Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1…295296298300301…2003

Comments

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Why can’t I find one of you guys when I’m buying. I know I’m not a typical customer, but it’s a bit irritating when the sales person is short on product knowledge or guesses. Right after driving the Enclave, my wife and I stop in at the Volvo dealer. Now we are not casually shopping, since I have to pay a babysitter to go out without the kids to look at cars.

    I ask the guy about the XC-90 sport since I read reviews about how it handles much better than stock and I’m interested. He brushes me off and says there are only minor cosmetic differences. Ok fine. Show me the V8. Does it come with Bluetooth? You can get it. Ok, is it integrated or aftermarket? Oh, it’s an aftermarket add on. OK…. Does it come with a back-up camera? No. Can you get one installed into the nav screen? Umm let me go check. Five minutes later, he comes back and says you can. So after the drive, when he ignores my questions about the sport model again, we wait for him on packages and pricing. In the brochure, I see a factory installed back-up camera option. So I ask him. He leaves and comes back and says it’s a dealer installed option. I ask him three times if there are any incentives. He says no. Then he mentions that he may be able put together a good lease as there are more incentives to work with???

    All this time my wife is getting really agitated as she hates car shopping as it is and I have to calm her down at each wrong answer he gives. He asks her three times how important options and features she asks for. She tells him she wants it pretty much fully loaded up. After the last time he asks, she says, just tell me what the packages are and how much they cost. (He was trying to steer us to a stock vehicle with little tact). He asks me twice and her once if we would consider an 07. What part of no don't you understand, the n or the o. We have to go since the baby sitter time is up and we only made an appointment at the Buick dealer, was not originally planning to go to Volvo. So I ask to send an email with the pricing and lease details. I say please don’t send me a monthly payment, but the mf, residuals, and fees. I hope he follows-up. My wife likes this vehicle. It’s down to that and a new Acura MDX. As I leave, I ask him to check on the incentives again as I saw some listed in the Checkbook consumer brief I subscribe to. I tell him that it may be listed as marketing support as I can’t remember. Now I hope that Checkbook is wrong or he just made an honest mistake.

    I repeat, where are you guys when I’m shopping???? I just want to buy what I want and a straight forward deal… Why the heck doesn't he want to sell me a fully loaded top of the line brand new sport model? I’ll continue to work him if my wife wants the car, but why me?

    Where the heck is Volvomax’s dealership anyways?
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Where the heck is Volvomax’s dealership anyways?

    Arizona I think.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Kudos to you for hiring a babysitter! Nothing worse than a couple of unhappy kids along.

    I'm sorry but you won't find me anywher near a Volvo store. Not my cup of tea for a number of reasons.

    Unless you like constant troubles you may want to take a closer look at that MDX.

    As for that salesperson, he was either a newly hired klutz (pretty common) or he was a veteran who sized you up as a non-serious shopper.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Buy her a Limited Highlander, bluetooth, nav, back-up camera, etc, she'll be a lot happier and so will you! ;)
    Mack
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Well as long as we are all pitching our product. Let her drive an Edge, I bet your opinion of Ford would change and you might even drive one home. BTW I love kids, bring your dog to if ya want. :D
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    It has three rows seating for 8 passengers. Get it with the tech package and you'll get Nav, back up camera, blue tooth, aux input for Ipod, The Nav has xm nav traffic so you'll know where to avoid traffic. it comes in 6 cyl. Don't forget heated steering wheel. which is nice after snow ball fights ;)

    You probably already looked into this but it will compare with what you have been looking at. The Pathfinder Le with tech pkg is the best pathfinder i have seen yet. Good luck shopping :shades:
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Kudos to you for hiring a babysitter! Nothing worse than a couple of unhappy kids along.

    Unless you like constant troubles you may want to take a closer look at that MDX.

    As for that salesperson, he was either a newly hired klutz (pretty common) or he was a veteran who sized you up as a non-serious shopper.

