kyfdx,,,,it was over at Superior. Nice event. I think it was private invitation because I had to show the invitation I got in the mail when I showed up. I doubt very seriously they'd turn anyone away, however.
Nice event. Couple of Bengals players as featured guests (didn't see many people milling around them, though). They had a little combo playing when I got there. Food was good. No mixed drinks, but plenty of wine and beer. Valet parking. I got there about 5:30 and there were a line of cars holding up traffic to pull in. So, it was well attended, at least while I was there.
They probably had a dozen or so new '09 TLs to test drive. I got to flog one for about 30 minutes. Sales guy with me didn't seem to mind that I took it out for an extended drive. Nor did he seem to mind that I tipped into the throttle pretty heavy either.
You, being one of the local car consigliare associated with Edmunds, I'm kind of surprised you didn't hear of this. Hell, I would have taken you with me if I had known.
I just looked at a 2008 Tahoe LS 2WD for 27k + Tax, etc...
Hang around a little bit, you might be in luck. ‘graphicguy’ has one of those he would let go for the right price and I don’t think it’s miled up like that either. A while back he mentioned he suspected with the lack of interest people had in SUV’s he thought he was going to be buried in his Tahoe, literally, because he wasn’t going to give it away.
I don't want a $500/month car payment - that get's old real quick.
I doubt he’d do that to you but like I said he ain’t gonna give it away either.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Hell, I would have taken you with me if I had known.
What a "brown-noser".
That's one way to ensure you won't have any posts axed.
When you have a minute get hooked up with 'patrick'. We'd all like to see how you deal since we've heard so much about your way of doing business over the years. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
j......I'm a realist. No, my Tahoe isn't "miled-up". Less than 30K miles. Been perfect as long as I've owned it (2+ years). Actually, it's in great shape. Dark Blue ext, tan leather interior. Totally loaded with Nav and rear seat DVD (which I've never used). Heated seats. All the bells and whistles. Captains chairs front and back with a 3rd row of seating.
New, it had an MSRP of over $50K. You can buy a new '08 equipped the same for probably around $40K. I've never tried to trade it, but I expect it might, maybe, if the stars lined up....go for $25K?
But, if new ones, base 4WD LS models (mine's an LTZ) are going for $27K, I might be all wrong on mine.
Still, great vehicles for towing, long trips traveling all day in great comfort. It sneers at inclement weather....big snow storms? Torrential downpours? No pavement? No problem!!!!!
Obviously, nothing to brag about MPG-wise, but I get 13 MPG if I'm towing....14 MPG in town with A/C blowing, dragging nothing behind me. 15 MPG with no 4WD or A/C engaged. 19 MPG on all clear highway at a steady 70-75 MPH.
That's pretty dismal in absolute terms. But, considering it's got a V8, plenty of power. And, is heavy enough to crush whatever random mufflers may be in the middle of the road, without so much as a "thump" being felt inside, that's not bad.
When you have a minute get hooked up with 'patrick'. We'd all like to see how you deal since we've heard so much about your way of doing business over the years.
j......Not sure why, or how this happens to me, but I've now got an '03 Elantra (my son's....until I turn the Honda over to him), an '08 Accord, an '07 Tahoe, and a '96 Grand Marquis....all vying for space in my temporary home (hotel).
I'll part with the Grand Marquis and the Tahoe any time a decent offer comes my way. I don't hold out much hope for the Tahoe. I think the Grand Marquis could move quickly, though. Got a for sale sign in it stating $4,499. Already had a couple of calls on it.
A guy was supposed to come this a.m. to look at it. He was a "no show" though. I was just thinking....it probably sounds a bit suspicious when I told him he could come to a hotel to get the keys to do a test drive.
May have to park it somewhere else. Maybe a neighbor's house? Don't want anyone to think I'm some sort of transient street corner vendor, trying to sell boosted vehicles.
Not sure why, or how this happens to me, but I've now got an '03 Elantra (my son's....until I turn the Honda over to him), an '08 Accord, an '07 Tahoe, and a '96 Grand Marquis....all vying for space in my temporary home (hotel).
Damn I forgot about all of those vehicles waiting for a home.
Don't want anyone to think I'm some sort of transient street corner vendor, trying to sell boosted vehicles.
