Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I'm in the Seattle area.

    I was born and raised in Priest Lake Idaho. Use to spend part of my Summers on Mercer Island, had a sister that lived in Kent.

    I miss the Pacific Northwest.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Bet the Lexus guy would have a great belly laugh if he knew your were shopping him against a Hyundai. :D

    Seriously, I'm not a Lexus fan, but the workmanship, material quality and execution of a Lexus is lightyears ahead of Hyundai,and that is what you are paying for.

    If the difference isn't apparent to you, or is unimportant buy the Hyundai.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I miss the Pacific Northwest.

    Wanna sell Hondas? You might have to change your handle. :surprise:

    jmonroe

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

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    You are asking a question that doesn't have a real answer.
    Yes, sometimes managers screw up,and have to eat a loss.
    But, if you are going to keep shopping until this happens, you may shop a long time.
    Also, if you leave and the dealer figures out its mistake, gues what?
    That deal is gone if you come back.
    The dealer is under no obligation to honor a quote, unless it is written on a buyers order and signed by both parties.

    Also, buyers do continue to shop until they get the deal they want,or can live with.
    Most of the time, its the "can live with" solution.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I'm about five miles east of Mercer Island.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Bet the Lexus guy would have a great belly laugh if he knew your were shopping him against a Hyundai.

    Seriously, I'm not a Lexus fan, but the workmanship, material quality and execution of a Lexus is lightyears ahead of Hyundai,and that is what you are paying for.


    Who, you mean the Lexus guy I just bought a new car from? :D

    You obviously have not looked at the Veracruz. I will confess I have not driven one, but have checked it out. The fit and finish are first rate and materials surprisingly good. The new ones get top marks in crash tests as well. Good enough for me to go test drive one when I drive the Q7 and MDX. Seriously, it's that kind of view that got Detroit in trouble. I take it you sell Volvos. I am a fan of Volvo, but the XC90 is not even on my list. It's too long in the tooth and in need of a FMC. You should really go have a look during a break. I will admit that the dealership is bit of a dump and in need of work. I think they bought out an independent used car guy and used that space. I kept looking around to see if I could find the strings of flashing lights.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    My only regret is that as more people catch on to the charms of Hyundais, prices are going to increase,...

    Yes, I think you are right.

    ...so I won't get deals as good as I have in the past when purchasing.

    Nor will I. So please stop talking about them already. I like it just the way it is. :(

    jmonroe

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

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    There will be Chery ;) .

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • joe131joe131 Member Posts: 998
    hyundais are junk. anyone would be crazy to even look at one, ride in one, much less own one. junk, junk, junk!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    hyundais are junk...junk, junk, junk!

    Now you got it. :):D

    jmonroe

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,508
    "...You are asking a question that doesn't have a real answer..."

    I suppose that is true with many hypothetical questions. I guess I just got thinking how unfortunate for both parties it would be if a customer gets an offer refused because the sales manager undervalued his trade or overvalued the dealers vehicle.

    My question about what happens upon return is based upon the assumption that mistakes are, in fact, rare. If the sales manager makes an honest mistake the first time he is unlikely to make the same mistake the second time.

    I was also thinking about this from the Bobst Method perspective. If you make a take it or leave it offer and it is refused, you may be able to return at a future date and offer the same or slightly higher price and have it accepted.

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

  • nj2pa2ncnj2pa2nc Member Posts: 811
    i totally agree. (LOL) I love being able to buy those so-called lousy cars at a reasonable price. I hope most people keep thinking how great hondas are (NOT).
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Really? I have one and its been the most reliable car I have ever had. It went over 120K miles before anything other than routine maintence needed to be done. Since that nothing but routine maintenance.

    Sure its showing its age, its got over 140K miles and has been through 7 chicago winters, but it still runs pretty good.

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

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Read what jmonroe wrote before "junk, junk, junk" statement and you'll understand Joe's post (hint: it was a joke).