    I’m guessing the salesguy was in his mid 20’s, so I will give him the benefit of doubt as a newly hired klutz. I don’t like being training though. Maybe someone less knowledgeable wouldn’t know the difference.

    I can’t shop for cars with kids. There is no way I would leave them at a dealership regardless of what the sales person says and I’m not about to move and install car seats. Plus they get bored and would become a handful. The only time I went with kids when the one was about one year old. We took turns test driving and then bought right after. I made a sales guy day as his first up.

    Craig, we have a MDX now and love it, so it’s high on the list. Part of us wouldn’t mind a change even thought the new one is quite different and much better.

    Buy her a Limited Highlander, bluetooth, nav, back-up camera, etc, she'll be a lot happier and so will you!
    Mack


    Mack, if not for the lack of driver’s seat and mirror memory, I would really look at it. Alas, the Highlander is a bit boring looking (no offense) and I would like something a little more posh. Hey, but my 08 Lexus on order arrives in about a month or two.

    Well as long as we are all pitching our product. Let her drive an Edge, I bet your opinion of Ford would change and you might even drive one home. BTW I love kids, bring your dog to if ya want.

    Joel, I bought a new 95 Windstar once. I still have nightmares!! Just kidding. It actually wasn’t that bad, I had less troubles than most. But you know I’m fortunate enough to be in a position now through some hard work and a lot of luck that I can write a check for virtually any vehicle I want (including a SC RR) so, it’s the Ford premium division for me!

    You probably already looked into this but it will compare with what you have been looking at. The Pathfinder Le with tech pkg is the best pathfinder i have seen yet. Good luck shopping

    Sorry greanpea, only 4 star crash ratings and 3 star rollover. It needs to be an IIHS top pick or have a good SCORE from informed for life. Our MDX only has 35,000 miles, but it has no side curtain airbags, so it’s going to be traded for one of the safest vehicles I can find for my precious cargo.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    "Mack, if not for the lack of driver’s seat and mirror memory, I would really look at it. Alas, the Highlander is a bit boring looking (no offense) and I would like something a little more posh. Hey, but my 08 Lexus on order arrives in about a month or two."

    You're getting a Lexus? The RX I would imagine correct? If that's the case I would hold off another year since it will be a new design for 09. Based on the Highlander platform. ;) Hey, can't say we didn't try!\
    :)
    Mackabee
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    No, the new GS is for me. The RX is too small for the family. When is the 09 RX coming out. Sounds like it might be perfect...
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Hey Mack,

    Isn't that Lexus a glorified Highlander?
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    But you know I’m fortunate enough to be in a position now through some hard work and a lot of luck that I can write a check for virtually any vehicle I want (including a SC RR) so, it’s the Ford premium division for me

    That works for me, anything to help our stock prices out ;)
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,740
    On about those same days if I clicked on someone's name to see their profile, I'd get my own name and profile. It did that with different people's names. When I clicked on my own posts, I got my own profile.

    I rebooted and it quit doing that.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jwm40517jwm40517 Member Posts: 303
    Joel My old 93 Aerostar has power lumbar on driver and passenger sides. Have made 800 mile trips with only a gas stop and have been much more comfortable than short trips in much more expensive vehicles.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    "...after driving the Volvo we said no to the Buick. It was an easy no, given how hard it is to buy one right now."

    Good for you! I'm not a Buick basher. In fact, I hope this is relatively successful. However, I sure find it interesting how/why there is so much demand for it. If you paid full MSRP for it now, just imagine how much depreciation you would likely see if you tried to sell it in 3 years! :surprise:

    As I mentioned jokingly in another discussion group, the Enclave has way too much chrome on its exterior for my tastes. On the other hand, I've always found the XC90 to look appealing, in a tasteful manner.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Where the heck is Volvomax’s dealership anyways?

    It is located in Scottsdale, Arizona: Powell Volvo.

    I guess, under these circumstances, it doesn't hurt to divulge that I leased a Volvo from Max a few years ago. He's a good guy, and he knows his product line.