Duhh from the outside looking in what would you be thinking? :confuse:
I think you need a license to sell that many vehicles anytime soon. In fact, I’ve heard there are states that limit the number of vehicles a private party can sell in a month/year etc. I’ll bet dealers had those laws passed to cut down on the competition. Then again I heard it’s to prevent dealers from acting like “private parties” to protect buyers.
Either way you have a problem with trying to sell your fleet.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
First you need a live buyer with a body temperature of 98.6 or higher....THEN you can worry about the selling price. This of course is the strategy of people who do not put a price in their ad, or who puff the ad with all kinds of superlatives.
I'm fine with "no shows"--tells me I was just going to waste a morning anyway. In my life as a dinosaur, I've sold LOTS of cars off the curb. I'm not as good as a professional salesman by any means, but I'm pretty good.
One time I was selling an Alfa Romeo that I had picked up cheap with a bad head gasket. I know those cars really well, and had the head redone in a few days, and then detailed the car inside and out. I was hoping to flip it for a clear $2,000 profit over costs.
So the first people to come by are two Russians. I wear, the woman was this old lady who looked like she had just come from digging tank traps for the defense of Stalingrad. She spoke no English but SHE was the one looking the car over while the husband just stood there. Then she gets down on the ground, all 200 lbs of her, with her rolled up stockings and head scarf, the whole bit, and from under the car I hear the only English word she ever spoke:
Well.....just wasted 4 hours of my life, $14 in beer (for exactly 2 of them), and probably temporarily re-routed some of my synapses by going to the Bengals game.
Shifty....I'm no expert at buying or selling a car. But, I've done quite a bit of both. You're right....you need a warm blooded mammal in front of you to even begin to sell a car. Haven't got any of those, yet. I've only had the for sale sign on the Marquis for 2 days. Got some voice mails, as well as direct calls regarding it. So, I'll assume the price didn't scare anyone away.
Gave it a nice detail...changed the oil (although it really didn't need it) so if anyone checks the dipstick, everything looks nice an clean. Took it to my mechanic and have him give it the once over (in addition to a "clean bill of health" printout).
No superlatives on the "for sale" sign. Just listed the facts about the car. Most ask if the mileage was a misprint when they've called. No.....no misprint!. I'll leave the sign in for another couple of weeks to see how many more bites I get. If they tail off, I'll put an ad in the local paper.
j.....I don't know what I'd think if I responded to a for sale sign in a car. Called the number to inquire about it. And then, found out the person selling it is living in a hotel. I might be a little leery of that.
The miles are the best selling point so I'd re-write the sign so as there is no possibility of misunderstanding.
As for where they live or how they look, short of someone in convict clothing, I really don't care as long the green ink on their money doesn't come off in your hands.
I sold a car to a (legally) blind woman once. Had I known I could have saved on all that detailing.
Some years ago I sold a Porsche to a fresh-faced young business type. This was a car that I had personally owned and driven for over two years.
About 1.5 years AFTER the sale of this car, I get subpoena to appear in court to answer charges of fraud in the selling of this car. No warning, no letter, just a lawsuit.
The petitioner claimed in the suit that the engine blew up (again, 1.5 years after the sale) and that upon disassembly, the repair shop saw some rust on the cylinder walls and suggested that the car had been under water, in a flood (I'm not making any of this up in any small detail).
How it ran for so long after being submerged is another question.
So I had to hire an attorney and appear in court, wherein it was revealed that the petitioner had taken the car to the 3rd party for a full examination prior to purchasing it from me.
That was enough for the judge to throw the case out.
I actually examined the destroyed engine, and the rust feature is typical of a Porsche that SITS for a long time unused, and moisture through the air filter rests on the bottom side of a boxer engine cylinder, naturally. Typical Porsche issue for longterm storage.
So my guess is that he stored the car, never used it, then fired it up, took a long trip, burned lots of oil due to the galled cylinder wall, and the rest was history.
but I've now got an '03 Elantra (my son's....until I turn the Honda over to him), an '08 Accord, an '07 Tahoe, and a '96 Grand Marquis....all vying for space in my temporary home (hotel).
Hey gg, maybe I can help you out with one of those. I'll swap you even for the Elantra if the miles are right for my scooter (the one I fell off of and sustained knee injury this summer - it's in great shape, and gets great mileage!) Heck, maybe I'll stay a couple of days and help clean up the neighborhood if the Elantra is in great shape
Seriously, keep these stories coming - and keep the faith! We're all pulling for you!