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    gp- yeah i live in CT actually (so reasonably close to you) and i bought it in november of 2002. i learned real quick that you cant drive that thing with the stock tires with even a half inch of snow on the ground. ended up ordering 15" steel wheels and some all season tires and did just fine swapping them out in the winter. it extended the life of my summers too (even though the continental tires were terrible). i don't have the audio package...just the sunroof. i basically went to the dealer and said "i want the spec V in either yellow or black with a sunroof, what do you have?" they had yellow, i let my dad at them to negotiate (i was just out of college at the time, and had not yet been "in the business") and we ended up getting it at invoice, plus the gold preferred warranty for 75k miles at $800 and 3.9% for 5 years. i love it! its a great car! put in the nismo cold air intake, and wanted to put in the nismo catback exhaust - but the commission i had earmarked for it ended up going to an insurance deductable when i got sideswiped, and then the perpetrators took off without stopping...oh well!

    -thene :)
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    How do you guys think this weekend's going to turn out. Imagine it's pretty important with month end, quarter end and model change over around the corner.

    Good luck to you all and happy sales :shades:
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Does this really work?? :surprise:

    Just in case....

    BMW's are junk... especially the M3 and 335Ci!
    Junk, junk, junk...
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 270,551
    Not only that... the Porsche Cayman is the worst car ever built!!

    Anybody that buys one of those is just nuts... and should just park it in some unsuspecting loser's driveway and walk away..

    If you need an address, just let me know..

    Edmunds Price Checker
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  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Actually, no offense, but you may be right about that. That Cayman has more issues than Time magazine.

    -Moo
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    WHAT???

    I drove the Cayman it is glorious. All modern Porsches, except the Cayenne since it is really a VW, are great cars.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    WHOOPS!

    That was a major stumble there. I read Cayenne instead of Cayman. Sorry everyone who was harmed from that comment.

    You're right, Rover. :blush:

    -Moo
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Whew! Moo, I'm glad you made it through that controversy in one piece! I remember once, a long time ago, when one gentleman publicly confused the 911 with a 914.

    I still have nightmares about that one... :(
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Ya, that was a close one. I saw my life pass before my eyes.

    The sales staff has rallied around me here and I'm going to issue a public apology to everyone. Words can't explain how disappointed and shocked I am by my own actions.

    -Moo
  • thenebeanthenebean Member Posts: 1,124
    :D:D:D

    that was a funny turn of events there...ha ha ha! i was fearing for moo too! afraid he was going to be run out of this forum for such a blasphemous statement. i am glad we got that disaster resolved!

    -thene :P
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Close one...

    I kind of figured you got the Cayman and Cayenne confused. It happens all the time. Stupid of Porsche to name the most fabulous vehicle they have made in years something that is so close in pronunciation to the most disgusting vehicle they have ever made.

    Back a couple of weeks ago when we were talking about vehicles that just could not be sold for any price I had a thought.

    At our dealership we cannot sell a Cayenne for any price. Everytime we have taken a Cayenne in it has gone to auction or been wholesaled away some where. Inevitably someone looking to buy a Cayenne is also looking at buying a Range Rover Sport. The moment they test drive the Sport they have no entrance in the Cayenne.
  • mazda6iguymazda6iguy Member Posts: 365
    I was listening to the radio at lunch, and I heard a screamer ad for a local car dealer that said they offer the "love it or leave it guarantee". I guess they give a three day return policy.

    I was under the impression that under Ohio law, there was no three day cooling off period, only for door to door sales.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    "I wold have politely asked for a different car"

    Well, the original post said there was "paint missing from the front bumper"... meaning some type of abrasion, and not a scratch. Either way it is a depreciated asset in that there is some damage. So, some type of compensation would be justified.

    Now, if just a tiny half inch scratch or buff mark that if barely noticeable, I wouldn't ask for a new car. Fix it and give me about 5 (not 10) free oil changes.... I'm not greedy.
    But, the customer should have been offered the free oil changes, or a bowl of chili, for his time and expense.

    Speaking of chili, and the occasional mouse it may contain... just extra protein. Think of it as getting "More bang for your buck". Not my cup of tea, but some cultures would consider it a delicacy. :sick:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    The dealership can have a "Drive it for a year and if you don't like it, bring 'er back!" promotion if they want. State law is different though. Most states have no return policy if you physically drive the vehicle off the lot.

