posterior.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
"Hyundai's completely redesigned 2011 Sonata that delivers best-in-class fuel economy and 200 horsepower is setting the standard for residual values as well. Right out of the box, the Hyundai Sonata GLS with automatic transmission received an impressive 36-month residual value of 54 percent of manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) from Automotive Lease Guide (ALG), the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. The residual value topped popular competitive 2010 models from Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and Chevrolet, in addition to premium brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes.
This represents the lowest depreciation in the midsize car segment. The 2011 Sonata even outperforms Honda, depreciating $640 over a three-year period less than a comparably-equipped 2010 model year Accord. Strong residuals add to Sonata's value equation, indicating higher trade-in value for buyers and lower monthly payment for lessees."
Just as reliable, better warranty, better mgp, more hp, better looking, and now better resale value. What do you say isellhyundais?
And they don't charge you for it, either. Besides, BMW or MB don't give the driving experience of a Ferrari, so where does it stop?
Let's not forget that Hyundai's top offering just 10 years ago was this:
I'll give them some kudos for their progress...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Now, if you said Hyundai doesn't have as much prestige (ie snub appeal), I would agree with you. However, for 25K difference one can buy a lot of bling a hang it on himself, and it's transferable.
The new Odyssey looks like a sharp vehicle. Bet you can't wait to get that one to sell this fall...seems like there are fast becoming only 2 players left in the minivan arena.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
I have gotten on accord as a rental from Hertz in the past say five years.
When we were in Florida back in November the choices were the usual assortment of American makes, a Volvo, Nissan, Mitsubishi and a Mazda.
3 actually - Sienna, Odyssey, and the Caravans. Caravans are still our big sellers.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Had a Town and Country (same as Caravan right?) as a rental on a recent trip and was very impressed overall. The only thing I noticed was what seemed to me as a wide turning circle. Light years ahead of the 92 4cyl Caravan my Mom had.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I toy with the idea of replacing my Pilot with a minivan. My wife and I camp, bicycle and even have to transport a tandem bicycle. I can just get it into the Pilot, but its not easy. Note the removal of wheel, seats, rear stem, etc.:
Anyhow, I like the idea of having the ability to just throw it in the back without disassembly, and without a tire separating me from my lovely bride in the front row. A little better fuel mileage is okay, too. A stow n go Caravan should be the ticket; I have no kids, just wife and cargo for a 4 or 5 day camping trip with equipment. Shoot, I don't even care about the back seat comfort since they won't get used, which is most people's beef with the stow n go seats. But after looking at one at the car show, I was, ahem, disappointed with the interior materials. I tried to be objective, and realize the Caravan is less expensive. Yet, everything was almost shockingly brittle and wobbly feeling. And I'm not saying the Sienna was a Lexus by any means, either. But the difference was startling.
So sales-wise, you are probably right, Boom...there are three. But product-wise, well, I see two players only. Still, I hope the Pentastar turns it around under Fiat's watch.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Here in Canada the price after rebates when comparing base models can be as much as $10k ($20k Caravan vs $30k Odyssey). As nice as an import van is, when you have a family, that $10 grand can go a loooong way towards home repairs, a second car or a couple vacations.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Yesterday when I flew into Ontario, the only cars left in the "Executive Emerald Aisle" were trucks (big SUVs) & there were slim pickings in the regular emerald aisle as well. One was a Hyundai & it appeared to be the least offensive of the bunch; I'd never driven one before in my life. It was a Sonota, probably a 2010.
Either way, it's turned out to be a great car. First Hyundai I've even sat in, and it has what appears to me to be pretty good (maybe very good, but I'm a poor judge) fit & finish, plus which it goes like a scalded cat when asked to, has a nice audio system & generally appears to me to be an excellent car. I drive a Honda (Acura, really) & don't see much difference. Maybe I would after 150K miles, but all-in-all an excellent first impression.
After having heard about the Genesis & reading many back-and-forth exchanges on these boards, I can attest that Hyundai certainly appears to have arrived.
" Just as reliable" That will remain to be seen long term.
" Longer warranty" Yep, they HAD to do something to spur sales after their dismal earlier offerings. The best warranty is the one you don't have to use!
" More horsepower" - I wonder how 1/4 mile times would compare. I don't know.
" Better looking" - Strictly subjective.
" Better resale value" Oh really? Why do they still bomb at the auctions?
And how can someone determine what resale will be like in three or five years?
That said, I would agree that Huyndai has made some huge improvements and they have come a long way. I hope for Honda's sake they are paying attention and not resting on their laurels.
They are still, however Korean cars and they carry the Korean stigma that deserved or not, is very much alive.
I could change my tune down the road. People tend to forget quickly and our world is quickly changing.
Richard
I thought "policeman" was going to find out that the car buyers bought their lunch at Burger King by driving up to the drive-thru window, and using the gun to get their Happy Meal!