That dealer was brilliant! Invite you in, and while the booze is clouding your judgment, they have your car all they want for an appraisal. When your foggy brain tries to cut a nice deal they have all the info they need to club you like a baby seal.
"Gee, Mr. GG, we'd like to give you more for your trade but Vido our Valet says the check engine light is on." Brilliant!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
percussionist.....my son has grown an emotional attachment to that Elantra. It's starting to show a bit of rust around the wheel wells. His back seat looks like he's lived in the car for the past 6 years. But, like many cars that we've owned for a long time, his Hyundai carries a lot of fond memories.
Don't get me wrong, he wants that Honda. But, he knows the stipulations that go with it....graduation. He's not there yet.
Besides, out of all the cars in the GG stable, the Hyundai is probably worth the least. It's been mechanically maintained well. It needs nothing outside of some cosmetics. It has a new timing belt. New tires. New clutch. New brakes. New tires last winter. Recently tuned up. Radiator was flushed and filled last winter. Doesn't leak or burn anything. Will put a new battery in it before the weather gets cold. It's really been a very good car. My son was meticulous about changing the oil every 5K miles, too.
I'd like to shed the Tahoe. But, I won't let someone steal it from me. The Grand Marquis would be easiest to sell. So, that one will go first.
Why relatives give me cars is beyond me, except that they know I'm a car hound. I don't need them, but am grateful they think enough of me to give me their sleds.
The plan is, sell the GM, now. Wait until the snow flies, put a 4-sale sign in the Tahoe to see what it might bring. Then, parade it down by the boat docks next spring (if I get no bites this winter) to see if anyone down there needs a tow vehicle. Hopefully, by then, gas prices will have stabilized and all this furor has died down making it easier to move for anything remotely resembling a decent price.
That will leave me with the Elantra to sell in the spring. I'll put a sign in it. First $3K takes it. Then, it'll be just the Honda in the stables. That'll go to my son when he graduates in the spring.
By June, I hope to be totally car-less. Which means I'll be lurking around the car lots again, in search of the next vehicle for me to love, and just as easily discard when it doesn't please me anymore. Don't know what that might be at this juncture, however.
oldfarmer....I'm far from being a tea-totaller. I'm all about having a couple of beers at a ball game, or after a hot day working in the yard. And, I'll never be one to point fingers at anyone for imbibing.
But, I saw people at the TL rollout who were chugging cabernet like they'd just spent 3 days in the desert and found the only gatorade stand for miles.
Then, they'd get into the cars for a test drive, when they couldn't pronounce their own names without slobbering on themselves. Maybe the dealership thought it was "OK" since a sales person went along for the test drive. Maybe they didn't want to offend any of the attendees by declining a test drive.
But, if those were my cars, there'd be no way I'd allow some of those folks to drive them in the apparent condition I observed.
Not for nothing....but some of the contractors start on my house, today.
So I had to hire an attorney and appear in court, wherein it was revealed that the petitioner had taken the car to the 3rd party for a full examination prior to purchasing it from me.
That was enough for the judge to throw the case out.
I recognize that even though this tale is car related it could be construed as being off topic but isn’t there a way you could have recouped your attorney fees, from the “fresh-faced young business type”, given this was a frivolous claim on his part?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Well it does relate to purchasing strategies I think because I DID sell the car AS IS, in big red letters, and this does not, I repeat, does not automatically resolve the seller of all responsibilities. So if you buy a car AS IS and you get burned, you are not powerless to claim misrepresentation or (much more difficult to prove) fraud. This is a common misunderstanding.
RE: recovering fees. No, In California you cannot recover your fees under the law is my understanding.
I had thought about other ways of recovering my lost $600, but after a few beers, I thought better of it. :P
Thank you Fandiguy. The converse is just as true. Frankly speaking, what would you lose if you stopped working (let them walk) with customers with that attitude? Anyways you are not making any money off them
We usually wouldn't lose much. The worst part about dealing with people like that is, no matter how good of a deal you give them, they'll always leave the dealership thinking you still ripped them off and bad-mouth you. Im most cases, its not even worth selling a car because you've got to not only deal with little to no profit, but a bad survey, negative word of mouth advertising, etc. Oh well, its just one of those things you've got to put up with. The good FAR outweighs the bad so its no biggie.