    Any chance you would consider purchasing from Max and having it shipped to you? I believe they list their new product inventory on their website, but I don't know if it is fully up to date.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    clicked on someone's name to see their profile, I'd get my own name

    I've had that happen a few times usually when the servers are busy backing up databases.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • 8sparkplugs8sparkplugs Member Posts: 111
    My mother-in-law bought an EW for her Honda CRV. She hasn't even reached the period for the EW to start. She got a letter saying API, the EW company is bankrupt. What should she do if anything? Does the Honda Dealership have any responsibility here? I was surprised they didn't sell her the Honda Care EW.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    You could say that. The first generation Highlander and the RX300 did share a lot of components. Strange this should come up. I drove an RX330 yesterday. I was doing my daily lot walk and there was a trade in so I got the keys and took it for a spin. You could have blind folded me and I would have told you it was a Toyota!(Which it is ;)) It just felt as if I was driving a Highlander. A couple of more whistles like the memory seats and mirrors. I couldn't see myself paying extra for it knowing what I know.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Isn't that Lexus a glorified Highlander?

    I think the RX is kinda girlie. OK for my wife, but as my main drive...no. My neighbor has one. When I see him in it, I want to give him the old Arnie, hey Girlie Man :P
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    While you're at the Lexus dealer could you write them a check for me? :blush: I'd like an IS350 RWD in Starfire pearl with the Cashmere leather trim. No hurry, whenever you have some free time. :shades:

    The 09 RX is about 9 months away. :) And I agree with you. It's is kind of girlie. I was hoping no one would see me driving it. ;) It was designed with women in mind.
    Mack
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I'm not a Buick basher. In fact, I hope this is relatively successful. However, I sure find it interesting how/why there is so much demand for it. If you paid full MSRP for it now, just imagine how much depreciation you would likely see if you tried to sell it in 3 years!

    It has great cargo capacity and captain's chairs in the second row. If you don't want a minivan and want better gas mileage than a Yukon or Suburban, than the Lambda trio are good choices. Loaded up, the thing tops out at $45K which is not bad. Fit and finish is OK, but not great.

    There was no way I was going pay MRSP for something I know will depreciate like a rock and sell below invoice in a couple months when the supply ramps up.

    It was kinda interesting actually. When I asked what he would sell it for, I got the old will you buy it today line. So I told him you wouldn't be able to find a fully loaded one in premium tri coat paint that I wanted and it would have to be ordered. So I offered him invoice before ad fees to order it. They came back with $1000 off MRSP. When orders did not count against allocation, this was very doable, now that they go against allocation, they won't do it. I asked him, why in the world would I pay close to MRSP, wait 12 weeks when the third shift at the Lansing plant is gearing up and there will be lots of them when it arrives? He looked at me with a blank expression and said, so you know about the third shift. I told I understood why the dealer would take that position since allocation was tight and that he could call when they felt the price was in the range. This is before I went to the Volvo dealer. I probably would have just ordered the thing. I'm actually glad the supply is tight.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Well if she wants the hassle she could see if they actually filed and what type of bankruptcy was filed. Depending on circumstances filing bankruptcy may not entirely release them of their liabilities. She may still have some rights.

    Does the Honda Dealership have any responsibility here?

    I would say no, not unless they knew it was about to happen and didn't disclose it.

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

  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Enclave is "The finest Luxury Crossover Ever" http://www.buick.com/ seems to be their advertising slogan/theme right now.

    "Ever?" That's a mighty big claim. As my grandfather would have asked, "Who says so?"

    At any rate, it sounds as though you were somewhat less impressed.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    A couple of more whistles like the memory seats and mirrors. I couldn't see myself paying extra for it knowing what I know.

    Yeah, a ES is a glorified Camry same as the TL to the Accord and MDX to the Pilot. I'll still buy them even though I know what they are. Nicer entry luxury vehicles, built on reliable platforms.