That would be a tough one to explain to the Chief! :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
dad, good to see you posting again! Where you been?
Admittedly, it was only a brief test drive. And, maybe over time, the advantages would become more apparent. It had 4 matic, which is certainly an advantage. It did have a real "wood" interior. But, I don't think it even had leather (albeit a really good imitation vinyl that felt like leather). Build quality advantage? Nope! Ride quality? Nope! Handling? Yeah, but again, it was a 4 matic. Acceleration? Maybe....but certainly not by the seat of the pants feel. Controls were illegible. I've got Nav in my Accord. Honda does Nav systems well. The Benz couldn't compare. Warranty? Yeah, I think it has a 4 year warranty vs the Accord's 3 year warranty.
But, that might be offset by the higher maintenance fees in maintaining the Benz. IIRC, the sales person told me I could "pre-pay" for Mercedes maintenance for 3 years. It cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $800. Allegedly, that's a 30% discount from "a la cart" maintenance.
So, let's do the math. Let's say that over 3 years, I drive 40K miles. Let's also assume that there's an oil change and tire rotation due every 5K miles. I can get a tire rotation and oil change done on my Accord, at the dealership, for $40/ea I believe that's all the maintenance needed on recent Accord...isell correct me if I'm wrong. They also do all the inspections required gratis. That's $320 over the course of 3 years....or, 1/2 of what it would cost for the Benz.
So, in short, unless you absolutely have to have the Benz logo on your car, I can't make a case for it over an Accord, let alone the C class' natural competitors like a 3 series, an A4, an Infiniti G37, or an Acura TL.
They've yet to upgrade me to something like a Jag, Volvo, etc. Still, I've stipulated "mid class" when making a reservation. I've received what they class as a "full size", like a Fusion, Malibu or Camry for no charge.
One of these days, I'll splurge on a vacation (hopefully to somewhere warmer, and sunnier than Cincinnati is right now) to rent a vette.
I've never seen any Hondas at Hertz, either. Plenty of Fords, Chevys, Hyundais, Toyotas, though.
Sonata is comparable to TL; at half the price (you can get 2010 Sonata for $15k now). Sonata has roomier interior, and the interior look and finish is very similar. TL handles a little better and has more kick when you really step on it, but in normal day to day driving I didn’t miss TL one bit. Now with 2011 Sonata SE, handling will be similar and 200 Hp in Sonata vs. 257 in TL, acceleration difference will not be noticeable unless you race them against each other.
As far as Corolla vs. Sonata, the only similarity is the price. Sonata feels like a luxury car compared to Corolla.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Then again, I'm the one test driving the cars in the general price range of the C. So, I'm not sure what that says about me. :confuse:
Still, given that price range, the Benz wouldn't be in my top 3 choices (those would be the TL, G and Audi A4/5). A 3 series would be in there somewhere. But, getting one equipped the way I like puts me within striking distance of an E series, or an Audi A6.
Saw that the TSX wagon is finally coming over. That should be interesting. And probably a lot more functional than the ZDX!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Over the past couple of weeks I have swapped a couple of people from Mercs to Volvo S80s. Some of them were coming from C-Class leases and some were coming from E-Class leases.
They did it mainly for price and better value. A S80 T6 is 5,000 to 10,000 less then a E350 4Matic depending on how closely you try to keep the equipment level. The S80 has leather standard it is a 1,000 dollar plus option on the merc. The S80 has a longer and better warranty right now with full maintenance. Both cars are about the same size inside and out. The S80 has a more powerful engine with the same gas mileage but no premium fuel. The S80 got better mileage then the 2009 E350 but the new E350 4matic gets that seven speed trans so no mileage is the same.
The last customer I switched out could have bought an E-Class with similar equipment for around 50,000 but they bought a S80 for just under $40,000.
They could have bought a C300 4Matic for about the same amount but they needed more room and the heated rear seats were the kicker for their kids.
I've only seen pictures of the new Sonata. Looks like a winner. Actually, I like the styling of the new Sonata's exterior better than their flagship, Genesis. However, I do like the Genesis, too.
If there's one thing that's good that has come out of this economic/automobile debacle over the last few year, it woke up the car companies.
I've seen the Lacrosse on the road. Nice looking. Reviews have been good, too. Looks like the new Regal is following in the same footsteps, only at a lower price point.
As I've said before, I like Malibus and Fusions so much, that thow are my preferred cars when I get the chance to rent one.
The Taurus I haven't had much experience with, but based on the ones I've seen on the road, they must be selling well
I'm not sure what's going on with Chrysler, other than they'll be selling Fiats here shortly. Hope that turns out better than the last time Fiat entered the U.S. market.
Toyota, hopefully, has turned the corner. We'll see how long it takes for them to recover from their debacle. A year? Two years? 5 years? Who knows?
In short....lots of good cars being produced right now.....from all over the globe.