A reporter from a national newspaper would like to speak to consumers who either had trouble getting their auto financed or were unhappy with their finance rate because of the current economic conditions . If you are an unhappy consumer, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number by Wednesday, October 1.
A reporter from a national newspaper would like to speak to consumers who are delaying their new car purchase because of the current economic conditions . If you are delaying your new car purchase, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number by Wednesday, October 1.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
A reporter hopes to interview a consumer who has negotiated a great deal on a car recently. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com before Friday, October 10, 2008 with your daytime contact information and a few words about your experience.
I was working with a lease broker. Bad idea...I know now. Long story short - we sort of worked out a car I was going to lease, but the buyback of my existing car fell through with the broker. So no deal was ever reached and no car was delivered as a result.
I have a signed contract with him that states the deposit is fully refundable if we cannot make a deal by October 4th. That date is past and he says he will not return my deposit. He says he has "expenses" and that he traded for a car at a dealer and now that dealer is mad at him. I repeatedly told him not to buy anything because our negotiations on the buyback of my car did not work out.
I know it's my fault for trusting the guy and actually giving a deposit. Duh!
Now that's out of the way, I can simply ask if anyone knows a lawyer that can help me in California. OR any other suggestions from people who have had successful dealing with crooked car lease brokers.
Is it better to buy new or used at the moment? Does the credit crisis mean that used cars are going fast? Has anyone negotiated a great deal on a used car recently?
As Verdugo said above it should be easy to reclaim if it was on credit card because your broker has not delivered (or incurred) any of the things that the deposit was supposed to cover.
I have been shopping for a new 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS and they are getting to be like hen's teeth. Is there a referral service that would search nationwide for this vehicle.
That would be easier, and smarter. But it wasn't on a credit card. So I need a recourse considering that fact, which is more difficult. It may just be a small claims court thing, but I was trying to avoid that.
Sorry to hear that. I am not a lawyer, so absolutely don't consider this legal advice. This is how I would handle it:
* Contact the manager at the broker service * Contact your local tv news station. You know, the one that investigates consumers complaints. Not sure how effective this would be since it might not be a local company. * File a complaint with the BBB * Small claims court
At this point, I'd send the guy a nicely worded professional letter via registered mail, indicating that as per the legal contract terms you are officially demanding your money back to be received within 14 days (unless the contract terms state something different), and if they do not comply you will have no recourse but to immediately submit the case to both the BBB and small claims court.
I'm assuming you have some legal contract that you both signed, as well as some proof of your deposit.
There isnt really an exact answer to your question....Alot depends on your buying goals. Some used cars offer great opportunities right now. A late model full size SUV can be a bargain but a super clean small car like a Mazda3 or Civic will be top dollar. There is a toyota dealer in my area that is selling 2 year old prius's for the same price as new and people are buying.
If you can be specific about what kind of used car your considering it would help the discussion
My recent forays around local dealerships lead me to believe that now is NOT the time to get the deal I would expect. I'm thinking that the usual January/February period is worth waiting for.
Nahhh...you want to do it before election day. There is always a business slow down the year before each election (this time a recession), until the uncertainty of which party will be in place (and who controls the congress/senate) is determined.
Everything stalls because of the uncertainties prior to the election, and everyone takes a wait and see attitude.
kiawah wrote: " Nahhh...you want to do it before election day. There is always a business slow down the year before each election (this time a recession), until the uncertainty of which party will be in place (and who controls the congress/senate) is determined. "
By and large very good posts sir and I am hoping that there may be some contest to this years election. But the House Republicans, yes some Democrats too rather put the knife into the back of Sen. John McCain when they politicized the bail out bill, so horribly named. Having previously achieved a 50:50 approval rating in the polls, he fell to second place quickly as voters voted with their 401-k's, at least in the polls. I concur uncertainty will prevail. But it's an uphill battle for the Republican candidate. link title Btw I like Obama, very charismatic, if only his economic policy wasn't crap. Protectionistic and expensive.