    I guess the Buick I looked at is a glorified Saturn, but GM does such a poor job differentiating their clones that they all blend together.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    Mack i'm confused is this the same story where there was a big promotion at the dealership and other sales people had come in to help out and salespeople were approaching customers before they got out of their cars and where your son and test drove a car with his family? We need a storytime with Mack section on Edmunds to keep track :shades:
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    we need a new forum:
    it's time for another mack-a-bee story
  • smr36smr36 Member Posts: 59
    OK, What makes a car girlie and why are so many posters here so insecure about their sexual identity?
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    The RX is a woman's car. It was designed specifically for women and I have never ever sold one to a man EVER.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    Why did the snake not bite the lawyer?
    Professional courtesy.

    What do you call an attorney with an IQ of 50?
    "Your Honor"

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    Sorry greanpea, only 4 star crash ratings and 3 star rollover. It needs to be an IIHS top pick or have a good SCORE from informed for life. Our MDX only has 35,000 miles, but it has no side curtain airbags, so it’s going to be traded for one of the safest vehicles I can find for my precious cargo.

    Wow, I'm surprised I haven't been investigated by Child Welfare; my kid(AKA Demon Spawn) has ridden to school in a 1999 Wrangler since Kindergarten. I don't know how he's made it age 12.
    When he was a toddler I had a 1984 T Bird Turbo Coupe with a MT that I used as my work beater. The turbo would whistle like a possessed tea kettle as I flogged it down the twisting two lane that led to his preschool. One day my wife was taking him to school and the following conversation took place...
    "Mommy, there's nobody in front of you."
    "Why do you say that?"
    "Because it means you can go FAST!"
    "Does Daddy go fast?"
    "Yeah, Daddy goes REALLY FAST!!!"
    Busted... :P

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    The dealership has no legal responsibility that I know of... but most will honor as an ethical responsibility
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    The RX is a woman's car. It was designed specifically for women and I have never ever sold one to a man EVER.

    You'll never see a straight man driving a VW Rabbit/Golf convertible, either.
    Not that there's anything wrong with that. ;)

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

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,247
    ...and on that note, we'll close the off-topic line of conversation.

    epiney, just for fun, have you considered Infiniti?

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    a car is girlie cause they are mostly driven by girls, like

    Beetle
    Miata
    Neon's
    Jeep wranglers
    Altima's (the tailights look like earrings)
    Celica
    Crv's
    Rav's
    Eclipse
    Prelude
    Yaris
    CLK's
    Fit
    Sebring
    mini
    V6 Mustang's (especially convertibles)
    any year any model vw
    Not usually driven by girls but any small pickup is suspect ;)
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Kirstie, I think (but could be wrong) that epiney mentioned he wanted a 3rd-row seat. So, that rules out Infiniti, except for maybe the QX.

    On the other hand, we will most likely be replacing our 4Runner in less than a year, and I've already started scoping out new CUVs. I'm sure my wife would love to drive the FX35, but it won't be near the top of our list due to price, practicality (lack of cargo space), and combination of mediocre fuel economy with premium grade fuel. (With the way gas prices seem to be creeping up each year, we want to improve our fuel economy.)

    Still, if we find one at an awesome price, it's a possibility.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Yeah, well we didn't have car seats or seat belts growing up. I still remember my dad cutting off the straps on my brother's child seat (I use the term loosely as it was a padded seat) because they got in the way. Unfortunately there are many kids who didn't make it that could have benefited from seat belts and the like. It's about choice. Although one nevers plans to be in an accident, it's like insurance. Since I can comfortably afford the $50K or so, I would really regret not doing so if anything ever happened.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    a car is girlie cause they are mostly driven by girls

    Ouch!

    I drove a 1999 New Beetle as my daily driver for a couple of years. Yes, it was originally bought for my wife, but she wanted the big SUV, so I started driving the Bug. That, plus my commute was longer so the extra MPG was nice to have.

    Never had anyone question my masculinity while I was behind the wheel.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    just for fun, have you considered Infiniti?