    These "deals" will typically have you paying a restocking fee as well as a fee for any mileage driven. Not really the best situation for you. Make sure you like the vehicle. :P

    -Moo
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Heck, all Porsches are really glorified VW's. You ever been to Germany?
    :shades:
    Mackabee
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    As Moo indicated, I'd bet a month's salary they would require restocking and mileage fees when you return it. I've seen similar ads around here. On one newspaper ad, the fine print indicated they charged a 15% (of List Price) restocking fee!

    It's not as easy to read the "fine print" within those radio ads, is it?
  • mazda6iguymazda6iguy Member Posts: 365
    It's not as easy to read the "fine print" within those radio ads, is it?

    Nor is it easy to understand the super fast talking legalese at the end of the commercial.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Didn't mention the XC90.
    Which just got a freshen up for 2007, and is still listed as the safest SUV.

    There is NO WAY that Hyundai's materials can match Lexus.
    Sorry,it just ain't happening.
    Also, fit and finish is alot more than just uniform panel gaps and decent paint.
    5 yrs from now, the Lexus will still look great,I doubt thet the Hyundai will.
    I've seen too many used Hyundais.
    Bottom line is,you get what you pay for.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    I suppose that is true with many hypothetical questions. I guess I just got thinking how unfortunate for both parties it would be if a customer gets an offer refused because the sales manager undervalued his trade or overvalued the dealers vehicle.

    Well, when those values are ENTIRELY theoretical, then this happens all the time.
    There are no ABSOLUTE values for ANY car.
    There is just the value today to the buyer and seller.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I would also not be the least bit surprised if it was a deal where they would let you exchange it for another car, you pay the difference.
  • sky23213sky23213 Member Posts: 300
    I got a sense of the month/quarter end frenzy today. Got a call from Discount Tire, where I had ordered some cheap alloys to be mounted on Monday, July 2. They had received them today and if I stopped by today, there would be additional $50.00 instant discount. I said I could not, since I had the CRV today. They said that I didn't have to go there today, just pay for them today, they could still put them on Monday.
    I ended up calling home for the number of my Discount Tire Card ($25.00 rebate if I use it). At the end of the day, everybody is happy! :)
    I wish a very busy and successful weekend to all the sales folks here! And hope that will bring some good stories too. :shades:
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Just in case....

    BMW's are junk... especially the M3 and 335Ci!
    Junk, junk, junk...


    Now everybody wants a bargain.

    Sorry, if you want a bargain you'll just have to buy one of those "throw aways". You know which one I mean. I can't say the name or I'd be breaking my own rule about driving up the price and then 'joe131' would probably break my nose for doing that. :surprise:

    jmonroe

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

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,639
    "Most states have no return policy if you physically drive the vehicle off the lot."

    Wonder how on earth that happened? Who says lobbyists don't work? Oh, wait, I should rephrase that -- Who says lobbyists aren't effective?

    How long do we have to wait until those of us who want to (& can -- cash in hand, no trade) are allowed to buy directly from the manufacturer?
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    How long do we have to wait until those of us who want to (& can -- cash in hand, no trade) are allowed to buy directly from the manufacturer?

    Will never happen.
    Nor should it.
    If you think dealing w/ dealers is bad,pray you never have to deal w/ a motor co directly.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Will never happen.

    Maybe it will. How much less, per $20,000 car bought by dealership at invoice,would a car cost if buying directly from manufacturer? Money talks, and from what I hear B.S walks. Cut out the middleman and save a bundle. :shades:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Didn't mention the XC90.
    Which just got a freshen up for 2007, and is still listed as the safest SUV.


    Minor tweaks and trim perhaps, but not an all new model as the MDX, Q7 or Veracruz and the XC90 is still rated as one of the safest SUVS. Others have caught up according to the IIHS top picks. Does the XC90 have a back up camera?