I am in the market for a 2008 GMC Sierra. I waited too long to start looking and there are very few available in my area. I found a dealership that had 5 or 6 that were close enough to what I wanted... Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE1 with 20" rims and 5.3L (Pro-package). Their sister dealership ran an ad for 10k off MSRP on all '08 1500's, however, when I called they didn't have any left. I presented the ad to the other dealership and they were willing to honor it. The sticker price on the vehicle I wanted was approx 32,900. They had a $650 charge for interior and exterior protectant that was not on the official sticker and brought the total to about $33,550. I also had a trade in (2002 Ford Expedition) which Kelly blue book indicates is worth about $3,300. I told the dealer I wanted 5k for it.
Their first offer came back at 10k off the MSRP and 4k for my trade in. I told them I was fine with the 10k off, but wanted 5k for trade in. Also, they had some $390 fee in the price, which was a service charge. The saleslady attempted to explain what it was for but it didn't make sense. I told her I wanted that waived in addition to adding the additional 1k to trade in price. She took it to the manager who said she would work with me but couldn't give me another 1k on trade in. Since it was our first place to shop, we left. I should also note that I was buying a "crimson" truck, which is really metalic purple in the sunlight, and that 3 of the 5 2008's on the lot were this color. Also, the mgr claimed the GM rebate was ending that day (10/31). It looks like it ends on 11/3 so I have a few more days to decide.
Here are my questions... 1) Do you think their initial offer was pretty good and worth taking if they would knock a few hundred more off? 2) Any idea what the GM incentives will be on '08's come 11/4? 3) Is that $650 protectant charge BS or do all dealerships have that? 4) Is that $390 service charge BS?
Any help anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Donnie
Sounds like a pretty good offer. If the dealership doesn't call back I'd go in and try to get them to lower the price... if they can't go any lower I'd go ahead and buy. Sounds like their inventory is going fast.
3) Is that $650 protectant charge BS or do all dealerships have that?
Both. It is B.S and most/some dealerships do it. I'ts just a couple cans of $7 Scotsguard on the inside and a wax job on the outside. Used mostly to inflate profit margin. Most people get this waived or negotiated down. Might be worth #100.
4) Is that $390 service charge BS?
Not B.S to have a service charge, which I'm assuming is another name for documentation fee. Again this item is usually negotiable. If the dealership says it isn't, then just lower the price you are willing to pay for the truck by that amount. Service charges, or doc. fees, is an overinflated charge dealerships use to compensate for selling cars at invoice or below. I'd throw in $100 for this as well, as they do some paperwork to get your car registered and liscensed.
Let me add my support for the idea that the "service charge" is total insult added to the injury of seeing add-ons to the window sticker for huge profit increases. Virtually all vehicle dealers are pulling that garbage on their customers, while we are supposedly in the midst of a disappearing vehicle market this year! Who's fooling who? :mad:
The service charge (doc fee) was in response to decreased profits due to customers negotiations and dealers playing cutthroat.
House buying has way more junk involved in it.
Necessary evil. Pay sticker and waive doc or pay invoice and pay doc. If the dealership doesn't make money, they don't stay in business. That means you have less competition and the price on vehicles goes up because of reduced supply and dealers. It's all cyclical.
Comments
Nice event. Couple of Bengals players as featured guests (didn't see many people milling around them, though). They had a little combo playing when I got there. Food was good. No mixed drinks, but plenty of wine and beer. Valet parking. I got there about 5:30 and there were a line of cars holding up traffic to pull in. So, it was well attended, at least while I was there.
They probably had a dozen or so new '09 TLs to test drive. I got to flog one for about 30 minutes. Sales guy with me didn't seem to mind that I took it out for an extended drive. Nor did he seem to mind that I tipped into the throttle pretty heavy either.
You, being one of the local car consigliare associated with Edmunds, I'm kind of surprised you didn't hear of this. Hell, I would have taken you with me if I had known.
Hang around a little bit, you might be in luck. ‘graphicguy’ has one of those he would let go for the right price and I don’t think it’s miled up like that either. A while back he mentioned he suspected with the lack of interest people had in SUV’s he thought he was going to be buried in his Tahoe, literally, because he wasn’t going to give it away.
I don't want a $500/month car payment - that get's old real quick.
I doubt he’d do that to you but like I said he ain’t gonna give it away either.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
What a "brown-noser".
That's one way to ensure you won't have any posts axed.
When you have a minute get hooked up with 'patrick'. We'd all like to see how you deal since we've heard so much about your way of doing business over the years. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
New, it had an MSRP of over $50K. You can buy a new '08 equipped the same for probably around $40K. I've never tried to trade it, but I expect it might, maybe, if the stars lined up....go for $25K?