    Unfortunately no CUV from Infiniti yet. I am a big fan of Nissan and Infiniti. I think the VQ powertrain is one of the smoothest and best around.

    I like that you can normally get a few more extras at the same price point when compared to Toyota and especially Honda. I really don't know why they haven't got a good family mover in their line up. The Quest is not doing well and then you jump up to a massive truck in the QX56 or Armada.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    why are so many posters here so insecure about their sexual identity

    Got nothing to do with that. Certain styles generally appeal more to women than men.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    And to support your argument, a friend of mine was T-Boned at the intersection of a highway off-ramp earlier this year. The other driver was driving impaired. He didn't slow down for the red light! My friend never saw him coming, due to cars in the adjacent lane. He is fine now, after a couple weeks in the hospital, along with months of pain medicine and therapy. If he didn't have side airbags, who knows what would have happened to him?

    Now, what if that was my wife and son that were T-Boned?? :surprise:

    The fact is our roads and intersections are more dangerous now than ever! I'd be willing to bet we have almost twice as many drivers on our U.S. roadways than we did in 1970. Don't know about the other states, but our state does a poor job of ensuring safety. Our cars do not ever go through any annual safety inspection here, and the training/testing to get a state driver's license is a joke. Adding to that, we now have 16-year olds driving 5000-pound Tahoes and F-250 Super Duty trucks. In general, I place safety features, accident avoidance, and crashworthiness near the top of my list when car shopping.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    Since I can comfortably afford the $50K or so, I would really regret not doing so if anything ever happened.

    Wow, I'm humbled; I wouldn't have said anything if I had known that you were so rich... and modest :surprise:

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

  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Enclave backlogged orders... Of course, if you would consider the Acadia or Outlook you could probably pick one up today. The GMC/Pontiac/Buick/Hummer dealer here in Memphis has probably 30 Acadias on the lot. They are probably all '07 models as I don't know if the '08s have started coming in yet. The Enclave's only started as an early delivery '08 model, no '07s unlike the GMC and Saturn lambdas.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    The RX is a woman's car. It was designed specifically for women and I have never ever sold one to a man EVER.

    I thought that was a Solara :confuse:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    That's the one! I'll finish it this weekend. That's not a bad idea. I will consider starting a thread just for the sagas! ;)
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    No, the Solara was designed for the "empty nesters" just happens that the female ends up driving it most of the time.
    ;)
    Mack
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Ouch! Yes, I admit it. I'm a guy and I have a Solara. I bought it while my back was really killing me. It was and is sooo comfortable. When I first got it I pulled into my buddy's driveway and his son (25 yr old) was there and the first thing he said was "nice chick car, Dave". Whoa. I'm a mans man. How did I miss that. The speedo goes to 160. It has a tach and heated seats, sunroof. All the stuff guys like to brag about. How did I not see it as a chick car? I'm married. Yeah, that must be it. 25 years being married has got me gender confused. My wife knows what fuscia is. I still don't. Am I really...gender unimpressed? Oh my.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • fighter1fighter1 Member Posts: 18
    If Arnold Schwarzenegger does not looks good in the car, it is girlie car:-)
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Boy, what's got your shorts in a knot today. No need for such sarcastic comments. I said it was a matter of choice. I'd rather spend some money on a safe car for my family versus a country club memebership, fancy clothes or jewels. If I couldn't afford it, I'd be looking at a recent pre owned Honda or Toyota van or Hyundai Entourage versus something more fun to drive and "faster". Since I can afford, I'd be sorry if I didn't spend it and something happened and instead spent it elsewhere or left it in the bank. My priorities are different. New safe vehicle for the family or a Cayman to play with. I chose the safe vehicle.. but I could buy both. :P
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    New safe vehicle for the family or a Cayman to play with. I chose the safe vehicle.. but I could buy both.

    I'm sorry; I had the mistaken impression that you were boasting about your vast amount of disposable income. Thanks for setting me straight.

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

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    You're welcome. That last line was just for you.
This discussion has been closed.

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