    There is NO WAY that Hyundai's materials can match Lexus

    Not disputing that. Not many in the class can. Lexus have gorgeous wood, leather and soft surfaces. Sure the Hyundai has plood, but doesn't the XC90 and MDX as well

    5 yrs from now, the Lexus will still look great,I doubt thet the Hyundai will
    At least it will be under warranty :P

    I've seen too many used Hyundais
    I wasn't talking about the old ones. I was talking about this new one. No used ones of these yet.

    Bottom line is,you get what you pay for

    Generally yes, but often you get less than you pay for. You know, up until the very, very recent past I used be Hyundai, Not in my driveway! I was making a point that it's dangerous for the established to ignore the aggressive upstarts. I'm talking about a brand new vehicle they just launched. You are talking about their old junk (sorry JM and joe) and past history. It wil be interesting to see when the Genesis is launched and when Chery exports their Buicks at half the price. Anyways, hope you sell a lot Volvos this weekend. I still like them.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Will never happen.
    Nor should it.
    If you think dealing w/ dealers is bad,pray you never have to deal w/ a motor co directly.


    I don't think it should happen either. Manufacturers are not equipped to nor do they want to deal with the public. Even with the internet, there are very few things that are sold manufacturer direct. You can't buy a fridge from the manufacturer. And if they did,they would in fact be setting up their own retail channel and dealer network. People still want to see and test drive cars before buying. We all still need warranty service.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    "At least it will be under warranty"

    Ah..no it won't be. Not the looks, not the fit and finish.

    Maybe the powertrain will be but that's it.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Maybe it will. How much less, per $20,000 car bought by dealership at invoice,would a car cost if buying directly from manufacturer? Money talks, and from what I hear B.S walks. Cut out the middleman and save a bundle.

    Do not assume that the motor co would pass ANY savings on to you.
    Since it would cost them to deal with you,including service and support, as well as sales people,mangers,advertising etc, the costs would be the same.
    Plus,since you wouldn't have independent dealers competing for your business, the actual prices would probably rise.
    Esp at the import stores.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    If you could buy directly from the manufacturer, where would you:
    1 Go to test drive and gain knowledge that a professional sales person with brand experience can provide.

    2. Go if you have a problem and need to talk to someone face to face.

    3. Go to negotiate a better deal.

    4. Do a trade in (nobody will bid a car very high sight unseen)

    5. Go to see the different options in action - and to check out colors.

    6. Get a loaner while the car is being serviced

    7. Build a relationship (half my biz is repeat and referral) that benefits both parties.

    If you think car manufacturers would provide a better price, think again. Look at different TV or other mfg site prices and look at Best Buy, etc. prices.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I love it!

    Some people think they should be able to buy "direct" and eliminate the middleman and pocket those horrible profit dollars themselves.

    They would quickly learn that the manufactures would have one price "take it or leave it".

    Maybe these same people would like their jobs eliminated in the same fashion?

    Heck, why not buy everything direct? Fly to Idaho and dig your own potatoes etc?
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    isell, maybe we could eliminate the assembly plants and make them all kit cars.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    I was under the impression that under Ohio law, there was no three day cooling off period, only for door to door sales.

    Just because the law doesn't require one doesn't mean that someone can't offer it. I suspect that this is for used cars?

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

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Yeah I know...hence the :P They need a tongue in cheek emotocon
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Most states have no return policy if you physically drive the vehicle off the lot.

    I don't think any state has any return policy regarding anything. If you are talking about a cooling off period for a contract it wouldn't apply as techniqually there is no longer a contract. Once you drive off with the car both the buyer and the seller have completed their contractual obligations, hence there is really no contract to nullify.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Ah..no it won't be. Not the looks, not the fit and finish.

    I gather a 5 year old Honda shows less wear than other cars of the same age given the same amount of care. C'mon, we all know Honda's are good cars but lets be reasonable. Otherwise you lose all credibility.

    Maybe the powertrain will be but that's it.

    I wouldn't be so quick to down play a 100K mile power train warranty. What does hallowed Honda offer their original owners?

    Nobody believes everything they hear about Honda's; I know I don't.

    jmonroe

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

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