But, if new ones, base 4WD LS models (mine's an LTZ) are going for $27K, I might be all wrong on mine.
Still, great vehicles for towing, long trips traveling all day in great comfort. It sneers at inclement weather....big snow storms? Torrential downpours? No pavement? No problem!!!!!
Obviously, nothing to brag about MPG-wise, but I get 13 MPG if I'm towing....14 MPG in town with A/C blowing, dragging nothing behind me. 15 MPG with no 4WD or A/C engaged. 19 MPG on all clear highway at a steady 70-75 MPH.
That's pretty dismal in absolute terms. But, considering it's got a V8, plenty of power. And, is heavy enough to crush whatever random mufflers may be in the middle of the road, without so much as a "thump" being felt inside, that's not bad.
j......Not sure why, or how this happens to me, but I've now got an '03 Elantra (my son's....until I turn the Honda over to him), an '08 Accord, an '07 Tahoe, and a '96 Grand Marquis....all vying for space in my temporary home (hotel).
I'll part with the Grand Marquis and the Tahoe any time a decent offer comes my way. I don't hold out much hope for the Tahoe. I think the Grand Marquis could move quickly, though. Got a for sale sign in it stating $4,499. Already had a couple of calls on it.
A guy was supposed to come this a.m. to look at it. He was a "no show" though. I was just thinking....it probably sounds a bit suspicious when I told him he could come to a hotel to get the keys to do a test drive.
May have to park it somewhere else. Maybe a neighbor's house? Don't want anyone to think I'm some sort of transient street corner vendor, trying to sell boosted vehicles.
Damn I forgot about all of those vehicles waiting for a home.
Don't want anyone to think I'm some sort of transient street corner vendor, trying to sell boosted vehicles.
Duhh from the outside looking in what would you be thinking? :confuse:
I think you need a license to sell that many vehicles anytime soon. In fact, I’ve heard there are states that limit the number of vehicles a private party can sell in a month/year etc. I’ll bet dealers had those laws passed to cut down on the competition. Then again I heard it’s to prevent dealers from acting like “private parties” to protect buyers.
Either way you have a problem with trying to sell your fleet.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'm fine with "no shows"--tells me I was just going to waste a morning anyway. In my life as a dinosaur, I've sold LOTS of cars off the curb. I'm not as good as a professional salesman by any means, but I'm pretty good.
Oh yeah? Sounds like you've just volunteered yourself, for a couple "Purchasing Strategy Success Stories", shifty... let's hear um.
One time I was selling an Alfa Romeo that I had picked up cheap with a bad head gasket. I know those cars really well, and had the head redone in a few days, and then detailed the car inside and out. I was hoping to flip it for a clear $2,000 profit over costs.
So the first people to come by are two Russians. I wear, the woman was this old lady who looked like she had just come from digging tank traps for the defense of Stalingrad. She spoke no English but SHE was the one looking the car over while the husband just stood there. Then she gets down on the ground, all 200 lbs of her, with her rolled up stockings and head scarf, the whole bit, and from under the car I hear the only English word she ever spoke:
"BONDO!"
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Shifty....I'm no expert at buying or selling a car. But, I've done quite a bit of both. You're right....you need a warm blooded mammal in front of you to even begin to sell a car. Haven't got any of those, yet. I've only had the for sale sign on the Marquis for 2 days. Got some voice mails, as well as direct calls regarding it. So, I'll assume the price didn't scare anyone away.
Gave it a nice detail...changed the oil (although it really didn't need it) so if anyone checks the dipstick, everything looks nice an clean. Took it to my mechanic and have him give it the once over (in addition to a "clean bill of health" printout).
No superlatives on the "for sale" sign. Just listed the facts about the car. Most ask if the mileage was a misprint when they've called. No.....no misprint!. I'll leave the sign in for another couple of weeks to see how many more bites I get. If they tail off, I'll put an ad in the local paper.
j.....I don't know what I'd think if I responded to a for sale sign in a car. Called the number to inquire about it. And then, found out the person selling it is living in a hotel. I might be a little leery of that.
Then again, sometimes I talk to myself, too.
As for where they live or how they look, short of someone in convict clothing, I really don't care as long the green ink on their money doesn't come off in your hands.
I sold a car to a (legally) blind woman once. Had I known I could have saved on all that detailing.
About 1.5 years AFTER the sale of this car, I get subpoena to appear in court to answer charges of fraud in the selling of this car. No warning, no letter, just a lawsuit.
The petitioner claimed in the suit that the engine blew up (again, 1.5 years after the sale) and that upon disassembly, the repair shop saw some rust on the cylinder walls and suggested that the car had been under water, in a flood (I'm not making any of this up in any small detail).
How it ran for so long after being submerged is another question.
So I had to hire an attorney and appear in court, wherein it was revealed that the petitioner had taken the car to the 3rd party for a full examination prior to purchasing it from me.
That was enough for the judge to throw the case out.
I actually examined the destroyed engine, and the rust feature is typical of a Porsche that SITS for a long time unused, and moisture through the air filter rests on the bottom side of a boxer engine cylinder, naturally. Typical Porsche issue for longterm storage.
So my guess is that he stored the car, never used it, then fired it up, took a long trip, burned lots of oil due to the galled cylinder wall, and the rest was history.
Hey gg, maybe I can help you out with one of those. I'll swap you even for the Elantra if the miles are right for my scooter (the one I fell off of and sustained knee injury this summer - it's in great shape, and gets great mileage!) Heck, maybe I'll stay a couple of days and help clean up the neighborhood if the Elantra is in great shape
Seriously, keep these stories coming - and keep the faith! We're all pulling for you!
That dealer was brilliant! Invite you in, and while the booze is clouding your judgment, they have your car all they want for an appraisal. When your foggy brain tries to cut a nice deal they have all the info they need to club you like a baby seal.
"Gee, Mr. GG, we'd like to give you more for your trade but Vido our Valet says the check engine light is on."
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Don't get me wrong, he wants that Honda. But, he knows the stipulations that go with it....graduation. He's not there yet.
Besides, out of all the cars in the GG stable, the Hyundai is probably worth the least. It's been mechanically maintained well. It needs nothing outside of some cosmetics. It has a new timing belt. New tires. New clutch. New brakes. New tires last winter. Recently tuned up. Radiator was flushed and filled last winter. Doesn't leak or burn anything. Will put a new battery in it before the weather gets cold. It's really been a very good car. My son was meticulous about changing the oil every 5K miles, too.
I'd like to shed the Tahoe. But, I won't let someone steal it from me. The Grand Marquis would be easiest to sell. So, that one will go first.
Why relatives give me cars is beyond me, except that they know I'm a car hound. I don't need them, but am grateful they think enough of me to give me their sleds.
The plan is, sell the GM, now. Wait until the snow flies, put a 4-sale sign in the Tahoe to see what it might bring. Then, parade it down by the boat docks next spring (if I get no bites this winter) to see if anyone down there needs a tow vehicle. Hopefully, by then, gas prices will have stabilized and all this furor has died down making it easier to move for anything remotely resembling a decent price.
That will leave me with the Elantra to sell in the spring. I'll put a sign in it. First $3K takes it. Then, it'll be just the Honda in the stables. That'll go to my son when he graduates in the spring.
By June, I hope to be totally car-less. Which means I'll be lurking around the car lots again, in search of the next vehicle for me to love, and just as easily discard when it doesn't please me anymore. Don't know what that might be at this juncture, however.
oldfarmer....I'm far from being a tea-totaller. I'm all about having a couple of beers at a ball game, or after a hot day working in the yard. And, I'll never be one to point fingers at anyone for imbibing.
But, I saw people at the TL rollout who were chugging cabernet like they'd just spent 3 days in the desert and found the only gatorade stand for miles.
Then, they'd get into the cars for a test drive, when they couldn't pronounce their own names without slobbering on themselves. Maybe the dealership thought it was "OK" since a sales person went along for the test drive. Maybe they didn't want to offend any of the attendees by declining a test drive.
But, if those were my cars, there'd be no way I'd allow some of those folks to drive them in the apparent condition I observed.
Not for nothing....but some of the contractors start on my house, today.
That was enough for the judge to throw the case out.
I recognize that even though this tale is car related it could be construed as being off topic but isn’t there a way you could have recouped your attorney fees, from the “fresh-faced young business type”, given this was a frivolous claim on his part?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
RE: recovering fees. No, In California you cannot recover your fees under the law is my understanding.
I had thought about other ways of recovering my lost $600, but after a few beers, I thought better of it. :P
That's the first time I've ever heard anyone say those things would "get your head on straight". :confuse:
But then again your in CA.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Frankly speaking, what would you lose if you stopped working (let them walk) with customers with that attitude? Anyways you are not making any money off them
A reporter from a national newspaper would like to speak to consumers who are delaying their new car purchase because of the current economic conditions . If you are delaying your new car purchase, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number by Wednesday, October 1.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I have a signed contract with him that states the deposit is fully refundable if we cannot make a deal by October 4th. That date is past and he says he will not return my deposit. He says he has "expenses" and that he traded for a car at a dealer and now that dealer is mad at him. I repeatedly told him not to buy anything because our negotiations on the buyback of my car did not work out.
I know it's my fault for trusting the guy and actually giving a deposit. Duh!
Now that's out of the way, I can simply ask if anyone knows a lawyer that can help me in California. OR any other suggestions from people who have had successful dealing with crooked car lease brokers.
Any help is appreciated!
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Not sure how to go about it if you paid cash/check.
Good luck. Let us know what happened.
* Contact the manager at the broker service
* Contact your local tv news station. You know, the one that investigates consumers complaints. Not sure how effective this would be since it might not be a local company.
* File a complaint with the BBB
* Small claims court
Best of luck.
Angel
I'm assuming you have some legal contract that you both signed, as well as some proof of your deposit.
If you can be specific about what kind of used car your considering it would help the discussion
Click on "Locate Vehicle" on the left.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Everything stalls because of the uncertainties prior to the election, and everyone takes a wait and see attitude.
Long time no see. Where have you been?
" Nahhh...you want to do it before election day. There is always a business slow down the year before each election (this time a recession), until the uncertainty of which party will be in place (and who controls the congress/senate) is determined. "
By and large very good posts sir and I am hoping that there may be some contest to this years election. But the House Republicans, yes some Democrats too rather put the knife into the back of Sen. John McCain when they politicized the bail out bill, so horribly named. Having previously achieved a 50:50 approval rating in the polls, he fell to second place quickly as voters voted with their 401-k's, at least in the polls. I concur uncertainty will prevail. But it's an uphill battle for the Republican candidate.
link title Btw I like Obama, very charismatic, if only his economic policy wasn't crap. Protectionistic and expensive.
Their first offer came back at 10k off the MSRP and 4k for my trade in. I told them I was fine with the 10k off, but wanted 5k for trade in. Also, they had some $390 fee in the price, which was a service charge. The saleslady attempted to explain what it was for but it didn't make sense. I told her I wanted that waived in addition to adding the additional 1k to trade in price. She took it to the manager who said she would work with me but couldn't give me another 1k on trade in. Since it was our first place to shop, we left. I should also note that I was buying a "crimson" truck, which is really metalic purple in the sunlight, and that 3 of the 5 2008's on the lot were this color. Also, the mgr claimed the GM rebate was ending that day (10/31). It looks like it ends on 11/3 so I have a few more days to decide.
Here are my questions...
1) Do you think their initial offer was pretty good and worth taking if they would knock a few hundred more off?
2) Any idea what the GM incentives will be on '08's come 11/4?
3) Is that $650 protectant charge BS or do all dealerships have that?
4) Is that $390 service charge BS?
Any help anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Donnie
3) Is that $650 protectant charge BS or do all dealerships have that?
Both. It is B.S and most/some dealerships do it. I'ts just a couple cans of $7 Scotsguard on the inside and a wax job on the outside. Used mostly to inflate profit margin. Most people get this waived or negotiated down. Might be worth #100.
4) Is that $390 service charge BS?
Not B.S to have a service charge, which I'm assuming is another name for documentation fee. Again this item is usually negotiable. If the dealership says it isn't, then just lower the price you are willing to pay for the truck by that amount. Service charges, or doc. fees, is an overinflated charge dealerships use to compensate for selling cars at invoice or below. I'd throw in $100 for this as well, as they do some paperwork to get your car registered and liscensed.
House buying has way more junk involved in it.
Necessary evil. Pay sticker and waive doc or pay invoice and pay doc. If the dealership doesn't make money, they don't stay in business. That means you have less competition and the price on vehicles goes up because of reduced supply and dealers. It's all cyclical.